Have a "V" sklicer that has been used only about 5 times since purchased new three years ago. Rarely make french fries, and find can slice vegs and onions faster by hand in the time it takes to get the thing out of the box and set up.
IIRC the name is "The original "V" Slicer" as Seen on TV. Think they are also called "mandolins".
Last time had the thing out, it was left too close to the oven and the caddy part softened (other than the metal blades/veg holder the entire unit is plastic), still works and who knows, may find use for the thing yet.
Kenwood Mixer
Have a MIB "Rival" (made by Kenwood, just rebaged) and it works a treat. It is so sad Kenwood sold out to Delonghi, sort of like Hobart KitchenAid mixers being made by Whirlpool; the units look the same but are of not the same quality. Have heard reports of the newer Kenwood/Delonghi mixers "choking" on heavy cookie batter, something my Kenwood sails through. with ease. Same problems seem to be occuring with the Whirlpool built KitchenAid mixers. Hard to believe but Hobart KitchenAid mixers of all vintages still go for BIG dollars. Many report their mothers will under no circumstances let them even borrow their Hobart built KitchenAid mixers. Even more remarkable is the fact that there are still many, many of the original Hobart built KA mixers still happily chugging away.
For those who do not know the story, originally Hobart built the small "KA" units to give away to employee's spouses and eventually as a way of entering the small appliance market. Until that time Hobart only built commercial mixers, of which even the smallest was too much for Mrs.American Average Housewife. The small "KA" mixer was an instant hit. Small, built for the duration and with enough power to tackle everything from heavy batters to whipping cream.
Launderess