Choose a dishwasher with sturdy compression springs in the door. Also look for tough, lightweight nylon or graphite racks with cushioned tips that protect glassware and cookware. Weimer recommends choosing a model with a rack design that provides the largest, most flexible interior space and is configured for your belongings, including odd-shaped pieces.

In our opinion, the old fashioned box graters work the best since they are sturdy and offer several different grating sizes.

When trying to cut thin slices or strips of raw meat, it is easier if you put the meat into the freezer for 30 minutes to an hour before cutting to help firm up the meat, or if the meat was frozen, slice it before it is completely thawed