Perfetto Pasta Cooker by Zevro
by Collin Dunn, Corvallis, OR, USA on 10.28.05
We always thought cooking pasta was pretty simple, but the folks at Zevro have made it even easier, and more efficient to boot. Dry pasta and boiling water go in, the lid goes on, and then you just walk away until it's done. They recommend about 20 percent longer than the more traditional stove-top method, which works out to about two or three extra minutes, depending on whether or not you're making angel hair or fettucine. Though it takes a bit longer, it uses far less water -- about half of what you'd use on the stove -- and, according to Zevro, 70 percent less energy. Plus, the lid has a strainer, negating the need for a colander, it's dishwasher safe, and when it's clean, makes for a nice place to store your dry pasta. By my count, that's three uses in one; not too bad (though it doesn't appear to slice, dice, or julienne fries). It hasn't quite made it to stores yet; Zevro estimates it'll hit the shelves in January. ::Zevro
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I don't see how this actually works? Maybe I am missing something, but the link seems weak on details as well. Anyone?
Hmm, could just try this with one of those 99 cent pasta jars.
My mother has a similar rice "cooker" - a plastic tub into which you pour the rice and boiling water, seal it and leave to stand for 30-odd minutes. I'm sure that would work for pasta, and vice versa. I'd even venture to suggest you can use your existing Tupperware for this purpose; no need to buy the new device, it's really not that revolutionary.
Longtime backpackers will recognize this as the nalgene-bottle method of cooking pasta. You can actually do this in any well-insulated pot or jar; it's a common method in areas where fuel is scarce.
As a frequent pasta chef, this looks intriguing. I make a lot of pasta because it's cheap, fast, and just as easy to make large amounts as it is small for leftovers. I currently have a gas stove that takes forever to boil large pots of water (sometimes as long as 30 minutes depending on water volume), so the less water and gas I can use, the better. It doesn't look like it's good for making larger quantities like I do now, and the website is pretty slim on details (recommended amount to cook, dimensions, price, etc.), but it's worth keeping an eye on.
Encouraged by a recent Consumer Reports rating of pasta's I tried the Trader Joe's whole wheat spaghetti and was astounded by how good it was. Cooking time same as white. Big difference is that whole wheat does not seem to clot together the way white pastas, especially the angel hair varieties, do. That would be critical for a no-stir device like this one. A glass cylinder would be preferable, however. The jury is not in on risk of exposure to leached plastic additives; but, I see no need to cook with plastic until it is.
I suppose you could do this on the stove-top (but without the water-saving benefit of the glass tube); just boil your water the usual way, put the pasta in and turn off the stove. Leave the pasta in a bit longer, and voila!
Quite jarring.
MGR, I think you'd want a sealable pot lid if you were going to just leave it on the stove. Which brings us to pressure cookers: not very in vogue these days are they, but they work really well.
P.S. Why oh why, TH, is a "period period period" a problematic phrase for your spam filter?
"P.S. Why oh why, TH, is a "period period period" a problematic phrase for your spam filter?"
I have no idea. Our spam filter is probably a movable type plugin and it has its own mind.
But if you want to be able to post without having to worry about it, you can register for a typekey account and then your comments will appear immediately without the need for approval (and you'll get a little logo next to your name like me and some other posters).
I saw an infomercial last night for this product. I guess it has a thermal insulation that allows the heat to flow evenly throughout the jar to ensure the right temperature. It sounds perfect to me. Especially for people that have a 360 degree faucet, like in offices at work.
I want to order the Zevro Pasta Perfetto tube. How much do they cost and how do I order it?
I LOVE this pasta maker! It has changed my life!!!
What was your life like before this piece of plastic?
Since I have been batching it since my divorce and I have no kids at home, this looked like the quick and easy alternative for all sorts of pasta. I looked it up on the web and they are $20 with a big BUT...delivery is not scheduled to begin until 2/20/2006. I found a 56 ounce wide mouth stainless steel t6hermos and it works quite well....with an added use as well.