Good Grape Wine Company

There are no prices in the book, which I think is a drawback. Even if they become quickly outdated, it would be good to see which products are more expensive than others. Price categories would be helpful! Even "Expensive", "Moderate" and "Inexpensive" would be a good addition to this book!

The other thing I'd like to see is a ranking of these products! They are all described and discussed, but there's no way of knowing which ones are the best. Consumers can make decisions for themselves as to which products are best for them for the money they want to spend.

This is an interesting book, but it could've been better.


It's Not Excellent, But I Like It   December 30, 2000
 15 out of 16 found this review helpful

I had the original in the mid-70's. Softcover, as I recall. The prices were quickly out of date. This is hardcover. I'm sure prices listed here would similarly quickly be dated. Still, it would be nice to see some rough indication from cheap to expensive.

This is not a "push button" book for the best kitchen utensil to buy. It's more of a survey of available cooking tools by categories. I'm sure all of the utensils are quite capable. I just skip by the ones that are clearly out of my budget, e.g., "all-copper made in France", "All Clad", or something similar.

It does list some less expensive tools where they do a comparable job, such as Lodge cast iron pans, George Foreman Grill, etc. But, overall, the items reviewed are pretty much top shelf cooking tools.

Still, I like it, since it gives you a background on what tools are available and why they are desirable. Knowing that, you are not left totally in the dark when shopping. On the same track, it is the ONLY book I know of in its genre (e.g., one that gives a farily broad survey of available cooking utensils).


overpriced disappointing and mediocre   December 26, 2000
 23 out of 29 found this review helpful

those who loved the original will dislike this update, considering the price and size of the new edition the old version had wonderful product reviews, fascinating historical data, and pricing, while the upgrade prints recipes(entirely obsolete since the internet has tons of them), and cartoons (some funny, but mostly weak), omits any pricing, and seems very skimpy on detail. half the book is devoted to baking but baking is much more science than art, and the appliance coverage is virtually useless without comparative pricing. the two essentials, pots and knives are weakly covered, while wooden spoons ( a useful but hardly essential kitchen items) gets pages and pages. a notable omission are tips, which would seem vital, since new cooks can get ingredient lists and recipes elsewhere, and the cartoons are a waste of paper. storage and equipment care are not given sufficient coverage. if the publisher was smart they would re-issue the old paperback, since the old version had hard information on product materials, ingredients, and a greater variety and depth of coverage. the new edition is surprisingly skimpy, particularly on the two absolute essentials, that is, pots and knives.in short this is a mediocre upgrade hardly worth the price


Nothing Else Like It!   December 23, 2000
 28 out of 30 found this review helpful

I still have my original Cook's Catalogue, bought when I was in college. I wasn't new to cooking then, but I sure hadn't seen devices like he showed in that book! I fell in love with it then, over the next 20+ years purchased some of the equipment in there, and wondered if there would ever be a followup.

Well, here it is, and it is as inclusive as the original! Unlike a prior reviewer, I enjoy reading about the arcane and unique pieces made for cooking. I don't want a book of this scope written like Consumer Reports. In the first place, even Consumer Reports' product evaluations are usually subjective. Plus, their prices aren't accurate. Yes, I rather wish Mr. Wolf had at least given some range of prices for items in the book. However, I don't consider it a real drawback, as prices do vary enormously even on the web.

I found the recipes and other inserts pleasing and practical. The color photos were also welcomed for this edition. There is literally no way to cover all kitchen products on today's market, but Mr. Wolf goes further than anyone else I've seen in trying.

I tend to be a kitchen gadget and utensil freak anyway so this book is right up my alley. Otherwise, and particularly for the novice in cooking, I have doubts about its utility.