Review of Bayou Classic 3066A 30-Quart Outdoor Turkey Fryer Kit

Customer Ratings:

I purchased this turkey fryer kit with home brewing on the mind. I am a novice home brewer and this kit allowed for me and the fellow members of the Rat Bastard Brew Club to venture outdoors to brew beer, instead of in the cramped kitchen. This product allowed us to do a full five gallon boil, which provides you with a better product than a 3 gallon partial boil on the stove. I am pleased with this product and the quality of the kit in general, I would recommend this to anyone who has home brewing on the mind.

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This is a nice set and worth every penny, but the same manufacturer, Bayou Classic, offers another set here, same fryer but more accessories like a basket and fry pot (for seafood boils and such) included for only another $10. Check it out before you spend more buying this one plus the extras if you'll use them like we do :)

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I did a lot of research and if you follow directions , it is safe and fun.

It takes about 25 min to heat the oil and 45 minutes to cook an 11 lb. turkey. The pot has a maximum oil level mark and that was the correct amount for our bird. The turkey must be dried well to prevent spattering. Watch the oil temp. so it does not go over 350. Do it outdoors as the paint has to burn off the burners and it smells.

Honest reviews on Bayou Classic 3066A 30-Quart Outdoor Turkey Fryer Kit

As another poster mentioned, the paint doesn't last past the first use of this product. What he didn't go into, however, is that this paint is apparently flammable. On my second use of the burner I had the gas flowing at about 90%, left to go inside to grab something to drink, came back outside and the entire unit was in flames. If you are going to buy this burner, make sure you keep a very very VERY close eye on it until the paint burns (not melts, burns) off. I'd even advise trying to scrape the paint off as a precautionary measure.

Other than that, the pot and accessories served their purposes well. Just wish that if the paint was going to burn off from the get-go that they'd just sent one without any paint on it at all.

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I haven't fried a turkey in this (yet!) but I did use it for brewing beer I needed a big pot and a hefty outdoor burner to bring 6 gallons of beer to a boil. This brought it to a boil in about 20 minutes, when my stovetop (if it could even have done it at all) would take hours. This would've gotten five stars except for two things: the pot itself is a bit flimsy (though I don't much care if it has some small dents, as long as it holds water) and the paint on the burner burns off the first time you use it it smells terrible, but doesn't really affect anything else. I've used it again since the first time, and there was no more terrible smell, so it's just a one-time thing. Seems silly to paint it if it's just going to burn off, though.

If I decide to fry a turkey, I'll come back and update this review. 'Til then, it's definitely a cheap way to bring a whole bunch of liquid to a boil.

Reviews of Kenmore Whirlpool dryer timer 3976569 Model M460-G

Customer Ratings:

This was the exact part that was stated and it worked perfectly in my dryer. Laundry was up and going in no time!

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The part looked worse than my old one. It worked at first but now it is doing the same thing my old one did. My dryer is tore up again with the same problem. It didn't last very long for what I paid for it.

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Replaced a burned out thermostat and thought that would be it, but found we needed a timer too...poor dryer...after 3 boys and 15 years, it finally said no more. It's been a great one and after replacing this part (and the thermostat) it works like brand new again...even if it doesn't look like it! What do you expect in an all male household with only one female to keep them from tearing it down tussling down the halls and such!

Discount Grohe 47 157 000 Thermostat/Pressure Balance Valve Cartridge for 35

Customer Ratings:
List Price: $104.00
Sale Price: $67.71
Today's Bonus: 35% Off

Well, I called Grohe and ask them for help after my plumbing was frozen in the January Chicago storm. The tech told me by replacing this along with the check inserts should fixed the problem. No such luck after both parts installed the rough-in is still leaking. Now I have to order the new rough-in and replace everything else.

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Triplett 9610 Plug-Bug 2 GFCI Receptacle Tester for 110-125 VAC Reviews

Customer Ratings:

This comparative review is for:

Triplett 9610 "Plug-Bug 2" GFCI Receptacle Tester

Gardner Bender GFI-3501 Outlet and GFCI Tester

Klein Tools RT200 GFCI Receptacle (Outlet) Tester

Extech Instruments ET 10 GFCI Receptacle Tester

OVERVIEW:

-----------

All 4 can be used to look for common faulty wiring in common U.S. household outlets and GFCI outlets, as well as test if GFCI functionality is operable, aka it will trip and cut things off when called on to do so.

All except the Gardner Bender have the mini-LED for GFCI testing to confirm the test button made contact, though that alone shouldn't be a deal breaker I would think.

All 4 work.

Let's find a way to help choose one over the other.

(1) INSTRUCTIONS:

-------------------

Klein's Instructions:

The Klein's instructions are excellent, probably the best. However, after reading the others instructions Klein's instructions could further benefit from much more detail on cautions/warnings/limits and useful commentary.

EASY-TO-READ details broken out by 2 USAGE SCENARIOS and done STEP-BY-STEP flow chart style.

MINI DATA SHEET spec info you normally don't expect, and some would argue need, from such a cheap tool. I liked it's inclusion.

Printed on quality multiple page folded white cardboard pamphlet, certainly the nicest, most durable presentation, folks might actually keep it. Its contents and its look belies a more PROFESSIONAL IMPRESSION of the product.

One negative is I think is the THINNESS OF THE CAUTIONS/WARNINGS as is obvious when you read the Triplett instructions (See below).

Triplett instructions:

CAUTIONS/WARNINGS ARE THE MOST DETAILED, most useful.

The actual INSTRUCTIONS ARE THE WEAKEST and hardest to read of the three, almost no granularity or flow to the step by step.

The instructions and warnings were fitted into one side of a very thin sheet of paper the size of an index card. SCREAMS CHEAP. But again, the Cautions/Warnings are the best.

Extech instructions:

The instructions are better than the Triplett's, though less detailed and usable than Klein's.

The Cautions/Warnings/Limits are perhaps tied with Klein's, though significantly less detailed and usable than Triplett's.

One-half of a cardboard backing the size of an index card is what you get for instructions and/or warnings.

Gardner Bender instructions:

I like the separating of regular outlet and GFCI outlet testing instructions for the layman.

I like that there are some environmental engineering specs noted.

I like the list of what products like this don't do, the suggestions to use a qualified electrician to fix issues, the reminder to shut the power off to the outlet if you are going to work on it, and other safety advice.

The instructions are on glossy black&white and show some care. Not quite the attention to detail for instructions that Klein showed, but certainly adequate and quality enough not to detract from the product impression.

If this is important to you, I give Klein, and in second place Gardner Bender, the edge here.

(2) BUILD QUALITY, FIT & FINISH:

--------------------------------

The plug PRONGS for all of them don't wiggle, their ground prongs are fully formed, not the cheap looking u-style some have, and they all push into sockets easily.

The CASES of all except the Gardner Bender are almost exactly alike except the Klein case appears better manufactured, next best manufactured was the Extech, and finally the Triplett. The pieces fit together best and more flush with the Klein than the other two, there are less gaps between the plastic pieces and fewer surface imperfections.

The Gardner Bender CASE is different than the others and its build quality is excellent, at least on par with the Klein, it looks the least cheap of the four.

The Gardner Bender instructions announce that the unit is double insulated, "the tester is protected throughout by double insulation or reinforced insulation". I don't know how this compares to the other three.

I give the Gardner Bender and the Klein the edge here.

(3) ON-METER LEGEND LEGIBILITY:

---------------------------------

The text describing the meaning of the LEDs is easiest to read on the Gardner Bender, Klein, and Extech. The colored circles that match to the text are easiest to read on the Extech, next is the Triplett, then the Klein, then the Gardner Bender. On none of them is the text or colored circles too difficult to make out, though the text on the Triplett is pretty bad.

I give Exatech the edge here.

(4) TRYING TO GET PEOPLE TO READ INSTRUCTIONS:

---------------------------------------------------

The Gardner Bender says in easy to see white text on black, and Triplett says in big bold black text on white on the products to read instructions before using. On the Klein and the Extech the same warning is near invisible molded into the case in the same color as the case.

I give Gardner Bender and Triplett the edge here.

SUMMARY:

----------

Overall I choose the Gardner Bender or Klein due to the quality of the instructions and a sense that someone cared more about their manufacture.

They all appear to work and none of us are going to test a random sampling of 100 of them nor probably break them open to examine them, so we'll probably never be able to estimate their true comparative durability.

If any of the manufacturers wish to comment here on having addressed any issues raised here I will adjust the review accordingly.

TRIPLETT'S PUBLISHED "CAUTIONS/WARNINGS":

---------------------------------------------

To help users of all these kinds of outlet testers I've included here Triplett's good list of cautions/warnings as they may prove informative to the casual user of most of these type of outlet testers.

To help avoid erroneous readings, all appliances and equipment must be unplugged/disconnected from the circuit being tested.

Do not press the TEST button on (this meter) for more than 6 seconds. Now this is interesting as pressing it for 7 seconds is one of the steps on the Klein Tools test instructions. Note: Does it go into why you shouldn't press it for 7 seconds? Why of course not :).

This tester does not indicate the quality of a ground connection.

This tester may not indicate the presence of a hot wire. That is, it is possible for a hot wire to be present when none of the indicators light.

This tester will not accurately indicate a combination of wiring problems.

This tester will not test GFCI's installed on 2 wire (non-grounded) electrical circuits.

This tester does not perform a comprehensive test. It only checks for probable common improper wiring conditions.

120 VAC is dangerous and may cause user injury of death. Use all appropriate cautions. Note: Does it then go into appropriate cautions? Why of course not :).

Use only on 110 to 125 VAC receptacles.

GFCI receptacle or GFCI branch circuit protector must be installed in accordance with the manufactures specifications.

All corrective action must be made by qualified electrician. Note: Amen.

SOME ADDITIONAL EXTECH'S PUBLISHED

"CAUTIONS/WARNINGS" THAT MAY APPLY

TO YOUR MANUFACTURER'S UNIT (reworded):

-------------------------------------------

I'll add these additional ones from the Extech instructions.

If the circuit doesn't trip after hitting the GFCI button, either the GFCI is operable but the wiring is incorrect, or the wiring is correct and the GFCI is inoperable.

Tester will not indicate 2 hot wires in a circuit.

Tester will not indicate reversal of ground or neutral conductors.

ADDITIONAL GARDNER BENDER PUBLISHED

"CAUTIONS/WARNINGS" THAT MAY APPLY

TO YOUR MANUFACTURER'S UNIT (reworded):

-------------------------------------------

I'll add this additional one from the Gardner Bender instructions.

The more the other appliances or equipment on the circuit are unplugged the less chance there is for an erroneous reading.

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Would have liked to have seen how it works-but it didn't work straight out of the package. Piece of junk!! !! Sadly for $8 is not work the time and effort to return it. Avoid.

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If your looking for a cheap good plug tester, this works great. It is a simple device and there isn't much to it, but mine has taken a beating over the past week an it works great, even after 15ft falls.

Honest reviews on Triplett 9610 Plug-Bug 2 GFCI Receptacle Tester for 110-125 VAC

Works flawlessly and does not feel cheap. No regrets. Sometimes the lights are not clearly distinguishable under bright conditions but you just use your palm to give it some shadow and that's it.

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Works effectively, great for DIY electrical repair. The GFI test switch is the main reason why I bought this, and it works. Very simple product, easy to use.

Cheap Farberware Millennium Best Brew Percolator -- FCP-240 -- Great 2-4

Customer Ratings:

My 1st 12-cup Farberware peculator was a gift from my brother to convince me that perked is better than drip. He convinced me with just 1 cup. He purchased the peculator for less than $30 in upstate NY and it lasted for more than 8 years. My 2nd Farberware peculator was less than $40 (bought at K-Mart) and lasted around 3 or 4 years. My 3rd Farberware peculator cost around $50 (bought at JCP) and lasted less than 2 years. My determination to buy a peculator that lasted as long as my first has just died along with my 4th and LAST Farberware peculator that cost me more than $60 (also bought at JCP). In between the 12-cup Farberware peculators I purchased over the year, I tried several other brands but kept coming back to Farberware. I love the sleek, classy sturdy structure of the 12-cup stainless steel design, but the heating element in this peculator keeps burning out way to quickly. I wish Farberware would make their peculators the way they used to 20 years ago because THEY WERE THE BEST and that's unfortunate.

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I had had this percolater for a minimum of 6 years for longer,and it works perfectly brews quickly and stores with minimum space.I am currently looking to purchase another one, only because I gave mine to my son.This product is well worth every dime.The only difference is I had the 2-4 cup size.I believe you will be as pleased as I am.I kept it clean by percking water and white vinegar.

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It used to be that newlyweds would receive a Farberware percolator coffee pot as a wedding gift and could be assured of two things: 1) there would be at least one delicious thing coming out of the kitchen and 2) it was so well made that the life of the coffee pot would probably outlast the life of the typical American marriage. But alas, no more. I don't know what has happened at Farbarware except that maybe a company named APPLICA seems to be making their products now and slapping the Farberware name on the side! Have the bean counters and the marketeers gotten together and decided that a coffee pot with a short life is a good ROI?

Farberware's motto is: Founded over 100 years ago, the Farberware®name has stood for value, quality and durability. This commitment to the customer continues to this day.

Hmmm, I think not.

As the other reviewers noted, this percolator produces a superb cup of coffee good straight ahead American coffee. Unfortunately, my pot worked for ---one year and a day!

I will not buy another Farberware percolator until the companies realign their priorities. Off, now, for a sad cup of tea as my percolator sits, cold and dead.

Honest reviews on Farberware Millennium Best Brew Percolator -- FCP-240 -- Great 2-4

I have been using the Faberware 4-6 and 6-8 cup perculators for several years. They were once an excellent product. I will have a better idea of how good the Millenium is after several months (If it last that long). Initially, these perculators had two pronged plugs and you could get a pretty good jolt from them if you placed your hand on a metal sink and the other on the pot wiping it off as it started up. The new pots have a grounded plug making it a lot safer. I went so far as to change the receptacle to a ground fault detector just in case. These pots have a tendancy to fail rather quickly if used 2 to 4 times daily. I had one last year (A 6-8 cup) only last 2 months! I don't know what the difference is between the Millenium and the non-millenium. They have the same model number. A few days ago I noticed three different listings on Amazon for a 4-6 cup model with the same model number and three different prices from $41.00 to $70.00. The only difference was the word Millenium on one of them. All I can say about the pot is that it makes an excellent cup of coffee in 5 minutes. When I compared my old 4-6 cup to the new one, there was a noticeable difference in the quality.

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Drink only 2 cups of coffee per week so this is the ideal size. Easy to clean. Small storage space. Brews in 3 minutes.

Buy Johnson Controls A419ABC-1C Electronic Temp Controller

Customer Ratings:

This product was exactly what I needed. I purchased a chest freezer to convert into a kegerator (technically a "keezer") for homebrew obviously freezers are meant to be used at temps below freezing, and I need to chill my homebrew to about 40*F, so a temp controller is required. I had never wired anything electronic before, but this was very simple and easy to accomplish. Overall, it was worth buying this unwired unit for cheaper, as I was able to wire it and install it myself for less $ than the pre-wired units from homebrew shops. If you have some steady hands, all the wires/tools required (you'll need pigtail wires, a spare 16 gauge extension cord cut in half, wire strippers, and some wire nuts) and a little bit of patience, it's worth it to purchase this unwired unit. The controller itself works great with my chest freezer it's very simple to set up, and I'm able to achieve great temperature control for both chilling beer and maintaining specific fermentation temperatures. Highly recommended for fellow homebrewers looking to control their fermentation temps or trying to build a keezer.

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Sous vide is a cooking technology that has come into popular use within the past decade. It might also be described as a fresh food preservation technique. My family really needed this, as it allows my teenage sons to cook for themselves with lower cost, less wastage, and better flavor and health prospects than they can get from fast foods.

I combined the Johnson Controls A419 with an aquarium air stone to turn a simple 7 qt. Crockpot into a circulating water bath cooker that compares well with home sous vide controllers that are priced between $350 and $500.

I combined the Johnson Controls A419 with a water heater element ($6 on EBay) and the air stone to turn a 28 qt. Coleman cooler into a high capacity sous vide cooker that can easily precook 100 entrees per day.

The A419 relay output has been durable for me under heavy loads that are rumored online to do damage to the typical PID controller. The 1 degree F hysteresis of the A419 sounds like trouble to PID controller users who fool themselves into believing their water baths are accurate to 0.1 degrees, but it turns out that only the average temperature matters, as demonstrated by the excellent flavors of the prepared meats.

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We have a Marvel Kegerator that is at least 30 years old. Last year the thermostat went bad and the only temperature it would reach was "frozen solid". We looked at new kegerators, but most of the reviews lamented that they didn't keep the beer cold enough. We didn't want to give up our wonderful Marvel unit so I ordered this and my husband wired it up to our Marvel and YES! We have wonderful cold, NOT FROZEN, beer again! :-) We are living on borrowed time with our old kegerator, we realize, but if we can get even another year out of it thanks to this device, it will have been well worth it.

Thanks to the others who left the reviews that helped me decide to buy this. Cheers!

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This controller works as advertised. I misunderstood wiring instructions (my fault). Did not realize that unit switches only hot lead of AC. Once I figured it out, it works as it should. I am using it to control a kegerator that had a faulty thermostat. Also to turn on a small fan to blow on coils.

4 Stars, only because I reserve 5 stars for exceptional. This works as it should.

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I bought this to control the temperature of a 3.4 cu ft refrigerator that I modified to hold fermenters and this works perfect. The unit gives enough temperature range to brew pretty much any kind of beer you want.

E-ware Deep Fryer 1.2Lt Counter Top Series Review

Customer Ratings:
List Price: $59.99
Sale Price: $32.99
Today's Bonus: 45% Off

I wish they could make a mini big fryer with a handle that can fold down out of the way, but it works great so far!

Later reviewit broke after 2 months of moderate use, just stopped getting hot. Pass the return policy date.

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Not very big thing but nice good for cooking snacks and great for cooking for the kids

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This little fryer works great for 1-2 servings, and it takes up a small amount of space so it works well for someone in an apartment. There are some reviews complaining about the short, magnetic cord but we found it works quite well as long as you don't stretch the cord out too far. Since pulling the unit close to the edge of the counter top is dangerous, this acts as a safety measure too.

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This is a great machine for small jobs. I can fry an entire batch of mozzarella sticks, no problem. Chicken and fries requires several batches, which is fine.

The oil maintains its quality over anywhere from 15-20 sessions, and the oil heats up so quickly! I just store it in the fridge and pull it out when I'm ready to use it again. Washes fairly easily. The basket is really convenient, compared to a Fry Daddy with a slotted spatula.

Update: 11/20/2011

Used the device this morning to fry some mozzarella sticks. Tried it again this afternoon for French fries and it simply doesn't work. The lid doesn't open, the heating element won't come on. I didn't drop it, clean it, or anything. Just put it in the refrigerator for storage.

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This is most certainly one of the worst items I have bought in the past few years.

I tried to plug the cord into the back of the fryer... and it broke. There is nothing inside the machine, behind the plug, to hold the plug in, so just push on it a bit too hard and it will break. That the plug of a machine using boiling oil should break and fall into the machine is simply unacceptable and a real hazard...

I didn't even get to use the fryer!

Complete waste of money!

I am not buying anything from this brand again and this is the last time I buy appliance on Amazon because I now have to go through the whole ordeal of shipping it back as opposed to just returning it to a store...