Following his best-selling and award-winning debut, I'm Just Here for the Food, Alton Brown's Gear for Your Kitchen offers honest, practical advice...
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May 26, 2008
Lance
rated it: 
After trying for about a year to seriously learn how to cook by reading Joy of Cooking and McGee's On Food and Cooking, I started to get really discouraged and was considering committing suicide in a MacDonalds by eating BigMac Meals 'til I expired.
I realized that my knowledge was so rudimentary that even such celebrated tomes as those aforementioned could not save me from my fast-food induced demise. While I could understand the science, when it came to actually doing the cooking, I didn More...
I realized that my knowledge was so rudimentary that even such celebrated tomes as those aforementioned could not save me from my fast-food induced demise. While I could understand the science, when it came to actually doing the cooking, I didn More...
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Aug 23, 2011
Andrew Shuping
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I bought this book just after I started my first professional job and had a kitchen of my very own to stock. And like many I had no idea what the heck to buy! or why I should buy it or anything else. Trust Alton to save my sanity. Alton doesn't tell you what brands or models to buy (he even suggests that you look at something like Consumer Reports for that.) No what Alton does is walk you through what types of things you might want in your kitchen, why you might want them, and what types of thin
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Mar 15, 2010
Claire
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I'd give this 3.5 if I could but...
If you are a serious cook, a couple registering soon, a Food Network junkie or a Good Eats fanatic (and I happen to fall into all of these categories) this book is for you.
If you haven't seen Alton's show on FN, his philosophy regarding kitchen equipment is simple is better and the only "unitasker" allowed in his kitchen is the fire extinguisher. He hates all kinds of gadgets that serve 1 or very little purposes.
H More...
If you are a serious cook, a couple registering soon, a Food Network junkie or a Good Eats fanatic (and I happen to fall into all of these categories) this book is for you.
If you haven't seen Alton's show on FN, his philosophy regarding kitchen equipment is simple is better and the only "unitasker" allowed in his kitchen is the fire extinguisher. He hates all kinds of gadgets that serve 1 or very little purposes.
H More...
Jul 09, 2009
Amanda
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This is a great book recommendation from Unclutterer. Alton guides you to a clutter free kitchen. This book is also full of great guidance for the right tools for you as a chef. I like the priority lists at the beginning of the chapters: What you need, what you need (really), what you would take to the island.
He's considerate of different budgets, which I totally appreciate. And he can tell you a dozen uses for pretty much any tool in your kitchen. I was constantly saying, "I wo More...
He's considerate of different budgets, which I totally appreciate. And he can tell you a dozen uses for pretty much any tool in your kitchen. I was constantly saying, "I wo More...
Sep 16, 2010
Kelly
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I like to cook. And when I get a chance I enjoy watching Alton Brown on the Food Network. I've learned a lot of interesting things by watching him. This book explained what a lot of basic cooking gear is used for, what are suitable replacements (the best multi-purpose tools), and other suggestions. Obviously, a normal cook can't afford to buy nor store everything you might find in a chef's kitchen. Alton did a good job of delineating between the useful and the unnecessary for a normal cook.
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Sep 06, 2009
Crystal
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This is such a cool book. Alton Brown, one of my favorite food personalities, talks about the insides and outsides of every piece of cooking gear imaginable. He gives fairly unbiased pros and cons to each piece, and talks about the science behind utensils, cookware, and appliances. For example, he has a very straight forward explanation of the differences between cookware materials: stainless steel, copper, aluminum, cast iron, teflon, etc.
A great reference for anyone starting a new More...
A great reference for anyone starting a new More...
Jul 13, 2011
Cliff
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I've been wanting this book for some time. Being a fan of Alton Brown, I was curious to see how the book covered these particular topics of what kitchen equipment works well and which do not. I've already used much of what I've read to remove some of the clutter. It was a good reference point for me to begin tossing out my cheapy knife set and start replacing it with proper knives.
I've only just completed reading through the small appliances section and am looking forward to the sec More...
I've only just completed reading through the small appliances section and am looking forward to the sec More...
Oct 09, 2010
The Cyber Hermit
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I always appreciate Alton's thoughtful, thorough explanation on Good Eats and the general food knowledge he shares both in personal appearances and on Iron Chef America.
This is a good book for anyone looking to expand the potential for their kitchen. You don't have to take all his recommendations but he carefully outlines why he chooses what he does, what he likes and what he doesn't. It's a definite help in making an informed decision on what to add to your kitchen.
This is a good book for anyone looking to expand the potential for their kitchen. You don't have to take all his recommendations but he carefully outlines why he chooses what he does, what he likes and what he doesn't. It's a definite help in making an informed decision on what to add to your kitchen.
Jun 04, 2010
Alicia
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I borrowed this book from my library to get a better idea of what kind of kitchen tools I should put on my wedding registry. I am a fan of Alton Brown's so I trust (most of) his advice. I thought this was a great way to get the basics of cookware and kitchen tools so I could make an informed decision. I feel a lot more organized about what's on my registry now that I'd removed the unnecessary things!
May 20, 2011
Jennifer
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Alton Browns Books Are Great. Especially if you like eating, science, and are interested in cooking. I knew I had to have this book before I started buying replacements for the kitchen equipment I had to leave behind when I moved. And the recipe for carrot raisin salad in here - I'm pretty sure I scared the neighbors with my cries of joy. Can't wait to bust out the food processor.
Aug 03, 2010
Jonathan
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After receiving this book as a birthday gift last year, it stayed in the kitchen for a while.
It was a nice read that was quick and to the point. It included Brown's manta of, "no unitaskers" and presented an array of items that could be purchased to streamline your kitchen.
Next time I have to pick a book for the newly engaged or foodie I'll be sure to consider this as a gift.
It was a nice read that was quick and to the point. It included Brown's manta of, "no unitaskers" and presented an array of items that could be purchased to streamline your kitchen.
Next time I have to pick a book for the newly engaged or foodie I'll be sure to consider this as a gift.
Oct 28, 2007
Charles
rated it:
Man, how is this ranked lower than his cookbooks?
Gear is *chock* full of knowledge of cooking equipment based on actual testing and experience all with a practical bias. Now a days with most chefs from food network telling you that the equipment you need is from the line of stuff that they are selling, the guy telling you what you should buy based on practical application is a gentleman and a scholar.
Although I do have to say that when I say practical, AB does cover More...
Gear is *chock* full of knowledge of cooking equipment based on actual testing and experience all with a practical bias. Now a days with most chefs from food network telling you that the equipment you need is from the line of stuff that they are selling, the guy telling you what you should buy based on practical application is a gentleman and a scholar.
Although I do have to say that when I say practical, AB does cover More...
May 14, 2010
aaron
rated it:
this is a great book if you are looking for the best of kitchen items. this books adds both the wittiness and the geekiness of alton brown. he really puts out a good book and the writing style is very much in the same vein as his show "good eats" on food network. if you are a fan of browns or just want to improve your kitchen, then this is a perfect way to start!
Jan 09, 2009
Paul
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Okay, I like Alton a bit too much, but I can honestly say that my cooking life is divided into before Alton and after Alton. This is a great guide on what you need in your kitchen. My dad always says the most important thing in any job is having the right tool. This helped me get the right tools.
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Apr 03, 2009
Michael
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This is the book I turn to...actually, Alton Brown is who I turn to any time I want a no bullshit answer to just about any culinary question.
As for when I'm curious about a particular kitchen implement, this is the book. Anything else, he's probably covered in a Good Eats episode.
Fucking brilliant.
As for when I'm curious about a particular kitchen implement, this is the book. Anything else, he's probably covered in a Good Eats episode.
Fucking brilliant.
Jun 09, 2011
Haven
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This is not useful for the ecologically-minded cook. Brown relies heavily on disposable kitchen gear along with not speaking enough about the various health risks with non-stick pans. He also makes things far more confusing than they need to be. Okay for the dilettante, not much else.
Mar 12, 2010
Becky
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I especially loved the parts about different kinds of metals, and pots and pans. I went through my kitchen and got rid of so much stuff I don't need because of this book. It is so nice to hear that I don't need to buy every gadget--because I don't have the space, even if I needed to.
Mar 22, 2009
Tatiana
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Okay, this is a funny, entertaining book about kitchen tools. Yes, really. That's quite an accomplishment by itself, I think, but Alton Brown is also educational and helpful around the house to boot. That's why I couldn't resist getting this one. It doesn't disappoint.
Dec 11, 2008
Allisonperkel
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I grabbed this from the library and its so good I may very well buy it. While he's obviously got some nice cross promotional deals going on - at least he uses what he pushes and the information within is invaluable for anyone planning to upgrade, stock, or use a kitchen
Dec 09, 2008
Hayley
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You wouldnt think a book on kitchen gear would be so interesting, but to a girl like me, well it is just fascinating. Alton Brown really knows his stuff and has great ideas on how to increase the functionality of your kitchen. And, he makes me laugh, out loud.
Jul 14, 2011
Shree
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A perfect book that could be gifted to a newly wed or a new owner of a house. The book is a beautiful reference point for many kitchen appliances and items that would be used right from the type of colander to be used to the basics of knives. A very helpful guide.
Feb 11, 2011
Kindle-aholic
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I learned how to cook by watching Good Eats and reading Brown's books.
This is not a collection of recipes from the show - this is an instruction manual. There are a few recipes that utilize the topic he is discussing, but this is best for the novice cook.
This is not a collection of recipes from the show - this is an instruction manual. There are a few recipes that utilize the topic he is discussing, but this is best for the novice cook.
Jan 13, 2009
Hope
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If you like Alton Brown's "Good Eats" cooking show, you'll like this book. You can hear his dry, humorous voice talking to you as you read. It's an interesting book in that it's more of a reference book but the writing is so much fun, you don't mind reading it. I also like that I can skip around to look at sections I'm interested in and not worry about reading things sequentially.
Jun 11, 2010
Jared
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Does a good job with the chemistry and conductivity of cooking gear and makes it a bit snarky. You get the info you need, but some of the end of the book was pretty terse and just his opinion instead of the facts. I love the guy!
Nov 11, 2009
Pari
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Read this in about 5 hours including taking notes. Very handy book for people new to settling down. Lots of very clear and concise, unbiased information about how to set up your first kitchen. Highly recommended.
Aug 12, 2009
SheWunders
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Great information, but not the best for the cost contentious cook. I would love to buy the cookware and knives he recommends, but unfortunately I can’t afford to spend thousands of dollars on kitchen tools.
Feb 01, 2011
Bonnie
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good breakdown of what tool is best suited for what job, and why. I don't always agree with him, but this is definitely a good starting place for someone who wants to step up their cooking.
Dec 21, 2009
Nathan
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Great discussion on the things most amateur home cooks ignore. Again, I'd prefer more pics in the book, but oh well. It motivated us to rethink the organization and content of our kitchen, which has made a big difference.
Feb 22, 2011
Good reference when deciding how to stock your kitchen with gear. This book helps save you money by helping determine what tools you really need and what you can pass on.
