Heritage Belt by Tanner Goods

“Buy It For Life” means acquiring and using products that are built to last a lifetime. Amidst the thousands of disposable goods and cheaply-constructed gadgets that provide continual fuel for consumerism, there remain some products that promise enduring excellence. The movement to embrace high-quality, long-lasting goods promotes less consumption, less waste, and (often) less money spent in the long run.

Buy It For Life products don’t have to be purchased brand new; in fact, many are purchased secondhand or inherited. During times when the Buy It For Life concept was culturally pervasive, products were crafted with greater care and more durable materials. Though the initial investment may have been higher, products like these were meant to outlast their purchasers. Some were discarded even though they had plenty of life left, but many survived and remain useful today.

Buy It For Life: Cast Iron Pan

Cast iron cookware from the mid-20^th century is one example of the Buy It For Life philosophy. Cast iron has been used in cooking for hundreds of years; its practicality and endurance have been proven. Even when cooking shifted from the open flame to the stovetop, cast iron remained useful in new forms such as the flat-bottomed skillet. Cast iron skillets produced by companies such as Wagner and Griswold during the 1950s are still in use today. An eBay search for vintage cast iron cookware reveals a thriving market for these old pots and pans. The reliability and quality of Buy It For Life items never becomes obsolete.

Brand new products from young companies rarely qualify as Buy It For Life because they aren’t time-tested. Buy It For Life relies upon history and reputation. Lifetime warranties help but are not necessary. Price is not the most important criterion, though overall value matters because Buy It For Life products are meant for practical use; they are not museum pieces.

We will be featuring Buy It For Life products on our review site Reactual.

5 Efficient Home Coffee Roasters

Roasting coffee beans at home is economical as well. Depending on the beans you purchase, you can save anywhere from 25-50% per pound. There are a multitude of choices in green beans, including organic, that can be purchased on Sweet Maria’s. This allows you to create your own blends, something you can’t get in a store. Fancy equipment isn’t even really necessary to roast your own coffee beans. It can be done with a heavy skillet and a heat source. A simple, do-it-yourself way is to use a re-purposed air popcorn popper.  However, if you decide that home roasting is the right enterprise for you, a home coffee roaster can be beneficial. Expense can get quite high on these, but we’ve chosen 5 efficient home roasters that are competitively priced.

Behmor 1600 Coffee Roaster

Behmor 1600 Coffee Roaster

The Behmor 1600 is a drum-style coffee roaster at a more affordable price than other drum roasters. For those looking to roast larger batches than an air roaster can do, the Behmor 1600 is a good choice as it offers roasting options for 1/4, 1/2, and 1 pound batches. The Behmor 1600 contains a smoke-reduction feature, though don’t expect smoke-less, especially for darker roasts or larger batches. You can experiment with a variety of roast styles using the 4 pre-programmed roast times combined with the 5 power level profiles. The Behmor 1600 is quiet which allows the experienced user to hear the 2nd crack of the bean and hit the cool button at the right time. This may be necessary before the program stops as the beans will continue to roast even in the cool down mode. Other features include efficient quartz halogen heating elements, glass window with interior light bulb to view the roast, digital display for settings and countdown clock, and comes with a limited one year warranty. Reviewers on Sweet Maria’s were impressed by the consistency of their test roasts and said that the flavor compared well with their commercial roaster. You can read their extensive review on the Behmor 1600 here.

The Behmor 1600 retails for $299.00 on Sweet Maria’s.

FreshRoast SR500

FreshRoast SR500

The latest model from Fresh Beans Inc., the FreshRoast SR500 is a hot air or fluid bed roaster and a great choice to get started in coffee roasting. Based on the concept of the air popcorn popper, air roasters tend to produce brighter coffee and in smaller batches than drum roasters. The FreshRoast SR500 makes 3-4 oz. batches at a time, which would be great for households with one or two coffee drinkers. Features include 3 settings for temperature control, a rheostat to adjust fan speed, and a digital timer. The biggest complaint about this roaster is that it doesn’t move the beans well in the beginning stage of the roast, which can make for an uneven batch. There are methods to get around this such as stirring the beans during the first couple minutes or hitting the cool cycle a minute after start-up, which makes the beans drier, and therefore lighter. Even with this drawback, Sweet Maria’s recommends the FreshRoast SR500 as a good, economical choice. Members of CoffeeGeek have rated it an average 8.33 out of 10.

Sells for $159.00 on Amazon.

Gene Cafe Roaster

Gene Cafe Roaster

In general, drum roasters are more durable and last longer than air roasters. The Gene Cafe Roaster is a good choice if you need to make larger batches (up to half a pound) and budget allows. The off-axis agitation feature allows for an even roast and the ability to see the beans through the clear Pyrex roasting chamber. One of the best features on the Gene Cafe Roaster is the extra-large chaff collector which uses a metal wiper to scrape and collect the chaff. The analog dials allow the user total control over temperature and roasting time throughout the process all while showing on the digital display. The one negative pointed out by Sweet Maria’s is that the cool cycle was not quite rapid enough. You can read their full review here.  Amazon reviewers gave the Gene Cafe Roaster an average 4 out of 5 stars. And it received an overall rating of 8.33 by CoffeeGeek reviewers.

The Gene Cafe Roaster can be purchased on Amazon for $495.00.

Nesco Coffee Roaster

Nesco Coffee Roaster

While the Nesco Coffee Roaster (formerly known as Zach and Dani’s) has received some unsavory reviews on Amazon, reviewers at Sweet Maria’s say it’s caught a bad rap. They highly recommend this newest model with a couple of conditions.  The major drawbacks reported by Sweet Maria’s are that darker roasts take too long and a full French roast is difficult to achieve. However, the light and medium roasts are consistently even. The major advantage to the Nesco Coffee Roaster is the catalytic converter which reduces the majority of the smoke, making it one of the least smoky home roasters on the market. Features an auger-driven agitator, making for quiet operation. The concerns on Amazon have been about the durability of the product. However, some of these issues are associated with lack of cleaning and maintenance. It’s received an average of 3 out of 5 stars by Amazon reviewers. The Nesco Coffee Roaster is made in America and offers a one year limited warranty.

The Nesco Coffee Roaster sells for $129.69 at Amazon.

Whirley-Pop Stovetop Popper

Whirley-Pop Stovetop Popper

Want to try out home coffee roasting without the expense of a home roaster? The 6 quart Whirley-Pop Stovetop Popper from Wabash Valley Farms is perfect for creating larger batches of roasted coffee beans, especially if you like dark roasts. This is the true hands-on system- you control the heat, you crank the handle consistently for 8-12 minutes, then use a colander for cooling.  Stovetop roasting works best with a gas stove and produces much more smoke, but offers a certain nostalgic effect and you can truly call yourself a coffee roasting artiste. The Whirley-Pop is made of aluminum, is easy to clean up, and offers a 25 year warranty on moving parts. Sweet Maria’s says the Whirley-Pop is the best stovetop popper for roasting coffee and Amazon reviewers have given it a 4.5 out of 5 star rating (for popcorn). The stirring mechanism that evenly pops the popcorn works to create an evenly roasted batch of coffee beans.

Sells on Amazon for $22.94.

Home Coffee Roasting, Revised, Updated Edition: Romance and Revival: by Kenneth Davids

Home Coffee Roasting, Revised, Updated Edition: Romance and Revival by Kenneth Davids

Need more info? This guide by coffee connoiseur, Kenneth Davids, has been described by home coffee roasters as the home coffee roasting bible. Chock full of tips for making the perfect roast, choosing and storing green beans, creating blends, and picking a home roaster, Home Coffee Roasting: Romance and Revival will direct you on your home coffee roasting path. This 2003 paperback edition has been revised and updated since it was originally published in 1996. Amazon reviewers have given it an average 4.5 out of 5 star rating.

Can be purchased on Amazon for $15.34

The MetaEfficient Kitchen

The kitchen is often the heart of a home – it’s one of the most-used rooms in a household for both working and socializing, so shouldn’t it be as functional and energy-efficient as possible?  Here is a collection of design ideas and products, both big and small, to help you create a beautiful and efficient kitchen.

Kitchen Cabinets – Refinishing vs. Replacing
Choosing the right kitchen cabinets depends on a huge variety of factors.  But if you’re considering remodeling an existing kitchen, refinishing the cabinets instead of replacing them can be an extremely efficient approach.  Even simply swapping hardware like handles and hinges can have a big aesthetic impact.

Refinish Cabinets Or Replace Hardware & Doors For A New Look

If your kitchen needs a more serious upgrade, replacing the cabinet doors while leaving the existing cabinet structure will minimize the waste (and expense) of the renovation.  And the finished product can give you the look of an entirely new kitchen.

But if you’re building a new home, or if you really need to replace your current cabinets, consider visiting a “reuse-it-yourself” home improvement store.  A growing number of these stores offer new surplus items as well as gently-used supplies from other renovation projects, which can provide huge cost savings.  Some of the most popular R.I.Y. stores are Habitat For Humanity’s nationwide network of ReStore locations.  Visit the Habitat For Humanity website to learn more or find a location near you.

EnviroGLAS Recycled Glass Countertop

EnviroGLAS Recycled Glass Countertop

An ideal kitchen countertop will be functional, and it will be environmentally sensible (which means non-toxic materials and minimizing the environmental impact of its production).  Some of our favorite countertop designs are the beautiful, durable, and low-maintenance terrazzo surfaces from EnviroGLAS.  They require no waxes or special cleaning products, and best of all, they’re created from 100% recycled glass and porcelain bound together with resins that emit no toxic VOCs (volatile organic compounds).

EnviroGLAS countertops are available in a huge variety of colors and styles.  Learn more at the EnviroGLAS website.

The Faucet:  Add An Aerator…

Danco Perfect Match Faucet Aerator

An aerator attached to your existing kitchen faucet is a quick, cheap, and simple way to reduce water use without compromising performance.  The Danco Perfect Match aerator ($2.66 at Amazon) is a basic model that reduces water flow to 1.5 gallons per minute – still plenty of volume for most kitchen use.

… And Consider A Faucet Pedal Control

Pedal Works HandsFree Faucet Controller

Adding a pedal control to your kitchen faucet is more involved (and yes, more expensive) than simply adding an aerator – but it’s a great way to reduce water usage and add convenience in the kitchen.  A pedal controller can be fitted onto an existing hand faucet, and helps avoid letting the water run for tasks like rinsing dishes.  Plus, as a bonus, users can wash their hands without dirtying the faucet handles.

One of our favorite models is the Pedal Works HandsFree Faucet Controller, available at Amazon for $349).

Pick The Right Dishwasher – And Enjoy It
In our recent post about reducing your household water use, we discussed how using a dishwasher is actually quite efficient – as long as it’s an energy-efficient model and you use it properly.  A fully loaded, modern dishwasher typically uses less water and energy than hand-washing the same number of dishes in the sink.

Bosch SHX68E Evolution 800 Plus dishwasher

There are myriad options depending on your size requirements and price range, but you should definitely look for an Energy-Star rated model.  And remember that for major appliances like dishwashers, paying a bit more now may save you money down the road in energy savings and durability.  For example, the Bosch SHX68E Evolution 800 Plus dishwasher ($1,732.56 at Amazon) is a serious investment, but it’s one of the most energy-efficient models available and uses just 1.56 gallons of water per wash cycle.

Microwave Cooking – Fast & Efficient
We haven’t included a range/stovetop in this list because there are so many different owner preferences and needs, and even the most basic choice of gas versus electric often depends on where users live.  But for day-to-day cooking and reheating, a microwave is often far more convenient and energy efficient than a full-size oven, and Panasonic’s NN-SD688S is a solid all-around performer.  The mid-size design offers a 1.2 cubic foot capacity without taking up too much counter space, and the 13.5″ rotating turntable works with “inverter” technology to heat food evenly.  Various preset modes simplify the settings for different uses like defrosting or reheating, and the 1,300-watt power is plenty for most household use.

Panasonic NN-SD688S Prestige Microwave Oven

You can find the Panasonic NN-SD688S Prestige Microwave Oven at Amazon for $140.99.

LED Under-Cabinet Lighting
LEDs are perfect for task lighting applications like under-cabinet fixtures in a kitchen.  They’re extraordinarily energy efficient, they produce clean white light, they’re durable, and they produce minimal heat.  They can be installed in tight spots with less clearance, and they avoid adding more even more heat to a workspace like a kitchen.

Juno Lighting Pro Series Under-Cabinet LED Light

LED fixtures have a higher purchase price than comparable fluorescent or halogen/xenon fixtures, but they pay for themselves over time.  The 30-inch Juno Lighting Pro Series Under-Cabinet LED fixture ($204.56 at Amazon) contains 8 LED modules in a slim aluminum casing that produce warm 3000K light, and the LEDs use just 1/8 the energy of incandescent lamps.  Best of all, the lifespan of the LEDs is 50,000 hours, meaning zero maintenance.

Last But Not Least – The Fridge
We’ve saved the best for last – a refrigerator is usually one of the biggest electricity consumers in a home, so finding a model that combines functionality with energy-efficiency is key.  If you’re still using an older model, an upgrade to a modern refrigerator will offer huge energy savings.  And don’t move that old energy hog into the garage for extra storage – make sure the new one is the right size for your household.

You can get the most out of your fridge by using it as efficiently as possible.  Make sure all door seals are in good shape by closing a dollar bill in the door – a good seal will hold it tight.  Keep your condenser coils free of dust and debris, and make sure the refrigerator isn’t located in direct sunlight.  Try to keep it well stocked, since a full fridge tends to stay cold once the contents are chilled (just leave a little space for cold air to circulate).  And keep the temperature in the right range (35-38F for the fridge, 0F for the freezer) since going colder just wastes power.

Sun Frost Energy Efficient Refrigerator

When shopping for a new fridge, look for a model with the freezer on the top or bottom, since side-by-side designs use more electricity.  Through-door icemakers/water dispensers also reduce energy efficiency, so skip those features.  Although they’re not widely distributed, Sun Frost produces some extraordinarily energy-efficient refrigerators, including a 16 cubic foot model that consumes just 372 kWh annually.

The Consortium for Energy Efficiency offers a comprehensive list of Energy Star rated refrigerators, as well as the even more efficient CEE Tier 3-rated models.

For more information on other kitchen gadgets and appliances, you might also be interested in MetaEfficient’s posts on chef’s knives, blenders, slow cookers, and juice extractors.

Best Chef Knives

Good chef knives are the workhorses of any kitchen – they will slice, chop and crush as well as a whole drawer of kitchen gadgets. A quality blade will last virtually forever, avoiding the hassle and expense of replacement, and a well-built knife will make preparing ingredients much more efficient.

Chef knives have blades around 8 inches long, although this may vary according to personal preference. The most popular chef’s knife style is the “German” type, which has a curved edge for cutting with a rocking motion. All of the following knives feature a full-tang design, meaning the steel from the blade continues down through the handle for balance and durability.

Shun Ken Onion Chef Knife

Shun Ken Onion Chef Knives

The Shun Ken Onion Chef Knife is a fusion of top-quality materials and innovative design. The 8-inch blade is forged from VG-10 stainless steel, and the ergonomic and moisture-resistant Pakkawood handle provides a comfortable grip with great leverage for cutting. The distinctive layered-steel blade is sharpened to a razor-sharp 16-degree edge – which is terrific for slicing, just be sure to adjust your sharpening technique accordingly. The Shun Ken Onion also comes with the pictured holder, so you can admire the design even when you’re not cooking.

You can find the Shun Ken Onion Chef’s Knife at Amazon for $199.95

Wüsthof Gourmet 10-Inch Cook’s Knife

Wüsthof Gourmet 10-Inch Cook's Knife

The Wüsthof Gourmet 10-Inch Cook’s Knife is a great all-around option that won’t break the bank, and provides a little extra blade length. The blade is stamped instead of forged, so it may require more frequent sharpening, but the metal is laser-cut, quality high-carbon steel with good stain resistance. The polypropylene handle offers a comfortable grip, and it’s triple-riveted for durability. Some chefs prefer the feel of a knife with a bolster (a flared metal edge where the handle meets the blade), but Amazon reviewers like the Gourmet’s lack of bulk and sleeker feel.

You can find the Wüsthof Gourmet 10-Inch Cook’s Knife at Amazon for $67.95.

Kyocera Revolution Series 7-Inch Ceramic Chef’s Knife

Kyocera Revolution Series 7-Inch Ceramic Chef's Knife

The Kyocera Revolution 7-Inch Professional Chef’s Knife is unique, since it features a ceramic blade instead of traditional steel construction. It’s worth noting that ceramic blades hold their edge for a very long time, but users generally can’t sharpen the knives themselves. Ceramic blades can also crack if dropped, or used for tasks like prying. An advantage of ceramic blades besides their sharpness is that they won’t react with certain foods the way metal blades can, so food may stay fresher longer once sliced. The Kyocera Revolution features a molded resin handle, so while overall this knife is lighter than comparable steel models, it still offers good balance while cutting.

The Kyocera Revolution Series 7-Inch Ceramic Chef’s Knife is available from Amazon for $82.17

J.A. Henckels Four Star 8-Inch Chef’s Knife

J.A. Henckels Four Star 8-Inch Chef's Knife

J.A. Henckels produces a huge variety of cutlery, and the Four Star line is some of its best. The Four Star 8-Inch Chef’s Knife is forged from high-carbon steel, and its “Sintermetal Component Technology” fuses different grades of steel (for the blade, bolster, and tang) together into a single piece. The hefty blade is also subjected to Henckels’ proprietary ice-hardening process, which according to the manufacturer increases corrosion resistance and edge durability. The bonded polypropylene handle is comfortable in the hand, and extremely durable.

You can find the J.A. Henckels Four Star 8-Inch Chef’s Knife at Amazon for $94.99.

Epicurean Wood Composite Cutting Boards

Epicurean Wood Composite Cutting Boards

Once you’ve made the investment in quality chef knives, make sure you’re using it with an appropriate cutting board. Hard surfaces like glass are sanitary, but they’re tough on knives. And some softer surfaces can harbor bacteria from the food that’s prepared on them.

An innovative solution is a composite board like those from Epicurean Cutting Surfaces. Epicurean cutting boards are made from a composite material of sustainably harvested wood fiber. The boards are dishwasher safe, and the manufacturer states that while they are soft enough to protect knife blades, they are also non-porous, so they won’t absorb bacteria from foods. The boards are National Safety Foundation approved, and they’re also heat-resistant: they can be withstand temperatures up to 350 degrees, so they can be used as trivets for hot pots or pans.

Epicurean composite cutting boards are available in a variety of sizes and styles. Two of the most popular are the full-size 15” x 11” board ($23.38 at Amazon), and the compact 8” x 6” bar board ($9.56 at Amazon).

The Best Blenders

If you are a smoothie — or margarita — person, you know how important it is to have the best possible blender. You also know how annoying it is when you are trying to fly out the door and weak blades just can’t power through all those frozen strawberries. No matter what your blending needs, you need a machine that is sturdy, well made, reliable and powerful. To find the best blender for you and your kitchen counter, keep reading.

The Oster Classic Beehive Blender

The Best Blenders: Oster Classic Beehive Blender

With a powerful 500-watt motor, 20 speeds and a 40-ounce jar capacity, the Oster Classic Beehive Blender is a great choice for the person who wants a simple, inexpensive machine that can get the job done.

The Beehive’s retro-styling and reliability make it Consumer Search’s best overall blender. Money Magazine agreed, praising Oster’s soup-blending and ice-crushing abilities.

With every pro, however, there have to be a few cons. Consumer Search reviewers weren’t wild about how loud this smoothie maker was, and they weren’t as impressed with its ice-crushing power as they were with some of its competitors.

Amazon reviewers weren’t thrilled with the noise either, but, overall, loved this blender’s simplicity, ease of use and, most importantly, how well it blended. They gave it four stars.

The Oster Classic Beehive Blender can be purchased from Amazon for $68.07.

Vita-Mix 5200 Blender

The Best Blenders: Vita-Mix 4500

If you aren’t on a budget and are in need of a blender that can go beyond basic smoothie-making and soup-pureeing capabilities, then look no further than the Vita-Mix 5200. It has only two speeds, but, apparently, two speeds is all it needs.

The Vita-Mix blends at speeds up to 200 miles per hour, in a cool, efficient manner, giving it enough power to easily tackle the job of making nut butters or blending whole, fresh foods — including fruits with peels and stems still intact — purees and baby foods.

Plus, it’s easy to clean, has a spill-proof locking lid and is BPA-free. These are only a few of the reasons that Consumer Search named it the best multifunction blender.

Amazon reviewers gave the Vita-Mix rave reviews, saying that it will “rock your world.” Their only complaint: it’s loud. But, hey, when you’re crushing ice, how quiet are things going to get?

And, yes, it’s expensive. But one Amazon reviewer justifies her purchase, saying that her Vita-Mix is so good she isn’t spending $5.00 a day at a smoothie shop anymore. Valid point.

The Vita-Mix 5200 can be purchased from Amazon for $398.95.

KitchenAid 5-Speed Blender

The Best Blenders: KitchenAid 5-Speed Blender

If you’re looking for a blender that is durable, reliable and looks good on your counter, the KitchenAid 5-Speed Blender is your perfect match. Empire red, onyx black, tangerine, silver metallic and gloss cinnamon are only a few of the colors that this top pick comes in.

Blender Expert recommends the KitchenAid for its 0.9 horsepower motor and ability to blend nearly anything you can put in it, even extremely sticky substances such as nut butters. Its 56-ounce pitcher and the fact that it is made of metal, not plastic parts, are also plusses.

If you’re a neat freak, you’ll love the fact that there is a special cord storage area on the bottom of the base.

Consumer Search ranked this blender as one of its “runner-ups” in the category of best blender.

This blender is available at Amazon, starting at $88.68.

Waring Pro Professional Bar Blender

The Best Blenders: Waring Pro Professional Bar Blender

If you’re looking for a high-dollar name on a low-dollar budget, the Waring Pro Professional Bar Blender fits the bill. Waring has a commercially rated, heavy-duty, 500-watt motor, so nothing can slow it down.

Amazon raters like this blender for its high quality and ability to crush ice and make great smoothies. Wall Street Journal reviewers liked its compact design and the fact that it comes in four colors, but thought that the metal blade seemed thin. Blender Expert reports that you “won’t be disappointed” with the quality of this blender.

Overall, this is a high-quality blender from a high-end company, and, best of all, it’s make right here in the USA! This blender can be purchased from Amazon for $56.99.

The Best Juice Extractors

Juicing has long been hailed as one of the best ways to get healthy, stay healthy, and live a full, active life. (Just look at Jack LaLanne!) But to get all of the health-inducing vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and enzymes that juicing has to offer, you first have to have the best juice extractor.

Here are our picks for the best juice extractors:

Best Overall: The Breville Juice Fountain Elite 800 JEXL

The Best Juice Extractors: The Breville Juice Fountain Elite 800 JEXL

There is little argument among those in the know that if you want a juicer that can stand up to even the most difficult juicing situations it is the Breville Juice Fountain Elite 800 JEXL. Want to throw in a whole apple? No problem. The Juice Fountain’s three-inch shoot makes putting whole fruits in a breeze.

Want to juice hard foods such as beets and carrots? A powerful, two-speed motor lends Breville the torque to juice even the hardest foods.

These are just a few of the reasons that Consumer Search named Breville the best overall juice extractor and Cooking.com gave it 4.8 stars.

Amazon reviewers—340 in all—gave the Juice Fountain Elite a nearly perfect score. It is available from Amazon for $275.00

Best Small Juicer: Breville BJE200XL 700-Watt Compact Juice Fountain

In the category of best small juicer, Breville wins it again. The Juice Fountain Elite’s little brother, the Breville BJE200XL 700-Watt Compact Juice Fountain, features the full-size juice extractor’s same three-inch shoot, so you can still toss in full fruits and vegetables.

Its Cyclonic Juicing System operates at 14,000 RPMs to squeeze every last drop of juice out of your fruits and veggies. Plus, it produces results up to 10 times faster than other juices with 30 percent more yield. And, as compared to Breville’s larger version, you’ll save counter space.

Consumer Search awarded it the title of best small juice extractor and Chefs reviewers gave it five stars.

It can be purchased at Amazon for $99.00, where 348 reviewers gave it nearly five stars.

The Best All-in-One: Samson GB-9001 Multipurpose Single Gear Juicer GB9001

The Best Juice Extractors: Samson GB-9001 Multipurpose Single Gear Juicer GB9001

Having a fruit and vegetable juice extractor is great. Having a fruit and vegetable juicer that is also a wheatgrass juicer, mincer, grinder, pasta noodle maker and food mill is even better. If you are looking for a kitchen tool that can do all that and more, then the Samson GB-9001 Multipurpose Single Gear Juicer GB9001 is the juicer for you.

Earthy Birthy Mama calls it “the only kitchen appliance you’ll ever need” because of its versatility, and the company stands behind its product, offering purchasers a 10 year warranty on motor and a five year warranty on other parts.

It received five stars from reviewers on Amazon, where it can be yours for $229.00.

The Most Earth-Friendly: Kuvings Centrifugal Juicer

The Best Juice Extractors: Kuvings Centrifugal Juicer

The Energy Star Compliant Kuvings Centrifugal Juicer uses an energy-saving 350-watt motor that can produce speeds of up to 11,000 RPMs to continuously juice 30 to 50 cups. Even though is uses half the power of the average juicer, this machine is still able to provide three times the strength of an average juice extractor.

Its large capacity feeding tube allows for juicing whole fruits and vegetables — even ones with seeds — and, best of all it comes in two fun and funky color choices: orange or green.

And, while Kuvings is the most energy-efficient juicer, it is also the least expensive. It can be purchased at Amazon, where it received four stars, for $94.88.

The Best Slow Cookers

The slow cooker might have been around since the ‘70s, but this trusty kitchen essential has changed quite a bit over the past forty years. It’s faster, sleeker and more energy efficient and than its counter-top ancestors. No matter what your slow cook needs, there’s a top-rated model for you. And the best news? There’s not a drop of avocado or harvest gold in sight.

Here are some the best slow cookers currently available:

Best of the Best: The All-Clad 99009 6 ½-Quart Slow Cooker

The Best Slow Cookers: The All-Clad 99009 6 ½-Quart Slow Cooker

When it comes to being the best of the best in the kitchen business, no one does it better than All-Clad. While they are famous for their incomparable cookware, this company knows a thing or two about electrics, as well, as is proven by the All-Clad 99009 6 ½ -Quart Slow Cooker. The company boasts that its cooker is “simply the finest of its kind,” and its glass lid, pristine stainless exterior and practical handles prove that they are right on the money.

What’s more, this model has the longest cooking time of any slow cooker on the market. Twenty-six hours of “set it and forget it,” three temperature settings and a removable ceramic insert are only a few of the reasons that Consumer Search gives this gem the title of best programmable slow cooker.

Real Simple magazine hails the All-Clad cooker one of the best as well. And, while Amazon reviewers had mixed feelings about All-Clad’s electric appliance, giving it three out of five stars, it’s on my countertop, and I wouldn’t have anything else.

Perfection often comes at a price, and an investment in All-Clad is no different. It is available at Amazon for $194.76.

Best on a Budget: Hamilton Beach Stay-or-Go 33162 Slow Cooker

The Best Slow Cookers: Hamilton Beach Stay-or-Go 33162

This cooker might not be programmable, but with three temperature settings, 6-quart capacity and a locking travel top, the Hamilton Beach Stay-or-Go 33162, is a superior slow cooker. Elegant stainless on the outside and dishwasher-safe removable ceramic on the inside, this cooker even comes with paper labels and a name tag slot so everyone at the party knows you’re serving Mom’s famous meatballs.

Amazon reviewers give it nearly five stars, Wal-Mart raters don’t have single complaint, giving this cooker an even five stars, and Consumer Search awarded it the coveted title of Best Basic Slow Cooker.

Whether you’re on a budget or not, you can’t go wrong with this model, available at Amazon for $38.54.

Tiny Cooker with a Tiny Price Tag: Proctor Silex 33015 Slow Cooker

The Best Slow Cookers: Proctor Silex 33015

The Proctor Silex 33015 might be tiny in size and easy on your wallet, but it’s big on style and function. Its 1.5-quart size makes it perfect for individual meals, cooking for a couple, or keeping your signature spinach con queso warm throughout the entire Cinco de Mayo party.

This slow cooker has three temperature settings, making it great for cooking or reheating, and, best of all, the removable ceramic insert is dishwasher safe.

Cheapism hails it as one of the best cheap slow cookers and Amazon reviewers gave it nearly five stars. The only drawback? This slow cooker isn’t programmable. But, hey, for $19.81 on Amazon you might have to give up a little something.

Most Eco-Friendly: The VitaClay VF7900-4 Chef Gourmet Rice ‘N Slow Cooker Pro

The Best Slow Cookers: The VitaClay VF7900-4 Chef Gourmet Rice ‘N Slow Cooker Pro

The VitaClay VF7900-4 Chef Gourmet Rice ‘N Slow Cooker Pro is made of all-natural, pure Zisha clay, which is inherently non-stick, so it doesn’t rely on chemical-laden coatings to keep your rice (or pot roast) from sticking to the sides. Plus, the brilliant design of VitaClay incorporates double lids that not only maximize steaming but also cook your food in half the time. So you’ll use half the energy of a conventional slow cooker and get dinner on the table faster.

But don’t think that all of this cooker’s earth-friendly assets mean you’ll have to sacrifice on convenience. The VitaClay is fully programmable with multi-program functions and an automatic to warm feature.

It’s RoHS, or Restriction of Hazardous Substances, tested. RoHS is a directive in the European Union that bans the use of certain hazardous chemicals in electronics.

The VitaClay  received 4 out of 5 stars on Amazon, where it can be purchased for $112.13.

Most Energy Efficient Bottom Freezer Refrigerators

For consumers looking for an energy efficient refrigerator these days, the choices (thankfully) are numerous.  It seems that just about every major appliance manufacturer has developed a model that is energy efficient enough to garner the Environmental Protection Agency’s Energy Star program seal of approval.

While the most popular refrigerator model in terms of sales is the side-by-side configuration, that is also the least efficient in terms of energy usage. Energy misers would be wise to choose a configuration that has the freezer on the bottom and the refrigerator on top, which happens to be the most energy-efficient fridge/freezer configuration available. While this variety – known simply as the bottom freezer model – often does not come with the ever-popular built-in ice maker, some models do include this amenity, and are large enough to accommodate the typical family.

Looking at the energy usage of bottom freezer models earning the Energy Star Tier 3 designation – the most efficient category – consumers have several options. These are some of the top energy efficient refrigerators, given the typical American’s choice of size and amenities:

LG Electronics Model LFD25870

Most Energy Efficient Refrigerators / Freezers:LG Model LFD25870 Bottom Freezer Refrigerator

This highly efficient unit boasts a comfortable 25 cubic feet of space and an ice maker. With annual energy usage rated at 476 kilowatt hours per year, this model comes in at 31 percent lower than the 687 kWh/year federal standard.

As an alternative, LG’s Model LFC25776 offers the same space, but lacks an ice maker. It has a four compartment crisper system, which gives easy access and numerous ways to organize fruits, vegetables and beverages. This energy efficient refrigerator also comes with two humidity-controlled crisper drawers, a full-width Glide-N-Serve drawer, and a bonus drawer for fruits and vegetables. Because it has no ice maker, this unit uses just 416 kWh/year, 30 percent below the federal standard of 596 kWh.

The LG Electronics Model LFC25776 Bottom Freezer Refrigerator is available via Amazon.com for $1,499.

Crosley Appliances Model CFD26WIS

Most Energy Efficient Refrigerators / Freezers: Crosley Appliances Model CFD26WIS Bottom Freezer Refrigerator

This model offers slightly more space than the LG unit above, with 26.5 cubic feet. Also with an ice maker, this energy efficient refrigerator uses an average 487 kWh/year, coming in at 30 percent below the federal standard of 696 kWh/year. Among other features, it has cubed/crushed ice and water in the door, digital temperature display, dual-level incandescent bright lighting, a full width pantry drawer, two sliding half-width and one-fourth-width Spillsafe Shelves, two crispers with humidity control and two adjustable clear 2-gallon bins.

For those who can live without an ice maker, Crosley Models CFD26SDS and FGUN2642L each offer the same amount of space but use just 422 kWh/year, 30 percent lower than the 603 kWh/year standard.

Crosely appliances are sold through independent retailers and distributors. Click here to find one in your local area.

Electrolux Model EI27BS26J

Most Energy Efficient Refrigerators / Freezers: Electrolux Model EI27BS26J Bottom Freezer Refrigerator

This energy efficient refrigerator offers 26.5 cubic feet of space and includes an ice maker. It’s energy usage is 487 kWh/year, 30 percent lower than the 696 kWh/year standard. It includes such features as patented Luxury-Glide Drawers, which smoothly glide out and keep produce fresh with adjustable humidity control and minimal temperature variation; LED lighting; Cool Zone drawers that keep contents chilled – perfect for wine and beer or even snacks and juice boxes; and a tri-level freezer organization system features three Luxury-Glide baskets with removable/adjustable dividers and two removable baskets

For more energy savings, skip the ice maker and go with Electrolux Model FGUN2642L , which uses just 422 kWh/year. That’s 30 percent lower than the federal standard.

The Electrolux Model EI27BS26J Bottom Freezer Refrigerator is available via Amazon.com for $1,999.

Frigidaire Model FGUB2642

Most Energy Efficient Refrigerators / Freezers: Frigidaire Model FGUB2642 Bottom Freezer Refrigerator

This unit offers 26.5 cubic feet of space while using 487 kWh/year, a 30 percent reduction from the 696 kWh/year standard. Features include Frigidaire’s patented SpaceWise Organization system, which makes it easy to keep food organized and easy to find when you need it; PureSource Ultra Water Filtration, which offers best-in-class water filtration so you get cleaner, better-tasting water at your fingertips; a large capacity full-width drawer; Effortless Glide crisper drawers that keep fruits and vegetables fresh; and Effortless Glide freezer drawers that glide out smoothly and fully extend, giving you easy access to what’s inside.

The Frigidaire FGUB2642L Bottom Freezer Refrigerator is available via Amazon.com for $1,749.

Note: Both Maytag and Whirlpool have garnered Tier 3 Energy Star designations for several models of bottom freezer units. However, these models are not yet available for sale. Maytag Models MFI2665XE and MFI2670XE will each provide 25.72 cubic feet of space, with an ice maker and annual energy usage of 481 kWh/year. Whirlpool Models GI6FARXX, GI6FDRXX and GI6SDRXX will each offer 25.72 cubic feet of space, with an ice maker and annual energy usage of 481 kWh/year, or 30 percent less than the federal standard.

This summer I’ve been working on food-related optimization projects, here are some updates:

I now have subscriptions with two local farmers (through a CSA or Community Support Agriculture). One farmer provides me with raw milk, raw butter and eggs, the other farmer provides vegetables and fruit. They both happen to deliver to same street in my neighborhood, so I ride my bike about one kilometer and pick up both deliveries using a bike trailer.

I bake fresh bread throughout the week using the Artisan Bread in Five Minutes a Day method. This involves creating enough dough for a week, and storing it in the refrigerator. You can take out batches of dough as needed, and cook fresh bread.

I am buying raw (green) organic fair-trade and farm-gate coffees from Sweet Maria’s, and roasting it on my stovetop using a $22 Whirley-Pop Stovetop Popcorn Popper. This makes enough roasted coffee for about two weeks. See the book Home Coffee Roasting: Romance and Revival for more information.

I have been taking all the plastic wraps off my cheese as soon as I get it home. Plastic “suffocates” cheese and traps too much moisture, making the cheese susceptible to mold. I started re-wrapping my cheese in special cheese-wrapping paper, but now I just use wax paper.

I am growing tomatoes and peppers in self-watering containers, and I grow herbs in regular containers since they do not like constant watering.

I’m still investigating different methods of water purification. I came across a useful introductory book on this subject called Don’t Drink The Water: The Essential Guide To Our Contaminated Drinking Water and What You Can Do About It. The author recommends a KDF-Carbon Block Filtration System for household filtration. This combination system get high marks because it is relatively inexpensive and it performs as well as a reverse-osmosis system (but it is much less wasteful).

Organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs) are a new type of LED where a thin film of organic compounds is used to produce electroluminescence.

This means that OLEDs can produce paper-thin lights and displays — even foldable ones.

They are, however, still in the early stages of development, so their reliability and energy efficiency needs works. But recently, a company called ODC demonstrated an OLED light that comes close to Energy Star standards.

Specifically, UDC reported data for a series of white PHOLEDs that span a range of white colors that were designed to satisfy the requirements of differing lighting applications. These research results range from warm to cool white with varied power efficacies of 54 to 102 lumens per watt (lm/W). Depending on the specific designs employed, the color rendering indices (CRI’s) varied from 70 to 88, and lifetimes varied from 4,000 to 17,000 hours (to 70% of initial luminance at 1,000 nits*).

Via: OLED Info and U.S. Department of Energy

Thanks to Ron for the tip.