Roller Coaster Physics
Average Customer Review:
Toy
-- our price: $274.99
(price subject to change: see help)
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Reviews (3)

GreatFun
i got the cusomer vertion one "Roller Coaster K'nex" in i think 1999 it took a little while to build but was great fun playing with it i had it up for almost a year but ithad to go when i got the new k'nex coaster " sceaming serpant" the scaeming serpent was easyer 2 build but thats half the fun. i would not recomend it 2 6year olds but i did it n i was only 7. its great fun 4 all ages 2 just watch. i relly liked it n u will probly 2.

Greatest Toy Ever
I think that this is a really great toy, but it is only for adults, because i think that it is slightly dangerous if not used properly.

Not just for you 16 and up age group
I was recently browsing around looking for some new knex building set when i saw the roller coaster for physics and educational purposes.I just wanted to say that the age limit for that set is discouraging.They do sell the roller coaster by itself and that in itself is an educational experience.I was 12 when i built the roller coaster i got.I am 16 now.Im sure this set is good for learning but im sure you can get the same thing out of the plain roller coaster set.it took me one day to build and i am still learning from it.I am constantly doing different things to it that improove it each time.You catch on easily to the concept of physics and how to make the car go faster or how to make it slow and not derail.This set is a very good experience even for younger children.I also recommend the Big Ball Factory and The Trampolene set.These sets are very educational and will boost any childs curiosity. ... Read more

Asin: B00005LADT
Sales Rank: 10610
Subjects:  1. Construction    2. Building Sets    3. Learning    4. Science    5. Chemistry    6. Activity   

Rippin Rocket Roller Coaster
Average Customer Review:
Toy (31 July, 2003)
list price: $69.99
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Features

• Build a 5-1/2' roller coaster that is 6-1/2' long
• Perfect for family fun
• Comes with track, rocket car and action figures
• For ages 8 and up

Reviews (32)

Kids Review
This roller coaster is awsome!!!!!! I got it for christmas and couldn't wait to put together so I did it boxing day at my grandpa's house. I had to take it apart to go home but it is now set up in my room. The first time it took me 6 or 7 hours (about) to put it together but the second time it only took me 4 or 5 hours. The turbo boosters work great and the loop de loop is really cool. If you don't like the first layout go to knex.com and you can find two others. The only downfall is after awhile your fingers start to hurt from snapping together pieces!! Great toy!!!!!!

Super Fast & Fun
It takes about 6 hours to put together this roller coaster, and it's worth it.Once we completed it and we turned it on for the first time my three kids (6 yrs, 3.5 yrs, and 20 months) just started giggling because the coaster gets propelled through the launchers so quickly.When it takes off going straight up you can hardly see it.

After a week or so of using it intermittently -- perhaps about 20 minutes per day -- the car is slowing down noticeably (i.e. the batteries are wearing down) but it's still making it all the way around the track.I would guess in the next few days the batteries will need to be replaced.

If you like K'Nex or if you just like building things you'll really enjoy this roller coaster.It's fun to build and it's fun to watch when you're done.Clearly this isn't intended for little kids to build by themselves, but young kids can certainly help out on a lot of the assembly.Sorting all the pieces before assembly is also a great exercise for younger kids.

If you have hours to spend and space to spare...
This is an awesome toy to see on display at the store, or set up at someone else's house. Here's what you have to look forward to if you brave it on your own: around 69 pages of assembly instructions, some requiring very particular placement. After hours (and hours and hours, depending on how long you can go at a time) of assembly, you will have a three foot by seven foot by five foot high roller coaster. Turn it on and watch the car fly around the track. Ok, that was fun for 10 minutes (or longer, depending on age and availability of other entertainment), so now what do you do with it? Take it apart and spend another half dozen hours putting it together the next time you want to watch the coaster run around for 10 minutes? Leave it on permanent display (if you can spare the space)? Take it apart and put it in the closet never to be seen again?

As I said, a nice toy to look at, but the time investment required is NOT worth the payoff - there are better construction sets out there that allow for more creativity, take up less space, and do not require the investment of hours of time for minutes of fun. Your mileage may vary... ... Read more

Asin: B00008P8AQ
Sales Rank: 4190

Musical Ferris Wheel
Average Customer Review:
Toy (31 July, 2003)

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Reviews (4)

Fun Wheelin'
Santa gave this to my 10year old daughter. She LOVES it.The put together was done as a family - sorting the parts into ziploc baggies and carefully following the instructions. My 5 year old managed "the inventory" providing us the parts as needed.The ferris wheel music was a nice added touch!I cannot wait to do the other designs!
k-

AMAZING!!!
all i can say is BEST TOY IN THE WORLD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! you can build three different rides with one set!!! it has music and goes automatically by a silent motor

Family fun!!
This was a great toy for my 5, 7 and 9 year old!They all worked together great to assemble it.The instructions were easy to follow.The Farris Wheel stays together well and runs great! ... Read more

Asin: B00008P8AS
Sales Rank: 5346

K'NEX 50 Model Building Set
Average Customer Review:
Toy (18 September, 2002)
-- our price: $49.99
(price subject to change: see help)
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Editorial Review

You might never stop building once you get your hands on the 50-model building set from K'NEX. This super value set includes pieces to build over 50 moving machines, creatures, and rides, plus a bonus battery-powered motor to set the models in motion. A 225-page instruction manual features step-by-step instructions for three levels of building: friendly, moderate, and greater, depending on your child’s age and skill level. The color-coded rod-and-connector system and visual instructions make construction simple while teaching hand-eye coordination and planning skills, as kids build everything from a sea turtle to a racing car. The set's sturdy components can also be combined creatively to form unique original structures and designs, and are compatible with other K'NEX systems. When it's time to put them away, all the pieces fit nicely into the 17-by-12-by-6-inch blue plastic box with handle. Requires two AA batteries (not included) to operate the motor. --N. Mered ... Read more

Features

• Contains 481 pieces
• Build more than 50 machines, creatures, rides, and more, or design your own
• Three building levels depending on your child's age and skill level
• Includes motor to set your models in motion
• Sturdy blue plastic carrying case

Reviews (3)

Get a toy that stimulates your kids
I got my first K'nex set for my kids (well, and for myself as well) when my son was 4.The k'nex allows kids to make innumerable constructs.The enclosed book gets their imagination flowing, additional instructions on the web site further enhance, but then the kids let loose with their own ideas.My son is now 11 and my daughter is 8 and they are still coming up with new imaginative creations.K'nex does not have the intricate detail of Lego.However, the long rods, the connecting pieces, allow the construction of sturdy models (long bridges/tall buildings) and the pieces are generic enough that they can be reused over and over for different purposes.

Its great.

Most played with toy we own
My 7 year old son got this set for Christmas last year, and with all the toys we have for our 5 kids, this K'nex set gets the most use.He built with it every day for months, and still builds something new about every week with it.He has built about every model in the book and he is getting better at building his own ideas.We've gotten a lot of the models on video tape, and he loves to show his grandparents the new ones.I loved the sea turtle that "walked" across the floor, and he builds amusement park rides and puts little people in them.This thing keeps him busy for hours at a time, and he's getting another tub of them for his birthday.His little brother wants one for his birthday this year.The motor is very cool, and he figures out how to use it with the models that don't call for it.Since Christmas, he has only broken 2 pieces, so I thought that was pretty good.Highly recommended!

I love K'NEX
I have had a KNEX set for 10 years or so.My daughter has always been envious of mine, and I don't let the kids play with it.She received money for christmas and bought this set.She has had a lot of fun putting together the models, however there are a couple of models in the book that there aren't quite enough pieces to build.If this were the only set in the house, it would be very disappointing to get as far as she did, then have to disassemble and start with another project. ... Read more

Asin: B000063V67
Subjects:  1. Construction    2. Building Sets   

Leappad
Average Customer Review:
Toy
list price: $49.99 -- our price: $39.99
(price subject to change: see help)
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Editorial Review

This talking book comes with an interactive "magic pen" that works like a hand-held computer mouse pointer. Children can opt to turn the paper pages and listen to the story read with different voices for each character. Or they can interrupt the read-aloud session to play with the magic pen (permanently attached with a wire). They can point the pen tip to any word on a page and hear it pronounced, or touch a picture and hear a sound effect (such as "Strike one!" for the baseball bat). Very similar to the popular Living Books computer games, this 10-by-11-inch book is more portable than a home computer. Stories in this set include Lil's Loose Tooth, Richard Scarry's Best Word Book Ever, and Winnie the Pooh in A Sweet Good Morning. The set also includes a paper piano keyboard and map and human anatomy games.--Gail Hudson ... Read more

Reviews (398)

I would pick this over the writer's Leappad
I have both a LeapPad+Writing and regular LeapPad like this one, and I can honestly say that the extra writing feature is not worth the extra money.Stick with the LeapPad regular and get a lot of LeapPad readers.Make sure that you don't buy this if you have babies that tear things up, though.My son has all the LeapPad books, but half of them are unsalvageable because of my toddler that likes to chew on EVERYTHING.The LeapFrog customer service is awesome, though... they have replaced my books for $10 each so I don't have to go out to buy new ones!

Best Toy I have ever bought
I bought a pink and purple LeapPad for my daughter when she was three for Christmas. She is five now and still plays with it every single day. Everytime a birthday or Christmas rolls around she asks for more LeapPad books. This toy has been a godsend during car and plane trips, hotel and restaurant entertainment, and any other situation when children need to sit still.

She has learned the alphabet, numbers, spelling, and reading from countless hours on this pad. She owns several books and each get used all the time. I think this is honestly the best toy invented in a long time. She has been able to figure it out because it is well thought out for the young user. They can hit the stop button with the pen to stop it, or hit the Go button to continue each story. Each book also has games and other activities, so they are well worth the money.It is impossible for my daughter to get bored with it because each book is countless hours of reading, games, music, and excitement.

I encourage all parents of young children to buy this LeapPad. It is well worth the money. It is a toy that they will not grow out of in a short amount of time because the books range in ages.It is not only educational but very durable. Our LeapPad has been dropped countless times and is still intact.The only complaint I do have is that it tends to consume batteries quickly and you need a screw driver to take off the cover to put new ones in. Other than that, that is the only negative I have to say about the LeapPad.

Toooo sloooowww for my boy
My boy has the attention span of a 4 year old. Why? Because he is 4 years old. He has no patience for the slow pace of age-appropriate leap pad materials. The learning games are too short, too slow, and too repetitive for him. ... Read more

Asin: B00003GPTI
Subjects:  1. Electronic Learning Aids (ELA)    2. Alphabet    3. Phonics    4. Reading    5. Talking    6. Electronic    7. Math    8. Counting    9. Learning   

Battleship
Average Customer Review:
Toy
list price: $15.99 -- our price: $15.99
(price subject to change: see help)
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Editorial Review

Battleship captains plot their strategies, send out torpedoes, and as the last ship (often the smallest, two-peg patrol boat) hides in an unsuspected corner, anticipation mounts. Like many classic games, Battleship walks a fine line between strategy and luck. The goal is to conceal the location of your ships while finding and destroying your enemies' fighters. The playing arena is a notebook-size plastic board updated for '90s sensibilities: the "floor" of the board is printed with waves and the exterior vaguely resembles a laptop. The design mimics the view a submarine captain would have, complete with a glimmer of radar waves. The game is perfect entertainment to share: simple enough for children, yet gratifying enough for adults to enjoy. One design decision keeps this edition from being truly stellar: the playing boards don't lock securely, allowing the small pegs to fall out and spill from the sides if jostled. --Jennifer Buckendorff ... Read more

Reviews (46)

A great little logic test.
This game is a classic and it really gets kids thinking about plotting the possibles and probables. They don't even realise it's educational as it's such fun. The design makes it a perfect travel game. A great one to get out when the chorus of "are we there yet?", is driving you crazy and playing "eye spy" is making everyone loose the will to live rapidly!
I even get away with playing my knid of music without the children moaning or noticing!

Lots of fun...
This game is pretty fun, you don't have to think too much and the instructions are easy enough as well. I do agree with the one reviewer who saaid that the pegs can be horrible if scattered everywhere. What we do is keep them in seperate plastic bags, and unwrap them before the game starts. It's a little bit more time-consuming, but that way it keeps them from winding up in a kid or pet's mouth.

You've Sunk My Battleship!
I just bought this game, because I remembered how much fun I had playing it when I was younger.This is one of those games that never gets old, and anyone from a child, to an adult can have fun playing it.

You each have a console, with 2 grids: your ocean grid where YOUR ships are, and the striking grid.The object of the game is to shout out coordinates to try and sink your opponent's ships.By marking them in the grid above, you then strategize where your opponent has placed his/her ships.You either have a "hit", or "miss".Play continues until you have sunk all of the ships on the other player's console.

There are many ways you can play this game.You can even make a few rules up if you like.There are also different forms of play in the instructions, inside the box.

One example of play that I like: if you sink your opponent's Battleship, the game is automatically over, and you've won.

All in all, this game is alot of fun.The consoles are pretty durable, and there are spots for you to store the ships, and the hit/miss pegs.As far as educational value, I think it would help children to work with grids, and strategizing.You have to be aware of what size ships you are dealing with and where they will fit on the grid (in the NON-hit spaces that remain on your opponent's grid).

I prefer this version to the electronic version.There are no sound effects and no noise, which I think makes it easier and less hassle.

If by chance you haven't played this game, buy it today! ... Read more

Asin: B00000DMBB
Subjects:  1. Games    2. Classic Games    3. Board Games    4. Family Favorites   

Slushee Maker
Average Customer Review:
Toy
list price: $24.99 -- our price: $19.95
(price subject to change: see help)
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Editorial Review

Slushees have been a childhood favorite for years. This machine lets you produce the chilled treats in minutes, without leaving home. After you assemble the maker using the easy-to-follow instructions, add ice, salt, and water to the canister as directed, and then pour in soda, fruit juice, or another liquid for flavor. Crank the handle for a few minutes (small kids may need to take turns) and you have a slushy, yummy treat. A plastic measuring cup and two red plastic cups are included. This toy needs no refill flavor packs and is easy to clean after each use. ... Read more

Reviews (98)

The Slushee Maker
I Alexis,
Think that this toy or gift would be a good gift for anyone even if they are60 years old. It is just plain ONE-derful= wonderful

The UNslushee!
My friend's daughter got this for her 5th birthday and we decided to christen it together with my two 5 year olds.First of all, it was pretty complicated to put together (you know, reading and re-reading the directions until you get it right?).Then when we finally got to the point of cranking, we cranked, and cranked, and cranked, and cranked, and cranked ... We all cranked (all 5 of us) only to end up with nothing but 3 "cranky" kids -what a disappointment.I'm curious as to how the positive reviewers actually got it to work.In the end, we let the kids drink their UNslushees and, to add insult to injury, they didn't even like that very much.It was kind of like cold, sugar syrup.Yuk!Unless you want to spend an inordinate amount of time cranking this thing, with NO guarantee of ever getting an ICEE, pass on this waste of $$ and time.

Spend the extra $10 and buy a manual ice cream maker
This is just a small version of an 1800s ice cream maker including dangerously cold metal parts.Modern manual ice cream makers sell for around $30 and they do not have this problem.All of the complaints of this product do not exist with a regular ice cream maker.Furthermore, you can actually make ice cream with an ice cream maker, as well as slushies.I brought this for myself (pregnant woman with food allergies), but after reading the instructions I do not even feel comfortable using this "toy".As for the education value of salt water, you can accomplish that with a glass of ice water and salt. ... Read more

Asin: B00006FMK3

Clue
Average Customer Review:
Toy
list price: $15.99 -- our price: $15.99
(price subject to change: see help)
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Editorial Review

Poor Mr. Boddy has been shockingly murdered in his own mansion. To win this game, you must become a roving detective, sniffing out the answers to the classic mystery questions: Who among Mr. Boddy's guests committed the murder? What was the murder weapon? (Lead pipe? Wrench? Candlestick?) Where did the murder happen? (Library? Conservatory?) Because the answers change each time, the game is constantly challenging. A gameboard map of the mansion, detective notepad, deck of cards, one die, wandering playing pieces, and a healthy dose of intuition will help players be the first to figure out the answers. This edition of Clue is a departure from the old faces and mansion rooms that were beginning to look dated after all these years. Sultry Miss Scarlett looks like Lesley Ann Warren from the movie Clue. Mr. Green looks convincingly sinister, Mrs. Peacock snobbish and potentially cruel. Colonel Mustard is still Pompous, Professor Plum still clueless. Mrs. White, the grandmotherly maid, is downright spooky. --Gail Hudson ... Read more

Reviews (80)

Still a favorite after all these years...
While spring cleaning this week, I stumbled upon an old classic: Clue. Intrigued, I dusted it off and challenged my husband to an enticing game of "whodunit." I was pleased to find that the game is still just as much fun as it was when I played it as a kid.

Most people are familiar with the basic premise of the game: Mr. Boddy, a millionaire, is found murdered in his home. Six people were in his mansion at the time of the murder: Colonel Mustard, Professor Plum, Miss Scarlet, Mrs. Peacock, Mrs. White, and Mr. Green. It is up to the game players to pinpoint who killed Mr. Boddy, what weapon he or she used, and what room the crime took place in.

The game comes with a game board, six playing pieces, and a deck of cards-each with a suspect, a room, and a weapon. At the beginning of the game, one card from each category is taken from the deck and placed in a secret envelope. This envelope now contains the solution to the crime. The rest of the cards are dealt to the players. The players, using process of elimination, travel to different rooms of the mansion and suggest different scenarios in attempts to solve the crime. The first player to figure out which three cards are in the secret envelope wins.

Clue, like so many classic Parker Brothers games (Monopoly, for instance) definitely stands up to the test of time. The game is every bit as strategic, fast-paced, competitive, and fun as it was when it first hit the market. There's really nothing quite as satisfying as figuring out the mystery ("Miss Scarlet in the Conservatory with the Lead Pipe!") just a few seconds faster than your opponents. Clue is great fun, and perfect for a night in with the family.

The Game Clue
The game Clue is a detective game that entertains you and your friends by seeing who is first to solve the murder mystery. I usually play this game with my family and friends because it is a game for the entire family and we enjoy it. This is my personal favorite board game because it is simple and it perks you up if you are having a gloomy day.
This game has some some positive things about it and some negative things about it. One poitive thing is that there are very few directions. Another is that it gets your mind thinking by using your knowledge or "Clues" that you have discovered and try to guess the person who committed the murder, where it happened, and with what weapon they did it with. But along with positive comments, there are also negative ones too. For example, it takes a long time to set the game up because you have to sort the cards, hand the out to each player, and without looking take three cards and put them into the confidential envelope.
I have played this many times and I am only 11 years old. I would rate this game 5 stars!

The classic whodunit game
Known in Britain as Cluedo but in America as Clue, this classic game is based on a simple idea but your enjoyment of it (or lack thereof) will depend to some extent on what sort of brain you have. The game is basically a logic puzzle so it is not a game of luck (though there is a little luck involved) so the most skilful player will win most of the time.

With six possible murderers, six possible weapons and nine possible locations, there are 314 possible solutions to the puzzle. By a process of elimination, each player tries to work out the combination. Each player is dealt some cards containing names of people, weapons and locations, so is able to eliminate some possibilities immediately.

The main skill lies is in knowing what is the best combination to guess when it is your turn to guess, and understanding the implications of your (and other people's) previous guesses. When you guess a combination, you announce it aloud for everybody to hear. Going round in a circle, your opponents have to either say they haven't got any of those three or they show you a card. Nobody else sees this card but they know that this person has one of the three you guessed. Of course, that person may have more than one of the three but as only one card need be shown, you don't know that. If none of your opponents is able to show you a card, then either you have guessed correctly or you've got one of the cards in your own hand. In the latter case, it seems like a wasted guess although there are occasions when bluffing might be useful. In any case, those players who can make most use of clues offered by all guesses, not just their own, have the best chance of winning.

Yes, this game can be a lot of fun, but you need a brain suited to solving logic puzzles to really enjoy it. ... Read more

Asin: B00000IWCY
Subjects:  1. Games    2. Board Games    3. Family Favorites    4. Party Games    5. Grownup   

Explorer Globe
Average Customer Review:
Toy
list price: $109.98 -- our price: $99.99
(price subject to change: see help)
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Editorial Review

This award-winning globe could help children become A+ geographystudents. The Explorer Globe II is jam-packed with hundreds of facts, trivia,and useful scholastic information about every aspect of the geographical world.It electronically verbalizes everything from area population, capitolcity/country, state/province, large bodies of water, currencies, high points,distance, and more. Other remarkable features make the Explorer an even moreuseful reference tool. It has a world clock that, once set from your home area,will tell the time in every other part of the world. And any country can beselected to hear a sample its national music (yes, Tahiti does have a nationalanthem). The globe sits on a sturdy base, which features a dashboard full ofinteractive functions and an attached soft-tipped stylus. This stylus is the keyinstrument: use it to touch virtually any point on the surface of the globe toretrieve information. --Diane Beall ... Read more

Reviews (69)

AN EXCELLENT TOY
This is a great toy, but I don't see why it's age 8 and up.My son got it for his fifth birthday, and I think it is entirely appropriate for a kindergartener.My son knows states, capitals, countries, you name it.He has become a geography champ.I'm glad we did not buy the Junior Globe for him.He has become quite adept at using this one.As for the problems that others have had with the toy being a little delicate and easily broken, yes, I agree, you have to warn your child to be gentle with this toy.My son plays with it on the floor so it does not fall off a table.We did drop it once and it was completely unuseable.My husband was able to fix it though.But my son is careful with it.He loves it and does not want it to break again.

Problem Stylus?!!
Got it as a birthday gift for our daughter - great product to teach kids about "the world around" and she adores it.

The product lacks precision and accuracy. At the beginning the problems started with identification of smaller state/country and later ended up in total chaos. Manufacturer suggested replacing the stylus (FYI - Leap Frog identifies this as a generic complaint and will replace 2 styluses free of cost), but the problem continues to exist. Leap Frog once again suggesting the stylus replacement!?

Just wondering if I could get a total replacement and the product remain worry free for a while!

great
this is a great globe bout it for my daughter for her communion she loves it thanks ... Read more

Asin: B00005BYPA
Subjects:  1. Learning    2. Electronic Learning Aids (ELA)    3. Geography    4. Activity   

KitchenAid KP2671XMC Professional 6-Quart Stand Mixer, Metallic Chrome
Average Customer Review:
Kitchen
list price: $429.99 -- our price: $349.99
(price subject to change: see help)
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Editorial Review

With a 525-watt motor to handle bread doughs and thick cookie batters, this is KitchenAid's most powerful stand mixer, a professional-grade appliance with a heavy, rugged, all-metal construction (31.7 pounds) which prevents "counter walk" on the mixer's rubber feet. It has a 6-quart, polished stainless-steel bowl with an ergonomic handle and a two-piece pouring shield made of heavyweight plastic to provide a large chute for adding ingredients. Accompanying the mixer are a burnished flat beater, a burnished dough hook, and a big wire whip. On the front of the powerhead is a hinged cover for the hub to which KitchenAid's many mixer accessories attach.

This mixer's great features abound. An electronic sensor ensures mixing action remains at the speed selected from among the 10 available--even when the going gets tough. Mixing begins softly to prevent splatters and "flour puff." With the beater moving clockwise and the shaft moving counterclockwise there's no need to rotate the bowl for the beater to reach all ingredients. The bowl-lift lever functions easily. A ventilation system cools the entire mixer to prolong motor life, and a resettable overload-protection system prevents overheating. The mixer measures 11-3/8 inches wide, 16-1/2 inches high, and 14-5/8 inches deep and comes with a 1-year replacement warranty. --Fred Brack ... Read more

Features

• Measures 16-1/2 by 11-2/7 by 14-3/5 inches; 1-year warranty
• Professional-grade stand mixer with 525-watt motor and 10 speeds
• 6-quart, polished stainless-steel bowl with ergonomic handle
• 2-piece pouring shield with large chute for adding ingredients
• Includes burnished flat beater, burnished dough hook, and wire whip

Reviews (94)

Pooped out after 2 uses
Please read all the 1 and 2 star reviews and take that to heart which I didn't when I agreed to accept this monstrosity as a gift.This machine is underpowered and WHINEY + VERY LOUD and started to clunk as if something came loose inside after I used it 2 times making an annoying knocking sound.The bowl snap in mechanism is cumbersome,and the overall appearance to me in a grey metallic color was ugly.I returned the machine to the company I bought it from as Kitchen Aid could not guarantee me a replacement.They said they had none in stock?????and could not give me a time frame as to when it could be replaced. Since I need this for work that wasn't good enough.I returned it to the mail order place instead and I purchased a DeLonghi 7 quart (much higher wattage and power)from Amazon bypassinga 40$ shipping fee from the other company. Some professionals have told me their Kitchen Aid mixers are very reliable and work wonderfully but they have the smaller mixers.I am much happier with the DeLonghi 7 quart mixer I purchased.

The big boy:for serious bakers
I managed to burn out the motor on my Heavy Duty Kitchenaid mixer making brioche, so this mixer was the next step.This guy has some serious torque;I don't think I'll be burning it out anytime soon.I suspect that unless you are a serious bread baker or are cooking for a large family, you won't need the extra power and bowl space here, but if you do, it's great to have.

The Kitchen Magician!!!!
I've had my Onyx Black Pro 6 for 4 years & not one problem!(and I've heard they've even made improvements on this model recently) I have arthritis & this Pro 6 has been a godsend.There aren't any limits of what you can do with this wonderful machine. I am not one to enjoy "boxed" cakes, but I've tried one on this machine...it tasted so much like homemade...I couldn't believe it!That's the worst part of this machine.

If you love to bake homemade or prepare "special" recipes, this machine will add an extra signature to your cooking and baking.Everything is so evenly mixed.It will be your all time helper with: cakes, cookies, breads (yeast & quick), pastries, pie crust, pizza dough, frostings, marangues, whipped toppings, meatloaf, quiche, creamed potatoes, mouse, soufle, etc...I even make homemade holistic dog biscuits with this machine.The possabilities are endless!You name it, this machine will do it!--And if it can't with it's mixer, it has an attachment you can use.

The two MUSTS I'd recommend for this machine are the Water Jacket & Food Grinder attachment.The water jacket is wonderful for when you need something to stay very hot or very cold.I love the food grinder...it grinds semi frozen & even thawed meats with ease; not to mention does well with other foods.The rotor slicer/shredder & fruit/veggie strainer are nice too, but I'd rather have a food processor for larger amounts of shredding and/or slicing. (I just don't recommend the pasta maker plates for any KitchenAid)

I have no regrets with this machine.I just wish it already came with the spiral dough hook...which I should be able to find somewhat easily.My next KitchenAid will be the Pro 600 & this one will be given to my daughter. ... Read more

Asin: B00008GS9Z
Subjects:  1. Small Appliances    2. Electrics    3. Stand Mixers    4. (Standmixers)    5. (Kitchen Aid)   

Black & Decker IC200 Arctic Twister Ice Cream Factory Soft Serve Dispenser
Average Customer Review:
Kitchen
list price: $69.99
US | Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France

Editorial Review

Rather than heading down to the local Dairy Queen for asoft-serve cone, use the Arctic Twister to make custom soft-serve icecream at home. Using the Arctic Twister is not as ambitious as makingice cream from scratch: simply buy your favorite ice cream, sherbet, orfrozen yogurt and swirl in the toppings of your choice to make your ownoriginal flavor. The dispenser can handle almost any topping you canthink up, from the healthy (nuts, granola, fruit, and cereal) to thedecadent (sprinkles, chocolate chips, M&Ms, cookies, and candybars).

Once the five pieces of this easy-to-assemble appliance are in place,remove the lid and layer your ice cream with candy, nuts, etc. Replacethe lid, turn on the power, and start pumping the handle on the lid toget your ice cream churning. But don't delay in getting your conepositioned under the spout--once your soft-serve treat begins spiralingout, you want to be ready to catch it. In one run, the dispenser twirlsenough ice cream for three cups, cones, or bowls. Cleanup is easy asall components of the dispenser are plastic and safe to wash in the toprack of the dishwasher. A great dessert idea for kids' parties,ice-cream socials, or summer picnics, the Arctic Twister is covered bya one-year limited warranty. --Cristina Vaamonde ... Read more

Features

• One-year limited warranty
• Turns store-bought ice cream into soft-serve
• Mixes toppings of your choice into ice cream: nuts, candy, cookies, fruit, granola
• Swirls enough for 3 cones in one run
• Components are dishwasher-safe (top rack only)

Reviews (39)

Fun, Fun, Fun!
I purchased this for my kids for a Christmas present. I think it is wonderful. It does NOT take two people to run the Arctic Twister unlike the reviews from others. It is easy to put together and easy to clean up. My whole family loves the ice cream that it makes. I guess maybe some of the unhappy people should just go to Dairy Queen..........

Great treats for kids
I have this and my kids just love it. It makes great softserve ice cream. Ice cream does need to be very hard for it to work correctly. Also it does seem to waste some ice cream. I gets stuck in the spindle and you can't get it out unless you take the unit apart.

This is great!
I just bought this last night and had soft serve ice cream in less than 5 minutes!I did put the parts in the freezer for about 15 minutes and the ice cream was relatively soft before using.It DIDN'T take two people to operate because you DO NOT have to hold the on button down.And any ice cream left on the grinder thing just went right back into the freezer for next time.I am very impressed with this machine.I read all of the reviews before I bought it but my husband loves soft serve so I bought it anyway.

Tonight I'll try mix-ins since clean up was a snap with just some hot water.And at $15.00 at Home Depot I think it is a great find. ... Read more

Asin: B000063XHF
Subjects:  1. Small Appliances    2. Electrics    3. Ice Cream Machines    4. (Makers)    5. Gifts    6. Wedding Gifts    7. Kitchen    8. Ice Cream Makers   

Black & Decker G48TD Grill and Waffle Baker
Average Customer Review:
Kitchen
list price: $59.99 -- our price: $59.99
(price subject to change: see help)
US | Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France

Editorial Review

A waffle baker, grill, and griddle, this three-in-one appliancecomes in handy during breakfast, lunch, dinner, and after school. Keyto the unit's versatility are two 8-inch-square cooking plates--one setinto the product's bottom and the other into the hinged top. On oneside the plates form grids for making four waffles at once. Flippedover to show their flat sides they're capable of top and bottomgrilling a sandwich or steak. To create griddle space, the top opens upflat, forming two 8-inch-square cooking surfaces for all foods thatlove a griddle--such as pancakes, hash browns, and eggs. Channels sendgrease to spouts in the griddles' corners, where it drains away.Nonstick to release food easily and wipe clean, the cooking plates alsocan be removed for scrubbing. A heat control offers high, low, andmedium temperatures. With its chrome housing and stay-cool blacksynthetic handles, this 900-watt appliance looks great on the counter.Afterward, the cord wraps around the hinge, plus you can stand the unitupright for compact storage. It measures 11-1/4 inches wide, 5 incheshigh, and 11-3/4 inches deep and carries a one-year warranty againstdefects. --Fred Brack ... Read more

Features

• Chrome housing and stay-cool black handles; stands upright for storage
• Versatile three-in-one appliance: waffle maker, grill, griddle
• Grids bake four waffles and reverse for top-and-bottom sandwich grilling
• Top folds back to create two 8-inch-square griddles for pancakes, eggs, etc.
• Variable heat control; nonstick cooking surfaces wipe clean

Reviews (21)

Disappointed...
I was excited to find this waffle maker since it looked exactly like the one my parents used for 20 years.It worked great for a short while, then I noticed that one side of the griddle was not heating as fast as the other producing uneven pancakes and waffles!Now it's unusable all around.The waffles are sticking and burning no matter how much I season the plates and I can make 3 times as many pancakes on one side of the griddle as on the other because of the uneven heat!I'd like to say I'll buy another in hopes that I just got a bad appliance, but I'm not sure I want to risk throwing away the money.

Old school perfection
These old fashioned sandwich grill/waffle irons aren't easy to find anymore, but my parents finally found this one instead of a basic griddle I had asked for last Christmas.It's pretty much like the old ones they used for pancakes, waffles, and sandwiches while I was growing up, except it seems to heat more consistently and evenly than the old ones.After properly oiling the grids and a practice run or two, it makes perfect waffles and pancakes, and it fulfills the role of a griddle and sandwich grill just as well.(Isn't the whole point of this thing those great mashed hot ham 'n' cheese or barbecue sandwiches?)This is kitchen technology that was perfected many years ago.Much more versatile than all the other grills, griddles, and waffle irons out there, and performs each function as well as any of them.

Makes crisp waffles
I was looking for a larger-capacity waffle maker for my family (I already owned a round waffle maker), which wasn't "Belgian style." This fit the bill perfectly.Although it's fairly "cheap" construction-wise, it does a great job cooking waffles. One of the best features is the way you can adjust the temperature. My round waffle maker never seemed to get hot enough to make truly crispy waffles. This one does. I had a $25 certificate which made the price right. It is pricey otherwise, especially considering the quality of the construction. But it is a good performer. ... Read more

Asin: B000063XH7
Subjects:  1. Small Appliances    2. Electrics    3. Indoor Grills    4. Waffle Irons    5. Waffle Makers    6. (Wafflemakers)   

Sisco MTV7Solid Hardwood Utility Chest
Average Customer Review:
Tools & Hardware
list price: $69.99 -- our price: $49.99
(price subject to change: see help)
US | Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France

Editorial Review

Looking for a tool chest that's as finely crafted as the toolsit houses? Or perhaps a utility chest to house fine jewelry, games, or afavorite collection? The four-drawer (five-compartment) Sisco MTV7 isversatile enough to meet virtually any storage need. Crafted of solidhardwood, with brass-plated accents and plush, green felt lining, thisis one utility chest that looks equally at home in the workshop, thestudy, or atop a dresser. All in all, this is a practical, elegantstorage case. --Carl Thress ... Read more

Features

• Drawers feature felt lining to protect contents
• Built of solid hardwood material for long life
• Stores, organizes, and protects anything from hand tools to sports cards
• Brass-plated hardware and side-mounted carrying handles
• Top tray height is 2.25 inches in height, drawers are 1.375 inches

Reviews (33)

Great value for the price
I bought this chest for my blade collection.It arrived in great shape and on time.The finish and hardware are in excellent shape.I'm very happy with it and it displays beautifully.I would highly recommend it.

good quality for the money
I bought one of these about four years ago, and now I am going to buy another because I have filled the first one up.For $50 I was pleased with its quality and had none of the issues other reviewers have had.Mine arrived in good condition ( it made it to a remote Alaska island intact)and has held up well to the abuses a two year old can 'throw' at it.I would love to see them come out with one with slightly deeper drawers.Thats about the only thing I can fault.

Not Even Worth $50
Read the reviews for the discontinued chest -- all applies here.This is a cheap, shoddily constructed fiberboard chest which arrived with a crushed corner, separation of one side, and drawer bottoms that look like little more than cardboard with green felt flocked on.One of the front and one of the back hinges were installed crooked, and I didn't need a laser to see that.

Don't buy this, and if you do, do what I did -- return it the next day.This isn't worthy of Amazon, unless they want to sell it as "seconds merchandise" for $5-10, including shipping.
... Read more

Asin: B00005RJAS
Subjects:  1. Tool Storage    2. Tool Boxes    3. (Toolboxes)   

Stanley 33-72525' Fat Max Tape Measure
Average Customer Review:
Tools & Hardware
list price: $29.99 -- our price: $16.99
(price subject to change: see help)
US | Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France

Features

• Rubber nonslip grip
• 1-1/4-inch easy-to-read blade
• 11-foot tape standout
• Mylar-coated blade
• Rugged, durable casing

Reviews (24)

Who designed this?
I've been stymied trying to find the width of the Fat Max's body to calculate the total length. I measured it with another tape (irony) at 3 1/4" but wondered why there wasn't an indication on the housing. Finally, with my arm's-length near eyesight I found a molded legend that's almost covered by the belt clip. Pisspoor product design, but it's a Stanley tradition. Even with reading glasses its hard to read the reflective chrome plated numerals on earlier Stanley tapes I've owned. I wrote a big "+3 1/4" on the case with a Sharpie and vow to avoid Stanley products in the future.

Excellent one man tool
This is my second Fat max tape.Although they aredurable, at this price they are the most expensive construction 25' tape I've seen.I started out using the Craftsmen tapes because of the lifetime warranty.Doing siding, often by myself, I found the 11' standout to be extremely helpful.So now I have another one.It really does stand out 11' feet.That isn't just helpful when I'm up on a ladder trying to measure my next cut but it is also helpful when I'm on the ground and running the tape out to the end of a board.My craftsmen tape won't hold up past 5'.The end protector.It really helps.My first tape cracked at the 5" mark but I was able to use it another three weeks because the Mylar never gave way.It wasn't until most of the 5 was gone that I finally gave it up.

Now the bad.First price.I will only use this tape when the weather is dry.If I keep it dry and relatively clean it will last a lot longer.That just means on wet days I can't use it.Which during the winter time is often.Second, size.This doesn't fit in most standard tape holders.Although I was able to stretch my leather one out, now my back up tape just falls out.Oh well.

I consider this a great tool.I will continue to buy them even at this price.I guess I just need to make a little effort to take better care of them.

could be improved
I bought this tape awhile back, I have been a Stanley tape using for years, I find that the hook on the end does not grip properly, I think that it is because the wide blade has a deeper arch in it and the hook needs to be a little longer. It pops off alot which is a real hassle. Although I have this one in my tool box, I pretty much use my 3/4" blade Stanley most of the time. ... Read more

Asin: B00002PV66
Sales Rank: 150
Subjects:  1. Measuring & Layout Tools    2. Tape Measures   

Bucket Boss Brand 99981 Mug Boss
Average Customer Review:
Tools & Hardware
list price: $5.99 -- our price: $4.99
(price subject to change: see help)
US | Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France

Editorial Review

Messy desk? Amuse your coworkers and clean up the clutter with this fantastic little Mug Boss from Bucket Boss. There's no other desk organizer like it. The Mug Boss is made from the same fabric used in the company's famous job site tool organizers, so you know it's tough enough for even your sharpest pens and pencils. Contractors, do-it-yourselfers, amateur woodworkers, and even your average pencil pusher will get a kick out of the Mug Boss. It's the perfect office gift. We think the Mug Boss practically pays for itself in humor value alone--at this price, it's hard to find a less expensive punch line. --Brian Trinen ... Read more

Features

• Makes a great gift
• The ultimate desk organizer
• Works with any 10-ounce mug
• Eight exterior pockets
• Made from sturdy, Bucket Boss high-denier nylon

Reviews (27)

Show your mug who's boss
I don't drink coffee ever since I got second degree burns on my uvula, but I still have that darn mug!The only prescription for my combination of a crippling throat injury and a messy desk is the Bucket Boss Brand 99981 Mug Boss!This thing is great -- just don't try to drink coffee out of it!Highly recommended!

Most useful...
Got this as a stocking stuffer for xmas. At first I thought "well its cute, but what good is it?" Found out that it is more useful than I thought it would be. Holds those pencils and pieces of chalk, I use for woodworking in my shop, that I use to have to search for. Now, (if I remember to put em back) I have em all in one central location. Did have to go to the local coffee cup store to find one that it would fit on. Most of my cups are of the large variety (fewer trips to the pot). It also has enough room to hold a small sliding caliper,a 6" rule, two small screwdrivers, three allen wrench's I use a lot, a small crescent wrench, a big pink eraser, and my spare pair of reading glasse's. May have to get another as this one is proving to be most useful. I can carry it from bench to work table and have all the small stuff handy in one container. Recommend this one.

Perfect Gift For Any Do-It-Yourselfer!
Bought this at the same time that I bought my Bucket Boss 56 Organizer and I love 'em both!

At $5 it makes a great stocking stuffer for any Do-It-Yourselfer.

... Read more

Asin: B000037X0F
Subjects:  1. Tool Storage