tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post3403741004289173237..comments2024-03-28T15:55:53.792+10:00Comments on down to earth: Homemaking appliances and equipment - enough but not too muchUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger75125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-6083043005363899882012-10-22T05:48:21.338+10:002012-10-22T05:48:21.338+10:00What Icecream maker do you have? I'm looking f...What Icecream maker do you have? I'm looking for one at the moment!Hughhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14806100562925865746noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-37761730735369224142012-10-15T13:48:40.699+10:002012-10-15T13:48:40.699+10:00This comment has been removed by the author.Rachel Witthaushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16915077744653395050noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-79509952595522592082012-10-15T13:36:15.370+10:002012-10-15T13:36:15.370+10:00This is the first time I have come across this blo...This is the first time I have come across this blog, and I haven't had a chance to read all the previous comments but I had to add my spin on your essential electric kettle. About 3 months ago I got so fed up with our kettle (Russell Hobbs, so a reasonable brand) because it was SO NOISY! I looked for a quieter alternative. I came across a stovetop kettle and did some research (just what I could find online) - somewhere I read that every time you boil a kettle from cold it is the equivalent of running a fridge for a day (although I can't remember where I read that). I ended up buying the stovetop kettle (we have a gas cooktop) simply for the noise factor and have just received our first electricity bill since the swap - it is $100 cheaper than every other bill and that is the only change we have made. Considering the kettle cost less than $100 and gas is considerably cheaper than electricity I think it was a worthwhile swap. Incidental, it may be mind-over-matter but I swear the tea and coffee taste better than the element heated kettle too. I realise you have "free" electricity with the solar, but for those who don't it may be worth investigating.<br />As for appliances - I have a heap, the majority of which get stored in cupboards and used occasionally but they are handy when needed.Rachel Witthaushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16915077744653395050noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-58088527787002505872012-10-15T10:07:15.583+10:002012-10-15T10:07:15.583+10:00A dishwasher is a big YES for me. I dislike washi...A dishwasher is a big YES for me. I dislike washing dishes and find it difficult to keep on top of it without the dishwasher. The most used appliances in our house are the kettle, toaster, microwave, dishwasher, breadmaker, and stove/oven. We use our washing machine daily but our drier only get used when we have a long run of wet days. Other appliances in regular rotation are the slow cooker, rice cooker, stick blender and vacuum. Rarely used but still useful appliance is the food processor. Waste of money: benchtop mixer and juicer! Most loved appliance: sewing machineClairehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03293118986621010393noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-79490510947106635352012-10-15T06:28:30.155+10:002012-10-15T06:28:30.155+10:00Best investment I made was my Le Creuset cast iron...Best investment I made was my Le Creuset cast iron casserole. Solid, retains heat so uses less gas, and so easy to clean. Works equally well on the hob or in the oven. Gets used 2 - 3 times a week, most of the year.<br /><br />We've gone back to using a stovetop kettle. We bought an electric kettle to keep upstairs when I was laid up with my broken ankle, and it packed up last week after less than a year. Can't see the point in replacing it.<br /><br />But there is one gadget I use daily, and could never be without - the cheesegrater.<br />Blue Shed Thinkinghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02988028935854371365noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-6894980973613894592012-10-14T05:59:42.699+10:002012-10-14T05:59:42.699+10:00NOT PAID AN ELECTRIC BILL SINCE! We're most d...NOT PAID AN ELECTRIC BILL SINCE! We're most definitely going to have to look into getting a solar panel or two.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16349087080262856079noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-64496241644576525602012-10-12T22:20:46.529+10:002012-10-12T22:20:46.529+10:00Great post!
I use daily: food processor (Thermomix...Great post!<br />I use daily: food processor (Thermomix) for almost everything: soups, rice, seitan, soy milk, doughs; toaster; fridge; small freezer; washing machine, vacuum cleaner, solar panel (just for heating water)<br />Broken - bread machine, kettle (hope to buy again)<br />Not using: stick blender, juicer, hand mixer (substituted by Thermomix), microwave (only when mum is here)<br />Using rarely but love it - Kenwood Chef (40 years old, still works...), Sewing machine<br />Sandra - outrasarteshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14077163109932029410noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-83065732944429563972012-10-12T21:37:37.124+10:002012-10-12T21:37:37.124+10:00Maybe that is why it was cost effective for my dad...Maybe that is why it was cost effective for my dad to put in solar heat. He installed it himself. Talk about appliances. He has a tig welder, a lathe, and a mill. He can make anything or could when he was younger at least. I wouldn't be surprised if he had made the tank that holds the water. Daphne Gouldhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17305049560953735881noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-53289756666292173912012-10-12T19:49:41.854+10:002012-10-12T19:49:41.854+10:00Appliances in daily use: kettle, fridge-freezer, w...Appliances in daily use: kettle, fridge-freezer, washing machine, toaster, radio<br />Summer only: bread-maker<br />Very useful: food processor (for hummous), stick blender (for soups)<br />Luxury: dishwasher (came with the house), raclette pan (melts squares of French mountain cheese to eat with plain boiled potatoes, cold meats and pickles - a real winter treat for the family)<br />Won't replace: microwave (24 yrs old), water filter machine (our tap water is heavily chlorinated but I hate the constant humming noise)<br /><br />We went on holiday to a very basic cottage out in the country. The things I missed most were a decent mug, a teapot and my rolling pin.syrahsuziehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00696752759302952768noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-90710611274552963992012-10-12T16:19:09.524+10:002012-10-12T16:19:09.524+10:00There have been several appliances that I have tri...There have been several appliances that I have tried but I am quick to pass along if I find they do not work for me so someone else can get use out of them. A few items I have for health reasons the rest for convenience. I am thankful that we do live in an age where we have appliances that aid us when our health makes doing things "the old fashioned way" hard on our body.<br /><br />front loading washer/dryer; I use the clothes line in good weather<br />vacuum; reduced pet hair/dander and reduces asthma problems<br />dishwasher; saves my hands from overexposure to soap and water<br />stand mixer; LOVE use all the time<br />steam cleaner; another hand saver<br />toaster<br />panini grill <br />blender; breakfast smoothies<br />microwave; re heat and defrost<br />one cup coffee machine; very energy efficient for tea coffee and hot waterAnonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02673470550534877117noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-57508601520012002662012-10-12T10:46:27.449+10:002012-10-12T10:46:27.449+10:00Not essential but I like my pie maker to make a qu...Not essential but I like my pie maker to make a quick meal and to also freeze some pies for later use. allylou77noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-51390999183408154182012-10-12T07:44:02.323+10:002012-10-12T07:44:02.323+10:00Thank you Rhonda.Thank you Rhonda.Barbhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15511242657757784812noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-84029539532563714342012-10-12T06:33:08.543+10:002012-10-12T06:33:08.543+10:00Solar panels - Not cost effective yet here in the ...Solar panels - Not cost effective yet here in the rainy Pacific Northwest but we still want to eventually invest in them; if the grid goes down long-term, we need something to run the freezer and some other "essential" machines.<br /><br />Washing machine & dryer - with a family of 6 I think these are a must. As a health-care worker, sanitizing my clothing is imperative and the other 5 are grubby males with grubby jobs.<br /><br />Electric mixer - I use my kitchen aid about 5 times a week. I *could live without it but it would be a big strain!<br /><br />Stick blender - loved it when I had one and I still want to replace the broken one but I consider it a luxury.<br /><br />Bread maker - I have 2, bought for $7 & $10 at the Thrift store. They don't make great bread but it is better than (and cheaper than) store bought and a loaf doesn't require a trip to the store. I make 'bread kits' with all the dry ingredients in a zipper bag and the wet ingredients listed on the bag. Any one of the guys here can get a loaf of bread started in about 2 minutes - easy-peasy. I would never buy a brand new machine but have found these used ones make it all cost effective and a nice compromise between buy-it-done and all-human-powered.<br /><br />Electric kettle - I use this every day, 2-3 times. Not just for hot drinks but to add hot water as I cook, make Jello, soak dry fruits and seeds, etc. While it's not essential, I think it pays its way. 3 of the guys are coffee fiends and think the electric coffee maker is essential; I think a stove top or press coffee maker (using hot water from my lovely kettle) along with a thermal carafe would work just as well and be cheaper in the long-run.<br /><br />Chest freezer - I haven't been without a deep freeze for the last 24 years. So very valuable!<br /><br />Refrigerator - don't want to even think of living without one!<br /><br />Slow cooker - I have 4 and use them a lot, often at the same time for big batches of beans or broth, etc.<br /><br />Heavy based sauce pans, and stockpot cast, iron frying pans and Dutch oven - Now these are truly the essentials. If you don't have good equipment like this, you certainly cannot do without the rest of the list.<br /><br />Water bath processor/canner or pressure canner - with this equipment and about 300 assorted jars, there isn't much in the way of foods preservation we can't do.<br /><br />Dehydrator - my Jenair stove have this feature but it is inconvenient to tie up the oven that long. I usually just put racks in the car (rarely used, we mostly use the truck) that is parked in the sun. It gets good and hot in there usually and does a fair job of drying and also keeps the insects and birds out of the trays.<br /><br />Water filter fitted to the sink - our well is very nice so we, luckily, don't need this<br /><br />Sewing machine - having a sewing machine makes such a difference, I hate being without one even though I can manage doing it all by hand. I may not sew for 3 weeks at a time but the one night a month I sew with my buddies, I get so much done and the savings are genuine.<br /><br />Rice Cooker - not quite essential but a very frequently used tool. The guys can easily load it and get it going without having to be there to "watch" it. It re-heats rice dishes nicely. We make our dog's food in it every 5-6 days as well as rice for our meals at least 2x a week. We also use it to steam large amounts of veggies when we have company. So, not essential but it really does earn its keep. When it dies, we will replace it as soon as reasonable.Jennyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00536191701757095495noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-61121689698538346132012-10-12T04:58:25.903+10:002012-10-12T04:58:25.903+10:00Thanks Daphne - I'll check it out and run the ...Thanks Daphne - I'll check it out and run the numbers again. I haven't looked into solar heat because of the installation costs - my dad was really excited about getting a solar hot water heater but then discovered that there was some regulation requiring the parts to be welded instead of soldered, which meant that it would cost something ridiculous like $10K for installation. Dad does sometimes exaggerate, so perhaps I should check for myself.<br /><br />I'll have to look at the tax credits. In the past the problem for me has been that I didn't make enough money to be able to take the credit - same thing happened with the high efficiency furnace. If you're not making enough money to have to pay much in taxes, then you can't take the tax break. Sometimes they give you an actual credit though - where they'll pay you money back even if you don't have a tax bill to deduct it from. I'll check into it.EcoCatLadyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15704811319510740473noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-34149116982417630652012-10-12T04:46:56.760+10:002012-10-12T04:46:56.760+10:00It's interesting when you think of all the gad...It's interesting when you think of all the gadgets out there, designed for many things, how some of them totally take away from the whole cooking process....in fact some of the new machines seem to make it not even like cooking at all....I enjoy the cooking process, my essential item is my large mortor and pestle...one day I hope to get a bread machine, but like you that is how I would be using it (I used to love making by hand but with a body that doesn't co-operate anymore the 10 minute kneading process will never happen. I go into some kitchens and see so many gadgets, I do wonder if they get used or just part of a new decorating program for kitchens. Katrinahttp://katrinaatkatsplace.blogspot.com.au/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-67786083328894160622012-10-12T01:35:39.619+10:002012-10-12T01:35:39.619+10:00I am a funny blend of old & new. But I love lo...I am a funny blend of old & new. But I love love love reading about what others like...I will look into a stick blender and a Kitchen Aide I think!! :-) <br /><br />Lovely post. Always thoughtful !! Lynne in central NYAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-83108860981929838802012-10-12T01:22:21.138+10:002012-10-12T01:22:21.138+10:00We use our microwave for the same thing in the win...We use our microwave for the same thing in the winter. I've made ones of rice though. The bedrooms are cold and it is so nice to have something warm to start or I'd be shivering all night. Daphne Gouldhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17305049560953735881noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-87846181190642220742012-10-12T01:16:19.980+10:002012-10-12T01:16:19.980+10:00I dream about eating things fresh. But I live in t...I dream about eating things fresh. But I live in the cold north. I freeze tons from the garden, and stock up on the farmers market meats in the fall (I have to go 7 1/2 months before they open again). So I can't get by without a freezer. I'm getting solar (probably in November, but there is a lot of paper work that has to be done with the state, city, and power company so it takes time). They claim we will have 90% of our energy (my husband has a plug in car too). I just know we will try to make it 100%. It might work.Daphne Gouldhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17305049560953735881noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-14147897842361515922012-10-12T01:08:27.171+10:002012-10-12T01:08:27.171+10:00I'm getting some on my roof this year. I live ...I'm getting some on my roof this year. I live in Massachusetts. The payback time is four years. The reason is because Massachusetts is committed to PV (not sure why PV as we are a cloudy state) so they have a really good SREC (solar renewable energy credit) program plus some other good programs. From the feds you get 30% back as a tax credit. But I did a calculation about three years ago. Then it would cost me about $10/watt after calculating in federal credit and a state credit of $1000. My current contract has me at under $3.50/watt without any of the credits factored in. The price has come down enormously. <br /><br />EcoCatLady you might want to run the numbers again and look into programs in Colorado that help with the cost. This year both Massachusetts and Colorado were listed as one of the top fives states that were leading in clean energy. It usually happens because the states put in some initiatives. Though Colorado does have a lot of sun and does have a lot of people with an off the grid mindset. I could have sworn my mom telling me that Colorado has PV initiatives now. I grew up in the mountains there and my parents have had solar since the 80s (though not PV, solar heat which might have a quicker payback time, certainly solar hot water is a no brainer in CO).Daphne Gouldhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17305049560953735881noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-89949811389924854312012-10-12T00:37:08.846+10:002012-10-12T00:37:08.846+10:00Yes, it certainly varies on what people feel is es...Yes, it certainly varies on what people feel is essential to them. I liked everything on the list: I do not use a stick blender or slow cooker, however. Nor do I use a breadmaker. Any bread I make at home I do by hand. <br />The loaves sit in the warm kitchen with a clean tea towel over them until they go into the oven. Nor do I use a rice cooker. I do have a dishwasher; it is tops and really gets things clean, as water is precious and it is a cost efficient one. I do not use a chest freezer: there's only two of us.hopflowernoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-13194671069820729372012-10-12T00:27:02.702+10:002012-10-12T00:27:02.702+10:00Most used appliance is my Kitchen Aid Mixer. It kn...Most used appliance is my Kitchen Aid Mixer. It kneads bread dough and comes with attachments to shread, slice and grind. I also adore my rice cooker that always makes perfect rice, while I'm preparing the rest of the meal. I use my food processor several times a week. After the latest food recall here in the states, I started makeing my own peanut butter. I also make hummus and pasta dough in it.<br /><br />JanAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-17993315146855990932012-10-12T00:02:31.627+10:002012-10-12T00:02:31.627+10:00Rhonda, I love seeing your list - and the lists he...Rhonda, I love seeing your list - and the lists here in the comments, too. I don't have many gadgets since my kitchen is quite cozy, but I do love my kitchen machine and all its attachments. It kneads 6 loaves of bread at a time, and since I bake bread for our large family a few times a week I really appreciate it! It also has a blender, food processor, and grain mill attachment. I wouldn't want to be without it.<br /><br />Besides that, I love my cast iron pans. They are heavy, but I like that I can cook on the stove top, oven, or wood stove in the same pan.<br /><br />Great post - a fun and informative read, as usual. :)Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-73594248753415832222012-10-12T00:00:06.832+10:002012-10-12T00:00:06.832+10:00I have a Cuisinart that I LOVE - I use it for smoo...I have a Cuisinart that I LOVE - I use it for smoothies and it's strong enough to blend frozen bananas smoothly. I also use it for maing baby food, and it's working well there too. kirstenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05149415572719315785noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-70558662574524128452012-10-11T22:26:46.842+10:002012-10-11T22:26:46.842+10:00If your dough is rising too much and then falling ...If your dough is rising too much and then falling in the breadmachine then you either have too much yeast or your dough is too wet. After my machine has the dough all kneaded together and into a ball I open the lid and touch the dough. It should just be tacky and not sticky. No dough should come away on your finger. If it is sticky then it is too wet and a tablespoon or two of flour should be added. Hope this helps.momma-lanahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02975411711120382015noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-72683017399035055802012-10-11T20:36:39.686+10:002012-10-11T20:36:39.686+10:00Thermomix, fridge, freezer, preserving kit, sewing...Thermomix, fridge, freezer, preserving kit, sewing machine, slow cooker, washing machine. Those are the can't-live-withouts. The rest are extras.Nicolehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05580692106162316063noreply@blogger.com