Appliances
Vacuum pumps reduce cooking juices into concentrated sauces, distill essential oils from fruits, vegetables and brew coffee while retaining aromatics that otherwise escape into air
By W. Wayt Gibbs and Nathan Myhrvold
Scientific American 2011-09-04
FDA says studies on triclosan, in dishwashing liquid, other soaps, raise concerns on it as endocrine disruptor or catalyst in creation of antibiotic-resistant bacteria
By Lyndsey Layton
The Washington Post 2010-04-08
For optimum dishwasher performance, read the directions and cut back on the soap
By Alina Tugend
The New York Times 2010-03-10
Stainless facade of Food Network trickles down to modest kitchens
By Martha C. White
The Washington Post 2009-12-13
Analysis: Improving Energy Star ratings for appliance efficiency
Energy Star/Energy Guide program for rating energy efficiency of appliances is inaccurate, unreliable and oversimplified, with manufacturers' claims left unverified. More helpful is EU version. A dishwasher there, for example, is rated on total energy and water consumption, cleaning performance, drying performance, size and noise. At a glance, shopper gets sense of how this dishwasher stacks up against others. And: Energy Star loopholes create skewed ratings (click 'See also').
By Harry Sawyers
Popular Mechanics 2009-08-13
Impurities in some granite countertops radioactive
Some granite countertops - mostly from Brazil and Namibia - emit radon, and calls to EPA on matter are increasing. Trade group says that amounts of uranium, thorium, potassium don't pose health threat; EPA recommends taking action if levels exceed 4 picocuries per liter of air - about the same risk for cancer as smoking a half a pack of cigarettes per day. to find a radon inspector, click 'See also.'
By Kate Murphy
The New York Times 2008-07-24
Revisiting the microwave
Exploring the microwave's capabilities with two master microwavers and others leads to vivid, flavorful vegetables, a spicy eggplant dish with mind-blowingly good texture (for recipe, click 'See also'), tender and rich puddings and a new appreciation for what would be better named the whiz-bang steaming oven.
By Mark Bittman
The New York Times 2008-04-02
Fined
Denying fault, Shopping Channel agrees to pay $875,000 civil fine after government agency alleges that network delayed on reporting safety hazards of Welbilt Electronic Pressure Cookers. The devices were twice recalled in 2005.
U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission 2007-12-27
Food processor review
Wired magazine calls red, $350 Viking food processor "cute," but gives mixed review. "Handles most chores with finesse," says reviewer, who also noted a clogged blade after shredding zucchini.
By Melissa Wagenberg Lasher
Wired 2007-10-23
Kitchen thinking:
No-maintenance countertops and turbocharged dishwashers may be more snappy marketing patter than truth; kitchen appliances and countertops need to work, and green alternatives must be durable, says Consumer Reports;
Consumer Reports; Worcester Telegram & Gazette
Energy-wise:
If refrigerator and other appliances are older than 10 years, it's likely that newer versions would be more efficient and cheaper to use, but don't put the old one in the basement - it will be a guzzler there as well.
By Ken Sheinkopf
The Ledger (Lakeland, FL)
Heart of home:
Kitchens evolve into places for entertaining, homework, computer work and other family activities; new construction includes fireplaces, TVs, professional appliances, high-end dishwashers, recessed lighting, crown moulding and higher, smooth ceilings.
By Anna Thibodeaux
The Huntsville Times; al.com 2007-08-05