Saturday, April 24, 2010

Black & Decker TRO360 Toast-R-Oven

Black & Decker TRO360 Toast-R-Oven Review



Although this arrived with a screw loose that I had to tighten, the unit works really well. It's small,light weight and very quick to toast breads fast and evenly. It has an extremly simple control system that is unbelievely easy to use. I bought this unit for a vacation home and I like it better than the much more expensive (and complicated)toaster oven I have at home.
The only negative is that the top gets quite hot when the unit is in use, otherwise I'm very happy with it.



Black & Decker TRO360 Toast-R-Oven Feature


  • Electronic toast controls
  • Broil function
  • Non-stick interior
  • Reheat function
  • Slide-out crumb tray



Black & Decker TRO360 Toast-R-Oven Overview


Black & Decker Toast-R-Oven with 0.25 cu.ft. capacity, electronic toast controls, broil function, non-stick interior, slide-out crumb tray, reheat function, forward rack, chrome bottom.


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*** Product Information and Prices Stored: Apr 24, 2010 18:50:10

Friday, April 23, 2010

Submersible Pumps

A submersible pump is one that has a sealed motor, fitted in a pump body. The total assembly is immersed in the fluid that needs to be pumped. The main advantage of this type of pump is that it can offer a considerable amount of lifting power, as it does not rely on external air pressure.

A submersible pump has a system of mechanical seals that is used to prevent the fluid being pumped from entering the motor, resulting in a short circuit. A pump can either be attached to a pipe or a flexible hose.

Some of the types of submersible pumps are bladder pumps, bilge and ballast pumps, borehole pumps, booster pumps, and centrifugal pumps. Other examples are condensate pumps, dewatering pumps, fountain pumps, grinder pumps, micro pumps, sampling pumps, trash pumps, utility pumps, and well pumps. Some submersible pumps are manufactured for particular applications. These pumps are water submersible pumps, sewage submersible pumps, 12-volt submersible pumps, sand submersible pumps, irrigation submersible pumps, and solar submersible pumps. Solar submersible pumps have many uses and are suitable for slow and steady water transfer into a holding tank.

Submersible pumps are found in many appliances. Single stage pumps are utilized for drainage, sewage pumping, common industrial pumping, and slurry pumping. Multiple stage submersible pumps are normally used for water abstraction. These pumps can also be found in oil wells. Moreover, submersible pumps can be positioned directly in a pond and require comparatively little installation. These pumps are also relatively silent.

The four main specifications that should be considered while choosing a submersible pump are maximum expulsion flow, maximum discharge pressure, horsepower, and discharge size.

Earlier, the main drawback of submersible pumps was that its pump seal could rupture and release oil coolant into the water. However, newer pumps are magnet-driven, and no longer require a coolant. These magnet-driven pumps are more expensive, but they consume less electricity.

Thursday, April 22, 2010

Electric Range or Gas Range- Which One is Better?

With the many modern improvements in technology, kitchen appliances have greatly changed over time, becoming more and more efficient. In general, becoming undeniably better. However, there is still a debate between old versus new when it comes to gas ranges and electric ranges. Which one is really better? There are advantages and disadvantages to each. Just as beauty is in the eye of the beholder, the truth about ranges may well be all in the experience of the cook.

Let us first take a look at a gas range. Gas is expensive, yet the burner on a stove cooks food so well. The flame can be adjusted for a low simmer or a boil. If the power goes out, you can still use it. The heat from the oven fills the room when you open it. If there is anything wrong, there are tell tale signs that warns us. The smell of gas or out of control flames, or no flame at all are fair warnings that something is wrong. Food can be cooked with ease over the fire. The trouble could be that sometimes the pilot light may go out, and we have to light a match or get a lighter to start it up again. There is always a chance of a fire.

An electric range is very different. Electricity costs money, too, but not as much as gas. You can adjust the temperature pretty specifically on the over or burners. The very accurate temperature control is a plus. Lowering the time it takes to cook things helps keep the nutrients in, and saves us time. Many coil style burners will turn bright red to warn us of the intense heat. Unfortunately, if the power goes out, so does the stove. The warmth from the oven may not be as intense as the flame of a gas range, but that can be good or bad. Newer, flat surface version of the electric range allow for very easy cleaning. There is a much less chance of a fire developing with this type of range.

It really depends on the person, but I'm a fan of the electric range. It costs less to maintain, has better temperature control, and is easier to clean. Better control leads to better food. Less time spent cleaning is a great benefit to my schedule. Electric ranges are also more convenient and environmentally safe than gas ranges. I have plenty of friends, however, who disagree. Fortunately there are both gas and electric stoves, so that everyone has an opportunity to choose the option that works best for them.

Wednesday, April 21, 2010

Dualit 2-Slice Toaster, Chrome

Dualit 2-Slice Toaster, Chrome Review



I received a refurbished canary yellow Dualit as a house-warming gift.

Pros:
1. Fast heating - haven't had a problem with it taking ages to heat up. For first time toasting in the mornings, I just set the timer to go a minute extra and the toast comes out just fine.
2. Myriad of really pretty colors - these toasters really ARE pretty.
3. There's a little arrow on the the timer knob that I've found keeps toasts to a perfect level (between 2 - 3 minutes).
4. The little lever that helps the toast go up and down is pretty nifty and really works when you have things that are too big for the slots (see (5) and Cons (3) below).
5. Since there is no pop-up mechanism, the toast stays warm in the toaster until you use the nifty little lever to bring it up. As an avid fan of crisp Marmite soldiers, this is an awesome feature.

Cons:
1. Large countertop footprint. You can kill a buffalo with this.
2. Sometimes uneven toasting - I can't figure out if the top gets darker first or the other way around. It's a little aggravating but it doesn't happen all the time.
3. The much touted "wide-slots" isn't really that wide. A bagel can barely fit in there without any external help.

In conclusion, I would never actively pay 0 for a toaster like this, even if it's heavy and looks really, really good, and is a British institution. It toasts well (most times), is easy to use and seems durable. But I guess the same can be said of those toasters you get at Walgreens.



Dualit 2-Slice Toaster, Chrome Feature


  • Extra-wide, 28-mm slots accommodate a variety of bread products
  • Award-winning ProHeat elements increase toasting efficiency and element longevity
  • Ejector system keeps toast warm until the ejector lever is pushed up
  • Removable crumb tray; adjustable rear foot
  • Switch-system controls the degree of browning



Dualit 2-Slice Toaster, Chrome Overview


The Dualit toaster is outstanding in the field, not just for its industrial retro good looks, but also for its performance. It has ProHeat elements and wide slots capable of handling very thick slices, yet the adjustable wire guards will accommodate themselves to thinner bread too. The timer knob allows you to select light, medium, or dark toast and at the end of the cycle the toast remains in the slots until you eject it with the knob - this keeps the toast warm, but because the unit shuts off at the end of the cycle your toast won't be burnt. Sturdy metal housing and heating elements made from the finest quality clear mica and 80/20 nickel chrome are good indicators that this is a toaster that will stand the test of time. In fact the Dualit toaster was designed for commercial use in English hotels and restaurants where the toaster may be in continual use for 8 hours, mandating that the heating elements be of heavy construction.


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*** Product Information and Prices Stored: Apr 21, 2010 20:40:11

Tuesday, April 20, 2010

Dangerous Expectations

Conventional wisdom says to dump expectations, but that leads to more frustration. Rather than drop expectations, take turns voicing them to create closeness and fulfillment.

So, what are your expectations? Laura and I voice our expectations daily. Usually the night before we ask, "What's going on tomorrow?" If one of us wants to be together we say so. If we are extremely busy we communicate it. "Hon, I have a busy day tomorrow, so I won't have time to hang out." If we have a need we say it. "I'd like to be with you this week, let's meet for lunch." Then we plan it out. "How about Thursday downtown for salad? If we have a night together we voice the expectations. "Want to watch a movie? What time you want to start?"

One night we were going to watch a movie. I set up the DVD and waited. She was on the computer waiting for my signal while I waited for her. After 45 minutes of waiting I got upset. We learned how miscues can ruin a night and now we communicate. "How 'bout we start the movie at eight?"

It is important to voice needs and not wish honey would just get it. We cannot read minds. With different aspects of your marriage, think of your expectations and voice them in a loving way. Here are a few areas to peruse.

Finances. Still the number one cause of marital mishap. Discuss your expectations concerning spending, saving, credit cards, etc. and devise a plan. If you want to buy something, make it known. We check with each other on almost everything, just to be polite. We're not crazy with it, if she wants a blouse, she buys it. But if we're talking toaster ovens, we talk it over.

She wants a new bathroom; he a new workshop. With big items discuss needs verses wants along with short, medium, and long term goals. Make out a plan. And be flexible. Talk about your druthers concerning televisions, cars, or other expensive purchases. If he wants a big screen but she wants a new fridge, a plan needs to be drawn up.

Sex. Expectations differ because men and women differ. You might fear talking or hearing truth, but sex talk boosts love making. Most couples' sex life plateaus within a few years of marriage, but it need not be so. Talking sex keeps things spicy and interesting. Talk about sex as you would anything else. Be detailed, clear, and caring.

Men and women send out different sex cues. In fact, men are poor cue senders, it is better to just say, "Hon, I want to make love soon," than to try and send fancy cues.

Talking out expectations is good, but ladies, notice that your man would rather do than talk. So find his talk threshold. Allow him to tell you when he's maxed out and then go do something together. Rather than talk about emotional distance, make love.

How about children, chores, education, careers, in-laws, or holidays? Share expectations on these topics, but give it time, you cannot tackle it all in one sitting. Do not unload a lifetime of pent up fulfillment.

When you share expectations daily, you begin a routine, cover a great amount of territory and smooth your marriage landscape. Sharing expectations puts your life on the table and creates partnership. Agree on a topic and pick a quiet safe place to talk where you will not be distracted. If you get ruffled due to disagreement, stop and go for a walk or get some ice-cream. Try again later - you will get the hang of it. Soon you will be sharing and fulfilling expectations. It can make for smooth sailing - expect it.

Monday, April 19, 2010

Belleco Electric Conveyor Toaster - JT3

Belleco Electric Conveyor Toaster - JT3 Review






Belleco Electric Conveyor Toaster - JT3 Overview


Perfect For Toasting or Warming: Bread Waffles Buns Pita Bread Rolls Texas Toast Bagels English MuffinsFeatures: 1 - 1/2" Product Clearance 120 Volts - Plugs in Anywhere Up to 1000 Slices or Bun Halves/hr Cool Touch Exterior Basic, simple operation Durable, Rugged Construction Forced Convection Toasting Inexpensive To Own and Operate Energy Efficient Quartz Heaters (on Toasters) 75% Power Saving Feature (on Toasters)24 Hrs/Day, 7 Days/Week Service 2-Year Parts Warranty Dimensions: 13.88"H x 18.13"W x 18.25" DCONTROLS: Separate, Top and Bottom, Variable Heat Controls; Variable Conveyor Speed Control; Power Saver Switch; and High Temperature Limit Switch. bread|bun|buns|bagel|bagels|english|muffin|toast|toaster|toasted|conveyor| Belleco Conveyor Toaster; 208V and 240VUp to 1000 Slices/Hr.| Belleco JT3 Conveyor Toaster- 1000 Slices/ Hour- 240V - JT3 (240V)| Belleco JT3 Conveyor Toaster- 1000 Slices/ Hour- 208V - JT3 (208V)| Belleco JT3 Conveyor Toaster- 1000 Slices/ Hour- 220V - JT3 (220V)


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*** Product Information and Prices Stored: Apr 19, 2010 21:25:10

Sunday, April 18, 2010

Unplug Small Appliances - Save Money and Energy

We were toasting bagels one morning when my sister was in town. As we all sat around the table to enjoy our breakfast, she mentioned to me that I should unplug my toaster oven since we weren't using it anymore. My response was, "I turned it off, it's OK."

No, it isn't OK. What I didn't understand then that I know now is that small appliances and electronics still draw electricity when they're plugged in - even if the power button is turned off. Common sense says if these items are drawing power when we're not using them, why keep them plugged in?

Exactly.

The biggest energy-drainers even when they are turned off are microwave ovens, televisions, DVD players, computers, game systems, and cable and satellite TV boxes. A good solution for these items is to plug several devices into a power strip that has an on/off switch. When you flick the switch off, the power strip no longer draws electricity from the outlet.

There are many reasons to keep your appliances and electronics unplugged when you're not using them. First and foremost, it is the responsible thing to do for the environment. Just think how good it will feel as you're unplugging your cell phone charger that you're doing something good for the environment today! It's a very simple and easy thing that EVERYONE can do. Imagine if everyone in your city decided to do this one small thing how much energy we could save? How about your state? The world?

Another main reason is the reduction in your electric bill. When my sister told me that she was saving $15 - $20 each month by unplugging her microwave, cell phone charger, and her TV my first thought was "yeah right - it can't be that much". Others might say that's not enough of a savings to even bother with. Oh really? Twenty dollars per month is $240 per year in savings. I can think of plenty of things I'd rather do with $240 than give it to the electric company for something I didn't use anyway.

The truth is that if you have 10 items in your home that are plugged in and not in use, you could be wasting as much as 450,000 watts (or 4,500 kilowatts) of electricity per year! Depending on your usage and local electricity rates, that could cost you anywhere between $200 and $600 each year! Also, most utility companies charge a higher rate when you use more than a certain amount of energy, and they also charge more during summer months when electric use is higher, so that becomes an even bigger savings when you keep your electronics unplugged.

So now I understand what my sister was talking about when she told me to unplug my toaster oven. Everything stays unplugged in my house now unless it's being used. I am happy to say that my electric bill has been reduced by a little more than $20 each month, but even prouder to say that I am doing something good for the environment today.