Things from Infomercials that are useful in your kitchen

[Adam George]

When I lived on site at a holiday resort, we had apartments without proper kitchens. Just a microwave and fridge.

My room mate brought with him a two sided George Forman grill that had the closing mechanism on one side, and a normal flat top grill on the other.

We got much more use out of the open, flat side than the Forman closing side. And the non stick surface was brilliant and was basically wipe clean. It meant we could cook half decent food rather than rely on the microwave.

I don't have anything from infomercials, but a Food Saver style vacuum machine is obviously on my wish list, as is a mandoline for finely cut garnish.

[Jaymes]

My parents gave me one as a stocking stuffer one year, and I use it fairly often. Yes, it goes into the dishwasher and comes out clean. I suspect that the dishwasher isn't doing the cutting blades any favors - any more than it would any sharp knife - but that hasn't stopped me. On the other hand, if I'm handwashing other items I'll just handwash it - my experience is the same as Shel's with regard to easy cleaning.

The one drawback I've seen is that I have to cut the onions into quarters or eights to get them to fit the grid, and for me to get enough leverage. It's still less knife work, and a fairly even dice, and it controls the pieces and tear-inducing juices.

I cut the onions in half, and the chopper works just fine. I may have more strength than you, though, and I push down hard and fast. That seems to do the trick.

And so, as I said, I ordered one. Have had it for about a week now. As it is soup weather, it seems to have come in especially handy. I've used it twice and my daughter has used it once. We like it.