Does it work? | Ice tea maker, planting tool and food thermometer

This is a new occasional feature in digs to help readers become more informed consumers. Our product tester, a busy working mother, will take new household items for a spin and review them. The items are purchased by The Seattle Times.

Mr. Coffee 3-Quart Iced Tea Maker

Joy's opinion: Thumbs down

This product has both smart features and peculiar design flaws.

Pros: It's easy to use. Just pour water into the reservoir, place tea bags or tea leaves in the brew basket, fill the pitcher with ice and hit the on button. In minutes refreshment is ready.

This model has five brew-strength settings and a thermal pitcher to keep your iced tea chilled for a few hours. It has an automatic shut-off switch and comes with a separate basket for brewing iced coffee.

Tip: Make sure you put in the suggested amount of ice, or cold water if you're low on ice, or your freshly brewed beverage will end up chilling in the refrigerator.

Cons: The shape of the pitcher makes it easy to spill while pouring, which I did numerous times. Nor did the pitcher lock to the unit — one little bump and hot tea or coffee could easily drip all over the counter. These flaws were enough to turn me off; I'll stick with brewing my iced tea in the sun.

Those willing to live with the flaws should find their thirst quenched.

$24.97. Many retailers including Lowe's (www.lowes.com).

Ames True Temper 7 in 1 Planter's Buddy

Joy's opinion: Thumbs up

Now here's a tool to motivate me to get out in the garden. The 7 in 1 Planter's Buddy has that many uses and then some.

Pros: This spade-size implement functions as a trowel, bag opener, measuring tool, weeder, sod cutter, twine cutter and tamper. The sturdy, footlong tool worked great for planting, and the inch measurements are useful when digging holes or spacing plants.

The sharp, serrated edge easily opened bags of grass seed — and also came in handy for hacking off a few weeds along the fence that just weren't worth hauling out the weed whacker for.

The straight edge actually functioned reasonably well as a sod cutter. I can't think of when I might need a twine cutter, but I did use this feature to cut a few stray strands of ivy. The tamper worked just fine for hammering fertilizer stakes into the soil.

Cons: The weeder worked in a pinch but wasn't effective enough to wean me from the skinny weeding tool I normally use.

$13.48-$14.99. Major retailers including Lowe's (www.lowes.com) and Fred Meyer.

Taylor Weekend Warrior Digital Fork Thermometer

Joy's opinion: Thumbs up

Warning: This implement is not a cure for inattentiveness at the grill. In several tests, I was so focused on checking the temperature of the meat that I overcooked it. But if you want a useful tool to help determine if that burger is cooked thoroughly, then this is it.

Pros: Foodborne illness is more prevalent during summer, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, so this thermometer helps with peace of mind.

It has a handy minimum temperature guide printed right on the handle, so you know whether that chicken is well done. Plus the thermometer doubles as a meat fork, so it's easy to spear a steak to check its internal temperature.

The large LCD display screen is easy to read, and it automatically shuts off after 10 minutes to extend battery life. The price is reasonable for its functionality.

Cons: Sometimes when trying to hit the hold button, I accidentally hit the on/off or Fahrenheit/Celsius button instead. The manufacturer does not recommend placing the meat thermometer in a dishwasher, but I found the stainless steel tines cleaned easily with a sponge.

$14.99. Available at many retailers including Target (www.target.com).