30: Nespresso Romeo E350

The Romeo E350 is Nespresso's top of the line counter top machine. It has all the bells and whistles: 19 bar pump, automatic frother/steamer, cup warmer, full programability, capsule collection, l.e.d. readout that lets you know what to do when in about any language you choose. But the sweetest thing about this machine is the way you load the capsules...as demonstrated here by our very talented Nespresso lady Michele. (You can tell she's the Nespresso lady by the demitasse cup tied around her neck. Look closely!)

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29: Cuisinart Kettle, OXO Measure Cups

We here at KitchenArts have alsway been big fans of electric kettles. Why? They turn off automatically when the water's boiling, and they're fast. We decided to find out just how fast the Cuisinart Cordless Electric Kettle that we carry is...timer and everything. Does a watched pot boil? We have the answer! Also included in this test is the Polder 2 channel timer and the OXO easy-read measuring cups.

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28: OXO Mango Splitter

If you eat mangos you need to buy this item. The best selling item we've had all year. wow. It works great on any size mango. I love mangoes but don't eat them much because they're such a pain to peel and pit. Not anymore! Where has this item been all my life? See it demonstrated here by Michele...picture perfect results on the first try!

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27: Nespresso D90 Essenza

A demo of the new Nespresso D90 Essenza--love it. The D90 does not offer milk frothing (see our aerolatte of caffe froth listings for that) but uses the same high quality pump that's in all Nespresso machines. This machine has a small footprint (great for urban dwellers with limited counter space) and the capsule loading system is very cool. Why can't all kitchen electrics be this nice?

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26: Rosle Garlic Press

New item! The Rosle Garlic Press. This thing is serious. Heavy duty everything. Beautiful stainless steel. And a really sweet cam action that puts the crush on garlic with minimal effort. German engineering at it's best. We carry lots of garlic prep items, but if you'd like the rolls royce this is it.

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25: Garlic Twist

The Garlic Twist is the newest invention for the world of garlic lovers. Here's the deal: many people don't like garlic presses because they juice the garlic a bit--resulting in drier, less flavorful garlic. But the alternative is chopping it up by hand--messy, sticky, and slow. What to do? Buy a Garlic Twist! The garlic twist chops up garlic (2 or 3 cloves at a time) quickly and easily, no muss, no fuss. The Garlic Twist can also be used to peel the garlic--simply crush the clove on your counter and the peel comes off. Nice. $14.95

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24: Rosle Can Opener

This thing seemed too expensive to me...until I tried it. We've sold various safety can openers over the years, and they are often hard to engage and clunky. (Safety can openers cut through the rim instead of the lid, resulting in smooth edges on both can and lid, also the lid does not drop down into the can contents). This opener is beautifully designed and built and engages pretty easily--though cutting through the rim takes a bit of pressure. There are probably better choices of can opener if you are arthritic, but otherwise this takes the cake..er, pineapples.

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23: Nespresso espresso time

4:00 is Nespresso time at KitchenArts...these are the best espresso machines out there. There are fancier ones, more "authentic" ones, ones that speak to you in Italian, but there are none that produce great espresso as quickly, cleanly and uniformly as these Nespresso machines. These run exclusively on Nespresso pods, which is the reason for their speed and ease. This 15 year old system has a 25% market share in parts of Europe, and there are many espresso styles always readily available by phone or online. If you are sick of time consuming, messy espresso machines with spotty results, it's Nespresso time. Come in the store for a demo, maybe I'll teach you how to juggle. I've got answers to many Nespresso questions posted in the eBay listing for these units, or click here to visit Nespresso's site.

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22: Cherry Pitter vs. Olive Pitter

People always want to know the difference between Cherry Pitters and Olive Pitters. This vid should help a bit (despite our use of a fake cherry!) Yes, a cherry pitter will pit olives--if you're careful. But if you want to do a bunch of olives fast, the olive pitter is much easier to use. An olive pitter will not, however, pit cherries--they usually smoosh. At last! Enlightenment.

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21: Messermeister Utility Shears

So many scissors suck. I sell some big name scissors for more $$ than these that don't work half as well. Ever wondered what all those "utility" functions are? Watch the video and see. Featuring a cameo by my evil twin.

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20: EZ Lock Tongs...and A CONTEST!

Despite my left handed clumsiness in this video (my right hand is wearing an Orka Mitt) I love this product. A new type of tong...the Kuhn-Rikon EZ Lock, available from us in 2 sizes. These are great for grilling veggies like asparagus and squash, and are much gentler than standard tongs for things like fish or even burgers. Also in this clip: my daughter Penny announcing the new KitchenArts CONTEST: send in your own kitchen product testimonial video and you may win a $50 gift certificate...we're giving one away every month. Entry details can be found here and in the sidebar at right. Good luck!

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19: Orka Mitt at the staff BBQ

The Orka mitt. Silicone. A modern wonder. People come in the store and play hand puppet with this thing every day. ("Hey Mabel...look at this! AAAArrrOOOgah! AAArrOOgah! If only it had googly eyes!") No, it isn't rubber. No, it doesn't melt. True, your hand may get a bit sweaty. Yes, you do lose some manual dexterity. However, you can: Put your hand in boiling oil. Or water. (pull your lobstah out of the pot without tongs!) Take things out of the broiler. Or put your asparagus on the grill and arrange it, as seen in this clip. Best yet: dishwasher safe. Looks new for years. How many pot mitts can you say that about?

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18: Microplane and siblings.

It's hard to believe that every individual living in the USA doesn't already have one of these things...after all, it's been in our (and every other kitchenware outlet's) top 10 for years. Still, they sell and sell and sell. Why? BECAUSE THEY ARE AWESOME. If you have never had grated Parm from a Microplane, buy now. Same goes for citrus zest. Holy smokes it's good. The original (and the one I recommend first) is the model 40020...long like a ruler, $14.95. For me the texture is just right. But if you want coaser, or finer, there are models for you too...

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17: Aerolatte Milk Frother

This little thing foams milk (from skim to half & half) right in your mug--fast. Also good for mixing up powdered drinks and beating an egg or two, or for a quick salad dressing. It can't deal with too much liquid, though--if you want enough froth for more than 2 cups of coffee, get a Caffe Froth (see episode 16). Chrome plated palstic, stainless mixing wand. Comes with 2 AA batteries. $19.95 (stand sold seperately, $5.95)

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16: Caffe Froth Milk Frother

When this item came out it was a godsend to many. It works great--i guarantee anybody can get results with it first try. (cold skim milk works best, or you can heat the milk in the microwave first.) The results are so thick that people use it as a whipped cream substitute--try adding some flavored syrup! Most of our customers use it as a coffee topping, to simulate a cappaccino. It produces enough foam for 4-6 coffee drinks or desserts. $19.95

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15: Oxo Mandoline

Oxo is a great company. They can take an item that has been around for years and make it so much better you wonder why the old item ever existed. Such is the case with this mandoline. Compared to the venerable stainless steel french model ($150), the Oxo shines. The big difference is the blades...Oxo has made changing blades (waffle/lattice cut, french fry, matchstick julienne) and slice thickness (thick to very thin) easy and safe. Also, the finger guard on the oxo is much better, and more useful. Durable construction of plastic and stainless, the entire unit is dishwasher safe. $74.95

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14: Benriner Japanese Mandoline

Ahh, the Benriner. Yet another example of cheap is good. The Benriner does not have all the functionality of more expensive mandolines (no french fry blade, no waffle cuts) and the finger guard is worthless, but if what you need is veryfine ("superfine") to medium slices and/or fine juliennes, this is the thing. We sell more of these than all other mandoline styles combined. $29.95

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13: Braun Immersion Blender, Zyliss Ice Cream Scoop

The Braun immersion (or stick) blender is cheap yet powerful. 200w motor is strong enough to crush ice, frozen fruit, nuts, vegetables, etc. and is typically used to make smoothies, ice cream floats (as shown above) and soups such as gazpacho--no more pouring batch after batch into the blender; use the stick blender right in the soup pot! It comes apart easily and can be dishwashed, top rack. There are more expensive stick blenders out there, with more speeds and attachments (which you don't need), but for $24.95 this can't be beat. Also shown: the new Zyliss ice cream scoop. Very effective, and colorful to boot! $9.95

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12: Forschner Bread Knives, Magnum Pepper Mill

A prime example of how sometimes the inexpensive thing is better: the Forschner bread knives (model 40400 with wood handle, model 40547 fibrox plastic) beat out all the pricey high end bread knives in a Cook's Illustrated test a few years back. They are indeed wonderful-designed to work rather than just look pretty, they are wide so that your fingers don't get in the way of cutting all the way through the bottom crust, and long so that you can deal with large loaves easily. Made by Victorinox (the swiss army knife company) so you know they've got a great blade. Here they are demonstrated by Christina, who prepares an afternoon staff snack. YUM! Also mentioned: the Tom David Magnum peppermill. If you're tired of crappy mills, this is the one you want. Trust me. Comes in black, black, black, and black.

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11: Julienne Peeler

There are a few julienne peelers on the market, but this one is the beauty. Works great on carrots, 'cukes, etc. For full length juliennes without a mandoline it has become a summertime staple.

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10: Garlic Slicer

By popular demand: the Garlic Slicer $9.95 This thing also takes a bit of practice, but can certainly produce nice thin slices.

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9: Garlic Peeler

The garlic peeler has been a best seller for many years. It really works! (after a moment of practice...)

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8: Umbrella

Why does a kitchen store sell The World's Best Umbrella?

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7: steels pt. 2

Ok Ok, some real information...How to use a sharpening steel as shown by yours truly. The steel I'm using is a Forschner 12" which goes for $30 or so. It's a good commercial steel, functional but no fancy handle. Steels should be used every week or so (you could go longer, maybe every month if you don't use the knives a ton) and are great because they don't wear your knife down any. When 15 or 20 swipes on the steel don't give you a nice edge, then it's time to get your knife ground. This means whetstones, machines, an aggressive hand held gadget, or professional sharpening like we do here at KitchenArts. (Usually overnight service, $2-$4 per knife. We also do repairs.)

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6: steels pt. 1...and Nick

How to use a shaprpening steel, as demonstrated by Nick.

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5: Lammform

Christina describes a ridiculous product.

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4: Owen and the CLAM RAM

And then there's me. (And yes, the Clam Ram opens clams).

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3: Michele's story

Michele has been here about 7 months.

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2: Christina's Interview

Christina is my assistant manager.

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1: Dance

Welcome to KitchenArts, the independent kitchenware store I run in Boston's Back Bay.

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