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29th out of 110 books
—
35 voters
Alton Brown's Gear for Your Kitchen
by
Alton Brown
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 on the tools that work and don't work in the kitchen, along with 25 new recipes on which to use them. Also from Alton Brown this Fall: I'm Just Here for the Food Kitchen User's Manual and Cook's Notes.
Hardcover, 256 pages
Published
October 1st 2003
by Stewart, Tabori and Chang
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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't know...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't know...more
I mistook Alton Brown's Gear for Your Kitchen for a recipe book when I borrowed it from my library. Actually it does have a handful of terrific recipes that highlight the use of various kitchen appliances. However, this book is a remarkable guide to choosing anything related to kitchen appliances and tools. It not only references practically anything you would find in a kitchen, it tells how to use it the proper way, and where to find it. Throughout the book he tells the history and science/tech...more
I read this book over a period of a couple months, a little bit at a time. I don't think it is really a book that most people would want to sit and read straight through. It is really more of a reference book for those wanting to upgrade/remodel/refresh their kitchen. I like how Alton Brown gave some science behind why certain things work better in certain situations and also how he said that while he may prefer one brand of (discussed item) over others and why, that he also told about other bra...more
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...more
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.
His book walks through the different categories...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.
His book walks through the different categories...more
I read straight through, even though I'm not presently stocking a kitchen or trying to reduce clutter in mine. The information is extensive and comprehensive. I enjoy Alton's "voice" and it's clear he knows of what he speaks. I'd say not worth owning, but definitely worth having available via library or a friend for when it's needed. The problem is that newlyweds and those striking out on their own (freshly graduated, freshly divorced, etc) will use this intensively for a short time, then not ag...more
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 would have NEVER th...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 would have NEVER th...more
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.
Well, I just finished the book, I've never seen the show, and I don't have cable or regular TV. I will say this is a book worth owning, if you love to cook. This is also the book that should be a part of everyone's kitchen.
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. I di...more
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 kitchen gad...more
A great reference for anyone starting a new kitchen gad...more
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.
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!
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.
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.
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 just about anything that ha...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 just about anything that ha...more
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
Read this before our kitchen renovation. It helped me focus on the necessities and avoid (or get rid of) everything else. A year later, my cabinets are stocked with gear I use regularly and I think twice before making an impulse buy.
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!
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.
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.
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Alton Brown is an American food personality, cinematographer, author, and actor. He is the creator and host of the Food Network television show Good Eats, the miniseries Feasting on Asphalt and the main commentator on Iron Chef America.
Brown received a degree in drama from the University of Georgia. He first worked in cinematography and film production, and was the director of photography on the m...more
More about Alton Brown...
Brown received a degree in drama from the University of Georgia. He first worked in cinematography and film production, and was the director of photography on the m...more
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Apr 09, 2009 07:26pm