Category Archives: Shopping

Glass Kettle BKE260 – Breville

14 Tuesday May 2013

Posted by in Australia, Kitchen wares, Shopping, Travel

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My current electric kettle went psycho on me a few months back. The kettle doesn’t stop boiling and I almost had a heart attack when I saw water spitting out from the sprout non-stop. After that, I was very caution when I need to boil water. I’ll stand next to the kettle and wait for it to boil. It doesn’t cut off by itself so I’ll need to do it manually. It was quite irritating / dangerous.

And so, begins my hunt for an electric kettle. The selection I’ve seen in Malaysia was not impressive and I was quite shocked by the price too. Some better quality plastic models are asking for RM 100++ and the stainless steel models can get as high as RM 250++. Nothing I’ve seen so far capture my heart… So, I revert back to watching my kettle like a hound when I put it to boil. (It’s the Philip plastic kettle which we have been using for more than 5 years)

During my recent trip to Melbourne (Australia), I decided to browse the options of electric kettle there…(it was not intentional as I was there with my bro to hunt for a TV). I couldn’t resist it from the first moment I saw it sitting on the display shelf in Harvey Norman. It was almost love in first sight. But, I hesitated because of the hefty price tag at AUD 98 (sigh… I can’t justify to myself forking out RM 300+ for a kettle).

When my brother saw me salivating over the kettle, he told me that he saw a rather similar kettle in Big W (different model same brand) for a lower price. Really?!! Hooray!!! We quickly scramble off to Big W to hunt for the kettle. I was so excited when I see it priced at AUD 68 (about RM200+). Yes – my bro got his TV too. LOL.

Let me introduce my newest toy in the kitchen – the Breville’s Glass kettle. Yes – the body of the kettle is made from glass. How COOL is that?

Tada… look how beautiful it is sitting on my countertop. I was quite worry transporting it back (check it in with my luggage) initially. Thankfully, upon arrival the kettle is still in one piece and it’s working fine… This time round, I was actually lulled to stay back and watch the water boil. It was so fascinating. LOL

Glass Kettle

Note that it is not just any normal glass. It’s Schott DURAN glass !!!

I am a big fan of Schott glass product (love their range of Schott Zwiesel Tritan Crystal Glass!!! – I’ll reserve that for another blog post one day). Schott has more than 125 years experience specialising in glass. DURAN is the division for the lab devices. So, I was pretty confident the glass should be quite durable (unless you drop it) and able to withstand boiling heat with no effect on the material property.

For more information on this glass kettle, you can find it on Breville’s website (http://www.breville.com.au/glass-kettle.html). Breville is an Australian owned company specialising in Kitchen Appliances.

E.DEHILLERIN – one of my favourite shop in Paris

20 Wednesday Mar 2013

Posted by in France, Kitchen wares, Shopping, Travel

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E.Dehillerin is definitely one of my top 10 favourite shop in the world.

This little quaint shop is located in Paris (not far from the Louvre museum). If you take the metro, it is easiest if you stop at the Louvre-Rivoli metro. From there, head straight along Rue du Louvre and you will see the shop on your right (rue Coquillière)

So, what does this shop sells?

E.DehillerinThey sell everything and anything to do with kitchen and pastry tools and cookware. If you are into baking and cooking, you will LOVE this place. They have an amazing range of copper-pots and cast iron products.

Unlike other kitchenware shops, this place is like an organise mess. Why do I say so? Going into the shop feels like you are transported back to the previous century. Things are scattered all over the place. You’ll find goods all over the floor and some are hung on the ceiling. But, if you ask any of the assistant in the shop, they will be able to easily locate the items you are asking for.

I know many people find this arrangements to be a bit daunting. But, I love it. It’s like a treasure cove. I could easily spend 2-3 hours going thru item by item and not get bored. They also stock my favourite Staub !!!

Talking about this place makes me miss it so much already. One big tip for you guys heading there, PLEASE go during NON-peak hours. I usually go there on weekday early morning and gets plenty of attention from the assistants. Most of them can speak English but can be a tad impatient. Don’t go during weekend. It’s a nightmare to get any service / attention.

Have fun shopping ! BTW, you can also order online if you want.

http://www.e-dehillerin.fr/en/index.php

18 et 20, rue Coquillière – 51, rue Jean- Jacques Rousseau – 75001 PARIS
Phone: +33 1 42 36 53 13 – Fax: +33 1 42 36 54 80
Email: info@e-dehillerin.fr

Open on monday from 9 to 12.30 and from 2 to 6 pm and on tuesday to saturdays from 9 am to 6 pm. Closed on sunday and off-days.

Water Booster Pump for home

13 Wednesday Mar 2013

Posted by in Gadgets, Home, Renovation, Shopping

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I was listening to BFM (Business FM) this morning interviewing the Managing Director (SEA) of  hansgrophe. It was a really interesting interview as I know I was quite fixated on good toilet fixture during our renovation. LOL.

At the end of the interview, the BFM team usually does a short wrap up and one of them mentioned that all these beautiful fixture would be useless unless you have a good water pressure. I concur.

Many Malaysian’s home do not have good water pressure especially on their 2nd floor onwards. It’s really frustrating to have a shower sometimes. There was once I turn off my water pump and forgotten to turn it back. It took me ages to rinse off. At the end, I think I spend more than double the amount of time but I still don’t feel refresh after the shower. le sigh… YES – I LOVE my rain shower ! And without the water booster, it’s more like a bad leaking tap. bleh.

So, before you ran out and spend a fortune buying all these beautiful fixtures, you must first think about the water pressure in your home. If it’s bad. FIX that first. The easiest way would be to install a water booster pump to pull water out from your water tank into your shower.

Hub and I spare no thought into getting a really good and solid one from Grundfos. We prefer the Uni-E type. Grundfos Uni-E Pump

There are several model and booster power. So, you really need to check with the sales person which is suitable for you.  Personally, I think for any normal size water tank, any of these 3 model below should be sufficient to do the job. Why do I say water tank and not the size of home? In my opinion, if you have one decent size water tank, it should be use to serve at most 3-4 frequent use bathrooms. IF you have more rooms, it would be better if you have a 2nd water tank anyway.

Grundfos Uni-E Pump Performance curve

Even if you have 4 showers and 4 taps, the Uni-E 5-5 should be sufficient. You probably rarely have all the fittings (4 showers + 4 taps) all turn on anyway. So, there’s no need to go overboard getting an over-powered booster. It is going to cost you more for the electricity.

Have fun hunting for a good water booster !