Tag Archives: Kitchen

Four Kitchen Gadgets Set to Transform Your Cooking Experience

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Kitchen gadgets have evolved from air fryers to Spyra Lizards. The latest multipurpose countertop cookers are vying for attention, offering more than just the current essential consumer items.

With their versatility, they aim to become a practical substitute for traditional stove and oven setups.

Compact Yet Potent Steam Rice Cooker

SMEG Countertop Steam Oven features 33 automatic programs – Credit: SMEG

If you’ve ever wondered why restaurant dishes are so succulent, the answer is steam cooking. Steam ovens are prevalent in professional kitchens due to their ability to cook food quickly without drying it out.

Steam transfers more thermal energy than dry air and condenses on the food, delivering that energy directly for faster, more even cooking.

Smeg has ingeniously incorporated the steam rice cooker into the Combi oven, designed compactly to fit on your countertop. Within, the water tank connects to a boiler system.

Selecting the steam function heats the water in the boiler, releasing steam into a spacious 30-liter chamber.

You can also combine steam with roasting for crispy meats, potatoes, or bread, or choose from 10 other functionalities, such as air frying, baking, grilling, and defrosting.

Although its 33 automatic programs may seem daunting, intuitive controls and a steam cleaning feature enhance user-friendliness. Compared to standard ovens, SMEG’s small cavities heat up more quickly and consume less energy.

Smeg 10-in-1 Countertop Combi Steam Oven

The Undisputed Champion of the Air Fryer Market

Daewoo Halogen Air Fryer Oven boasts a maximum capacity of 17 liters, capable of roasting a whole chicken at once – Credit: Daewoo

Several features set Daewoo apart in the competitive Air Fryer landscape.

First, its transparent glass galley provides a 360° view of your food as it cooks, eliminating the need to open the drawer and lose heat while checking.

Second, its standard 12-liter galley can be expanded to 17 liters with extender rings.

While larger countertop ovens like Smeg and Gastroback offer increased capacity, it’s uncommon to find this volume in a dedicated air fryer. Most traditional models max out around 10 liters. This ample space, combined with an adjustable rack, enables you to roast an entire chicken or prepare a full meal at once.

Lastly, unlike conventional air fryers that utilize fans with metal heating coils, Daewoo employs a halogen bulb in conjunction with the fan for faster heating.

The intense heat produced allows for a crispy exterior while maintaining moisture inside. However, caution is advised as overcooking can occur easily. Additionally, halogen air fryers may not be as energy-efficient as regular basket models.

Daewoo Halogen Air Fryer Oven

Versatility in One Device

Ninja Multi-Cooker features nine modes, including air frying, pressure cooking, steaming, grilling, sautéing, dehydrating, yogurt making, and more – Credit: Ninja

The air fryer has long been known for its efficiency and versatility. Nevertheless, manufacturers have extensively enhanced their functionality, integrating features that rival traditional stoves and ovens.

Take, for instance, the Ninja Foodi 9-in-1, which offers not just air frying but also eight additional cooking modes, including pressure cooking, steaming, grilling, sautéing, dehydrating, and yogurt making.

Two distinct lids manage the various functions: a pressure lid for high-pressure cooking and a crisp lid for air frying—which can also be used with the steam feature when the vents are open.

The heating elements and fan within the lid circulate hot air to brown the food effectively.

The bottom heating element provides gentle heat suitable for yogurt or direct heat for baking and sautéing.

It’s a robust appliance that occupies considerable counter space, and the central lid can be quite imposing. However, its energy savings become significant, particularly when preparing family-sized meals.

Ninja Foodi 9-in-1 Multi Cooker

A Pizza Experience Without Flames

Gastroback oven functions as a pizza oven, rotisserie oven, air fryer, and more – Credit: Gastroback

Wood-fired pizza ovens have undergone style and structural upgrades in recent years, leading to their increased presence even in smaller outdoor spaces.

For those without gardens—or who prefer convenience—an all-in-one countertop oven brings the quick cooking and delicately crisp results you desire.

The Gastroback Design Oven Air Fry & Pizza is equipped with six heating elements—four on top and two bottom—that allow for individual control, providing precise heat management for various functions.

Air frying, baking, roasting, dehydrating, and thawing utilize all elements in combination with a built-in convection fan.

The upper elements are ideal for browning and grilling, while the lower elements are suited for reheating pastries and toast.

By removing the rack and adding skewers, the Gastroback can transform into a rotisserie oven. Alternatively, you can employ a ceramic pizza stone with the upper heating elements for pizza.

In its 22-liter chamber, the Gastroback warms up more rapidly than a larger traditional oven.

Energy savings are most apparent with small dishes or quick meals; however, using it solely for toasting or reheating may compromise efficiency as smaller appliances might perform just as well.

One trade-off with the Gastroback’s size is the reduced capacity for larger dishes compared to a conventional 60-liter oven. With numerous features and accessories, the learning curve may seem daunting at first.

Gastroback Design Oven Air Fry & Pizza

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Source: www.sciencefocus.com

The harmful effects of certain kitchen utensils on health

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Some kitchen appliances have become popular in our kitchens due to their cost-effectiveness, durability, and easy cleaning. However, recent studies indicate that certain food staples like black plastic utensils, plastic cutting boards, and nonstick pots may release harmful substances into our food. This is not the kind of seasoning we want in our healthy, nutritious meals.

So, what are the risks associated with these kitchen tools, and what are the safer alternatives available?

Issues with Plastic Utensils

Many of us may have a set of black plastic spatulas, spoons, and ladles tucked away in our kitchen drawers. New research reveals that these items can potentially leach toxic flame retardants like decabromodiphenyl ether (decaBDE) into our food.

These chemicals were originally used in electronics to reduce fire risks but are now present in black plastic kitchen utensils made from recycled electronic waste.

Another study found that 85 percent of black plastic household items examined, including fast food trays, children’s toys, and kitchen utensils, contained toxic flame retardants, with the highest levels found in kitchen utensils.

DecaBDE is particularly harmful, linked to cancer, hormonal disorders, thyroid issues, developmental problems in children, neurobehavioral effects, and toxicity in the reproductive and immune systems. Due to these concerns, it was banned in the UK in 2018 and in the US in 2021.

Researchers estimate that people may be exposed to an average of 34.7 ppm of deca-BDE daily through recycled black plastic kitchen utensils, posing a significant health risk as the chemicals can accumulate in the body over time.

Instead of using black plastic utensils, consider switching to safer alternatives like stainless steel or food-grade silicone options.

Cutting Board and Microplastics

Plastic cutting boards, although seemingly harmless, can release microplastics into our food. These small particles, known as microplastics, can be ingested unintentionally and pose health risks.

Recent research suggests that cutting boards made of polypropylene and polyethylene can release up to 1,114 microplastic particles with just one cut, leading to potential health issues related to microplastic ingestion.

Replacing plastic cutting boards with bamboo or wood alternatives can help reduce these health risks, as these materials are naturally resistant to bacteria and environmentally friendly.

The Truth about Nonstick Cookware

Nonstick pans are favored by many home cooks for their convenience, but the chemicals used in these coatings, such as PFAS, raise health concerns. While modern nonstick pans are considered safe, there are uncertainties about their long-term impacts, especially when exposed to high temperatures or damage.

Be cautious with nonstick pans to prevent overheating, which can release toxic fumes and particles. Scratches or damage to the coating can also release harmful substances into food.

Consider using alternative cookware options like stainless steel or cast iron to avoid potential health risks associated with nonstick pans.

Source: www.sciencefocus.com

New Study Shows Common Kitchen Worktop Material Can Lead to Irreversible Lung Disease

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Doctors are calling for a ban on artificial stone, a popular material used for kitchen worktops, following the confirmation of eight cases of artificial stone silicosis in the UK for the first time.

Also known as engineered or reconstituted stone, artificial stone has gained popularity for its aesthetics and durability over the last two decades. However, a new report published in the British Journal of Construction highlights the serious health risks posed by its high silica content, which exceeds 90% compared to 3% in marble and 30% in granite.

“Silicosis is a progressive lung disease caused by inhaling crystalline silica dust,” said Dr. Patrick Howlett, a spokesperson for BBC Science Focus. “The risk of developing silicosis is significantly higher for workers in the artificial stone industry compared to those with chronic respiratory conditions.”

“Various industries expose individuals to silicosis, including mining, pottery, cement work, and now artificial stone fabrication. Prolonged exposure to low levels of silica dust can lead to the development of silicosis over time,” added Dr. Howlett.

All eight affected individuals were male, with an average age of 34, and most worked for small businesses with fewer than 10 employees. Poor safety practices, such as inadequate respiratory protection and ventilation systems, were reported by workers during cutting and grinding operations.

The report’s authors emphasized the need for national guidelines and better enforcement to protect workers from artificial stone silicosis. They highlighted the urgent need for early detection of cases and preventative measures to avoid a potential epidemic.

Since 2010, cases of artificial stone silicosis have been reported worldwide, but the UK confirmed its first cases in mid-2023. California has identified nearly 100 cases of silicosis among countertop workers, prompting the adoption of new regulations to safeguard workers.

Australia has already banned the use of artificial stone as of July 2024, aiming to eliminate the health risks associated with its production and installation.

In related editorials, Dr. Christopher Barber and researchers from Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust drew parallels between artificial stone silicosis and historical occupational health crises, urging stricter regulations and enforcement to protect workers.

Experts are currently reviewing exposure limits for crystalline silica dust in the UK, with a focus on mitigating the risks associated with artificial stone worktops. Silicosis remains a significant concern for clinicians and researchers in the occupational health field.

About our experts

Patrick Howlett: An MRC Clinical Research Fellow at the National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London, focusing on silicosis and tuberculosis among small-scale miners in Tanzania.

Christopher Barber: A leading expert in occupational and environmental lung disease, serving as a medical advisor to the UK Health and Safety Executive and conducting extensive research in the field.

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Source: www.sciencefocus.com

Unusual extremophiles hiding in your kitchen

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“May I ask what this is for?” The pharmacy assistant looks at me quizzically. I just requested some coronavirus tests, a urine sample pot, and a sterile scalpel blade. Oh, and latex gloves, please. “We want to see if there’s an extreme life form hiding inside your dishwasher,” I explain. “I see,” she said carefully, and hurried off to consult her colleague.

I admit it’s an unusual shopping list. To explain that, we have to rewind to June, when we found research on bacteria that can survive in environments that humans would consider extreme conditions, such as high temperatures, corrosive liquids, or powerful radiation. Typically, scientists head to exotic locations to find these microbes, such as the scorching hot volcanic springs of Yellowstone National Park or the frozen deserts of Antarctica. But you don’t have to go to the ends of the earth to find them, the study says. Perhaps extreme loving microbes are not only surviving, but thriving. Among the kitchen appliances.

That was it. I had to find out if my kitchen was really inhabited by microorganisms like the list of superhero powers. In the process, I gained a new appreciation for the diversity of life. And you’ll never look at a coffee machine quite the same way again.

Extremely affectionate microbes are a treasure trove for bioprospectors who explore the natural world in search of biotechnological innovations. For example, PCR tests for the coronavirus rely on a DNA copying enzyme that was first isolated from bacteria. Thermas Aquatics They live in hot springs and can withstand temperatures hot enough to poach eggs.

Source: www.newscientist.com