Wolfgang Puck WPIDC010 Induction-Powered Cooktop Stove Review

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(More customer reviews)This review should properly cover 2 areas: Induction technology and this particular stove. On both these fronts, this item does very well.
1. Induction cooking technology - only once in a great while do you come across a technology that actually is as good in practice as it sounds on paper. I was surprised by how well this technology works. I am big fan of this now, having used it for 2 days (have to convince my wife to use this more often). Amazing how quickly the pot gets hot, and how quickly any change in the temperature setting translates into a decrease in the cooking heat. This is almost magical. I am surprised more people dont use induction stoves more often- I talked to a few friends about this stove, and none of them had heard of this. On top of everything, I am sure this is a great way to reduce your carbon footprint.
2. This particular stove: So far, in 2 days, I have no complaints. I looked at all the options on Amazon, and was puzzled for a while as to which one to buy. Eventually, I bought this as it was the cheapest of its kind on Amazon- and I found this to have 4 stars (of 5) on the Macy's website. I was a little afraid of what it would be like. However, it performs as promised. It has temperature settings from 150F - 400F (increments of 50F), and 1400W to 600W (increments of 200W). You can choose either way to control heat. I make tea/boil milk on this, and I can make tea in a record of 8 minutes. On my heavy duty gas burner, I would easily take 15 minutes, and I am sure it is extremely inefficient to boot.
The only downside is that it has a rather loud fan (like a microwave). Not a major downside, but this aspect was just a little unexpected.
The other downside (of the technology, not this particular stove) - you need new pots and pans. I had to spend 50$ getting a new set of iron pots. However, these were not non-stick (actually, they are non-stick..they just dont work as well as the usual non-stick pots and pans), so the cleaning is a little more cumbersome.

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For years, celebrity chef Wolfgang Puck has entertained the Hollywood elite at his Beverly Hills restaurant, Spago. His skill in the kitchen and passion for quality have earned him a reputation that’s unparalleled in his field. Now, he brings that same level of excellence to his own line of professional-quality cookware. Puck’s renowned attention to detail is evident in the smart design and durable construction of his kitchenware, making it the perfect choice for today’s serious cook. If you share Puck’s passion for good food and great cookware, this collection is for you.

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Feit Electric ESL40TN/D 42-Watt Compact Fluorescent High-Wattage Bulb, Daylight Review

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(More customer reviews)The 40W fluorescents (150-200W equivalent) are hard to find in most brick and mortar stores (they like to sell the smaller 40W and the 100W equivalents) so I was double-happy when I saw this one at Amazon. First, because Amazon carries it and second because it's available under super-savers' shipping.
Talking about the item itself:
- you WILL experience some delay when you turn it on but it's hardly noticeable, like maybe 1/10 of a second
- once it's on, unlike the 'cheaper' fluorescents that need to warm up, it shines at or close to full brightness immediately
- it's a bulky, significantly wider and longer than the 150W incandescent equivalents and it may not fit all fixtures where a regular 150W bulb used to fit
- does not work well with a dimmer - it's either on or off [I tried it with one and it did come on at full brightness but something is telling me that you may shorten its life when used this way]
- the light is bright, so bright, I would not stare at it directly - I did once and I saw 'ghosts' for the next 15-30 minutes
- the color of light is closer to 'solar' than what our 'incandescents' deliver, less yellow, more blue
- unlike neon lights, there's no flicker
- it consumes less power when compared to an incandescent
The above were my subjective comments. Here are the specs, as the manufacturer lists them:
- Light output: 2800 lumens
- Energy used: 42W
- Life: 8000 hrs.
- Color temperature: 6500K
- Electric charge: 610mAThe major issue I have with the fluorescents is their lifespan. Maybe I am unlucky but, after replacing nearly all my light bulbs in the house - a few dozen - they seem to burn out more often. My first couple 40W I bought a few years ago (a different brand), in fact, died after about one year, I hope this is not the case again because we are paying top dollar for these environmentally nice devices.
So far, I see no reason not to award this bulb 5 stars but, if it dies on me before 2-3 years, I promise to come back and update my review. For the record, the maker promises a 7-year lifespan and $152 (???) savings per bulb.
______________________________________________________________
January, 2011 update:
On their 20th month, they (I bought a 2-pack) are as bright and shiny as on 'day one' and they've been on for many hours because I telecommute most of the time and my office is in the basement. I haven't done the math but it's likely that they've paid for themselves already.
I bought 2 more in December, 2009 and no burnouts yet.

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40W twists compact fluorescent lamp medium screw base

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Westinghouse 7861400 Industrial 56-Inch Three-Blade Ceiling Fan with Ball Hanger Installation System, Brushed Nickel Review

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(More customer reviews)i just installed this fan and i am very satisfied with my purchase. 5 speed options and it's industrial looks are what swayed me into purchasing this ceiling fan. the control housing is pretty large (5"Hx3.25"Lx2.5"D), but has an old school westinghouse look about it. the instructions were pretty straight forward (except wiring the controller took a few extra minutes to figure out. the instructions showed 4 wires coming, but only 2 needed to be plugged in). overall, i'm very happy. quiet operation, nice looks and a cool breeze around the apartment!

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This powerful and durable Westinghouse Lighting Industrial indoor ceiling fan is designed for commercial and industrial spaces. It comes complete with a ball hanger installation system and a five-speed wall control that allows you to adjust settings over a wide range.
Quiet, Efficient Circulation for Rooms up to 360 Square FeetThis Industrial fan features a 153-millimeter by 17-millimeter cold-rolled steel motor with single capacitor to quietly circulate air when you need it. Ideal for rooms up to 360 square feet (18 by 20 feet), this fan provides airflow at a rate of up to 6,254 cubic feet per minute (CFM). It is rated to operate at 60 watts at high speed (without lights), which gives it an airflow efficiency rating of 104 CFM per watt. (As a comparison, 49-inch to 60-inch ceiling fans have airflow efficiencies ranging from approximately 51 to 176 CFM per watt at high speed.)
Sleek, Convenient DesignThis heavy-duty fan is specially designed to circulate air for large, open spaces. The sleek brushed nickel finish and steel blades mean this fan will suit any decor, and the included five-speed wall control means you can create your ideal environment with a simple adjustment.
Please Note: Industrial ceiling fans are not recommended for use in any household applications. The sharp metal blades operate at higher speeds than traditional ceiling fans, and they must be hung at least 10 feet above the floor.
Westinghouse Lighting Fans: Made to LastA trusted name for more than 120 years, Westinghouse guarantees the construction of its ceiling fans with ultimate lifetime, limited lifetime and 15-year warranties. Each Westinghouse ceiling fan has been meticulously tested to meet rigorous specifications. All Westinghouse fans are made from the highest-quality materials, including reliable, energy-saving motors, fashionable light kits, and durable blades.
The Westinghouse Lighting Industrial fan is backed by a 15-year limited warranty on the motor and a two-year warranty on all other parts.
What's in the BoxIndustrial indoor ceiling fan, five-speed wall control, ball hanger installation system, 78-inch lead wire, and 12-inch length by 1/2-inch diameter down rod.

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ALZO Digital Full Spectrum Light Bulb - ALZO 45W Photo CFL 5500K 91 CRI, Daylight balanced, pure white light, 2800 Lumens, Case of 4 Review

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(More customer reviews)I am an engineer who has been completely disgusted with the home lighting situation. There are no standards and many misstatements and counterdictions at the stores. I own a Minolta flash meter which accurately measures a lights color temperature. I've tried the bulb technology at Walmart, Sams Club Home Depot and Lowes. The most glaring examples:
1) yellow light is called soft white (2700)
2) very blue light is called daylight 6000-6500)
3) 12W LED lights go for as much as $90!
4) Some bulbs are advertised as white but the chart on the back shows its yellow. Complete incompetence.
Here is not what to avoid: all (harsh washed-out blue) daylight, and (yellow) soft white. While GE Reveal offers somewhat better clarity its still overpriced and quite yellow.
Full spectrum (5000-5500) bulbs are a step-up but stores offer a very limited selection, like one! The Home Depot full 100w spectrum's beats the Lowe's Ott-Lite. The best compromise are the PAR38 indoor 23-27w 3500K reflector lights (which actually measure 4100K), especially for recessed kitchen spot lighting.
On the LED front Sam's Club carries a 520 lumen, 4100K, 9 LED PAR38 reflector which has a easily noticeable smoother light spectrum. Interesting for the one light on in the kitchen in the evening. The equivalent $70 LED lights at the hardware store are hardly a bargain, as the Sam's is $20! However its Color Retention index (CRI)is only 74.
The best of all are lights are these 5500K Alzo's. I've installed a 45w in the kitchen pantry and the color of the food boxes really pop. Food looks like it does in the magazines. The clarity is first rate (however 27w should be sufficient). They are the reference to which others are to be compared. My wife has not complained even when they are on at night-time. This is a first.
Skin tones in the bathroom look very natural. A first again.
Color temperature alone is not the sole basis to buy a bulb as a high CRI is also required. The Alzo's come in at 92, which is very high. Most manufactures do not even list this measurable figure (assume because its too low).
Well gotta go as my wife wants one in her closet now, as shes hates the other fluorescent lights which cause eye-strain. Should I install a 45w and blow her away?

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Case of 4 full spectrum light bulbs for daylight balanced lighting, energy star compliant, long-lasting at cir. 10,000 hours with 2800 Lumens output; low energy consumption, good for treating S.A.D. (Seasonal Affective Disorder), photo studio lights, or starting plant growth. These are Compact Fluorescent Light (CFL) bulbs. Fits all medium-base E27/E26 sockets, but this is a large bulb that might create a fit problem with standard lamp harps of household light fixtures; a larger lamp harp is needed, see ALZO 10" harp, ASIN B003SZCUZ2. Dimensions: L: 7"; W (Diameter): 3"; Length socket base to top of ballast: 3"; W (diameter) of socket: 1".

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Full Spectrum Light Bulb - ALZO 27W Compact Fluorescent - Case of 4 - Daylight Balanced 5500K - Pure White Light Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I am an engineer who has been completely disgusted with the home lighting situation. There are no standards and many misstatements and counterdictions at the stores. I own a Minolta flash meter which accurately measures a lights color temperature. I've tried the bulb technology at Walmart, Sams Club Home Depot and Lowes. The most glaring examples:
1) yellow light is called soft white (2700)
2) very blue washed-out color light is called daylight (6000-6500)
3) Low lumen (400-600 lumens) LED lights go for as much as $90!
4) Some bulbs are advertised as white but the chart on the back shows its yellow. Go Figure!
Here are the bulbs to avoid: all (harsh washed-out blue) daylight, and (yellow) soft white. The GE Reveal offers somewhat better clarity, but is overpriced and quite yellow.
Full spectrum (5000-5500) bulbs are a step-up but stores offer a very limited selection. The Home Depot full 100w spectrum's beats the Lowe's Ott-Lite.
On the LED front Sam's Club carries a 520 lumen, 4100K, 9 LED PAR38 reflector which has a easily noticeable smoother light spectrum. Great for the one light on in the kitchen in the evening. The equivalent $70 LED lights at the hardware store are hardly a bargain, as the Sam's is $20! However its Color Retention index (CRI)is only 74.
The best of all are lights are these 5500K Alzo's. I've installed a 45w in the kitchen pantry and the color of the food boxes really pop. Food looks like it does in the magazines. The clarity is first rate (however 27w should be sufficient). They are the reference to which others are to be compared. My wife has not complained even when they are on at night-time. This is a first.
Skin tones in the bathroom look very natural. A first again.
Color temperature alone is not the sole basis to buy a bulb as a high CRI is also required. The Alzo's come in at 92, which is very high. Most manufactures do not even list this measurable figure (assume because its too low).
I've been testing other bulbs. For vanity and lamps (Alzo does make any) these offer a VERY uniform ball of nice white 5000K glow. I ordered 12 for my new house's bathrooms:
Maxlite 14 Watt G30 Globe CFL DL SKM14EGDL
For kitchen these are now the best 5000K PAR lights. Not as high of color quality as Alzo, but they don't make reflector lights!
Maxlite 23 Watt CFL R40 Flood Day Lite SKR423FLDL
In summary best home lights are the Photo CFL which offer both a 5000-5500K range with a CRI over 90. Further these bulbs allow for brighter rooms, as compared to hardware store types. That is, the more pleasing light allows for greater brightness levels, so go for the 45watt bulbs in larger pantries or rooms.
Thanks go to Amazon and Alzo for allowing consumers to purchase superior quality products at a price no higher than the unpleasant and unsatisfying bulbs in the store. Hope this helps!

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Case of 4 full spectrum light bulbs that imitate daylight, are energy star compliant, and have a long life at circa 10,000 hours with 1300 Lumens output; low energy consumption, good for treating Seasonal Affective Disorder S.A.D., for photo studio lights, or for starting plant growth. These are Compact Fluorescent Light (CFL) bulbs. Fits all medium-base E27/E26 sockets, but this is a large bulb that might create a fit problem with standard lamp harps of household light fixtures; a larger lamp harp is needed, see ALZO 9" harp, ASIN B0035LTIZE. Dimensions: L: 6.5"; W (Diameter): 2 1/4"; Length socket base to top of ballast: 2 3/4"; W (diameter) of socket: 1".

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ALZO 45-Watt Photo CFL Full Spectrum Light Bulb Review

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(More customer reviews)I am a painter of the 'visual art' variety. I use these bulbs in my artist lamps and they are wonderful. Gone are the days of painting at night then discovering in the light of day that my colors are all wrong! Also they are great for lighting my paintings for photographing them. These bulbs are really pretty tough...I knocked a lamp over and the bulb did not break,whew!

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45W Full spectrum light bulb for daylight balanced lighting, energy star compliant, long-lasting at cir. 10,000 hours with 2800 Lumens output; low energy consumption, good for treating S.A.D. (Seasonal Affective Disorder), photo studio lights, or starting plant growth. This is a Compact Fluorescent Light (CFL) bulb. Fits all medium-base E27/E26 sockets, but this is a large bulb that might create a fit problem with standard lamp harps of household light fixtures; a larger lamp harp is needed, see ALZO 10" harp, ASIN B003SZCUZ2. Dimensions: L: 7"; W (Diameter): 3"; Length socket base to top of ballast: 3"; W (diameter) of socket: 1".

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GE 13-Watt Energy SmartTM - 8 Pack - 60 watt replacement Review

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(More customer reviews)At a little over 10 bucks for 8 of these, you can't go wrong.
These are just your basic CFLs, at the 2700 kelvin temperature range. That means they're about the same shade as your basic ordinary 60W incandescent bulb. A pale yellow white, not pure white (5100 Kelvin), or daylight (around 6300 Kelvin).
Pure white or daylight CFLS cost more because the phosphors in them are more expensive, but they do have the advantage of being more natural light, rather than imitating the poor quality light of an ordinary light bulb.
So if you're thinking of upgrading to CFLs these bulbs are a great deal to start from. But do take advantage of the technology & get a higher quality light at a higher color temperature for some of your areas, & enjoy better quality light, rather than just using CFLs that imitate the poor quality light of old fashioned light bulbs.
Winter depression can be triggered by lack of natural light because of less hours of daylight, & more cloudy, overcast days in winters. In northern climates when it's cold, people stay inside more, use heavy insulating window curtains, further reducing their exposure to natural light. 5100K-6700k CFLs help with winter depression by exposing you to more natural light. Colors look more rich & vivid. Things look more cheery. It's even easier to read under natural light.
I find I can read just as easy under a 4-watt 5100k CFL than a 13 watt 2700k CFL.
The backlight in your LCD display that you're probably reading this from is probably a 5100k-6700K bulb.
Look at the white areas on the screen & then look at your lighting in the room. Doesn't that ordinary light bulb or 2700K CFL look a lot more yellow by comparison?

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GE 13-Watt Energy SmartTM - 8 Pack - 60 watt replacement

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