Black & Decker Chalkboard Slow Cooker
What's to love: A chalkboard surface allows the user to write notes, such as the name of the dish, on the vessel when taking it to a potluck, or recipe reminders like, "Add chicken at 3 p.m."
What does it do: The slate-colored cooker holds four quarts in a dishwasher safe stoneware pot with a tempered glass lid. It has three heat settings: warm, for keeping food at a serving temperature; low, for 8-9 hours of cooking; and high, for 3-4 hours of cooking. Handles stay cool to the touch and a lid-hanger on the side keeps the lid off the counter. The cooker sells for $29.99.
Stanley Fatmax Griphook Bypass Pruner
What's to love: A unique design allows for more power when cutting larger branches.
What does it do: The pruner handles are curved to increase leverage and have ergonomic, nonslip rubber grips for comfort. The hook-shaped, forged steel blades are reinforced with titanium carbo-nitride, which preserves the sharp edge. They can cut through 1-inch thick limbs. A lock button secures the blades closed for safety. Suggested retail price is $24.99.
-- Cary Jenkins
HomeStyle on 01/28/2017