Granite is the preferred material for countertops by many people because it not only is beautiful but is durable and resistant to bacteria. It’s a surface that can take a beating and still look good for years to come. However, just because this material is resilient doesn’t mean that it doesn’t need to be properly cared for and maintained. For that purpose, the consumer is going to want to buy the best granite cleaner that they can buy. A cleaner that removes tough stains and helps to keep the countertop looking its best. We’ve found a few cleaning products that fit the bill and should provide the consumer with the tools they need to keep their granite counters looking good.

Quick Summary of Best Granite Cleaners

Weiman Granite Cleaner & Polish 2-Pack

Granite Gold Daily Cleaner & Spray

Hope’s Perfect 100% Streak-Free Granite & Marble Cleaner

A Guide to Maintaining Granite Counters

The whole point of use reviewing the best granite cleaners is to give our readers the tools they need to maintain their granite counters. Although some DIY guides make it seem like maintaining granite is easy or fool-proof, the truth is that if you don’t properly maintain granite, it can stain. Therefore, consumers need to do everything in their power to maintain their granite counters. To help our readers achieve that aim, we decided to write this guide on the subject. A guide that will help all of our readers achieve their aim of maintaining a perfect granite counter.

Choosing The Best Granite Cleaner

Let’s face facts, there are a lot of different granite care products available, and each of them works in a particular way. There are polishes and sealants, all-in-one granite cleaners and day-to-day cleaners. For this guide, however, we’re going to keep it simple. We’re only going to talk about the two products that are the easiest for consumers to use effectively, and those two products are all-in-one and day-to-day granite cleaners. Let’s examine each of these in a little bit more detail.

All-In-One Granite Cleaners

These products are designed to not only clean the granite’s surface but are also designed to polish and seal them at the same time. Although we like the idea, in theory, we found that in actual practice that these products didn’t work as well as they advertised they did. We found that many of these products didn’t clean well, while others left a cloudy residue on the surface. In our opinion, consumers are better off setting this product aside and choosing a day-to-day cleaner.

Day-To-Day Granite Cleaners

These products are designed to provide the user with the cleaning power they need, but do it in a way that isn’t too harsh. These formulas are usually pH balanced so that they can strip away dirt and grime but do it without stripping away the protective sealant found on the counter. Some of these products are only designed to clean, while others are designed to clean and polish.

Taking Care Of Natural Stone Surfaces

The next thing that we want to discuss with our readers is how to use granite cleaners to get their natural stone surfaces nice and clean. You’ll notice that we said natural stone surfaces and not just granite. That’s because we feel that granite cleaners aren’t just suitable for granite but can be used on a variety of different surfaces if the consumer uses them properly. Having said that, let’s find out some of the more common ways that granite cleaners can be used to clean stone surfaces.

Cleaning Natural Stone Backsplashes

The first thing that we would like to examine is cleaning natural stone backsplashes. Although some people spend a considerable amount of time cleaning their counters, they often neglect their backsplashes and that’s probably the worst thing that they can do. That’s because grease is not only corrosive and staining by itself, but it also traps moisture that can pit the stone’s surface. Therefore, the backsplash should be cleaned as often as the counters are—daily, if possible. This surface can be cleaned using the same technique as stone counters, and the technique can be found below.

Cleaning Stone Counters

Regardless of whether the counter is granite or marble, it needs to be cleaned regularly to ensure that it not only stays clean but doesn’t stain or pit. And cleaning counters isn’t very difficult. All the consumer has to do is follow the below directions and they’ll keep their counter not only looking great but will also keep it in good condition for many years to come.

Items Needed:

How To Clean Stone Surfaces

Cleaning Granite Tombstones

Okay, it might seem a bit jarring to switch from kitchen surfaces and head towards tombstones, but the fact of the matter is that many headstones are made out of granite. And since they’re granite, you need to properly care for them to keep them looking their best. Below are some tips for maintaining granite tombstones so they always look their best.

Items Needed:

How To Clean Granite Headstones

Additional Granite Cleaning Tips

We’ve decided to end this article by listing some of the things that consumers should keep in mind when caring for their granite. Let’s call this a list of precautions that consumers should consider before they even begin cleaning their stone surfaces.

General Granite Precautions:

The baking enthusiast will know how important a spatula can be to mixing and serving whilst anyone who has ever tried to scrape a burger off a grill without a spatula will know how much of a struggle food prep can be without one. What might surprise some people is that there are different types of spatulas for different purposes.

Whatever type you’re looking for, it can be hard to find a quality one that will last a long time, which is why we have created our list of the best spatulas on the market. Each one has a quality build, a great reputation and will flip a pancake or omelet with ease.

Quick Summary of Best Spatulas

Winco FST-6, Medium, Stainless Steel, Brown

Di Oro Chef Series Standard Flexible Silicone Turner Spatula

Victorinox Chef’s Slotted Fish Turner Head

GIR: Get It Right Premium Silicone Spatula Turner

OXO Good Grips Brushed Stainless Steel Turner

Rubbermaid Commercial Products High Heat Silicone Spatula

Spatula Buyer’s Guide

It might seem like a simple kitchen utensil but up until now, you have probably been buying products that aren’t known for their longevity. This is why it is important to know what to expect from a quality spatula as the benefits can ensure it lasts a long time and makes flipping pancakes and eggs simple.

There are different types of spatulas so things can get confusing but we have created the following guide to help you find a product that is right for your needs and will last for many pancake mornings.

What To Look For In A Spatula

Heat Resistance

Most metal spatulas will be fine to use around a hot pan or grill, just be mindful if you leave it in the heat for a while when picking it back up. For plastic and silicone-based spatulas, be sure that it has enough heat resistance so it doesn’t melt as you use it to scoop or stir.

BPA Free Materials

With so many silicone spatulas on the market, you need to make sure it is made from food-grade materials that are BPA-free. Because it will come into contact with food, this is imperative.

Sturdy Head

If you’re lifting a six stack of pancakes you need to know that your spatula isn’t going to wilt and drop the contents on the floor. The better products will have enough give you make them flexible but be strong enough to carry the food you need it to.

Sharp Edge

Anyone who wants to get under a burger that is stuck to the grill or an omelet that needs to be turned urgently will appreciate a sharp edge. This allows the spatula to get underneath without having to keep readjusting.

Quality Materials

For heavy-duty use such as lifting and flipping burgers on a grill, you will likely want a metal fish spatula that has a strong handle and stainless steel head. Anyone wanting to flip an omelet or a pancake might prefer a silicone spatula because it will not scratch the pan.

Although you want your spatula to be made from sturdy materials you still need to be sure that they are well suited to your pans. A stainless steel head might be great for using on the grill but they can scratch pans if used robustly.

A Reputable Brand

This is important when it comes to cooking as you want a genuine product that is made from safe materials. This is more likely to be the case when you use a product from a reputable brand and they also tend to give a money-back guarantee or something to protect your purchase.

Dishwasher Safe

This isn’t always a deal-breaker but it can be important for keeping your spatula bacteria-free and clean. Certain products clean up better than others after a wash and check that it is suitable to wash this way before you put it in your dishwasher.

Head Size

Depending on what you are using it for, a spatulas head is an important consideration. Anyone looking to flip an omelet will need something with a wide enough head to accommodate the width without causing it to break in half.

Different Types of Spatula

Although there are several types of spatula that you can split into different categories, here are the main ones:

Metal Fish Spatula – Despite the name, these can be used for a variety of foods and are popular at the BBQ grill. Because of the sharp edge, it can scoop food that is stuck to the grill or pan and has a slotted head to allow drips to fall. This is also what helps to keep the food from sliding off the head and expect a sturdy handle so it can hold heavier items.

Silicone Coated Spatula – Sometimes these are made of plastic but the better ones favor silicon because it is heat resistant. They are handy because they do not scratch cookware, ideal if you don’t have nonstick pans. Also available in high-heat versions and good for baking as you can scrape the sides of a cake mix with ease.

Metal Turner – Popular for using with meats because they can push burgers down with a strong head to ensure everything is cooked well and for lifting stubborn foods from an oven tray.

Offset Spatula – A specialist, long and thin spatula that is a handy utensil for baking as it is used to evenly spread frosting over a cake.

Different Materials Used For Spatulas

We’ve discussed the main types now it’s time for a closer look at the common materials used in spatulas.

Metal – Although they are heavier, this adds to their durability and you will find it a hard task to break a decent metal spatula. Typically used around the grill they are perfect for frying or grilling fish, meat, and vegetables.

Silicone – These are becoming more and more popular as they are made to resist heat at high temperatures and are good for avoiding scratches on your pans. Some silicone spatulas are great for scraping mixtures when cooking and do not stain easily.

Plastic – As with many plastic products, these spatulas are more affordable but you do have to compromise on quality. They tend to melt when exposed to high temperatures and can peel at the tip before too long.

Wood – Good for use with non-stick pans because much like silicone, they do not scratch surfaces. They are fine with the heat but tend to stain and spoil and need a thorough clean to keep them hygienic.

Key Takeaways

There is no need for you to use a cheap, poorly made spatula, especially since there are some great affordable options available. Any of the above will be an excellent addition to your meal prep and will be sure to flip pancakes and burgers for a long time.

When you feel the sturdiness of a well-built product, you’ll never want to go back to a flimsy product that makes cooking awkward. Go for something that deserves to be in your kitchen.

Creating wonderful candy creations requires the cook to track temperatures very precisely.  Fortunately, there is such a tool for maintaining temperatures throughout the entire candy process: a candy thermometer. The best candy thermometers not only help the candy maker maintain control over their candy-making process but can also be used for other purposes as well, such as checking the temperature of boiling water for pasta or monitoring the temperature of hot oil for deep frying. Let’s take a closer look at some of these thermometers, and find out which ones are the best.

Quick Summary of Best Candy Thermometers

OXO Good-Grips Glass Candy Thermometer

Defull Hanging Hook/Pot Clip Candy Thermometer

Polder THM-515 Candy/Jelly & Deep Fry Thermometer

A Guide to Candy Thermometers

Anyone looking to make candy is going to want to buy a great thermometer, and we’ve listed some of the best candy thermometers above this guide. However, not everyone will want one of the ones selected above and instead want to choose their own. Our readers shouldn’t worry about that because we have them covered. Below are some of the things that consumers are going to want to consider before they buy their own candy thermometer. We’ve also listed a few general-purpose tips that will allow consumers to keep that thermometer in good condition for as long as possible. Okay, we’ve prattled on long enough, let’s wade right into the depths of this article and get started.

What To Consider When Buying A Candy Thermometer

We listed some of the things that consumers are going to want to consider when they’re buying their next thermometer.

Thermometer Accuracy

The first thing for any cook to consider when choosing a new thermometer is the accuracy of the tool. Due to their very nature, thermometers are never completely accurate, but some of these thermometers do come close. In our opinion, any thermometer that comes within a +/- 4-degree Fahrenheit range (or better) is pretty accurate. These are the ones that are factory calibrated and tested to ensure accuracy and are the ones that usually state their accuracy range. If a thermometer doesn’t list its accuracy range, then this might be a thermometer to avoid.

Thermometer Mobility 

It’s also a good idea to choose a thermometer that can be used in more than one location. Some thermometers can only be clipped to the side of a pot, which is fine, but this may result in a different temperature reading that if the thermometer was used in the middle of the mixture. Generally speaking, the middle of any mixture is a more accurate representation of its overall average temperature than the side of a pot. Therefore, it’s important to choose a thermometer that can be used in several different locations. Yes, the thermometer should have a clip, but it should also have a flat bottom that allows it to stand upright and a handle that allows it to be lowered down into the candy if necessary. A good handle will also serve the purpose of making it easier to remove the thermometer.

Easy-To-Read Gauge 

The next thing that consumers should consider is how easy the gauge is to read. It’s important to choose one that can be easily read without having to remove it from the candy mixture. Look for models that are large and have a large measurement gauge with clear temperature markings on it. It should also display temperatures in both Fahrenheit and Celsius. If possible, also choose one that has its temperature readings divided into several Candy Temperature Zones. Some of the zones that can be found on some thermometers include the following:

Candy Temperature Zones:

Candy Thermometer Care Tips

Keeping the thermometer in good condition means getting years of service out of it. The consumer can buy the best candy thermometer in the world and it’s not going to matter if they don’t take care of it when they’re using it. Below are some tips that consumers should consider to keep their thermometer working well.