Posted on: Tuesday, May 1, 2007
New kitchen appliances multitask
By Annie Groer
Washington Post
"Multitasking cooks like multi-function products that help them prepare healthy meals in a hurry," says Vicki Matranga, design programs coordinator for the International Housewares Association near Chicago. "If the item occupies less real estate on the counter or in the storage drawer, what a bonus."
Here are a few worth their space, just in time for weddings.
The Hamilton Beach 3-in-1 Slow Cooker accommodates three sizes of crocks that can be stored in a stack. It is slated to arrive at major retailers in June, priced from $60 to $80. It can also be ordered: (800) 851-8900 or www.hamiltonbeach.com.
The Back to Basics Egg & Muffin Toaster — which toasts slices while boiling, poaching or steam-scrambling eggs — looked so good and worked so well it won a 2007 design award from the Housewares Association.
Two LG products introduced in 2003 get double duty out of a microwave. The Microwave Oven and Coffee Maker thaws and cooks in one chamber and brews up to six cups in another. The Microwave Oven and Toaster holds two slices. Each sells for about $150 at Best Buy and Home Depot.
Cuisinart's Griddler cooks food from below when opened or from top and bottom when closed. It comes with four removable plates: a grill, a panini press and two griddles. It's $129 at Macy's and other retail chains, and from Cuisinart: (800) 211-9604, www.cuisinart.com.
Cuisinart's SmartPower Duet Blender/Food Processor debuted in 1999 and remains a bridal favorite because it takes up so little space. It costs $80 to $90 at cookware stores. (And Costco sometimes carries it.)
