(Pictured left is the Breville BOV800XL The Smart Oven 1800-Watt Convection Toaster Oven with Element IQ – available from Amazon.com)

Space And Safety:

Two primary concerns should be space and safety. A larger toaster oven can typically do more, but it’s not always appropriate for a small space. On the other hand, if you have the room, a larger toaster oven could be a great choice for you, since they can often handle baking, broiling and several other heating options.

No matter what size you choose, you also have to deal with safety concerns. For example, some toaster ovens need room to vent, so they shouldn’t be placed too close to a wall. Other things to consider include:

• Buy a toaster oven with an automatic shut off feature for added peace of mind.
• Buy a toaster oven with sides that are always cool to the touch. That way you and your kids will be less likely to get burned.

Price:

Price is another thing to think about when buying a toaster oven. A basic oven might only cost about $30, while a higher end model could cost $300 or so. However, that isn’t necessarily a bad thing. If you buy a state of the art Black and Decker toaster oven or a similar high-end oven, you can expect some great features. Some of them include:

• Infrared Heating Elements
• Non-Stick Surfaces
• Convection Cooking Options
• Easy Touch Controls
• Various Different Heating Options

Some Great Things About Toaster Ovens:

No matter which model you choose, you should also know how to make the most of your toaster oven and all of its features. For example, you don’t have to only use a toaster oven to heat up a bagel or make some toast. You can do so much more than that. Some toaster ovens can roast a whole chicken or bake a whole pizza. Some can even help you to make some excellent desserts. So, a toaster oven can actually lead to some great culinary creations.

Aside from what you can make in a toaster oven, you should also get a clear picture of how much time, trouble and money it can actually save for you. Think about how much time it takes to heat up your regular oven, how long it takes to clean, how much heat it puts out and what that translates to on your electric bill. Keep in mind that a toaster oven can cut all of those things down by 50 to 75 percent.

It’s easy to see why more and more people are using their toaster oven as a primary cooking method. After all, it’s better for the environment. It’s also much less expensive. Not only that, but you can’t beat the great tasting food that most new toaster ovens can help you to make.

Author Bio:

Chris specializes in helping people to save both energy and time in their home. In the process, he hopes to also help them save money. He is the publisher of Toasterovenguide.com which is a great resource for small appliance reviews and energy efficiency advice for the home, especially regarding kitchen appliances and cooking methods.

Today we decided to look at a couple of the different bamboo steamers out there to help you choose the right one.

Joyce Chen 3 Piece Bamboo Steamer

For a reasonably sized, reasonably priced bamboo steamer, look no further than the Joyce Chen 3-Piece 12-Inch Bamboo Steamer.  It is of the highest quality and will cover your steaming needs.  It is 12-inches across and about seven inches high.  It can be used over a wok or saucepan.  It’s tiered design allows for multiple foods to be cooked separately in the same steamer. It is 100% natural bamboo, with an extra thick lid to ensure that no steam escapes the steaming chambers.

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 Progressive International Bamboo Steamer Baskets

If you are in need of a more compact steamer, you might find the Progressive International 6.75 Inch Bamboo Steamer Baskets to be more to your liking.  The unit is less than seven inches in diameter and will fit over a smaller wok or saucepan.  This makes it much less of a hassle to use than the larger steamers, requiring less space both while stored and while being used on the stove!  The Progressive International set also has two chambers to keep things separated and ensures that both the nutrients and flavors will be more natural than other methods of cooking.

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 Prime Pecific Trading Bamboo 20 Piece Steamer Set

In the event that you are looking for a complete bamboo cooking kit, the Prime Pacific Trading Bamboo 20 Piece Wooden Steamer Set is probably your best bet.  This kit includes two different bamboo steamers of varying size, which gives you the ability to use a size that is efficient for cooking however much you need!  Both sets have different compartments and will be perfect for cooking a variety of foods.  This set goes one step further and includes utensils, re usable bamboo chopsticks and a bamboo cutting board.  This is a great way to both get a steamer and make your kitchen be full of environmentally friendly, renewable utensils that are sure to make you feel better about cooking!

Do you have a bamboo steamer? What do you like to cook with it? Share your comments below!

Essential Item #1: A GOOD Cutting Board

A high quality cutting board takes something that can feel like a chore and make it generally enjoyable.  A granite cutting board, such as this Trudeau Wave Reversible Cutting Board, allows for more deep cuts without fear of cutting through plastic or wood, and is also far more durable.  Making it more appealing  is how easy it is to clean one of these boards as well as being less of an eyesore.  A granite cutting board is essential for the gourmet kitchen.

Essential Item #2: A Pair of Knives

What good is a cutting board without a good knife set?  A gourmet kitchen should have a top of the line, complete knife set that can be neatly organized with a knife block.  This J.A. Henckels International 15707-000 Fine Edge Synergy 17-Piece Knife Block Set is a good example of a quality cutting board set. This 17 piece set is complete with a pearing knife, boning knife, chef’s knife and a set of steak knives, among others.  It also comes with sharpening steel.  Another good quality of the knife set is the single stamp construction, meaning they are going to be durable for the long haul.  This is a quality knife set that would fit in any gourmet kitchen.

Essential #3: Cookware That Gets The Job Done

A gourmet kitchen also needs a gourmet cookware set, such as this Cuisinart Chef’s Classic Nonstick Hard-Anodized 14-Piece Cookware Set.  The entire set is non-stick hard anodized, making it much easier to clean up after you’ve been cooking.  Further, the Cuisinart set has all the necessities a gourmet cook would need, ranging from skillet to a 9 quart stock pot.  The set also includes a variety of steamers for vegetables or pasta. Having the right type of pot or pan for the type of meal you are preparing is going to make all the difference in the outcome!

Gourmet Kitchen Gadget #4: Olive Oil Sprayer

No gourmet kitchen would be complete without a couple of neat gadgets.  This unique gadget offers a way to use just enough of flavor infused oils to add to your favorite dishes.  The Misto M100S Gourmet Brushed Aluminum Olive Oil Sprayer is a non-aerosol spraying device that allows a cook to use just the right amount of oil.  Further, you can use the canister as a way to mix salad dressings.  Not only is the Misto useful, it also has an attractive stainless steel casing and can really save you money if you stop using too much oil.

Gourmet Kitchen Gadget #5: Digital Kitchen Scale

Another neat gadget that every gourmet chef needs is a digital scale, as that is often a standard way to measure flours or to correctly proportion meals. Fortunately, this does not have to come with a gourmet price – we love the simplicity of the EatSmart Precision Pro Multifunction Digital Kitchen Scale With 11lb capacity, and 2000+ glowing reviews, it’s a safe bet for any gourmet chef. We like it also has a TARE function to reset the scale to zero while in use, making it easy to keep the progress moving along as you weigh out your ingredients.

Gourmet Essential #6: Microplane Grater

A gourmet kitchen also needs a high quality micro-plane grater.  This Microplane 40020 Grater/Zester has a soft grip handle and blades that are sharp enough to cut everything from nutmeg to ginger to parmigiana cheese. Having a micro-plane grater is handy when it comes to getting the most out of your ingredients and adding the most flavor to your food. This model is particularly attractive due to the soft grip handle that is easy to hang on to, as well as how convenient it is to clean.   Not to mention the reasonable price.

Gourmet Essential #7: Digital Thermometer

How aggrivating is it when you have to cook a meat to a certain temperature, yet you don’t have a thermometer to tell you exactly where your meat is?  This always leaves you with meat that is either under cooked or, more likely, over cooked and rather dry.  If you ask a gourmet chef about this, he or she won’t know what you’re talking about due to their instant read thermometers.  A digital instant read thermometer is a good addition to a gourmet kitchen and takes the questioning out of preparing roasts or meats that require a temperature reading.  This Taylor Digital Instant-Read Pocket Thermometer is a good value and easy to use and the same brand many commercial kitchens rely on.

Essential #8: Hand Choppers

A home gourmet chef probably doesn’t have much time to spend chopping away at ingredients, which is why a hand chopper is essential in any gourmet kitchen.  This popular model, the KitchenAid Pro Food Chopper, comes at a low cost and has many neat features. It keeps food off of the side walls with the “food sweeper”, it doesn’t require a cutting board as it acts as its own base and it is dishwasher safe.  Any gourmet kitchen should have a multi-chopper, and this Kitchen Aid model is a good example.

Gourmet Kitchen Gadget #9: Rolling Pin Rings

If your gourmet chef is also a gourmet baker, it is best to include some rolling pin rings.  How many times do you have to get out a ruler to see how thick the dough is you’ve just rolled?  Not only is using a ruler time consuming, but it’s also unsanitary.  Any gourmet baker would have rolling pin rings, such as the Regency Wraps Rolling Hills Rolling Pin Rings which allow you to control how thick the dough is as you roll it.  They are low cost and time saving, not to mention increase the chance of that difficult pastry ending up looking anything like the picture in the recipe book.

With these essentials, you are on your way to creating a perfect place to make perfect dishes.  You can forget about becoming aggravated by less than adequate gadgets and worry more about the food you’re putting your efforts into making.  With these gadgets, you are on the right track to having a kitchen any gourmet chef would call home.

R & M Patriotic Usa 8 Piece Cookie Cutter Set

This cookie cutter set has everything you need for making plenty of USA inspired cookies for your 4th of July Gatherings!

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Wilton Mini Star Silicone Mold

1 cake mix will make about 21-24 star shaped cookies in this versatile silicone mold from Wilton. It would also work in the freezer for ice cubes or frozen juice, or use it for making Jello squares.

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Red, Ice and Blue (TM) Reusable Ice Cubes for your Drinks

Speaking of ice cubes, these are a great way to keep everyone’s drinks cool while adding a little red, white, and blue flair to them.

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Swissmar Swiss Trio Peeler Set, Red, White and Blue

This peeler set is made in Switzerland, but the colors are perfect for a patriotic themed kitchen.

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Red White & Blue Flags Flying Corn Pick Set Boston Warehouse

Corn on the cob is always a favorite summertime classic picnic food. These red, white, and blue corn pick sets feature a flying American flag to help your party guests eat without having to burn their fingers!

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Set of Six USA Patriotic Red, White, and Blue Wine Glass Markers with Bottle Neck Ring

Make it fun for your guests to keep track of their drinks with these beautiful Patriotic wine glass rings.

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Boston Warehouse Flags Flying Salt and Pepper Set

What could be more patriotic than a salt and pepper shaker that looks like a flag! These are so cute and would definitely start a conversation!

We hope you enjoyed these red, white, and blue kitchen gadgets and accesories. Have a very Safe and Happy 4th of July everyone!

Crime Scene Ice Cube Tray

When you think of making drinks for friends, you probably don’t think of crime scenes and hand cuffs.  Nevertheless, next time you serve your guests with the Fred & Friends Freeze Handgun-Shaped Ice-Cube Tray, you can scream “FREEZE!” as if you were a copper yourself.  The silicone mold produces six automatic guns that you can put into your drinks.  The guns are very detailed and are sure to bring a laugh to any cocktail party.  The mold is shaped like a briefcase for easy handling and is dishwasher safe.  Imagine how funny the night could get if you made some jello shots with this same mold.  Get creative!  There are many things you can do with these creative cubes.
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Pantless Salt and Pepper Shaker

Moving away from drinks and cocktails, there are a variety of creative salt and pepper shakers that are out there for your use.  Nevertheless, there’s something about taking a person’s pants off every time you eat that is sure to bring a chuckle and some interesting conversation to any meal. Fred & Friends PANTS Salt-and-Pepper Set is a ceramic man that holds the salt with his pants containing the pepper.  The units come apart when you “undress” the man and you can use his pants and body separately to season your food.  They have a matte glaze and silicone stoppers to ensure they look good and keep the salt in pepper where they belong; in his pants!  These would make a great gift for anyone who has a good sense of humor.
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Aprons For the Not So Cooking Savvy

Not all of us that cook have what it takes to be labeled the master chef; cakes without eggs, over cooked meats that are as tender as the desert sand and a plethora of mismatched flavors and spices that end up tasting like nothing.  If this sums up someone you know, this apron is a perfect gag gift to hang on the wall. Pick up a few of these Certified Water Boiler Funny Kitchen Aprons and you’re sure to make someone recipe challenge laugh every time they put it on.  Hey, if you can’t boil water, you probably shouldn’t be anywhere near a stove top, right?
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Coffee From Your Toilet Anyone?

This next funny gadget isn’t for the weak stomached.  The Big Mouth Toys Toilet Mug is a ceramic mug that holds your favorite hot beverage in… well, you guessed it: a mug shaped like a toilet.  This ceramic product is dishwasher safe and has a handle that leads up to the base of the toilet back.  If you fill it with a green tea, it’s going to look like somebody forgot to flush!  It’s a hilarious novelty mug that would be a great addition to anyone’s mug selection and makes an excellent gag gift.
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Guitar Shaped Cheese Grater!

Here’s an item that made it onto our list of coolest kitchen gadgets, but returns for the list of funny kitchen gadgets. Gama Go Shredder is a guitar shaped cheese grater that mimics the look of the electric guitars our favorite rock artists used in the 1980′s.  It is not dishwasher safe, but is certain to cover all of your cheese shredding needs.  It’s great for someone who is musically inclined and also likes to cook.  Another funny option for such a person are the Gama-Go Sing-a-long Tongs.  Shaped like a microphone, you and your guests can use these tongs to serve salad and vegetables, then use them again when it comes time to start karaoke. They are dishwasher safe and have great reviews for both good times and being easy to use.

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Would You Like a Little Oil for that Salad?

Some people take the translation of oil a little too literally, such as this Rachael Ray Oil and Vinegar Bottle Set with Funnel.  These dispensers hold oil, vinegar, or your favorite dressings but are shaped like a watering can for a garden or an oil can for your land mower.  They look a little out of place in a kitchen, but they are sure to make you smile every time you dress your favorite salads with what looks like gasoline… coming from a miniature oil can!

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Industrial Strength Pizza Cutting

If you want to keep up with the workshop theme, you’ll definitely enjoy our next item.   Fred and Friends PIBOSS Pizza Boss Pizza Wheel is sure to cut through any pie you lay in front it; it’s a literal table saw!  Shaped like the one your dad uses when he’s building a shed, this pizza wheel is serious about cutting through your favorite pizza, leaving no chance of needing to cut it again.  You’re sure to make your friends laugh when you cut your pizza with a circle saw.  It has a removable shield for easy clean up and is made from laser-etched stainless steel.  It’s also dishwasher safe.  You’re sure to look like a professional carpenter, or party host, when you get this bad boy out.

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For Those Who Love to Lick the Bowl
Did your mom even tell you not to put your finger in the bowl of batter?  It was always impossible, we all know how delicious a good finger swipe of chocolate cake batter or cookie dough can be.  Well, if she tries it again, just let the Fred Batterfinger Spatula do the work for you and keep you out of trouble!  This finger shaped spatula is made from silicone and has a hole in the handle for easy hanging.  It is sure to scrape all the nooks and crannies to get all of your batter and looks like a finger the entire time.  Hand washing is recommended, but it will look at home in your hand since it is shaped like a finger!  This would also make a good gift of your cook friend also enjoys a good chuckle!

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Fresh Milk for The Table

Our next item is sure to bring a smile to the breakfast table.  Fred & Friends Calf and Half Double-Walled Creamer Pitcher is a double blown pitcher that has an inner vessel shaped like utters!  If you fill this thing up with milk, your breakfast mates are sure to enjoy the novelty of pouring milk from some utters.  Not only is it funny, but it’s also very useful.  It is designed to eliminate condensation since the liquid is suspended from the base.  Further, the spout is no-drip and there’s an extra large handle, meaning this pitcher isn’t going to leave any marks on your table cloth!  Make a moooooo-ve and pick one of these up to bring a little laughter to your breakfast nook.

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Christmas Ninja Cookie Cutters

Are you tired of seeing the same old shapes for sugar cookies?  Every time the holidays come around, you see wreaths, angels, Santas, Christmas trees and gingerbread men.  Is there nothing that can be a bit more creative than that? Oh, there is.  Have you never heard of the Christmas ninja?  Fred & Friends Ninjabread Men Cookie Cutters allow you to make your very own ninjabread men. These cookies are sure to have your guests looking twice before they enjoy your tasty treat.  You can use these cookie cutters with any recipe, although one is included with the purchase of these ninjabread men cookie cutters.

So, as you can see, there are so many different types of hilarious additions to your kitchen.  There are many forms of funny ice cube trays, cookie cutters, funny canisters or uniquely designed spatulas.  If you look around, you are sure to be able to find a few quirky, funny items to keep in your kitchen that are sure to make you smile a bit every time you use them.  Do you have any funny kitchen utensils? Tell us about them!