MetaEfficient Reviews » Kitchen Products

Updates From The MetaEfficient Kitchen Labs

Justin — Sun, 05 Jul 2009 07:12:00 +0000

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. (more…)

Efficient Organic LEDs Demonstrated

Justin — Fri, 17 Apr 2009 18:40:48 +0000

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

The Best Rice Cookers

Siel — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 06:20:18 +0000

Do you eat rice at least 3 times a week? If not, quit reading — after this paragraph. The most efficient rice cooker decision you can make is to NOT buy a hefty gadget devoted almost entirely to cooking just rice. Instead, learn how to cook rice perfectly in a pot or, if you’re aiming for energy efficiency and don’t have picky tastebuds, how to microwave rice. (more…)

The Best Toasters of 2009

Siel — Mon, 19 Jan 2009 01:52:16 +0000

What makes a toaster efficient? Read through reviews of popular toasters, and you’ll see that many people seem to care more about the bells and whistles — automatic lowering of bread, pleasant dings when toasting is complete, and the like — than anything else. (more…)

Efficient Natural Deodorizer: MultiFresh

Justin — Sun, 07 Sep 2008 23:26:16 +0000

I’ve been testing a new deodorizer called MultiFresh. It is made with pyroclastic rock called Ignimbrite, which is found in volcanoes. This natural deodorizer absorbs odors like baking soda, but it is said to be many times more effective. Ignimbrite is one of the few negatively charged minerals in existence, so it also works by adsorbing molecules to its surface. This type of material can be placed in the freezer to ensure your icecubes don’t absorb unwanted odors, for example. To recharge MultiFresh you place it in a fresh air environment for 24-48 hours to release trapped odors. It’s available from Amazon. See also our previous post on Zeolite.

The Best Pressure Cookers

Justin — Fri, 11 Jul 2008 15:04:59 +0000

The Best Rated Pressure Cookers

Pressure cookers are efficient cooking devices – they are up to 70% more efficient than conventional pots. The lids of pressure cookers are built to completely seal the pot so that the contents can boil easily inside the pot. Food cooks faster because the liquid inside rises to a higher temperature before boiling. Cooking times can be reduced by a factor of three or four. Choose a stainless steel pressure cooker instead of aluminum one because the stainless steel does not interact with the food. (more…)

Efficient: Foot Pedal Faucet Controllers

Justin — Thu, 24 Apr 2008 02:14:40 +0000

Foot pedal faucet controllers allow you to control a faucet hands-free. These devices are efficient and hygienic — they are commonly found in commercial kitchens and hospitals. I’m not sure why we don’t see them in more homes. You can reduce water use by 50% using pedal controllers, and if it’s hot water, you’ll be saving power too.

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The Best Kitchen Faucet Aerators

Justin — Sun, 30 Mar 2008 21:16:54 +0000

The Best Kitchen Faucet Aerators

One of the least expensive ways to increase the efficiency of your home is to install low-flow aerators on your faucets. These devices save water, and lower utility bills as well, because less hot water is used. Because of this, low-flow aerators will generally pay for themselves in only a few months. (more…)

Bamboo Flatware Tray by Bambu

Justin — Thu, 26 Oct 2006 01:48:01 +0000

This attractive tray is made from 100% organically-grown bamboo, held together with non-toxic adhesive, and finished with natural, food-safe wood oil. It’s by Bambu, a company that is committed to environmental protection and fair labor practices in China. They also ensure worker health and safety measures, and fund third-party auditing. Available from Branch for $32. Found via productdose.

Inexpensive, Non-Toxic Solvent: Washing Soda

Justin — Thu, 13 Apr 2006 00:41:12 +0000

Washing soda is an efficient substitute for conventional toxic solvents. It cuts grease, cleans petroleum oil, removes wax, and neutralizes odors in the same way that baking soda does. Washing soda is sodium carbonate — it is in the same family as baking soda, but it has been processed differently. It is much more caustic/alkaline, with a pH of 11, and while it doesn’t give off harmful fumes, you do need to wear gloves. Don’t use it on fiberglass, aluminum or waxed floors — unless you intend to remove the wax. Washing soda can be found at most supermarkets.

The book Better Basics For the Home has many other non-toxic recipes and suggestions.

Via: Care2