Thursday 8 December 2016

Whirlpool Crisp N Grill Microwave Review GT286

So it seems the microwave has come a long way since I last invested in one way back in 2007 - sounds ancient doesn't it?! Whirlpool has completely revolutionised the humble microwave with their new Crisp N Grill model (GT286) that I was recently sent out to try.

No longer just to re-heat (poorly at that), Whirlpool have come up with a microwave that is the ultimate kitchen appliance. This thing can reheat, defrost, bake, grill and steam too - yup you read that correctly. Gone are the days of soggy, unevenly cooked food - crisp, baked items in a microwave are now a reality!
 

What I loved...

Evenness of cooking: Porridge is a daily staple at our place. In a standard microwave this is prone to hot spots, uneven cooking and making you stir it item 1,000 times in 2 minutes of cook time. The Crisp N Grill has a 3D Microwave Distribution System which ensures food always cooks both evenly and thoroughly.
 
 
I am also a sucker for a frozen meal for myself (well it is better than not eating... or chocolate!) when I am in a mad rush to eat. We all know how hard these can be to cook (hot on top and frozen on the bottom) and the Crisp N Grill does these to perfection.
 
 
Crisp pastry: The thought of cooking pizza, sausage rolls and pies in a microwave is practically criminal isn't it?! I mean who likes soggy pastry?
 
 
The Crisp N Grill comes with a separate crisping plate that is specially designed to reach the high temperatures needed to cook these items to crispy perfection (in mere minutes). I guarantee you will be amazed when you see how crispy your chips and baked goods are - oven baked quality in a fraction of the time. This is perfect when it comes to feeding the munchkins who don't really have much patience when it comes to waiting out 25 minutes for oven baked chicken nuggets!
 
 
Healthy meals - FAST! We love pitta bread pizzas here and I absolutely love the convenience of preparing these the night before, and microwaving these in a few minutes ready for lunch.
 
 
The above is my creamy bean/ricotta topped pizza (must share this recipe soon) and as you can see it is browned on top and crispy on the edges and bottom, just like pizza is meant to be! Hard to believe that a microwave can now produce the same results as an oven.
 
Super easy peasy to use: There are so many pre-programmed settings on this thing, so you don't need to guess how long things will take to cook or defrost - it does it for you.
 

For example, to defrost hit the Jet Defrost button, select food type, set the weight and start - that's all that needs to be done! I love how this thing defrosts so fast and manages to keep the food in tact. I am forever forgetting to get meat out the night before and this is an absolutely life saver.

Practical recipes: The unit comes with recipe books that are full of staples for you to try out. 

 

I have also found several books available to purchase (and loads more to be found on Google) as well as a Facebook Fan page too. You really can treat this like an everyday appliance, rather than a simple reheating machine.
 

Any cons?

 
The beep! I have a habit of trying to do a million things while the microwave is going and once the time is up, the unit keeps turning and beeping until you attend to it. In a way this could almost be a positive as I have been known to set and forget....
 
The Crisp N Grill is available to purchase in Australia at Good Guys stores for an RRP of $499. Keep your eyes peeled for some pre and post Christmas bargains as these guys have some amazing sales year round!

 

Thursday 1 December 2016

Designs by Emma: Christmas Giveaway & Reader Offer!

 
If you are after the perfect, practical and pretty gift for a loved one (or yourself) this Christmas then look no further! Designs by Emma make the most stunning range of plastic coated bags. These can be customised to suit your, or your recipients, tastes by selecting from the most gorgeous (and extensive) range of fabrics you have laid your eyes on!
 
 
 
 
If you don't quite see a fabric you love (which would shock me), let Emma know what you might have in mind and she is more than happy to suggest or source something to suit.

I was so lucky to be on the receiving end of one of Emma's divine creations and I have to say this bag has seen it all!
 

From playdates and park dates, to swimming lessons, the gym and as a nappy bag - this bag is perfect for the busy Mum always on the go!
 
 
 
I was sent the large size bag which retails at $65.00. It has two interior pockets sewn in, which are SO handy for finding keys wallets and phones in a hurry. The above pic shows the bag loaded up with 3 regular sized beach towels just to show you just how much room is left - oodles of space!
 
 
And that fabric... I'd say with mint, pink and gold glitter polka dots, Emma nailed my bag in one wouldn't you?!

 
It is so pretty.
 
This sized bag really is a great all rounder, however if you are after something smaller (or bigger), Emma has so many different sizes in the range. You can also grab a small kids sized bag, a makeup bag and even a nappy bag with change mat in her range too. There really is a size and fabric to suit absolutely everyone!

Reader Offer

Emma has very kindly offered the first 5 Utterly Organised readers to place an order with her a 10% discount off their order. There is no expiry date for this, but it is limited to the first 5 readers only so don't delay in placing your custom order!
 
To place an order, check out the range or to follow Emma's gorgeous page, simply head over to her Facebook page here.
 
 

Giveaway

One lucky reader is going to LOVE designing their very own medium sized bag. This amazing prize is valued at $50 and will be made up in a fabric from Emma's range of your choice - how good is that?!

To enter simply follow the Rafflecopter prompts below.

Please ensure that you follow the important terms and conditions outlined below. This includes ensuring that you comment on what you would use your gorgeous new Designs by Emma bag for! Maybe a trip to the beach, a seaside holiday or for a new job in 2017.

Please also ensure that your comment includes your full name too.
 

Enter Here

 
a Rafflecopter giveaway
 

Terms and Conditions

- The giveaway will be hosted by Rafflecopter and is open to Australian residents only
- There will be one lucky winner of this prize
- Prize includes 1 x Medium Sized bag in the winners choice of fabrics (from available range)
- Readers MUST leave a comment below this post as to what they would use their gorgeous new bag for!
- Please ensure that your entry contains a comment and a full name (first and last), so that entries can be verified.
- The announcement of the lucky winner will be made on the Utterly Organised Facebook Page and displayed on the Rafflecopter widget above
- The lucky winner will have 3 days to contact Utterly Organised and claim their prize
- Failure to claim prize within designated period will result in another winner being drawn
- Entrants must like the Utterly Organised Facebook Page
- Any questions on the competition can be directed to utterlyorganised@gmail.com

Thank you SO much Emma for the gorgeous bag, cannot wait to hit the beach with it next!
 
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