Reviews by SHC-JeffK

SHC-JeffK says "Kenmore Range Hood: Stylish & Quiet, but could use a few extras" about Kenmore Stainless Steel w/Black 30 in. Updraft Range Hood

SHC-JeffK — Mon, 22 Feb 2010 20:22:04 GMT

I purchased the Kenmore Stainless Steel w/Black 30 in. Updraft Range Hood to replace an old white GE range hood. As part of a kitchen renovation, this hood really looks nice. The slim design gives it a great modern look!

This range hood performs very well, offering Hi/Lo settings both for the fan and light. The Lo fan setting if virtually silent, but performs well. On high setting, it gets a bit louder but nothing annoying. However, I do wish there was a Medium setting. The 2 light settings are very helpful as well. On high setting, the cooktop below really lights up!

A few things to be aware of.

If you're using a ventless setup, be sure to the get the proper filters. These are not included with the range hood.
When installing the filters, be careful when removing the filter covers. They are not very easy to remove and not intuitive. I ended up bending one pretty bad.

Overall, I recommend this range hood because of performance and value. However, I would have liked a medium fan speed...

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SHC-JeffK says "Professional stainless steal look, Good performance & Value." about Kenmore Stainless Steel 30 in. Freestanding Gas Range

SHC-JeffK — Mon, 22 Feb 2010 20:21:58 GMT

This review is for the Stainless Steel 30 in. Freestanding Gas Range (Sears Item# 02277463000 | Model# 7746). Overall, I'm very happy with this purchase. I've had this range for approx. 6 months and do recommend this cooking range. It replace as white GE oven that was about 12 years old and original to the house. Virtually any new oven would have been an improvement, but the Kenmore range stands out to me.

Pros:

Very nice stainless steel look.
5 burners of varying sizes is very helpful (power burners heat very fast)
Oven cooks consistent and evenly.
Large storage drawer is much bigger than my last oven

Cons:

Like all black cooktops, it shows dirt and food very easily. I have to clean the cooktop often.
Recommedation for all ovens: Get an oven mat to catch food on bottom of oven. It will keep your oven clean and save tons of time.
I wish the oven timer would beep when 1 minute left on timer. Right now, it beeps when timer goes off. The time is also a bit slow to set when setting...

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SHC-JeffK says "Solid Stainless Steel Refrigerator" about Kenmore Stainless Steel 21.9 cu. ft. Bottom-Freezer Refrigerator w/ Icemaker Energy Star

SHC-JeffK — Mon, 24 Aug 2009 15:12:44 GMT

Item# 04676253000 Model# 76253

I've had this refrigerator for about 1 month now. Overall, I'm pretty happy with this model. The design/appearance of this fridge is pretty nice. On the exterior, the curved handles have a nice look and feel. My only complaint are the two plastic screws on the fridge door. This model has the ability to reverse the door swing, which is nice, but having these plastic screws visible is bad design. However, overall it's very minor.

Interior space is plentiful. I can fit a lot more in this unit as compared to my old fridge of similar size. Separate drawers w/ humidity control is nice. Temperature is consistent as well. I've noticed my food is staying fresher longer. This is my first fridge with a bottom freezer. While a bit smaller, I have become used to it with no issues. Bought the bottom freeze model b/c I like having the fridge at my standing level so I don't have to bend over to get things.

One minor issue I'm having is the fridge door is a little sticky,...

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SHC-JeffK says "Great picture, even better price! " about Samsung - 32" 720p LCD HD Television

SHC-JeffK — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 18:36:44 GMT

This 32" LCD is terrific! The picture quality is great. No difference b/n 720p and 1080p on screen sizes this small. Save your money and go with 720p for screens less than 40".

I researched several other models by Sony, Panasonic and Vizio and none were nearly as nice from an overall look, price and picture quality.

I purchased this TV for my bedroom, to replace an old 26" RCA tube. Talk about an improvement! I would definitely recommend this TV.

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SHC-JeffK says "Great for Tailgating or Condos/Apts." about Weber W31 386002 Baby Q 100 Portable Tabletop Gas Grill*

SHC-JeffK — Tue, 26 May 2009 18:49:41 GMT

Similar to the other reviewers, I'm a really big fan of this grill. While a little pricy, it's well worth the added cost. This grill is very well made and extremely durable. It's survived many tailgating events and I now use it as my primary grill at home. I also have a large, full size grill at my house, but feel the Weber Baby Q does a much better job and provides consistent heat throughout. No hot spots!!!

This is the perfect grill for tailgating, great for condos/apts., or in small outdoor spaces. Only recommendation would be to get the 20# adapter for larger propane tanks.

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SHC-JeffK says "Fast Food at its Greatest! " about Portillo's - Chicago Area, IL

SHC-JeffK — Mon, 11 May 2009 20:20:06 GMT

Hands down, the best fast food restaurant in Chicago! Here is a little background from the website:

"Welcome to Portillo's Hot Dogs, Inc., started in 1963 by Dick Portillo in a small trailer and soon will be operating 48 units. His dedication to serving "the best food" and "the best service" available will make it worth your visit. Requests for his "type" of food and "service" are received daily at the corporate office from many of the 50 states (including Alaska) and many foreign countries."

Portillo's offers a great selection of high quality items for a quick service restaurant. You can get your usual fare of italian beef, burgers, chicken sandwiches & salads. However, I highly recommend their award winning italian beef sandwiches and ribs. Yes, they have excellent ribs! Also, the chocolate cake is pretty serious!

A unique feature of Portillo's is each restaurant is different, representing themes from the 20's through 60's. It's definitely a visual treat.

If you want to visit a...

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SHC-JeffK says "Great product for saving time and your windshield! " about Sticker Shield

SHC-JeffK — Thu, 07 May 2009 19:41:51 GMT

A very recent problem of mine......

Every year I have to get a new city sticker for my car and every year I have to remove the old sticker. Aren't we all tired of scraping it off with a razor blade? Talk about a pain and absolute waste of time!

A friend recommended I try Sticker Shield. This adhesive product sticks to the windshield, peels off easily and can be used multiple times. Simple apply the sticker to this adhesive film and no more scraping with a razor blade and wasting time! Talk about a great, not so brilliant solution that solves a problem! The best $5 I've spent in a long time.

Check it out at www.stickershield.com. This would be a great product for Sears Auto Centers!

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SHC-JeffK says "Awesome Pizza, Award Winning Brewery" about Piece Brewery & Pizza - Chicago, IL

SHC-JeffK — Wed, 06 May 2009 19:54:04 GMT

To be honest, I stumbled upon this restaurant/brewery by accident. Located in the Wicker Park area around the intesection of North/Damen/Milwaukee in Chicago, this establishment is known for it's pizza and custom brews.

The pizza is "new haven" style. Not that I know what that means, but I do know it's excellent! It's very thin, served as large slices like New York style.

Piece also offers a variety of award winning hand crafted brews. Most notably, they were a 2006 World Beer Cup winner as Champion Smallbrew Pub and Jonathan Cutler the Champion Brewer. To view the entire list, please visit their website.

The venue is fairly large with multiple TVs and a large bar area. However, evenings can get very busy, so plan on spending some time with a beer in hand, watching sports.

This place is a must for pizza lovers!

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SHC-JeffK says "Removes almost anything! " about Goo Gone

SHC-JeffK — Thu, 30 Apr 2009 18:42:08 GMT

Wanted to share a quick story on why Goo Gone is terrific!

I recently purchased a new car, so I'm naturally very protective of it. I was returning home from work the other day to find several marks on the passenger door of my car. Thankfully, they weren't scratches on my car! Whatever or whomever it was rubbed off and left white streaks on my dark gray colored car.

After venting for a minute, I tried removing the marks with water, rags, my fingers, etc. Nothing worked until I tried Goo Gone! I've used this for many various things and it has always worked. The marks came off in seconds with no wearing to my car doors or any sign of the marks. This product works extremely well and has a million uses!

Here is a blurb from the manufacturer:

Eliminate the Toughest Cleaning Problems!

* For all those gooey, sticky, gummy, greasy cleaning problems
* Removes chewing gum, grease, tar, stickers, labels, tape residue, oil, blood, lipstick and mascara, shoe polish, crayon, bumper stickers
* Works...

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SHC-JeffK says "Great for Cubicles! " about Patton PUH680-U Utility Heater

SHC-JeffK — Thu, 30 Apr 2009 18:24:11 GMT

I needed a small, inexpensive utility heater for my work cubicle. During winter, my feet are always cold and my cubicle is a bit chilly. Like the previous review, this heater is small and very inexpensive. Nice features, including automatic turn off if tipped over and auto-sensing heater settings to save electricity. It has a solid exterior w/ handles for easy portability. If you're looking to heat a small area, this is your heater!

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SHC-JeffK says "First impressions: Very Good" about Hoover Elite Rewind Bagless upright Vacuum

SHC-JeffK — Thu, 23 Apr 2009 18:29:04 GMT

I recently put in new carpet in several rooms, only to find that my Oreck vacuum did a really bad job picking up dirt, etc..... I'm not a vacuum expert, but wanted to relay a my opinions.

I went on Sears.com and read all the customer reviews on vacuums. Main requirements were inexpensive and at least a 4 star rating. After spending way too much time reading reviews, I settled on the Hoover Elite Rewind vacuum.

My first vacuum experience was very good. It has great suction and I really like having a bagless vacuum! I could't believe the amount of carpet lint it picked up! I had to empty the canister after the first vacuuming! I was even pleasantly surprised that it had a light and easy floor height adjustment features. I like the idea of the cord rewind feature, but it will take a little getting used to.

Based on first impressions, I would definitely recommend this product!

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SHC-JeffK says "Great set for convenient in-home workouts!" about Bowflex Selecttech 552 Dumbbells

SHC-JeffK — Wed, 22 Apr 2009 18:43:14 GMT

Very good product. Each version has improved! I've been using these weights for a couple months now. Great for in-home workouts! Changing weights is quick, easy & effortless. I would recommend getting a stand for these weights. However, cost for the Bowflex stands are ridiculous. I'm still trying to work out a solution, other than having weights on the floor. Overall, I would definitely recommend this product!

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