35 replies to this topic

[fresco]

I have a perfectly good pasta machine, bought years ago for about $30. It does a fine, if slow job of cranking out all kinds of shapes, but occasionally I find myself musing about shelling out more money for a pasta attachment for the kitchenaid, or even a stand-alone electric pasta maker. Then I think, this is nuts, wasteful and unnecessary and start thinking about something else.
What are you most frivolous, extravagant or shameful gadget longings and how often do you give in?

[Jason Perlow]

Rachel and I want one of those really nice mandolins, and we've been talking about buying one for years. I think once they hit under 100 bucks we will probably buy one. But every time we go to one of those fancy cooking stores and see that they are 120-150 (or more) we just sigh and say "Oh, maybe later".

Broadway Panhandler actually has this one for 99 bucks:

http://www.broadwayp...mandoline2.html

They had it for like $89 during their yearly sale, but when we got there, some lady took the last one right in front of us.


I think to have to spend 100 bucks or more on a gadget you gotta use it at least once a month.

[Jinmyo]

Jason, I have a French mandoline. But I only use it for waffle cuts. The rest of the time it's the plastic Benriner.

[Rachel Perlow]

Could use this thread as a swap meet? List things you have and don't use and see if anyone wants to trade for it? For example, I have that Kitchen Aid attachment (wedding present) and have yet to use it.

[Jason Perlow]

Jason, I have a French mandoline. But I only use it for waffle cuts. The rest of the time it's the plastic Benriner.

how come?

[carswell]

Heading into fantasy territory here...

- a self-contained ice-cream maker

- one of the new La Marzocco Linea home espresso machines

- a kitchen with enough counter space to hold both.

So far I've resisted temptation. The price tags on the last two probably ensure I will continue doing so for a long time to come.

[Jinmyo]

Easier to set up and handle. Changing blades, cleaning. All easier. Benriner's a damn good machine.

[Dave the Cook]

A built-in deep fryer and an induction wok. (Yes, I'm greedy.)

[MatthewB]

Induction wok burner would be wonderful.

[Jinmyo]

Arrrrr. Why did you have to mention induction woks?

[MatthewB]

Arrrrr. Why did you have to mention induction woks?

Jin, give in to your desires!

[slkinsey]

I really would like to have a self contained icecream maker. Something where I can just pour in the ingredients and flip a switch.

Rachel and I want one of those really nice mandolins, and we've been talking about buying one for years.

Jason, I got a great deal on the Mafter mandoline (which I like better than the Braun anyway) out in Arizona once. If you're still wanting one the next time I'm out there, maybe I can pick one up. I think I got mine for less than 75.

[Jinmyo]

Arrrrr. Why did you have to mention induction woks?

Jin, give in to your desires!

Arrrrr.


Ack.


No.


No.

Too cheeeeeeeap........

[Dave the Cook]

Arrrrr. Why did you have to mention induction woks?

Jin, give in to your desires!

Arrrrr.


Ack.


No.


No.

Too cheeeeeeeap........

It's not just the unit, either. Most places, you'll have to pull a new 220 VAC circuit.

Really, Jinmyo, it's too much. Forget it.

Edited by Dave the Cook, 11 July 2003 - 09:29 AM.

[MatthewB]

It's not just the unit, either. Most places, you'll have to pull a new 220 VAC circuit.

Really, Jinmyo, it's too much. Forget it.

Aren't there decent standalones that don't require 220? (It's been awhile since I researched them, but I do remember they were much easier to obtain in Canada then in the US.)

[tissue]

I want one of those italian ice cream makers. But they are sooo expensive.

[Anna N]

I just want a stand mixer and a "real" food processor (oh, and place to store them).
Anna N

[Dave the Cook]

It's not just the unit, either. Most places, you'll have to pull a new 220 VAC circuit.

Really, Jinmyo, it's too much. Forget it.

Aren't there decent standalones that don't require 220? (It's been awhile since I researched them, but I do remember they were much easier to obtain in Canada then in the US.)

Well, I was trying to help the poor woman.

[MatthewB]

Here's what I was thinking of.

Anyone have any experience with one of these or similar?

[maggiethecat]

...and there is no health in me.

I want one of those Viennese "espresso machines" that look like a baroque garden folly and, I'm sure, cost approximately as much.

White porcelain, brass fittings, garlands of pink and gold roses painted on every available surface. And, of course, about six feet long.

Cue the Lehar. Pass the schlag.

[enthusiast]

i've just been given a stand alone ice cream maker (gaggia) for my 40th birthday. ok, so its still new but what what a wonderful toy. my favourite so far is mango and vodka sorbet - the vodka seems to stop it freezing completely so you can eat it straight from the freezer. this seems to be one dream to give into. the key though is to have enough counter space to put it on so its always out. if its put away it won't be used.
i'm drooling over the new Jura coffee maker and hankered for years after a stainless steel moulis rather than those cheap tin ones that just feel so tacky. i finally bought one and it was hopeless - cost about £80!
frequently tempted by copper pans but don't fancy the cleaning and i've just received the Diva de Provence brochure to dribble over.

[fifi]

I really, really, really want a mandoline. The current thread on cheap stuff is making me pause but I want one that makes waffle cuts and mounds of julienne fries.

[MatthewB]

I really, really, really want a mandoline. The current thread on cheap stuff is making me pause but I want one that makes waffle cuts and mounds of julienne fries.

Won't do waffle cuts but I've been very happy with this one. $35 US.

[DVSDave]

I'd kill for an oven that doesn't take an hour to heat to proper temperature.

[Andrew Fenton]

I have an ice cream maker, and I love it. Best wedding present I got (and getting presents, IMO, is the only real advantage over living in sin anyway...)

My gadget desire is to get a smoker. Alas, it's just not feasible living in an apartment with no outdoor space... But the day after I move into a place with a yard, I'm getting one!

[Schielke]

I have an ice cream maker, and I love it.  Best wedding present I got (and getting presents, IMO, is the only real advantage over living in sin anyway...)

My gadget desire is to get a smoker.  Alas, it's just not feasible living in an apartment with no outdoor space...  But the day after I move into a place with a yard, I'm getting one!

The answer to your problem is creative ducting!!!!

[Andrew Fenton]

You should have seen the look on my wife's face when I suggested roasting chickens on a spit in the fireplace...

[slkinsey]

Oh.. I TOTALLY want a wind-up girarrosto I can fit in the oven (and hopefully in a fireplace some day).

[sandra]

I want a blast chiller and food vacuum

[Suzanne F]

Oh.. I TOTALLY want a wind-up girarrosto I can fit in the oven (and hopefully in a fireplace some day).

Damn! Just when I was thinking, No, I'm satisfied with my lot . . .

Even just a decent countertop rotisserie unit would be nice. And an espresso machine that gives good head (aka, makes a decent crema ). And a fridge that my condiments won't fill immediately.

To those who want Italian ice cream machines: check Williams-Sonoma for big sales; I got mine for something like $200, down from $500 -- although that was about 5 years ago.

And, re Mandolines: Benriner beats Bron in sooo many ways, as Jinmyo pointed out. Do you really, REALLY need to make gaufrettes? (well, yeah, sometimes ) But homemade chips are still very impressive.