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Appliance Ferris Wheel

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I just came across the site www.halfbakery.com, which as the name suggests, is a site where people can share and discuss their half-baked ideas. One I particularly liked is for an appliance ferris wheel that stores small appliances under the counter and brings them up to be used at the touch of a button.

The main body of the device (and most of the appliances) remains hidden under the worktop. Ok, I’ll have to sacrifice some cupboard space, but chances are that the space was being taken up by the long-forgotten appliances anyway.

Press the ‘Forward’ or ‘Back’ button on the worktop, and the wheel whirs into motion, only stopping when you take your finger off the button.

Fresh coffee, freshly squeezed orange juice and some freshly baked bread, anyone?

There was some follow-up discussion about the cords getting tangled as the wheel turned, but I just figured the appliances would remain unplugged with coiled cords until needed.

Let’s see, mine would have the coffeemaker, toaster, mixer, food processor, blender, bread machine… it’s going to have to be a big wheel.

Recall:Torchiere Lamps Recalled By L G Sourcing Due to Fire Hazard

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Name of Product: Portfolio Incandescent Torchiere Lamps

Units: About 90,000

Importer: L G Sourcing, Inc., of North Wilkesboro, N.C.

Manufacturer: Field Smart Lighting Co. Ltd., of China

Hazard: A short circuit in the lamps’ wiring can pose a fire hazard to consumers.

Incidents/Injuries: L G Sourcing has received two reports of lamp fires. No injuries have been reported.

Description: The recalled lamp has a black steel frame and a bowl-shaped light fixture. The item number 179878 is printed on the packaging and the bottom of the base of the lamp. Only lamps sold between March 2005 and October 2007 with UL listing number E246506 are included in the recall. Lamps marked “ETL listed” are not included in the recall.

Sold at: Lowe’s retail stores nationwide from March 2005 through October 2007 for about $17.

Manufactured in: China

Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled lamps and return them to any Lowe’s retail outlet to receive a refund.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact L G Sourcing toll-free at (866) 916-7233 anytime or visit www.lowes.com

Picture of Recalled Torchiere Lamp

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Recall: A.O. Smith Exhaust Fan Electric Motors Due to Fire Hazard

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Name of Product: Whole-house Exhaust Fan Electric Motors

Units: About 6,300

Manufacturer: A.O. Smith Electrical Products Co., of Tipp City, Ohio

Hazard: The fan’s electric motor can be miswired and overheat, posing a fire hazard.

Incidents/Injuries: None reported.

Description: The recalled electric motor is part of a residential whole-house exhaust fan that is typically mounted on the floor of an attic. The shutters of the fan are visible on the ceiling of the floor beneath the attic and must be opened and closed by the consumer. The motors were included with exhaust fans manufactured and distributed by Air Vent Inc. and Triangle Engineering of Arkansas Inc. “A.O. Smith,” the model number, and the service date code are printed on the rating plate of the motor. The recall includes model numbers S56A30A54 and S56A30A97, and service date codes 032076M – 334076M, 03207JY – 33407JY, and YB07 – YL07. Units that have a sticker indicating that the unit has been rewired are not subject to this recall.

Sold at: The recalled motors, included with the exhaust fans, were sold at home improvement stores nationwide or by professional installers or builders from February 2007 through November 2007 for about $3,000.

Manufactured in: Mexico

Remedy: Consumers should stop using the recalled unit immediately and contact A.O. Smith to arrange for a free inspection and repair of the motor.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact A.O. Smith toll-free at (866) 567-3878 between 8:30 a.m. and 7 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, or visit the firm’s Web site at www.aosmithmotors.com

Picture of Recalled Exhaust Fan Electric Motor

 

Recall: Intermatic Digital Timers Due to Electrical Shock Hazard

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Name of Product: Intermatic DT27 Digital Self-Adjusting Timers

Units: 8,500

Importer: Intermatic Inc., of Spring Grove, Ill.

Manufacturer: Ewig Industries Macao Commercial Offshore Ltd., of Macau, China

Hazard: The recalled timers could have been wired incorrectly, which poses an electrical shock hazard to consumers.

Incidents/Injuries: None reported.

Description: This recall involves the Intermatic DT27 digital self-adjusting timer with a date code of “04B.” This product is a lamp and appliance timer and is packaged as either the “DT27C Heavy Duty Digital Timer” or the “DT27CL Time All® Digital Lamp and Appliance Self-Adjusting Timer.” The timer is white with a rounded top, and measures 3 7/8” tall by 2 3/4” wide by 1 5/8” deep. The brand name “Intermatic” is molded on the front of the timer, and the model number (“DT27”) and date code (“04B”) are printed on the back of the timer.

Sold at: Retailers nationwide, including Home Depot and Lowe’s, from February 2007 through December 2007 for between $15 and $25.

Manufactured in: China

Remedy: Consumers should stop using the recalled timer immediately and unplug before checking the model number and date code. Consumers should contact Intermatic to return the timer and obtain a free replacement.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, or to request a prepaid shipping label, call Intermatic at (800) 704-3595 anytime or visit the company’s Web site at www.intermatic.com

Front View of Recalled Digital Timer
Front View

Back View of Recalled Digital Timer
Back View

Close Up of Label on Recalled Digital Timer
Close Up of Label

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Cuisinart Waffle Maker Review

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My family,  like many enjoys pancakes or even better- waffles- on Sunday mornings.  Crispy on the outside, puffy, tender golden brown waffles.  I’ve been making them for years using my almost eighteen year old Toastmaster waffle iron and we all love them.

Just recently, the old Toastmaster started having a bit of trouble with waffles sticking to the pan.   Good excuse to review a new waffle maker.  I dislike giving a completely negative review, so I will say that the Cuisinart waffle maker has a lovely stainless steel exterior and comes with complete instructions, including some recipes.

I followed all the instructions exactly, including seasoning the griddle plates before the first use.  All the waffles stuck to some degree.  As expected the first ones stuck the most.  I used the temperture setting three as recommended in the manual, and it did seem better than the others.

The manual says to use 1/2 cup of batter.  This is not enough batter for the pan and is certainly not enough to spread with a spatula as it instructs.  You can see in our photo the misshapen results of using a spatula.  We followed the instructions exactly.What does work is to use about 2/3 of a cup of batter and pour it carefully in a circle around the griddle, ending with a bit in the center.  This produced our only decent roundish waffles.  Of all our test waffles, only one came out round and the size of the pan. 

The maker itself feels flimsy, the hinges wobble and it does not sit securely on the counter.  I wish I could say this was a keeper, but it’s not even close.  My old Toastmaster waffle iron, with the occasionally sticking waffle is unquestionably better than this new one.

Product description:

Bakes one large traditional-style waffle
Five-setting browning control
Regulating thermostat
Red and green “ready to bake/ready to eat” indicator lights
Nonstick baking plates
Brushed stainless steel housing
Instruction/Recipe book
Limited 3-year warranty

Retails for around 29.99

Use Portable Generators Safely

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WASHINGTON, D.C. – The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission is issuing a warning to consumers confronted with severe winter weather. When there’s a power outage, exercise caution when using portable generators.

Carbon monoxide (CO) is an invisible killer. You can’t see or smell it. A generator’s exhaust contains poisonous CO which can kill you in a matter of minutes.

At least 65 people died in 2006 from generator-related CO poisoning. Many of the deaths occurred after winter storms knocked out power.

Follow these important generator safety tips:

  • Never use a portable generator inside a home, garage, shed or other partially enclosed space, even if doors and windows are open.
  • Use portable generators outside only, far away from the home. And keep the generator away from openings to the home, including doors, windows and vents.
  • Read the label on the generator and the owner’s manual, and follow the instructions.
  • Install CO alarms with battery backup in the home outside each sleeping area.
  • Get to fresh air immediately if you start to feel sick, weak or dizzy. CO poisoning from exposure to generator exhaust can quickly lead to incapacitation and death.

CPSC recently mandated a new danger label on generators manufactured after May 14, 2007. The label states that, “Using a generator indoors CAN KILL YOU IN MINUTES.”

CPSC has additional rulemaking underway on generators. The Commission directed staff to investigate various strategies to reduce consumers’ exposure to CO and to enable and encourage them to use generators outdoors only. Those strategies include generator engines with substantially reduced CO emissions, interlocking or automatic shutoff devices, weatherization requirements, theft deterrence and noise reduction.

In addition to safe generator use, CPSC suggests consumers follow these safety tips after a storm:

  • Never use charcoal indoors. Burning charcoal in an enclosed space can produce lethal carbon monoxide.
  • Use caution when burning candles. Use flashlights instead. If you must use candles, do not burn them on or near anything that can catch fire. Never leave burning candles unattended. Extinguish candles when you leave the room.
  • Do not use portable heaters or lanterns while sleeping in enclosed areas such as tents, campers, and other vehicles. This is especially important at high altitudes, where the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning is increased.

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    • Shopping Tips – Save Money, be Satisfied

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    Once you’ve read through our articles on choosing a kitchen appliance and have narrowed down your decision, it’s time to shop.  A good place to start is with your budget.  Knowing what you feel comfortable spending and sticking close to that number will help you to enjoy your new purchases.  One good way to stay within a budget is to decide which appliances you want to splurge on and which ones can be more economical.

    These tips will help as you search:

  • Shop for the best buys. Don’t just assume that an appliance warehouse has the best bargains. It’s true that such companies buy directly from the manufacturers, but it’s also common to find a group of smaller dealers who pool their resources to buy bigger volumes at discounted rates from the factory.
  • Consider the value of warranty along with the price. Ask about the extent of the warranty. Which parts are covered? Does the warranty include labor? Will the warranty be honored by another dealer?  In most cases, an extended warranty might no longer be a good investment.
  • Check on installation requirements.Each appliance may have its own requirements. An icemaker on a refrigerator, for example, requires a water line. A downdraft fan on a cooktop eliminates the need for overhead ventilation, but the vent pipe needs outdoor access. Some installations may require the service of a plumber or electrician before the installation.  This will add to the total cost.
  • Find out what is included in the price. If an appliance requires professional installation, ask if that is included in the purchase price. If you decide to install the appliance yourself, be certain the installation charges aren’t included in your purchase price.

    • Although new appliances are a fairly long term investment, they’re not a lifetime commitment like they were 30 years ago,  so take your time deciding, but remember you can upgrade as your budget permits.  So, use these and our other tips and then relax and enjoy your new appliances.

    Draw Yourself a Relaxing, High-Tech, Bath

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    Taking a bath is relaxing, checking in frequently to see if your bathtub is full or getting the water temperature right is not. The Ondine Ess Tub-Electronic Faucet, a bathtub and shower system with an electronic touch pad will prepare your bath for you.

    You can set the water level to half-full tub, full tub and a 10 seconds refill. So, there’s no more need to watch closely for an overly full tub. If you’re busy, no problem! Just press a button on the control module and walk away. When you come back, the tub will be full — or half-full, if you like — and just the temperature you prefer. The system automatically shuts off the water at the desired volume and remembers favorite temperatures for up to three household members. The unit also runs 10-second refills to supplement your soak. If the water cooled while you were roaming, no problem, just use the re-fill option. The Ondine’s Ess Tub-Electronic Faucets shower system will take care of it all. If you get one with an optional audio system, you can take care of sounds using the same touching pad.

    Amana’s Jot: Dry-Erase Refrigerator

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    I have a friend who used chalkboard paint to create a large drawing space on her kitchen wall.  The family leaves messages and greetings there and she doesn’t have magnets and scraps of paper posted on (and falling from)  her refrigerator.

    Kitchen clutter is a problem for most of us and Amana is addressing this with their Jot refrigerator.  The Jot has a dry-erase finish so you can leave notes, post reminders or release your inner artist and then wipe it all clean.

    Here are the basic specifications:                                                 

    Practical Convenience

    • 17.6 Cu. Ft. Capacity
    • Humidity-Controlled Garden Fresh™ Crisper Drawers
    • Gallon Door Storage
    • Classic Configuration
    • Easy Freezer Access
    • Sturdy Glass Crisper Shelf

    Common-sense Features

    • Refrigerator Light

    Your Style

    • Integrated Door Handles

    Warranty

    • Limited One Year Warranty – Parts and Labor. For one (1) year from the original retail purchase date, any part which fails in normal home use will be repaired or replaced free of charge.