Antique Meat Grinders - Flea Market Bargains by Mifflin

While today's electric meat and food grinders certainly reduce the time and labor of grinding vegetables, meat, fish or making sausages, to a fraction of the time required with a manual grinder, antique models are anything but obsolete.

Antique grinders like this German-made Alexanderwerk #10 Model are grinding machines that are almost indestructable, and were quality crafted more for function than for their good looks. Although referred to as 'meat' grinders, these were also used for other foods such as nuts, onions and other vegetables, depending on their cutting plate design.

Generally old grinders were made of cast iron, cast steel and even aluminum, with precise internal parts that maintained their operating efficiency by being lubricated by the food that was inserted into its funnel. Some models did have bearings incorporated in their designs.

They were built to last but without proper care however, these models could rust if not thoroughly dried and it was not uncommon to apply a thin smearing of mineral oil to moving parts, to reduce this risk when the unit was stored.

Today, antique meat grinders are bargain finds, either for antique display purposes, or to return these durable food preparation machines to full operating capacity for the remainder of their long lifespan. The Alexanderwerk model is approximately 40 to 50 years old, in excellent condition and ready to go for many more years.

When would you use an old manual grinder? Old grinding machines are terrific for providing the second grinding work area when there is a large amount of meat to process such as wild game, to grind a batch of fish fillets for fish cakes, or to use for various food grinding chores at the bush camp where electricity is lacking. The low cost investment of a manual model may also fit your budget perfectly and provide you many years of good food grinding operation.

Kitchen Appliance Information Posted By : Blueshoots.com

What Every Kitchen Needs by Madeline J. Floyd

If you are just starting out or just want a well-stocked kitchen, there are many questions to be answered in what you need in your kitchen. When just starting out, you may only want some of the basics. If you have been cooking for quite a while, you may be interested in some of the new items available in kitchen appliances.

Everyone needs a good set of pots and pans. These include saucepans, Dutch ovens, stockpots, and skillets. Saucepans can be used for everything from warming soup to steaming rice. Dutch ovens are mainly used in the preparation of meats, stews and soups. Stockpots are simmering stocks for soups and are great for cooking pasta. If you are from the south, iron skillets are widely used for frying.

Cooks of all experience require a set of tools. Measuring cups are a must as are measuring spoons. Mixing bowls are necessary if you are going to be preparing a dish with multiple ingredients. Toaster,mixer (either hand held or a stand), and graters are other necessary tools. You will probably want a can opener. You may prefer the electric kind but you may want to get a manual one in case the electricity goes out. I have lost my electricity and wanted to open a can but only had an electric can opener. First thing I did was purchase a manual can opener so I could eat! Don't forget the slotted spoons, spatulas, and strainer.

You will definitely want some storage containers for your scrumptious leftovers. Plastic containers work great, but make sure they are microwavable.

Cutlery is something that all cooks need. A high quality set of knives will simplify your preparations. There are quite a variety of knives available. Paring knives are invaluable when peeling and cutting vegetables. Chef knives are used for many purposes. They can be used for chopping onion, mincing garlic and many other slicing duties.

If you don't want to destroy your counter tops, I would suggest a nice cutting board.
There are many other tools that would be nice to have, but not necessary. A mini chopper is a great tool to have in the kitchen instead of having to manually chop everything. A vegetable steamer is another nice kitchen tool. You can steam anything from vegetables to rice in these steamers.

The most important thing not to forget in your kitchen is SOMEONE ELSE TO DO THE DISHES!

Kitchen Appliances Crucial Information Posted By: Blueshoots.com

Small Kitchen Appliances Latest Update by global sources

China's small kitchen appliances exports have been rising steadily since April 2004. Overseas shipments amounted to US$4.2 billion in the 10 months to October 2005, a year-on-year increase of 30%.

However, this healthy growth rate could slow as the industry prepares for the EU's WEEE and RoHS directives, while also grappling with soaring material costs and fierce competition. This report gives you a ground level view of how different suppliers are preparing to comply with the EU directives.

Plus, you'll get 66 new company profiles and 14 updated ones, a huge product gallery of 217 of the hottest products, and a comprehensive industry overview to help you plan strategies for the months ahead.

Deep profiles of 20 major suppliers that offer details on manufacturing capabilities, quality controls, future development plans and more. Based on personal factory tours and interviews with senior managers, this information is available nowhere else

Profile tables of 60 additional suppliers, with key information such as production capacities, export capabilities, key export markets and main machinery installed

A Product Gallery featuring 217 of the most popular export small kitchen appliances, with key specifications and full-color pictures

The results of Global Sources' latest supplier survey, summarizing price, product, production and R&D trends for the next 12 months

This report covers the following types of small kitchen appliances: electric kettles,slice toasters, toaster ovens, rice & slow cookers, microwave ovens, food processors, blenders and juicers.

Kitchen Appliances Information Posted By: Blueshoots.com