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How to Choose a Knife: In-Depth Product Reviews: Kitchen Knives, Sharpeners, Knife Blocks, and Other Knife Storage

INTRODUCTION

Occasionally someone will ask me to review kitchen knives. I was reluctant to do so, because what does that have to do with longevity? Knives don’t contact food that much. However, to the extent that easier cutting encourages people to cook healthy at home (instead of eating out or microwaving a TV dinner), then I’m all for getting better knives.

Affordable knives can be perfectly fine and in some cases better than expensive knives. There are great knives out there that don’t have full tangs or bolsters or forged blades, so don’t be afraid to buy them just because of outdated/untrue information about how you allegedly need to have a full-tang knife or whatever.

For example, the Victorinox 8-Inch Fibrox Chef’s Knife has an unassuming plastic handle, a stamped blade, and has a half-tang (so the metal goes only halfway down the length of the handle), but it’s a great performer in practice, anyway. In contrast, I’ve seen knives that “checked off” all the marketing boxes (forged, full tang, riveted, wood handles, etc.) but were mediocre performers. Don’t buy the marketing checkboxes; buy knife performance.

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Garlic: anti-cancer and cardiovascular health benefits

HISTORY:

Garlic Bulb
Garlic Bulb

Garlic (Allium sativum) is a species in the onion genus, and thus genetically similar to onions, leeks, shallots, and chives. Garlic originated in central Asia, and humans have grown garlic for at least 7,000 years throughout Eurasia and Africa for use as a panacea for gastrointestinal and other health problems. Garlic has long been treasured for its ability to flavor foods, but what makes garlic especially potent is how it stimulates production of antioxidants.

How it works:

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In-Depth Product Review: Lodge 12-inch Cast-Iron Skillet 10SK L10SK3ASHH41B

Lodge 12-inch Cast-Iron Skillet 10SK L10SK3ASHH41B
Lodge 12-inch Cast-Iron Skillet 10SK L10SK3ASHH41B

THE COMPANY

There used to be many American cast iron manufacturers from the 1800s and 1900s, but Lodge Manufacturing is the only survivor, making it something of a hometown favorite, or home-country favorite, if you will. The company originated with Joseph Lodge and is still a private, family company to this day. Its main foundry is still in the original town of South Pittsburg, Tennessee, where bare cast iron cookware is made. Lodge’s enamel-coated cast iron cookware is made in China.

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In-Depth Book Review: The Cancer-Fighting Kitchen: Nourishing, Big-Flavor Recipes for Cancer Treatment and Recovery (Cookbook by Rebecca Katz)

This post-in-progress is going to be an ongoing review of Rebecca Katz’s cookbook, The Cancer-Fighting Kitchen: Nourishing, Big-Flavor Recipes for Cancer Treatment and Recovery, where I make various recipes from the cookbook. I’ll write a conclusion after I have made enough recipes from her book to feel confident in appraising it as a whole.

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In-Depth Product Review: The 12 Inch Green Earth Frying Pan by Ozeri, with Textured Ceramic Non-Stick Coating from Germany (100% PTFE and PFOA Free nonstick)

Ozeri 12 Inch Green Earth Frying Pan
Ozeri 12 Inch Green Earth Frying Pan

THE COMPANY

Ozeri is a brand affiliated with Commonpath LLC, a Ventura, California company that imports household goods from overseas and has existed since at least 2009. The company is supposed to have gotten its start by supplying timeshare residences.1

THE PRODUCT BEING REVIEWED

Today, we’re reviewing the 12 Inch Green Earth Frying Pan with Textured Ceramic Non-Stick Coating from Germany (100% PTFE and PFOA Free) model number ZP1-30, though it is applicable to other pieces in the product line. (Ozeri also offers a less-popular smooth version with a less-ergonomic handle that doesn’t seem to perform any better, but won’t give you slight hexagonal impressions on your pancakes.)

I was pleasantly surprised by the Ozeri Green Earth ZP1-30 pan. There are a lot of small companies that import garbage made in China, with little concern for quality or durability. Ozeri seems to pay a little more attention, and we’ll see why, below.

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