Cast Iron, Rice Steamers, Kitchen Stuff, etc.

[Aulirophile]

Moving into my own apartment and have to leave all the current kitchen stuff behind as it isn't mine. I want to get some Lodge cast iron pots/pans. So far their site seems like the best deal for it as I can't find any indication that regular retail shops even carry it. I prefer buying local if I can so I can take stuff back.

Rice steamers I've looked at have all gotten mixed reviews by different people. Looking for something that can do various grains of rice (brown, white, etc.) if it can steam vegetables that'd be a bonus. Something around 20 cups (cooked) would be good.

Any other reccomendations for helpful kitche stuff or good deal type sites/stores would be appreciated. Cooking is a big thing for me and I like to do it, so having a really well equipped kitchen is more important to me then, say, furniture.

[Dexz]

Goto Super Target and go crazy =p.

[Dintorr]

I really hate the customer service (non-service?) at Target, but they do have a very nice selection of home goods. Walmart also carries the Lodge line. Not that the customer service is any better at Walmart.

[Bralkan]

I don't recomend buying to much there, but I got a bomber rice steamer (can't do vegetables) for ~$10 at Biglots.

[Screamfeeder]

Do you use cast iron everything?

I use mostly All-Clad and Calphalon but I do have a cast iron skillet and a cast-iron braisiere.

They are very good but you might not find them all at a Target (I had to purchase mine at a Macys (I think).

As far as steaming rice and vegitables goes, I have always used a 2 tier bamboo steamer.

Only sticky rice can be made in a bamboo steamer though so you would probably want something like a Krups FDH212 Rice Cooker which is at Target.

Lodge is also carried at Target but if you care about costumer service you can also buy all this stuff at Macys (Might be more expensive...might be cheaper...no idea).

[Cybsled]

If you want a rice steamer, get a real one from Japan where rice steamers are as common an appliance as a toaster or microwave is in America. Fuck those Black and Decker ones and whatnot.

The best brand in my experience is Zojirushi.

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/se...283848-6302560

Browse over the different models.

Forgot which model I have, but it owns. They perfectly steam the rice, so there is never any hard shit or overcooked grains. They also can keep the rice ready for hours, so you can throw the rice + water in, goto work or whatnot, then come home and you'll have hot steamed rice waiting for you. It also cooks all different types of rice, so you can do white sticky, brown, hell I think they can even make hot oatmeal. Some of the newer models can do vegetables too I think.

You can get a 1-2 cup model for pretty cheap (although they go up to 10cups I believe). Check ebay too, sometimes you can find brand new still in the box for a bit cheaper.

[dak]

For some reason when I saw "Cast Iron, Rice Steamers" I automatically assumed this thread was about Honda Civics.

[Kevincheese]

If you need cutlery, look on ebay for Cutco stuff (If you can't afford new ones; if you can, definitely look it up, the stuff is amazing). And don't shy away from older pieces. They'll be as good as the day they were made, and if they weren't, send them in for a free repair. (warranty is still good after changing owners)

[Zarcath]

1. Don't buy a 20 cup rice cooker. Unless you're cooking for an entire family of asians you don't need that much.

2. Don't buy an american rice cooker.

I personally own a Tiger rice cooker (http://www.asiachi.com/tig5cupricco.html) I usually only cook 3 though, lasts me the week. It's a little pricy but I've had it for over a year now and I still think it's the best decision I've ever made.

[Fattyfat]

Originally Posted by Zarcath

1. Don't buy a 20 cup rice cooker. Unless you're cooking for an entire family of asians you don't need that much.

2. Don't buy an american rice cooker.

I personally own a Tiger rice cooker (http://www.asiachi.com/tig5cupricco.html) I usually only cook 3 though, lasts me the week. It's a little pricy but I've had it for over a year now and I still think it's the best decision I've ever made.

i also own a tiger rice cooker that maxes at about 6cups and it owns complete ass...

[dub]

My mom has a zujirushi, it is nice. I don't eat as much rice as I used to (half filipino) but I just got myself a mini panasonic steamer, works great. I got it from a Linen n Things. Just as great as the big bucks asian brand, at least for my meager needs. I can also steam vegetables and meat.

[findar]

cutco is fun stuff.

i used to sell it. shit will cut fingers off like nothing.

[EnigmaticParadigm]

Some kid came to my grandparent's house one day selling Cutco. He brought a bunch of vegetables with him that he claimed he could cut through in one slice. Intrigued, they let him in. He chopped through a goddamn pumpkin in one whack. He proceeded to murder other various plant life and they were sold. They were spendy, but my grandparent's still use them. Best goddamn knives ever.

[Zarcath]

I wouldn't know what I would do without rice, I don't know how white people manage. Rice is pretty much rice, you don't have to go out and eat to have "good" rice. Don't see how people can just eat bread or whatever...mashed potatoes, mac salad? What do white people eat?

[Guild Lackey]

I'm 0% asian (although now live in Japan) and always ate rice as well. I love taking leftovers, making riceballs and popping them in the freazer for snacks later. Really good rice, is so much easier to make and less expensive than really good bread.