NEW PRODUCTS

New Char-Broil fryer cooks without oil

Thanksgiving just got a whole lot easier for those who love the juicy taste of fried turkey but hate the safety, cost and hassle issues related to cooking with gallons of hot oil.

The Big Easy turkey fryer from Char-Broil is an oil-less way to "fry" a turkey. It uses infrared technology instead of oil to safely deliver the same moist, crispy and flavorful results in the same amount of time -- start to finish -- as it takes to fry a turkey in scalding oil.

"Frying is one of the most popular and best-tasting ways to prepare a turkey. But frying a turkey in oil requires a lot of attention and a lot of prep work on both ends of the meal," said Thom Ward, director of marketing for Char-Broil. "The Big Easy gives turkey lovers an easy way to prepare delicious meals and it's a healthy alternative."

Turkeys cooked in The Big Easy are prepared the same way as in traditional fryers and can be injected with marinades. They also make better use of flavorful rubs and other seasonings that are sprinkled the outside and often float away when used with traditional turkey fryers.

And the Char-Broil Big Easy actually does more than just fry turkeys, it can also safely cook chicken, pork tenderloin, beef roast and most large cuts of meat weighing as much as 16 pounds, all in about eight to 10 minutes per pound.

Cooking occurs inside The Big Easy's cylindrical, double-walled heating chamber, powered by a fully enclosed propane burner. The turkey or other meat is placed inside a drop-in basket that is lowered into the chamber and cooked with evenly distributed radiant heat.

The Big Easy is available at www.GrillLovers.com and other Char-Broil retailers nationwide, including Lowes. It has a suggested retail price of $149.

For more information, visit www.charbroil.com.

New Fagor refrigerator designed to save space

Fagor America, a worldwide leader in built-in induction cooktops, will debut its first 24-inch cabinet-deep refrigerator from its domestic appliance line this December.

Measuring 78 3/4 inhes by 24 inches by 24 inches, the refrigerator has been styled in true cabinet depth. The space-saving unit features a modern design and high-end stainless steel construction, and is ideal for condos and apartments in urban areas or anywhere that kitchen space may be limited.

The slim depth and width enables the refrigerator to fit flush into a 24-inch-deep installation cutout, allowing for a uniform installation that integrates with surrounding cabinetry. The doors can be mounted interchangeably to open from either side or for the option of placing two units side by side, using a union kit.

The refrigerator has unbreakable glass trays and drawer fronts, as well as independent compartments with electronic regulation. The independent Multi Fresh and Double Fresh drawers allow for two unique environments within the refrigerator, ideal for keeping vegetables crisp while meats and seafood can simultaneously be stored at their ideal level of moisture.

It also is currently the healthiest refrigerator available in the market. A unique BIO Filter, an antibacterial/odor eliminating filter with indicator, keeps the refrigerator hygienic by retaining mold and bacteria from the circulating air. The drum additionally contains a protection cover that prevents such bacterial particles from settling and growing, thus allowing foods to remain fresh for longer periods of time.

Fagor's exclusive No-Frost System distributes itself throughout the entire refrigerator (not just the freezer). In addition, the unit is also highly energy efficient because of its ability to circulate air evenly.

Other advanced functions include fast cooling of the refrigerator, super-freezing capabilities and a vacation setting. The fast cooling and super-freezing functions allow you to introduce large quantities of food at once, which the refrigerator automatically detects and adjusts itself. The vacation setting is used when you want the freezer to work normally while the refrigerator remains at 57 F, preventing odor and bacteria.

An alarm system with warning light indicates when the door is open or there are any sudden interruption of the cold chain. Also, one generator source for fridge and freezer makes the entire unit less noisy.

The unit will be available for order through authorized Fagor dealers; the suggested retail price is $1,699.

For more information, visit www.fagoramerica.com or call toll free at 800-207-0806.

-- Complied by Hali Bernstein Saylor