I'm looking for a better stovetop toaster than the Coghlan toaster we have used for decades.
https://www.cabelas.com/product/TOASTER/3472307.uts?productVariantId=1624321&WT.tsrc=PPC&WT.mc_id=GoogleProductAds&WT.z_mc_id1=50108009&rid=20&ds_rl=1246525&ds_rl=1246528&ds_rl=1247879&ds_rl=1252079&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI5Zydnazm6AIVxBx9Ch0dew3EEAQYBSABEgKZDvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds
The Coghlan toasts one side at a time and tends to warp the bread, burning the bottom before the top is toasted.
It requires constant attention to get a usable piece of toast or a bagel. If lucky, it doesn't fold up in the middle of toasting.
So, what works for you?
Larry
Larry,
I’ve had good results using a skillet. Low heat and a turn or two works for me. I occasionally will add butter to one side of the toast or English muffin.
One less thing to store in an already crowded cabinet. Although I did see this one that may hold some promise. https://youtu.be/i7jEu6_Ustc
Cheers for toast.
Kent
Larry, you have conceived, designed, engineered, and built hundreds of complex, creative, and functional projects; I *know* you can come up with a stovetop toaster that doesn’t collapse and/or burn the bread! ;)
How about a 6"- 8” square of 1/8” sheet iron (round off the corners) with a simple short handle welded on at a comfortable angle?
FOR MAKING TOAST ON THE STOVE TOP IN A LAZY DAZE . . .
What about this guy (https://www.sportsmans.com/camping-gear-supplies/camp-cooking/campfire-accessories/rome-hamburger-grill/p/101373) held directly over the flame(s) on the stove top?
Virtual hugs,
Judie
The Dixon toaster that Kent suggested is 'on sale':
stainless steel Camping or Boat toaster (https://www.qwikmarine.com/Dixon_Stainless_Steel_Toaster_p/tst2.htm)
Or, this one?
Amazon.com: GSI Outdoors Glacier Stainless Steel Toaster That's Collapsible... (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001DHMKV6/?tag=theboagal0a-20)
I ditched the Coghlan and bought one of these at Gamblers in Quartzsite and really liked it.
Amazon.com: Camp-A-Toaster CT1: Automotive (https://www.amazon.com/Camp-A-Toaster-CT1/dp/B007HRIYDY/ref=mp_s_a_1_7?dchild=1&keywords=camp+toaster+stove+top&qid=1586822856&sprefix=camp+toaster&sr=8-7)
I second the frying pan. I also use a spot of butter, sometimes at home I use the same method because it tastes so much better.
Options for reheating - and toasting - without a microwave or a toaster . . .
Who Needs a Microwave? | Adventures of Dorrie Anne (https://dorrieanne.wordpress.com/2017/11/27/who-needs-a-microwave/)
Leftover Pizza for Lunch | Adventures of Dorrie Anne (https://dorrieanne.wordpress.com/2016/03/06/leftover-pizza-for-lunch/)
I have several heat diffuser or trivet-type gizmos - some are double sided with an air space between them, and a nice handle; another is a solid, heavy plate, and some are more like racks.
A closely-watched, heavy pan really does do a bang-up job in toasting just about anything, particularly if you grease 'er up with something between the vulnerable surface and the hot pan.
If you crave pizza, but don't want to bother with the mess a regulation pizza makes, you can spread whatever floats yer boat onto a sturdy tortilla, plop another one on top, and let it get hot and crispy on side one, and then carefully flip over to crisp up the other side. If you have been generous with the cheese, the two halves should stick together pretty well, but a large spatula (or even a big piece of [clean] cardboard) can help to keep this from being a disaster.
If you don't want to try to flip two regulation-sized tortillas, then you can make them more like calzones*, i.e. folded over. Start the first one, and (assuming at least two are needed) when you fold it over, lay half of the next tortilla in the abandoned half of the frying pan, letting the other half droop over the edge while you put on the toppings, and then fold the top part over. Voilá - you have both calzone-shaped pizzas heating at once.
By the time the second side of the first pizza (or whatever sandwich filling you have used) is ready, the second one should be ready to flip. This procedure gets both done within a reasonable time of one another, so the first one doesn't cool off.
Alternatively, you can split the first one while the second one finishes up.
If you are careful, have a heavy pan with a good cover, and a bit of patience, you really can work miracles in a tiny Lazy Daze kitchen!
*Calzone (from Wikipedia)
"A calzone is an Italian oven-baked folded pizza that originated in Naples in the 18th century. A typical calzone is made from salted bread dough, baked in an oven and is stuffed with salami, ham or vegetables, mozzarella, ricotta and Parmesan or pecorino cheese, as well as an egg."
Virtual hugs,
Judie
"I ditched the Coghlan and bought one of these at Gamblers in Quartzsite and really liked it.
Amazon.com: Camp-A-Toaster CT1: Automotive"
We had one of these back in 1991 in our TK, but it rusted almost immediately. It actually DID do a great job, and we replaced it a couple of times to avoid the rust in our diet. Maybe they are better now in that department. If so, would HIGHLY recommend it.
It isn't wide enough for a whole tortilla, but I would toast up tostada shells on it. Had to watch it like a hawk, though, because the inherent grease in tostada shells drip out pretty quickly. To help with this problem, I took a piece of heavy duty foil, folded it over a couple times and then poked a bunch of holes in it. Had to keep moving the tostada around on the top, though, to keep it heating evenly, and not burn or drip grease.
NOLA Boy loves tostadas, but for myself, I would just use tortilla chips and not bother with heating it at all!
Virtual hugs,
Judie
Here's what I use for Tostada bowls. Bought two and when I learned how well they worked, went back and bought two more. ;)
Amazon.com | HIC Harold Import 43741 Tortilla Bowl Maker, Set of 2, Non-Stick... (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00D6PSOAY/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o08_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1)
For me, life is too short to not have an electric toaster oven.
I lived on a motorcycle for many years and when I got my LD.
I decided to live it up. My old Black and Decker toaster oven makes great toast, bagels and English muffins.
I also use it to reheat leftovers, like pizza, make toasted cheese sandwiches etc.
The glass door lets me see in so I can visually check when my toast is done.
I'm happy to run the generator when I want to use it.
I'm looking for a better stovetop toaster than the Coghlan toaster we have used for decades.
https://www.cabelas.com/product/TOASTER/3472307.uts?productVariantId=1624321&WT.tsrc=PPC&WT.mc_id=GoogleProductAds&WT.z_mc_id1=50108009&rid=20&ds_rl=1246525&ds_rl=1246528&ds_rl=1247879&ds_rl=1252079&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI5Zydnazm6AIVxBx9Ch0dew3EEAQYBSABEgKZDvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds
The Coghlan toasts one side at a time and tends to warp the bread, burning the bottom before the top is toasted.
It requires constant attention to get a usable piece of toast or a bagel. If lucky, it doesn't fold up in the middle of toasting.
So, what works for you?
Larry
Firing up the generator and plugging in the 2 slice toaster. In 2002 I paid $72,000 not to make like I was camping with the Boy Scouts anymore. ;)
Chris
A wide range of possibilities.
In the morning, I'm lazy and slow to wake up. The thought of having to wash a frying pan isn't appealing, I just want to quickly toast a bagel, slather peanut butter and jelly on it and have it with coffee. I would prefer to remain with a radiant heat toaster, it's clean producing only a few crumbs, easy to clean up.
I dislike hearing generators, so an electric toaster is out.
Our 23.5' FL doesn't have a lot of unused storage and the folding GSI Glacier stainless steel toaster is appealing but it's small, only able to toast one side of one piece of bread at a time. If it came in a larger size, it would be the one.
The Camp-A-Toaster's grill is large enough but it doesn't look that well built. Then again, it's only a toaster.
There's plenty of time to think, it looks like we will be under house arrest for a lot longer.
Larry
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=I2d45c60pt8
:D
Being that we are full time workers, not in the LD months a year, the desire for toast hasn't come up yet. It is nice to see all the possibilities though.
“I dislike hearing generators, so an electric toaster is out. “
Gee, I would have thought with all that solar generated power + inverter you could easily find room in your AC budget for an electric toaster ;)
“I dislike hearing generators, so an electric toaster is out. “
Gee, I would have thought with all that solar generated power + inverter you could easily find room in your AC budget for an electric toaster ;)
Problem is heating elements take an enormous amount of electricity that is more than any small battery system can handle with their associated inverter size. Living off grid and loving toast this is an ongoing issue in our house. Much of the year we toast right on the top of our wood stove which is not an option in an RV and neither is it an option for us in summer so we generally use the iron skillet method then which works fine but uses a lot of propane.
generally use the iron skillet method then which works fine but uses a lot of propane.
I think the Dixon Toaster mentioned would probably be efficient.
“I dislike hearing generators, so an electric toaster is out. “
Gee, I would have thought with all that solar generated power + inverter you could easily find room in your AC budget for an electric toaster ;)
I made the decision a long time ago to eliminate as many 120-volt devices as possible and use either 12-volts or propane to power the rig when camping. With the exception of our toothbrushes and bike battery chargers, everything runs on 12-volts, produced by the panels. An inexpensive, hard-wired 400-watt inverter takes care of any 120-volt needs. For anything larger, the generator can be used, we don't carry anything needing that much power.
A toaster is a huge consumer of electric power and would require spending around three thousand dollars to build a proper 2000-watt inverter system, plus we don't have the room for an electric toaster or an empty exterior compartment for the inverter.
It also eliminates another complex system to keep operational.
Below is a link to a 2000-watt inverter/charger, installed in a mid-bath.
Let's say it was a very involved project, I'm happy not having to maintain it or build another one.
Prosine 2.0 Inverter | Flickr (https://www.flickr.com/photos/lwade/sets/72157659265992299/)
The beauty of a LD is its simplicity, less to go wrong, I like keeping it that way.
Larry
Toasters are typically about 800 watts, so a low-cost 1000 watt modified sine wave inverter is all that is needed. Toasters are just resistors, so there is no advantage to using a sine wave inverter. They use a lot of power, but don't run for very long, so the toasting a couple slices uses less than 10 AH.
I think the Dixon Toaster mentioned would probably be efficient.
For an RV I think you are right due to the weight of a heavy iron skillet.
We had one of these back in 1991 in our TK, but it rusted almost immediately. It actually DID do a great job, and we replaced it a couple of times to avoid the rust in our diet. Maybe they are better now in that department. If so, would HIGHLY recommend it.
A medical aside if I may ...... your red blood cells are iron oxide aka rust.
glen
Yum!
Sawyer, that's the way we do it. Smear a little butter on and let her rip. We don't have the cast iron though.
Jon
Toasters are typically about 800 watts, so a low-cost 1000 watt modified sine wave inverter is all that is needed. Toasters are just resistors, so there is no advantage to using a sine wave inverter. They use a lot of power, but don't run for very long, so the toasting a couple slices uses less than 10 AH.
That's a very low end estimate and I'm no electricity expert but I think it's the huge immediate draw of power from the heating elements that's the issue with inverters. A toaster trips my 2000 watt inverter every time not to mention what it does to draw down your batteries.
Toaster wattage usage
Image: towsure.com
Electricity usage of a Toaster. A toaster is found in most kitchens and is a popular home appliance for toasting bread or heating up certain pre-baked toaster pastries. The bread toaster uses from 800 to 1500 watts of energy when in use, an average toaster will use around 1200 watts.
Electricity usage of a Toaster - Energy Use Calculator
IMO, the most efficient way to make any type of heat in an RV is with propane, it's the cheapest, most dependable and least technological way of cooking, water heating and space heating plus our LDs come everything Factory installed, no need to install a large inverter and an upgraded electrical system.
Other than a toaster, we have no requirements for large amounts of 120-VAC power, 12-volts takes care of the rest of our electrical needs, without the cost and inefficiencies of inverting battery power.
KISS.
The Japanese have all sorts of interesting kitchen tools that fold up and take little storage room, a consideration in the shorter LDs with considerably less available storage space than the 27' and 31' models.
Found this toaster and it folds up smaller than any other one I have seen and will toast two pieces of bread at once.
The downside, it's pricey. Still significantly cheaper than an electric toaster and large inverter. The search goes on.
UniFlame Camping Equipment Cooker Fan Multi Roaster 660072 for sale online |... (https://www.ebay.com/p/3011381222?iid=372944750939&chn=ps&norover=1&mkevt=1&mkrid=711-117182-37290-0&mkcid=2&itemid=372944750939&targetid=884619362040&device=c&mktype=pla&googleloc=9031145&poi=&campaignid=9338046851&mkgroupid=94993845019&rlsatarget=pla-884619362040&abcId=1139336&merchantid=6296724&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIsfGi3ufq6AIVFQnnCh3s9AKJEAkYDCABEgLNQPD_BwE)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BtsVXOFzjJ0
Uniflame Toaster • Adventure Curated (https://adventurecurated.com/gear-reviews/camp/camp-kitchen-chairs/uniflame-toaster/)
Larry
Found this toaster and it folds up smaller than any other one I have seen and will toast two pieces of bread at once.
Larry
Vegemite sold separately ;)
That's a very low end estimate and I'm no electricity expert but I think it's the huge immediate draw of power from the heating elements that's the issue with inverters. A toaster trips my 2000 watt inverter every time not to mention what it does to draw down your batteries.
It's not a low end estimate, 850 watt's is what's on the bottom of my Black & Decker toaster; the first two toasters I checkedon Amazon were 800W and 900W. It's been a common number for two slice toasters for decades. The measured starting resitance is 18 ohms, so the immediate draw isn't very high - 7 or 8 amps at most; it used about 30 WH for two pieces of dark toast, which is about 3 AH from the batteries (adjusting for the high current, the AH "equivalent" out of the battery might be as much as 6 AH). Neither of the 1000 W modified sine wave inverters in my previous motorhome or the current motorhome have ever tripped.
Check the wattage on the toaster you've tried on your inverter. If it's less than 1000 W, your inverter may have a problem. It should have no trouble running the standard two slice toaster.
Check the wattage on the toaster you've tried on your inverter. If it's less than 1000 W, your inverter may have a problem. It should have no trouble running the standard two slice toaster.
No can do. Threw our toaster out many years ago. Heating elements and inverters and batteries don't mix. Even if you could run your toaster off batteries you would draw them down so much it wouldn't be worth it. Oh and don't get me started on hair dryers. A friend of my wife's visited once and after showering plugged in her hair dryer she smuggled into our house. It did not end well. :D
Then there's things like microwaves that also use more power than you would think. We ditched that too. Really not worth firing up the generator for these so called modern conveniences and once you haven't had them a while they are not missed.
I haven't seen mention of the old (antique) stove top toaster. Looks like a four-sided grater with a flat bottom/platform. On my grandmother's there were wires to hold the bread. It worked great but you had to stand right there to keep the toast from burning. Toast one side, flip it over and toast the other side. The Dixon that Ken mentioned is certainly a step up on this old model. Shiny, too!
JuliW
Minden, NV
Stovetop toasters are excellent for testing the smoke detector. So is a lot of cooking for that matter. Apart from boiling water for coffee, cooking gets done in the Instant Pot, the microwave, or outside on the BBQ.
I generally use a frying pan with regular bread but have used the broiler for baguette style toast or an english muffin. Don't see why that wouldn't work for regular sliced bread as well. Is there a reason no one has mentioned it? Do the new ovens not have the broiler feature? Makes me want to go out to the Lazy Daze just to give it a try.
I could never get the boy scout type of stove top toasters to work very well.
JohnF
2003 T/K
I generally use a frying pan with regular bread but have used the broiler for baguette style toast or an english muffin. Don't see why that wouldn't work for regular sliced bread as well. Is there a reason no one has mentioned it? Do the new ovens not have the broiler feature? Makes me want to go out to the Lazy Daze just to give it a try.
Unless someone has broken into our 2003 LD, in the last month, and installed a broiler in the oven without us knowing about it, it doesn't have a broiler....just checked, no one snuck in and installed one.
An oven has the burner at the bottom, a broiler has a burner located at the top. Most home ovens have both.
Larry
Recalling the LD Motorhome Manual suggestion of toasting on a piece of aluminum foil placed on the bottom of the oven. My wife, being of English decent, has toast and eggs daily and has tried it - so far no complaints. Might anyone have notable experience with this method, pro or con, to share?
Warren
Unless someone has broken into our 2003 LD, in the last month, and installed a broiler in the oven without us knowing about it, it doesn't have a broiler....just checked, no one snuck in and installed one.
An oven has the burner at the bottom, a broiler has a burner located at the top. Most home ovens have both.
Larry
Well, Larry, time to upgrade to at least a 2007, as we have a broiler and use it to make toast. Never even considered making toast on the range.
Unless someone has broken into our 2003 LD, in the last month, and installed a broiler in the oven without us knowing about it, it doesn't have a broiler....just checked, no one snuck in and installed one.
An oven has the burner at the bottom, a broiler has a burner located at the top. Most home ovens have both.
Larry, the knob has a 'Broil' setting. This from Atwood/Wedgewood:
"4. USING THE BROILER:
a. Light the oven pilot as described in #2 (above).
b. Push in and rotate the oven control knob counter-clockwise
BROIL.
c. Center a broiler pan under the broiler flame.
d. Move and turn the food over frequently to ensure even browning and
cooking.
Note: A 2-piece enameled broiler pan (MPD 51042) may be purchased from
Atwood.
Note: Cooking times will be longer at higher attitudes (+4000 feet)"
https://tweetys.com/broil-n-bakepan.aspx
Steve
Well, Larry, time to upgrade to at least a 2007, as we have a broiler and use it to make toast. Never even considered making toast on the range.
Wonder when the oven was upgraded to one with a broiler and how much room it takes up? The existing space inside the oven is already small without an additional burner. One upgrade I wish for is a remote quartz igniter for the oven, it's a PIA to get down one's knees to light the oven's pilot, a reason why the oven isn't used more.
A stovetop toaster is still preferable for our use, we cook outside a lot, it's cleaner and doesn't leave lingering odors in the rig...or set off the smoke detector.
Larry
I could be mistaken, but my recollection is that Atwood's idea of a broiler is what Warren said: they expect you to put food on the floor of the oven under the main (and only) burner. I rarely tried it, but Warren's wife has shown that it works. As with any broiler, you'd need to catch closely to prevent charring.
(Mmmm, toast and eggs sound good!)
"Wonder when the oven was upgraded to one with a broiler and how much room it takes up? "
On our 2019 the oven burner is beneath the false floor. Perhaps we're getting "wrapped around the axle" on the term "broiler". At any rate, I just checked with my toast and "Eggspert" wife (her word not mine), and she says the toast on the floor thing works fine for her.
Warren
In our 2002 MB we would toast bread at the bottom of the oven under the burner on a shallow baking tray. We would have to keep an eye on it and turn the bread over to toast both sides, but it did work.
Art
We have a broiler in our '06 RB and had the same in the '94 MB. I use a small cookie sheet for garlic toast, cheese toast, etc. Yes, you could certainly do regular toast, English muffins, etc. With toast, the same problem of having to turn it over.
Ah, adventures in cooking!
Juli W.
Minden, NV
The broiler in a LD is an interesting thing. Our ‘15 RB has no broiler. It’s interesting to think that the Mothership would include such an oven in older LD’s and not in later models.
Are these LD’s with broilers OEM equipped from LD? Does the broiler require the ignition of a pilot light for the broiler and/or the oven? Is there a separate knob to select oven or broil?
Just wondern’
Kent
Are these LD’s with broilers OEM equipped from LD? Does the broiler require the ignition of a pilot light for the broiler and/or the oven? Is there a separate knob to select oven or broil?
There is no separate broiler burner - to broil, you put items in the narrow gap UNDER the burner and turn the burner valve to 'Broil'. I don't know which model range the newer units have, but I suspect it works the same way. You couldn't broil a 1" thick steak using the broiler, but a 1/2" one would fit (or a split Sara Lee cinnamon-raisin bagel...)
Steve
The broiler in a LD is an interesting thing. Our ‘15 RB has no broiler. It’s interesting to think that the Mothership would include such an oven in older LD’s and not in later models. Are these LD’s with broilers OEM equipped from LD? Does the broiler require the ignition of a pilot light for the broiler and/or the oven? Is there a separate knob to select oven or broil? Just wondern’
Kent
All LDs built in the last 30+ years have used the same basic oven, AFAIK.
The short area under the burner is what Atwood considers to a broiler and yes, it will work for toast but it's not tall enough for browning casseroles and broiling meat would make a mess of things. If it was possible to light the burner without getting down on one's knees to peer inside, to find and light the tiny pilot, it would be more useful for quick and short use.
It's a pain to use and too much work, IMO, to use to make toast and that comes back to my original quest for a simple stovetop toaster. A stovetop toaster would also be useful for cooking outside where much of our cooking is done.
This has been a nice discussion and a distraction while most of us sit at home wondering what the travel world is going to be like in the next year or two.
Larry
"...a simple stovetop toaster."
I have on the worktop of my 30' LD a four slice conventional electric toaster! Quite handy when I have shore power or can run the generator. I've toasted quite a number of English Muffins (my favorite), bagels and plain toast. Never had an inclination to use the oven.
Now, at 8am, confined in my sticks & bricks as it were, I am about to fire up the Breville Toaster Oven and toast some E.M.s. When ready I'll slather them with butter, cream cheese or peanut butter and perhaps top them off with a slice of bacon. The dog, Cedar, always likes it when I make bacon! ;D
Who knew that toast would be such a hot topic. People must be getting really bored, lol!
Toast is the new coffee! 😜
— Jon
Toast is the new coffee! 😜
— Jon
I will toast to that.
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=I2d45c60pt8
:D
mmmmm....12-grain with a HINT of butane.
IMO, the most efficient way to make any type of heat in an RV is with propane, it's the cheapest, most dependable and least technological way of cooking, water heating and space heating plus our LDs come everything Factory installed, no need to install a large inverter and an upgraded electrical system.
Other than a toaster, we have no requirements for large amounts of 120-VAC power, 12-volts takes care of the rest of our electrical needs, without the cost and inefficiencies of inverting battery power.
KISS.
The Japanese have all sorts of interesting kitchen tools that fold up and take little storage room, a consideration in the shorter LDs with considerably less available storage space than the 27' and 31' models.
Found this toaster and it folds up smaller than any other one I have seen and will toast two pieces of bread at once.
The downside, it's pricey. Still significantly cheaper than an electric toaster and large inverter. The search goes on.
UniFlame Camping Equipment Cooker Fan Multi Roaster 660072 for sale online |... (https://www.ebay.com/p/3011381222?iid=372944750939&chn=ps&norover=1&mkevt=1&mkrid=711-117182-37290-0&mkcid=2&itemid=372944750939&targetid=884619362040&device=c&mktype=pla&googleloc=9031145&poi=&campaignid=9338046851&mkgroupid=94993845019&rlsatarget=pla-884619362040&abcId=1139336&merchantid=6296724&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIsfGi3ufq6AIVFQnnCh3s9AKJEAkYDCABEgLNQPD_BwE)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BtsVXOFzjJ0
Uniflame Toaster • Adventure Curated (https://adventurecurated.com/gear-reviews/camp/camp-kitchen-chairs/uniflame-toaster/)
Larry
I think this one does laundry too :D
(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/813lCdjl5eL._AC_SL1500_.jpg)
mmmmm....12-grain with a HINT of butane.
That was Elvis's favorite sandwich, long live the king.
Larry
Circling back to the subject of an RV "toaster" . . .
I found this item (https://www.fantes.com/catalog/product/view/id/28720/s/brustolina-la-gratella-graticola-tostapane-stainless-steel-stovetop-toaster/category/2425/) at a site where I had not been for a couple of decades, but had ordered from them back then. Nice to see that they are still in business.
Virtual hugs,
Judie <-- Sierra Vista, Arizona
Adventures of Dorrie Anne | Photographing the West (http://dorrieanne.wordpress.com)
Today: Fun with Egg Wash
*********************************
Do you remember what you paid for this toaster back a couple a decades ago Judie? Was it anywhere near $16? Pricey little thing. ;D
"Do you remember what you paid for this toaster back a couple a decades ago Judie? Was it anywhere near $16? Pricey little thing. ;D "
The item that I bought there way back when was an electric "Four-in-One" type waffle iron/grill gizmo that I used for a very long time - at least ten years. I left it for the new home owner the last time we moved, as I had acquired a substitute by that time.
I have a similar, although round, rippled metal, two-faced "toaster" unit that is maybe six inches across that has a lot of holes on each side with about a quarter-inch airspace between the two sides, and a long-ish red handle that folds up for storage. I never tried to make toast with it, but did heat (VERY CAREFULLY) tostadas and tortillas, and probably even more carefully - cornbread and biscuits. If I have it somewhere at home, I will take a picture of it, but I think it is in storage in the Lazy Daze.
Metal trivets are my best treasures, as they can be pressed into service for a number of food prep uses.
Never one to turn down an intriguing cooking gadget, I am fighting off the urge to order the square one from Fante's! ;->
Virtual hugs,
Judie
Never one to turn down an intriguing cooking gadget, I am fighting off the urge to order the square one from Fante's! ;->
I have the one that started the thread, but keep having troubles setting it up (I think I bent a couple of the wires so they don't work right) and it doesn't do a great job.
I got a Dixon one and it does well on the BBQ side burner but doesn't compress at all.
I ordered the Aussie one which shipped from Japan - it's caught in the COVID-19 international shipment shutdown - can't review.
I can't help but hear the siren song from Judie's latest post.....
Where I'd really like to camp is between Judie and a farmer's market...
I do like a toasted bagel now and then. ;)
Joel
Not exactly stand alone toast but these make a great breakfast with scrambled egg and cheese inside and are meant to be used over a flame.
https://www.amazon.com/Toas-Tite-79357-Aluminum-Sandwich-Silver/dp/B005XOYUSQ/ref=mp_s_a_1_4?dchild=1&keywords=round+sandwich+press&qid=1589373901&sr=8-4
Drifting away from the toasted perspective, a friend of ours puts two eggs in a zip-lock, scrambles it in the bag with a whisk, adds bacon pieces and drops the whole thing in a pot of boiling water. A few minutes later she removes a baggie of scrambled eggs, tosses the baggie and doesn't have a pot to scrub.
On her birthday we all get together and she cooks a bunch of these on the beach for friends and we enjoy a scrambled egg breakfast and everyone brings breakfast treats and goodies.
Harold
"A few minutes later she removes a baggie of scrambled eggs..."
Harold
What a brilliant idea! Hope there's no patent on it.
Your post came just before lunch time and I was so pumped I decided that would be the ideal repast. Since you didn't mention a specific length of time I just winged it at five (5) minutes. In retrospect that was just a wee to long, 4 to 4.5 would probably have been better. The only modification I used was to add a pinch of salt and pepper. Mmmm, choice, I'll remember that one! ;D ;)
"What a brilliant idea! Hope there's no patent on it."
----
No "patent". ;) Dozens of recipe collections for "omelets in a bag" on many websites; here's a basic one:
Omelet in a Bag | Allrecipes (https://www.allrecipes.com/recipe/85107/omelet-in-a-bag/)
"Dozens of recipe collections for "omelets in a bag"..."
Look as you may, you will not find 'Cook' on my resume! ::)
I like the idea of the “Baggy Omelette” (sounds like some sort of gangsta product). I did wonder about the risk of leaching plastic compounds from the bag into the food, not to mention adding that much more plastic to the waste stream. I found these, apparently food-safe zip-top, silicone bags. Kinda spendy, though. Maybe there are other, more affordable reusable bags out there or maybe even just use a small glass storage dish? I imagine that Judie has some advice here....
ZipTop’s website
Zip Top - 100% Platinum Silicone Reusable Containers with NO Lids! (https://ziptop.com/?gclid=EAIaIQobChMI0PXSy4Gy6QIVuR-tBh2esQenEAAYAiAAEgJSB_D_BwE)
"I like the idea of the "Baggy Omelette" (sounds like some sort of gangsta product). I did wonder about the risk of leaching plastic compounds from the bag into the food, not to mention adding that much more plastic to the waste stream. I found these, apparently food-safe zip-top, silicone bags. Kinda spendy, though. Maybe there are other, more affordable reusable bags out there or maybe even just use a small glass storage dish? I imagine that Judie has some advice here...."
These silicone reusable containers caught my eye some months ago, but a peek at the price cooled my jets in a flash!
Don't get me wrong - I'm all for minimum plastic bag usage, reserving them for use with something that would require a lot of water to clean up. The fold and lock bags are really good at a much lower price than the zip lock variety. When on sale, these small bags are frequently around two for a penny, so ONE of the silicone bags equals 2200 plastic bags in cost. A box of 300 of these bags lasts me about a year . . . (Tapping on calculator app on iPhone . . . yikes . . . I don't think I will live long enough to use up 2200 plastic bags.)
Cost aside, each bag can be used in a way to circumvent the use of a lot of clean-up water, and multiple bags can be deployed at a time. One silicone bag in use precludes any other use of that same bag at the same time. I frequently keep the little bags that are not totally gross to wrap up things (coffee grounds, for instance) before putting them in the trash. In a motorhome, they provide copious opportunities to encase waste bits to keep them from smelling.
So - double use! ;->
I use mostly Pyrex or Anchor glass 1-, 2-, 3-, 4-, 6-, and 8-cup storage containers at home, and Lock & Lock containers of various sizes (very small to VERY LARGE) in the motorhome. Purchased in sets over the years, these units are much less expensive than the silicone bags, although the silicone bags look like fun.
Freezing food in plastic freezer bags to take along on an adventure is efficient, but it is hard for me to do this when there is an alternative. I find the Lock & Lock containers (square and/or rectangular) to be really efficient, and if stacked cleverly, take up little room in either the freezer, refrigerator proper, or storage areas.
I particularly like them because they are always the same size, no matter the amount of contents, so I can keep them secure in the cabinet over the dinette, and just refill each one as needed. No half-filled containers falling over all the time.
I could go on and on about their virtues, but, lucky for you, my timer just went off, so it is time to set the table and dine on slow-cooked Texas Sweet onions, with a topping of leftover New York strip steak gently re-heated in them; Brussels sprouts; and quinoa cooked in the Nissan vacuum bottle - no boiling or watching.
YUM!
Virtual hugs,
Judie
I ran the baggie idea by my wife and she had a minor meltdown. She said and I quote " Are you insane? You're not even supposed to leave a water bottle in the sun because the heated water causes chemicals to leech from the plastic into the water. Are you trying to get cancer? Are you trying to make me a widow? "
See what I live with? See my life? :-\
Well ..... looks like I'm doomed. Plastic containers surround my life..... but I do enjoy toast. Next to bacon my fav food.
glen
Well ..... looks like I'm doomed. Plastic containers surround my life..... but I do enjoy toast. Next to bacon my fav food.
glen
In my younger years I hooked on a skyline for nearly a decade and used the same plastic water bottles repeatedly that laid out in the sun in clear cuts where shade was impossible to find. I think the leeching fear is overblown.
On a side note it's amazing how tough those bottles are. We'd throw them down the mountain to where we would be in ten or fifteen minutes and they would bounce off stumps and logs and rocks without bursting.
So I got interested in the subject and found some pertinent information for anybody that cares.
What Are the Dangers of Boiling Food in Plastic Bags? | Our Everyday Life (https://oureverydaylife.com/what-are-the-dangers-of-boiling-food-in-plastic-bags-5054662.html)
My wife is really on a tear. Now I'm being lectured on our throw away society and plastic going into landfills and the ocean. What I get for marrying a hippe chick. :)
To quote a line from "The Graduate" . . .
"PLASTICS"
I have NO science background, so this is solely my opinion about whether to use/cook in/store in plastic bags.
In short - I'm agin' it! I don't always follow my own advice to the nth degree on every subject, but I never microwave in any kind of plastic, particularly the ones that come from the grocery store with food already in them! I use glass, mostly, with the occasional "paper", if that is appropriate for the food being heated.
But even these uses are seldom. I tend to reheat on the stove (https://dorrieanne.wordpress.com/2020/05/10/an-incredible-reheat/) when at all feasible. If something we are about to consume is too "soupy" for the frying pan treatment, I will use the microwave - POSSIBLY - but usually, I pull out a small saucepan to heat even a single serving of soup.
It's not that I am anti-microwave. Indeed, I acquired one of the first ones back in the ?early 70's when they were made primarily for use on boats. It was big and blue and had a nautical theme. That sucker ran for decades. I gave it to my son when it broke. He fixed it and gave it to a friend. I don't know its history after that.
But I've just found over the years that the satisfaction level with the finished (reheated or started for scratch) food product, for my own taste, is to reheat/cook something with stove heat and a metal or glass vessel. The extra "work" involved is such a tiny part of life, that it fades into obscurity. I feel the final overall result for my own taste and satisfaction is much higher when the microwave sits idle.
All that said, if one has a really good set of pans to use on the stove, this method is fantastic. If the pans are problematic for one reason or another, then the resultant effort to clean up the mess will put the kibosh on the benefits of stove-top heating. A bonus is that you do not need to fire up the generator to heat a small (or large!) portion of food if this activity is happening in one's Lazy Daze ! ;->
Many retail entities are having COVID sales these days. This is a good time to search about for a good deal on a small set of really good quality cookware. The waste and frustration with cleaning up inferior cookware is infuriating to me. So "if it hurts, don't do that"!
I find this method of cooking/reheating genuinely satisfying, but as always
YMMV!
Virtual hugs,
Judie
I know that we've veered from the "Stovetop Toaster" question. So, moderator feel free to re-direct the posts on bags/plastics/cookware. Or not, I'm still new...
In the mean time, regarding Judie's "if one has a really good set of pans to use on the stove, this method is fantastic". We have become quite attached to high carbon steel skillets and particularly like those crafted by this Portland-based maker.
Blu Skillet Ironware (https://bluskilletironware.com)
We learned of them from the periodical "Cooks Illustrated". They are wonderfully made and once seasoned, better than non-stick. They are not cheap, nor are they easy to acquire, however. Blu Skillet sells them at their workshop and during semi-annual web sales (they sell out in about 30 seconds - not unlike Yosemite Nat Park reservations).
Warren
I know that we've veered from the "Stovetop Toaster" question. So, moderator feel free to re-direct the posts on bags/plastics/cookware. Or not, I'm still new...
In the mean time, regarding Judie's "if one has a really good set of pans to use on the stove, this method is fantastic". We have become quite attached to high carbon steel skillets and particularly like those crafted by this Portland-based maker.
Blu Skillet Ironware (https://bluskilletironware.com)
We learned of them from the periodical "Cooks Illustrated". They are wonderfully made and once seasoned, better than non-stick. They are not cheap, nor are they easy to acquire, however. Blu Skillet sells them at their workshop and during semi-annual web sales (they sell out in about 30 seconds - not unlike Yosemite Nat Park reservations).
Warren
I'd have to sell the Lazy Daze to afford a set. ;)
Chris
Chris, no need to sell the rig! Matfer Bourgeat makes a high quality "black steel" (carbon steel) frying pan in various sizes; a 10" or so is about $60. (See Amazon)
Black Steel Round Frying Pan | Matfer Bourgeat USA (https://matferbourgeatusa.com/product/black-steel-round-frying-pan-10/)
Chris, no need to sell the rig! Matfer Bourgeat makes a high quality "black steel" (carbon steel) frying pan in various sizes; a 10" or so is about $60. (See Amazon)
Black Steel Round Frying Pan | Matfer Bourgeat USA (https://matferbourgeatusa.com/product/black-steel-round-frying-pan-10/)
Not even fancy cookware helps dispel my boredom with cooking. I often walk in the kitchen at meal time and say, "Is this a meal I can skip?"
Chris
My Stove top toaster,
None. Light the burner, turn the burner real low, set the bread on the pan grate. watch close, and flip with a fork.
scrap the burned stuff off, butter when done.
no storage location required for the toaster.
scrap the burned stuff off
Rodney, the burnt stuff is the best part. Kinda like when you get coffee grounds in the bottom of that last cup o'joe! :D
"Not even fancy cookware helps dispel my boredom with cooking. I often walk in the kitchen at meal time and say, "Is this a meal I can skip?" "
It's hard for me to relate apathy, boredom, or dread to cooking - but that's because I LIKE to cook almost as much as I like to eat!
But for the better part of six decades, I have been responsible for the tummies of at least one other person at all times, so cooking to me is almost like breathing.
To make it less onerous, and more of a source of joy to cook for just one person, I could suggest taking a similar tack to what I do, which is to usually not need to make all three courses (protein, starch, vegetable) at EACH meal. Leftovers for at least one part (preferably all three!) of a meal is my mantra.
With a bit of planning and inspiration, an ingredient can be fixed up and then morph into other personalities to make another meal that is easy, interesting, and nourishing.
If interested in some suggestions, drop me a line and we can do some meal planning for you. ;->
Virtual hugs,
Judie
With a bit of planning and inspiration, an ingredient can be fixed up and then morph into other personalities to make another meal that is easy, interesting, and nourishing.
If interested in some suggestions, drop me a line and we can do some meal planning for you. ;->
Chris probably would be even more interested in a box of frozen meals showing up at his doorstep once a week.
Many people living by themselves have problems cooking for just one.
Good cooking is something best shared, you have had appreciative consumers of your cooking to encourage you, their love of your cooking has made it worthwhile for you
And from your food photos, it sure looks good.
Getting hungry, it must be breakfast time.
Larry
Chris probably would be even more interested in a box of frozen meals showing up at his doorstep once a week.
For Chris:
Schwan's (https://www.schwans.com/landing/?id=W7&cid=google:paid_search:branded:fy20_q2_schwans_base_plan_core&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI5Jva9oy56QIV9T6tBh2ZzAeuEAAYASAAEgIp5vD_BwE)
"Chris probably would be even more interested in a box of frozen meals showing up at his doorstep once a week.
Many people living by themselves have problems cooking for just one.
Good cooking is something best shared, you have had appreciative consumers of your cooking to encourage you, their love of your cooking has made it worthwhile for you
And from your food photos, it sure looks good."
I've often wondered what it would be like to cook only for myself. On the rare occasions where there has been no one to join me for several meals in a row, there has always been sufficient "stuff" available to do leftover magic. But if I were ALWAYS in that mode? Well, I don't know, really.
My gut (ahem) feeling is that I would do the same as I do now, i.e. cook more than one meal's worth of any given food, and collect a variety of things in freezer and refrigerator containers with an eye to being able to pick and choose at any given meal, while also keeping open the use of the vacuum bottle method of providing a part of a meal with no work involved.
Sort of a Kitchen Rubik's Cube - put things together in a variety of ways that are pleasant to do, a joy to look at, and satisfying to eat, while also being thrifty and conservative with earth's bounty.
The meal kits and prepared meals hold no interest for me; indeed, they look wasteful of resources - to say nothing of exorbitantly priced. I target $6. each day for each of us for all of our food, and from what I have seen, these prepared items can be $10.00, and more, per person, per meal.
And . . . they take all the fun out of it!
Virtual hugs,
Judie
Not even fancy cookware helps dispel my boredom with cooking. I often walk in the kitchen at meal time and say, "Is this a meal I can skip?"
Chris
That's pretty much the way I am but my brother who is a fireman in San Jose has become a gourmet cook. It started because they all take turns cooking dinner for the firehouse and he just really got into it. Now he watches all the cooking shows and prepares the meals for all the family get togethers. He even talks of becoming a chef after retiring from the fire department. To each his own I guess.
On a sidenote he once took me on a joy ride in his fire engine and I got to blow the horn and turn on the siren like a little kid. Great fun! ;D
scrap the burned stuff offRodney, the burnt stuff is the best part. Kinda like when you get coffee grounds in the bottom of that last cup o'joe! :D
Why is the best stuff always carcinogenic?
Larry
"Why is the best stuff always carcinogenic?"
Face it, something's going to get you!
If you're going to dance you've got to pay the fiddler. :o ;)
"Why is the best stuff always carcinogenic?"
Face it, something's going to get you!
If you're going to dance you've got to pay the fiddler. :o ;)
"Death and taxes"
Why is the best stuff always carcinogenic?
Only in California, Larry. 😉