When Uber Appliance sent me their Air Fryer XL Deluxe 5 QT touch screen programmable air fryer I wasn’t sure what the difference would be between the 3.7 QT they sent last month. Well, this new one is smaller in size but bigger in action.

I have quickly become a fan of air fryers and the Uber is easy to understand, easy to use, and a great addition to my kitchen appliances. As a matter of fact, we have taken to using the air fryer more than any other appliance.

This unit comes with a manual mode if you want to set your own time and temperature. There is also a programmable option to quickly set the unit for specific foods. And don’t worry if you want to pull out the basket during cooking because the unit won’t shut off fully. It allows you to check and/or stir the contents then reinsert the basket. The cooking will continue where it left off. This auto shutoff and auto resume function is handy.

There are liners that can be purchased to make cleanup easy however I have not found a need for those. Cleaning this unit is a breeze with its non-stick surface. Plus, parts are dishwasher safe.

The digital pad on the front is easy to read and with the pre-set functions it is easy to use. Just press and go. That’s so simple even young kids can use it (adult supervision is recommended). Without fire it is safe to keep on the kitchen counter.

This 5 QT capacity unit is perfect for families from 2-5. There is plenty of room in the unit to cook several items at the same time. The thing about air fryers is that they do take a little time to learn exactly what temperature and time you prefer for each type of food. It’s a little learning curve to understand exactly how you like your food prepared. But with the pre-set options much of that learning is taken away.

Air frying is a healthier way to prepare food because they don’t require oil, which contains much of the fat that is in our diets. If you’re looking for a healthy option for your family, this is it.

This Uber Appliance Digital Air Fryer 5 QT only comes in black. It’s modern but can easily fit into a country kitchen

<strong>About the Reviewer</strong>

Francine Brokaw writes about products, books, travel, and entertainment. She has been published in national and international newspapers and magazines as well as Internet websites. She has written her own book, <a href=”http://francinebrokaw.com/” target=”_blank”>Beyond the Red Carpet The World of Entertainment Journalists</a>, is the entertainment correspondent for Good Day Orange County, and has her own TV show, <a href=”https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL42xcltr8DpNOHoYDAXbdt808jK4bZ-X7″>Beyond the Red Carpet</a>, on Village Television in Orange County. Follow her on <a href=”https://twitter.com/FrancineBrokaw” target=”_blank”>Twitter.</a>

Air Fryers are becoming a staple in kitchens. Frying and baking without oil is the healthier way to create meals for your family. When I was offered the opportunity to test the Uber Appliance Air Fryer, I decided to try it. This was my first experience with an Air Fryer.

This Uber Appliance Air Fryer is attractive and easy to use with a touch panel on the front as well as seven pre-sets: Fries, Shrimp, Bake, Chicken, Chips, Fish, Defrost and Steak. Selecting the time to cook and the temperature is simply a matter of touching the up and down buttons.

What I discovered is there is a slight learning curve when cooking food. But it is easy to learn and if you start with shorter cooking times and then add on if your food is not to your desired outcome, that is the best rather than overcooking.

This particular unit is 3.7 quarts, which is fine for one to four people. If you have a larger family, think about getting a larger capacity unit, however if you just want to dip your toes in the Air Fryer market, this is a good way to start.

So, what did I begin my Air Frying experience with? Many people say they begin by air frying fries. I selected frozen veggie patties. I usually cook them on a frying pan so I thought this would be a good comparison. After adding some sauce to the patties then placing them (this small unit was large enough to take 4 patties!) in the basket, I selected 360 degrees for the temperature and 5 minutes baking time. After five minutes (the unit beeped to tell me the time had been reached) I looked at the patties then restarted the unit for another 3 minutes. After 8 minutes the 4 burger patties were cooked and, in all honesty, my family said they preferred this way of making the burgers than my old way. That is a testament in itself.

The experience was easy and the unit is easy to clean. The basket and strainer can be placed in the dishwasher. There is a little recipe booklet that comes along with the air fryer however I will be creating my own recipes. This is a fun way to try new things. I definitely like air-frying fries. Without the oil in deep fried foods like fries, the healthier option is air frying.

If you already have a larger capacity air fryer, think about getting a small one in addition to that. It is good for RVs and smaller areas, and if you cook larger items in your large air fryer, you can cook your side dishes in the smaller one.

The bottom line is I think air frying is a good way to create healthier meals. This Uber Appliance Air Fryer is a great new addition to my kitchen. While this one is 3.7 quarts, they do make larger units

Price: Starting at $99.99

Available: uberappliance.com, Bed Bath & Beyond, WayFair, Amazon, and more.

About the Reviewer

Francine Brokaw writes about products, books, travel, and entertainment. She has been published in national and international newspapers and magazines as well as Internet websites. She has written her own book, Beyond the Red Carpet The World of Entertainment Journalists, is the entertainment correspondent for Good Day Orange County, and has her own TV show, Beyond the Red Carpet, on Village Television in Orange County. Follow her on Twitter.

Southern California company Southnorte has created some delicious selections for margarita and unique cocktail lovers. Yes, these canned beverages do contain alcohol so they are not for those under 21, however even though National Margarita Day has come and gone, it’s still time to grab your cans to celebrate Cinco De Mayo or just enjoy with your dinner.

The company has crafted the beverages with the flavors of Mexico and from now until April 4, 2023 the following varieties will be available at local Stater Bros. in Los Angeles County, Orange County, San Diego, and the Inland Empire in Southern California.

So what varieties can you indulge in this spring? How about Paloma, Mexican Mule, and Matador and, of course, the mainstay in Mexico, the Margarita.  Crafted with premium tequila and orange liqueur, real lime juice, and agave syrup, there are no artificial flavores or ingredients. They are rich, smooth, and fizzy and ready made.

The Matador combines the tequila with pineapple, lime and club soda (hence the fizz), and is a refreshing libation. The Paloma mixes the tequila with red grapefruit and lemon-lime soda. It’s another refreshing concoction. The Mexican Mule has a kick (no pun intended) with tequila, ginger beer with lime, mint, and a touch of jalapeno. And the margarita is, well, a fizzy margarita.

With all of these cocktails premixed in easy-to-open cans, they are the perfect addition to any outdoor bar-be-que or get-together. Just chill them and they’re ready to drink.

Check their website for the locations offering the unique beverages. And yes, they were supplied to me for the reason of reviewing the quality and taste.

Of course, we definitely want to stress these are for ADULTS ONLY. Please drink responsibility.

About the Reviewer

Francine Brokaw writes about products, books, travel, and entertainment. She has been published in national and international newspapers and magazines as well as Internet websites. She has written her own book, Beyond the Red Carpet The World of Entertainment Journalists,  is the entertainment correspondent for Good Day Orange County, and has her own TV show, Beyond the Red Carpet, on Village Television in Orange County. Follow her on Twitter.

Red Toolbox’s Tasty Jr. line of interactive toys has some fun new products that will have kids creating donuts and serving up coffee just like grown ups. Let’s face it, many of us drive through the coffee houses all the time for our caffeine fix, or we create our own at home with one of the coffee makers on the market. And who drives past a Duncan Donut shop (or Krispy Kreme) and mentions how good a donut would be right now? Well, little kids catch on quickly to our everyday habits and now they have their own products to be just like mom or dad.

The Red Toolbox Tasty Jr. Donut Shop Set consists of a donut maker, several donuts, and a little cart to transport donuts. What makes this so much fun for kids is the fact the unit talks, has fun sounds, push buttons, and colorful decorations for their pretend donuts. Unfortunately these delicious looking treats are only for pretend, but if they were real they would definitely be delectable. Gather their stuffed animals and dolls around for a fun little party. With eight donuts included in the set, there is enough for a fun tea party or get together with pretend friends.For ages 3+, this cute and colorful set lists for $39.99. This unit requires 3 AA batteries which are not included.

And next time mom or dad pops a pod into a coffee maker or brews a delicious cup of java, kids can join in as well. With the Red Toolbox Tasty Jr. Coffee Maker Set kids can play barista in their own home. This pretend espresso machine might not brew up a real cup of joe, but for kids it is just as nice. There are lights and sounds and buttons to push for the perfect cup of coffee. And it really does spew out liquid. Fill the dispenser with water, place the pod into the machine, turn it on and voila – a nice cup of espresso. Unfortunately this isn’t real. The only thing this machine is missing is the scent of freshly made coffee.

For ages 3+ the coffee maker set lists for $27.99. It comes with 2 batteries.

About the Reviewer

Francine Brokaw writes about products, books, travel, and entertainment. She has been published in national and international newspapers and magazines as well as Internet websites. She has written her own book, Beyond the Red Carpet The World of Entertainment Journalists, is the entertainment correspondent for Good Day Orange County, and has her own TV show, Beyond the Red Carpet, on Village Television in Orange County. Follow her on Twitter.

When I first learned about the Draft Top tool I thought this was made for me. I’m one of those people who inevitably spill when drinking from a can. I turn to a straw or a cup to avoid messes. Yes, I am a messy can drinker. But that problem has been solved!

I was sent a Draft Top to test and I can honestly say it lives up to the hype. It is a simple to use tool that easily removes the top of a can thus turning it into its own drinking vessel. Yep, you read correctly. After placing the tool correctly on the top of a can, with a minimal amount of pressure on the levers and a few simple twists, the top is seamlessly removed. And the opening of the can is smooth and easy to use as a cup in itself.

These days people are concerned with saving the planet by using less plastic. So the Draft Top eliminates the need for plastic straws. Plus, if you normally pour your drink into a throwaway plastic cup, that is eliminated as well.

I love flavored cola. When the top is removed there is plenty of room to squeeze a lemon to make lemon cola, or add chocolate syrup for a chocolate cola. (If you haven’t tried these, you’re missing some good drinks.) And once some of the liquid has been consumed, it is easy to add an ice cube or two to cool down the soda or whatever is in the can.

This handy tool can be used for soda cans, juice cans, and alcoholic beverage cans. It is safe to handle however keep little fingers away as the blade can be a source for trouble when it comes to kids and their curiosity.

Think about taking this tool to the beach and eliminating the need to bring cups. Or if you’re having a party this also makes things easier for guests.

By turning the cans with the flip top into a rimless can, it is therefore turned into a vessel that is easy to drink from and doesn’t require additional tools  – like straws or cups.

These make great hostess gifts as well as unique thank-you gifts. At $24.99 you just might want to get a couple for yourself.

So, the bottom line is this is a tool that I will be using often and one I will be giving as gifts. I think when they designed this they were thinking of all of us who end up spilling when drinking from a can, whether it is from the opening or the liquid that has gathered in the groove. You know what I mean.

Before using the Draft Top I suggest washing the can first, just as you should when drinking from a flip top. It’s just common sense for cleanliness.

About the Reviewer

Francine Brokaw writes about products, books, travel, and entertainment. She has been published in national and international newspapers and magazines as well as Internet websites. She has written her own book, Beyond the Red Carpet The World of Entertainment Journalists,  is the entertainment correspondent for Good Day Orange County, and has her own TV show, Beyond the Red Carpet, on Village Television in Orange County. Follow her on Twitter.