RSVP Terry's Tamper Review. Designed by a professional barista, this tamper is made of heavy cast metal and compresses espresso like nobody's business....

 "Tamps well" 2008-01-11
By Steven Smith (Boulder, CO United States)

I have a DeLonghi EC155 and the smaller size fits very nicely for tamping. It is able to hold over 50 lbs of pressure with no problem. I used the tamping method from Good Eats, where you put 50lbs of pressure, then twist.

 "good find" 2007-01-18
By tmo (chicago)

how can you rate a tamper? well, it fits in the basket and it tamps down the coffee. I guess Terry's tamper does just that. It was a great price, I mean come on, who's the numbskull who would pay $20 for an item to tamp his grounds?

I was impressed by the fast shipping and great customer service.

 "Vast improvement" 2008-11-22
By L. A. Richards (East Longmeadow, MA United States)

It's rare that a small purchase ($8.00) can make such a big difference. I'm new to the espresso experience and I was using the art-deco plastic girder-looking tamper that came with the Airette unit. After reading the reviews below I bought Terry's Tamper and I couldn't believe what a difference it made. It's a handy size and it allowed me to exert a greater pressure while tamping the grind and the result was a better cup of espresso. I seem to get a better extraction from a tighter tamp therefore greater taste and value from my coffee. What more can one ask?

 "low cost tamper" 2008-06-13
By jeff west (socorro, nm)

works great. unfortunately my saeco aroma portafilter is a smidgeon too small for the large end, and the small end leaves a gap on the edge, but it doesn't seem to matter.

don't know how i lived w/o it. the espresso is so much more intense when its heavily tamped.

 "Pretty good tamper, good price" 2008-11-18
By Humpty Dumpty (MD, USA)

I have a Gaggia Classic espresso machine. The 55mm plastic tamper that came with the machine broke after a while. This one-piece cast aluminium Terry Tamp temper is a perfect replacement for the original. It is easy to hold, easy to use. No reason to spend $20-$100 on fancy tampers that may be inferior in quality to this.

Progressive GT-3520 International 19-Piece Measuring Cup and Spoon Set Review. Progressive International is your source for the widest range of functional, inventive, and fun kitchen tools and great ideas put into practice. Our in-house designers spend hours in the kitchen coming up with ways to improve on a variety of traditional tasks and tools. Established in 1973, our commitment to quality and service allows us to offer a broad selection of quality kitchenware and other household products. The 19 piece measuring set is everything you need in the kitchen. It includes a 9 piece measuring spoon set and 10 piece measuring cup set with 3 convenient storage rings. The measurements are as follows: 1/32 tsp, 1/16 tsp, 1/8 tsp, 1/4 tsp, 1/2 tsp, 1 tsp, 1/2 tbls, 2 tsp and 1 tbls; 10 cups: 1/8, 1/4, 1/3, 1/2, 2/3, 3/4, 1, 1 1/2, 1 3/4, 2 cups. Large handles for a more secure grip. Red, gray and white in color. Measurements in standard and metric sizes. Dishwasher safe....

 "Perfect" 2009-02-03
By A. Madden

Compaired to other sets, you get more in this set for the same price or less without giving up quality. Plus, you can't put stainless sets in the microwave to melt butter.



Pros:

1. Large set with odd sizes (like 3/4 cup)

2. I won't likely use the really small (like 1/32 tsp) but they can be used as a flour leveler to scrape over the top with the larger cups.

3. Sizes are not printed/painted on so they won't wear off

4. Weighted properly so that when I set it down they lay flat. My old set tipped over.

5. Nice mix of colors which makes them pretty but also makes it easier to tell close sizes apart.

6. The measures are in labled in cups and mL. No conversions.



The only thing I don't care for is that they don't stack together perfectly. The set is in 3 parts - 1 set of large cups, 1 set of medium cups and then a set of spoons.Each individual set stacks well, but when putting the 3 sets together they don't nest perfectly. Minor detail, so it's not worth subtracting a star over IMHO.

 "Love the extra details" 2009-04-15
By children should remain anonymous (USA)

My last set of measuring cups had sadly dwindled down to 3 different sizes. It was getting difficult to measure 1/3 of a cup out of a 1/4 cup measuring cup. I found this set in my search, and it seemed interesting that it seemed to have a variety of sizes. Ah-ha! For someone whose sets seem to disapear with the socks and tupperware lids, it seemed great. (My personal theory is that aliens need these items to power their space ships :). These cups are sturdy, 'nest' well, and stay that way. No spilling all over the cupboard because they were touched. And the number of sizes makes recipies easy! Having just 2 people to feed in our home means reducing recipies, and this set has sizes that will actually allow us to measure odd amounts.

 "Excellant Product" 2009-05-09
By C. PICKERING (Chicago, IL United States)

I was looking for a measuring spoons and cups with the labels raised in the plastic (as part of the plastic). I found that the labels printed on eventually fade away. I love to bake and cook and constantly having to wash the measuring spoons and cups was a bit annoying. I love this set and highly recommend it. It has the spoons and cups that one would regularly see in a recipe; 3 cups, 2 cups, pinch tsp, dash tsp,etc. If you bake and cook a lot, you will love this set. I don't care for the colors, but everything else is fine.

 "what a great product!" 2009-01-08
By sandicast (far north)

I had looked far and wide for a set that was complete and this was the only one I found .It has every measure you will ever need! Great product!!!!

 "love it" 2009-07-13
By Tovi (Texas)

This 19 piece measuring set is a huge time saver. I have a habit of doubling and halving recipes, so I always end up with odd measurements. With uncommonly sized cups, I end up with more precise measurements and I don't have to spend so much time with multiple cups.

Fasta Pasta The Microwave Cooker Review. No waiting for a big pot of water to boil. Cook pasta to al dente perfection in the microwave! Saves time, energy and water. Use with spaghetti, fettuccini, macaroni, lasagna noodles, rotini and more. Will not boil over. Cooks evenly without sticking. Great for dormitory, motorhome, boat or cabin. Dishwasher safe. FDA approved microwaveable material. Made in the USA...

 "As Good As Advertised -- Cooks Pasta Perfectly" 2008-07-26
By George Miller

I've been boiling various pasta noodles, at least twice a week, for over 25 years. When I first saw the FASTA PASTA microwave cooker internet demo video, I was a bit skeptical but interested enough to purchase the product from Amazon.com. After using the product three times, I can honestly say that it not only cooks pasta very fast but better, with less mess and energy, than pot boiling the noodles. Just follow the simple instructions and you will have perfectly cooked pasta without having to check it while cooking for readiness. I wish that this product had been invented years ago. My ONLY minor negative comments: 1. FASTA PASTA can only cook up to four pasta servings at one time, which makes its use for a large group impracticle. 2. The water measurement lines are a bit difficult to see when water and pasta is added to the cooker. Adding color to these lines would make them easier to see.

 "Recommended" 2008-09-11
By Spyce

After looking at the Pasta n More reviews, which were average, I decided against getting that one, plus I didn't like those dorky looking handles, and I didn't want all those pieces. I saw this one and was swayed by the compact size, and it's actually made in the USA. The Fasta Pasta is slender enough to tuck on a pantry shelf or in a cabinet without sacrificing a lot of space, and it isn't flimsy.



The cooker holds enough pasta for 4 servings, which in most cases will be fine for me. I decided to make macaroni and cheese using 4 cups of water and 2 cups of elbow macaroni, which according to the pasta chart is 4 servings. I started the macaroni before I started making the cheese sauce, and the pasta was done before I finished the sauce! What a timesaver. The user guide suggests a cooking time of 10 minutes for macaroni and that's what I used. The pasta was al dente and just right for my baked macaroni and cheese. It says in the product description that you don't have to stir, but that's not the case. The pasta cooking chart instructions say to stir midway through the cooking time for hollow shaped pastas like macaroni and penne.



The cooker is easy to use and being able to strain and rinse the pasta in the same bowl is a plus. Just add the pasta to the bowl, and the appropriate amount of water, and pop it in the microwave. It doesn't get any easier than this. The bowl has markings on it to indicate the amount of water to be used for various pasta servings sizes which are included on the pasta cooking chart. The lid/strainer is only used when measuring pasta like spaghetti and when straining, and it has handles on it to assist with removing the bowl from the microwave and when straining. The lid should not be used while boiling the pasta as this causes the water to boil over. The user guide indicates that the Fasta Pasta is dishwasher safe.



The cooker comes with a user guide, which is just a single sheet of paper with step by step photo's, and a recipe guide that has a few recipes. I ordered the Fasta Pasta Cookbook with mine. Fasta Pasta Cookbook I'm not a fan of cooking in the microwave, but I will make an exception with the Fasta Pasta. This is a worthwhile product that performs as claimed and will get a lot of use in my kitchen!

 "A kitchen must have" 2008-02-17
By Great Cook (Santa Monica, California)

This is really a Kitchen must have.

I'm not a microwave cooker, but this works perfect if you follow the directions, and do not put the lid on while cooking in your microwave.

Only use the lid for taking out of the microwave, and draining.



I made wholewheat pasta , and it was perfect and did not stick.

Also egg noodles came out perfect.



I like to wash the starch off of my pasta, and with this I still can with out useing a collender.



Using this, I do not have to wait for the water to boil, nothing boils over on my stove, and there is not a callender to wash either. No mess at all.

I put this on the top shelf of my dishwasher, it washed with out a problem.



I bought mine from qvc, and it came with two, for more money then this, but still a good price..



Would buy again..

Two thumbs up. Great invention.

 "Rice and veggies, too" 2009-03-11
By C. G. King (Horse Country, VA USA)

Yes, the pasta comes out perfectly and a tiresome task is now satisfying and easy, but this unit also works for rice and vegetables. 1/2 cup of Uncle Ben's and water to line 1, plus 15 minutes in my 900 watt microwave produced perfectly cooked rice--better in fact, than my electric rice cooker. Brown rice takes longer and benefits from a stir, but also works.



The leaflet that comes with the unit has recipes for potatoes and broccoli. I have tried the broccoli and again, was very pleased. About 1 cup of broccoli, water to line 1 and 12 minutes delivered perfectly steamed (and nicely green) broccoli. This is different from what the recipe leaflet says since that is for salad and I was making a dinner vegetable. The Fasta Pasta is a multitasker that would make Alton Brown proud.



The greatest advantage I've found to this product is that I can easily and quickly make perfect small servings. Using regular means, I tend to make too much, be it pasta or rice, because I feel I have to maximize the effort and time involved. Unfortunately, I either overeat or find the leftovers growing in the back of the fridge--neither are good options. Being able to quickly and painlessly make only a little is as much an advantage to my perpetual diet as the process is to simple meal preparation. This thing is great.

 "Simply amazing!" 2008-03-03
By J. Acosta (Miami, Florida United States)

This product is truly amazing. It works exactly as described. Quicker than the "boiling pot" method if you add up the waiting for the water to boil in the pot plus the pasta cooking time. So far I have tried it for linguine and they came out wonderfully. I would recommend this to anyone.

Bodum Pavina 2-Ounce Double-Wall Thermo Glasses (Espresso/Shot), Set of 2 Review.

 "great for espresso" 2006-01-28
By Drew Cheney (Sacramento, CA United States)

These are awesome for espresso, though _one_ negative is that because they're so light, the vibrations from our pump-driven espresso machine make them shimmy around like those old football-player game tables: "VVVVVVVRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR!!"



So, I just hold them while the esprosso's pumping out. No sweat, and like I said, it's great espresso that's kept hot.



Remember that they have thin walls, so treat them very gently.

 "Simply the Best" 2006-04-12
By C. Thomas (Boston, MA)

I love these glasses. They work as advertised. My espresso's never tasted so good, now that they stay hot, longer. Additionally I havent burned my hand once since using these glasses.



As previous reviewer has mentioned, please be careful with these glasses if you attempt to wash these in the dish washer.

The glasses are so light, that jets of water coming from the dishwasher are likely to launch the glass out all over the place while the wash cycle is on.



All in all great purchase. Worth every penny. For espresso lovers a must!!!!!

 "Beautiful little shot glasses that are surprisingly durable!" 2009-12-28
By S. Douglas

I have a few other Bodum products (my one-cup french press is a personal favorite) and thought I'd give these glasses a try. I recently spent 2 weeks in Italy and upon tasting my "regular" coffee I made at home I was heartbroken. I went on a hunt for decent performing, affordable espresso / cappuccino gear to satisfy my longing. Enough of the silly background! :)



Why these glasses:

One thing important to keeping as much flavor in your caffe is heat. This involves preheating your cups with hot water or a warming tray before filling them with your favorite drink. I was finding that I had to drink my shots a bit faster than I wanted with a "normal" demitasse. I saw these glasses and thought I would give them a try - I thought the double wall would be good for holding in more heat.



Worries / initial impression:

The only worry I had about these before I ordered was how fragile the picture makes them look. I am not a graceful person by any means and I could foresee the possible death of one of these beauties at my hands. The reasonable Amazon price and my experience with other Bodum glass products convinced me to give them a try. Unpacking the glasses from the box didn't encourage me - they arrived in a sturdy cardboard box packed with bubble wrap. I gently extracted one glass and held it gingerly in my fingers as I looked at it. They really are gorgeous little things. I have big hands and they are a good fit for me, yet my wife has very small hands and they seem to be the perfect size for her too. I just couldn't get the thought out of my head that I should handle these things with the utmost care - not unlike your great-grandmother's set of handblown Austrian Christmas ornaments that have been passed down through the family for the past 100 years, ending up in your care. ;)

Rating: 5/5



Performance:

I have only had these glasses for a short time, but I use them three to four times a day and have a good feel for them already. I run hot water through my espresso machine to preheat everything and that includes the glasses I drink from - including these. The first thing that happened when I went to sip my first shot is that I burned my mouth. This highlights the first quality I would've realized if I were a smarter person: the outside of the glass stays comfortably "cool" (compared to the 170F liquid inside the cup). I thought that I somehow poured a lukewarm shot and went to dispose of it quickly (by gulping it, I'm too cheap to just pitch it) and immediately found out just how hot it was. Mother always said I was more brawn than brains, and I'm not a very strong guy either. :) Immediate and strategic action was taken and I survived the incident (placing a large ice cube in my mouth until it completely melted - based on prior experience).

So, take number two was much better. Outside of glass stays cool despite how molten the liquid inside is, check. Normally, I would have to drink my espresso within about two minutes of making it before it cooled off too much to enjoy. That's fine if you're in Italy standing at a bar, but I would really like take my drink from the kitchen, go sit in front of the fire, then enjoy the drink over a few minutes without losing the flavor. These glasses allow me to do just that. :) Someday, I may take some time to pour a sacrificial shot, then plot the change in temperature over time of these glasses vs. a regular demitasse; until then, I am going to claim that these wonderful things will keep your shots within good drinkable temps for at least five minutes. For those that like to drink their shots a bit cooler (and quietly - I loudly "sip" air over the shot as I drink it), you can enjoy your drink for at least 10 minutes (double shot).

Rating: 5/5



Durability:

Despite trying to treat these with kid gloves, I have managed to knock them around pretty good, and they are no worse for wear. I treat them with the same care I reserve for glass and ceramic kitchenware with great results. I originally thought I would have to handle these like I do with champagne and wine glasses (imagine someone playing the old milton-bradley board game "Operation" crossed with a nervous person handling nitroglycerin) but they are tough little guys! I bump them when I wash them, bang them into other glassware and can set them down on our stone counter top without having to emulate the early eighties video game "lunar lander". Dishwasher safe too!

Rating: 5/5



Miscellaneous:

The double wall construction creates a very comfortable lip to sip espresso over - it even seems to enhance my experience. The glass has a hole in the outside bottom with a silicon plug/"valve" in it to allow the pressure inside the glass to equalize with the atmosphere. Very clever design that enhances safety (perhaps a hot liquid poured in a cold glass would cause excessive pressure to build up - potentially creating enough force to scatter glass in a larger area if you should drop it - by that is just an engineering guess), but I don't know how durable it is with repeated trips to the diswasher or if you microwave it (I have NO IDEA if it is microwave safe, but in my opinion, you don't buy this set of teeny glasses to warm up small amounts of liquid in the microwave). For me, a simple hand wash and dry before setting them on top of my coffee maker works well. The size is good and not cumbersome washing or drying and I can get my fingers inside with a towel to dry everything.

Also, if you use these for espresso, it is neat to watch the layers form as you pull shots into them - very similar to watching a pint of Guinness properly poured - or at least the one time I bought one. :)



Cliffs notes:

A beautiful set of shot glasses that are relatively cheap, durable, and incredibly functional. I cannot think of a thing about them I would change.

Overall Rating: 5/5

 "Beautiful but delicate" 2007-04-26
By stephie189 (USA)

I love these little glasses! I know they're for espresso but I mainly use mine for tea. (I like my espresso in a bigger glass!) I think it's important for your (food and) beverage to be aesthetically pleasing as well as taste good. These little beauties make any drink more pleasing. They're very delicate so I wouldn't use a metal spoon in them and I would never put them in the dishwasher. I hand wash them, and dry them by hand, always. Treat them gently and I think they can last a while. They are a bit "slippy" when wet though so be careful. I plan to try the 9oz. Bodum Pavina Double-Wall Thermo Glasses, Set of 2 size next! Love the egg shaped interior.

 "Style and Substance" 2006-04-12
By Michael J. Khorsandi (Brooklyn, NY)

These glasses demonstrate a high sense of style marked by simplicity. These glasses will work for most serving occasions. They are dishwasher safe and they keep my espresso warmer than if I used a regular demitasse! They are absolutely perfect. I got two orders, so I have a set of four. Note that the larger pavina glasses work great for cappuccinos or regular coffee.

RSVP Terry's Tamper Review.

 "Tamps well" 2008-01-11
By Steven Smith (Boulder, CO United States)

I have a DeLonghi EC155 and the smaller size fits very nicely for tamping. It is able to hold over 50 lbs of pressure with no problem. I used the tamping method from Good Eats, where you put 50lbs of pressure, then twist.

 "good find" 2007-01-18
By tmo (chicago)

how can you rate a tamper? well, it fits in the basket and it tamps down the coffee. I guess Terry's tamper does just that. It was a great price, I mean come on, who's the numbskull who would pay $20 for an item to tamp his grounds?

I was impressed by the fast shipping and great customer service.

 "Vast improvement" 2008-11-22
By L. A. Richards (East Longmeadow, MA United States)

It's rare that a small purchase ($8.00) can make such a big difference. I'm new to the espresso experience and I was using the art-deco plastic girder-looking tamper that came with the Airette unit. After reading the reviews below I bought Terry's Tamper and I couldn't believe what a difference it made. It's a handy size and it allowed me to exert a greater pressure while tamping the grind and the result was a better cup of espresso. I seem to get a better extraction from a tighter tamp therefore greater taste and value from my coffee. What more can one ask?

 "low cost tamper" 2008-06-13
By jeff west (socorro, nm)

works great. unfortunately my saeco aroma portafilter is a smidgeon too small for the large end, and the small end leaves a gap on the edge, but it doesn't seem to matter.

don't know how i lived w/o it. the espresso is so much more intense when its heavily tamped.

 "Pretty good tamper, good price" 2008-11-18
By Humpty Dumpty (MD, USA)

I have a Gaggia Classic espresso machine. The 55mm plastic tamper that came with the machine broke after a while. This one-piece cast aluminium Terry Tamp temper is a perfect replacement for the original. It is easy to hold, easy to use. No reason to spend $20-$100 on fancy tampers that may be inferior in quality to this.