Abstract: A knife block may include a block body with a recessed portion and a block insert positioned at least partially within the recessed portion. The block insert may include a first knife slot and a second knife slot. The knife block may include a first knife sharpener coupled to the block insert, where the first knife slot is sized such that a first knife is sharpened by the first knife sharpener each time the first knife is removed from the first knife slot, and a second knife sharpener coupled to the block insert, where the second knife slot is sized such that a second knife is sharpened by the second knife sharpener each time the second knife is removed from the second knife slot. The knife block may include a first knife storage slot and a second knife storage slot.

Abstract: A knife block may include a block body with a recessed portion and a block insert positioned at least partially within the recessed portion. The block insert may include a first knife slot and a second knife slot. The knife block may include a first knife sharpener coupled to the block insert, where the first knife slot is sized such that a first knife is sharpened by the first knife sharpener each time the first knife is removed from the first knife slot, and a second knife sharpener coupled to the block insert, where the second knife slot is sized such that a second knife is sharpened by the second knife sharpener each time the second knife is removed from the second knife slot. The knife block may include a first knife storage slot and a second knife storage slot.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for stackable cookware and lids. An example stackable cookware system may include a first vessel having a first upper diameter, the first vessel comprising a first handle with a first length, a first lid having the first upper diameter, the first lid comprising a second handle with a second length and a first inner rim positioned inside the first vessel, and a second vessel having the first upper diameter, a third handle, and a first gripping portion, wherein the first gripping portion has a lower surface aligned with a lower portion of the third handle, wherein the first vessel, the first lid, and the second vessel are stackable in a stack with an interchangeable arrangement.

Abstract: A knife block has a block body and a plurality of knife storage slots extending into the block body. A first knife sharpener is aligned with a first slot of the plurality of knife storage slots and a second knife sharpener is aligned with a second slot of the plurality of knife storage slots. The first and second knife sharpeners are each configured to contact a blade of a knife stored in the corresponding first and second slots. The knife block can be provided as part of a cutlery set that includes a plurality of knives.

Abstract: A process of hard anodizing or Type III anodizing an aluminum article creates a heat stable, hard anodized, color surface on the exterior of the article. The process includes anodizing the aluminum article to achieve a hard anodized base layer on a surface of the article. A copper layer is deposited after the exterior is hard anodized. A tin layer is deposited after the step of depositing the copper layer.

Abstract: A food slicer has a deck defining a food prep surface and a blade oriented laterally across the deck. The blade has a cutting edge exposed on the food prep surface. The blade can divide the deck into a pre-slice deck and a post-slice deck. An elevation of the pre-slice deck can be user adjustable relative to the position of the cutting edge to selectively adjust a slice thickness produced by the food slicer. The food slicer can also have a safety mechanism with a blade guard positioned adjacent the cutting edge. The blade guard is movable between a blocking position blocking the cutting edge and a slicing position exposing the cutting edge.

Abstract: A cooking appliance has a housing, a cooking medium, a control panel, a heat source for heating the cooking medium, a microprocessor, and a shut-off timer. The timer counts down a specified time when a measured temperature of the cooking medium equals or exceeds a target temperature and shuts off the heat source after the specified time elapses. The microprocessor can pause the shut-off timer when the measured temperature drops below a threshold temperature upon food being placed in contact with the cooking medium. The microprocessor restarts the shut-off timer, if paused, when the measured temperature reaches a predetermined recovery temperature above the threshold temperature. A method of operating such an appliance includes pausing the shut-off timer when the measured temperature drops below the threshold temperature and restarting the shut-off timer when the measured temperature reaches the predetermined recovery temperature.