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August 2005

Edo Style Japanese Beds

This bed frame, constructed in Japan, is made in the style of the Edo period, which was known for its simplicity and restrained elegance. On the eco-level, the bed is constructed out of solid mahogany, which is sustainably farmed. The bed can support a futon or a traditional style mattress. One benefit of this type [...]

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The Best Low-Flow Toilets

Early on, low-flow toilets got a bad rap — and justifiably so — their flushing ability left a lot to be desired. But today there are many low-flow toilets on the market that work well. Terry Love is a plumber who reviews low-flow toilets. He takes his job seriously, installing some of the toilets his [...]

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Top Rated Rice Cookers: Zojiriushi

Rice cooker reviews are little hard to find — the bigger consumer magazines don’t seem to cover them, but some other sources on the web do. Reviewers on Cool Tools and Sally’s Kitchen both recommend Zojirushi Rice Cookers. Popular in Japan, Zojirushi cookers are pricey ($150-$200). But they also have no-frills models for about $60.

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Best Wines Under $10

Here are the best wines that can be acquired for under ten dollars, according to the New York Times. About their selections, the critics say: We tasted 12 whites and 12 reds, and picked our top 5 of each. Of the whites, three of the five were made from the sauvignon blanc grape. A fourth [...]

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2Faced by Lees Carpets

Lees Carpets is introducing a new line of eco-friendly carpets called 2Faced, which were recently chosen as product of the month by Architectural Record. 2Faced carpets are tufted in such as way that they appear to change colors, depending on your perspective (see photo above).

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Rotary Cheese Grater by Cuisipro

These devices make grating Parmesan and other European hard cheeses a breeze, compared to a plane or box grater. You can use any reasonably sized blocks of cheese (1/2″-2″). Soft cheeses do not work well in this grater — they become stuck in the grate barrel and become glued to the internal structure.

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Best Pizza Stones: Soapstone Pans

​​​​Soapstone is a stone that retains heat efficiently and evenly. It’s an excellent material for cookware. Soapstone pans and pots are handmade in Brazil and are able to withstand temperatures twice as high as cast iron and other metal cookware. Soapstone develops a natural non-stick surface and lustrous black patina finish after curing. They can [...]

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Best Toaster Oven: Cuisinart TOB-175

Toaster ovens are very handy devices in the kitchen, but often overlooked. They can be used to heat and reheat a variety of meals(not just toast), and they are also quite energy efficient when compared to regular ovens. So which oven is top rated? Reviewers fairly unanimously chose the Cuisinart TOB-175 Convection Toaster Oven. It [...]

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Highest Rated Home Espresso Machine Under $500: Rancilio Silvia

This espresso machine was the top pick on CoffeeGeek, for a home machine under $500. It gets a 9 out 10 rating, based on 118 reader reviews. According to Consumer Search, the most attractive features of this machine are the three-way solenoid valve, three thermostats, and machine-forged brass boiler, brew head, and filter holder, as [...]

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Modern Rattan Lounge Chair

This “donut chair” is an example of modern wicker design. The dark two tone color comes for the natural color of the rattan. It has a washable cotton cushion. Rattan furniture is durable, smooth to the touch and made from plants that grow quickly and replenish easily. Available from Surroundings for $295 each. They also [...]

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