Nov. 3, 2017: I just got the Stirmate and used it for the first time. It works amazingly well, seems very well constructed and from solid materials. The mechanism is surprising powerful, providing plenty of torque and for the hour or so I used it it didn’t slow down at all. It’s very quiet, but not silent. The actual stirrer is simple yet ingenious - essentially, it is on floating hinges (top and bottom) so it can self adjust to whatever size and shape pot you are using. No need to worry about the end of it hanging outside the pot – it won’t get damaged by indirect heat.
The Stirmate runs on a 9volt battery, like those in a smoke detector. I’ve been watching this product for a couple of months, deciding whether or not to buy it. The first iteration of the Stirmate used a regular battery, then they offered an externally rechargeable battery, and this new version has an internally rechargeable battery. You can replace the rechargeable battery or use a regular battery if you’ve forgotten to charge it. I just love that, because lately many gadgets need to be discarded when the rechargeable battery wears out.
Shipping was fast. From California to New York City in just 2 days. It was shipped inside a paper envelope with some bubble wrap. The envelope arrived broken on one end and the stirrer stick was hanging out. Maybe I should take off a star for that but I suppose the fact there was no damage just speaks well of the build quality. Before ordering I wrote to the seller and they said the Stirmate is covered by a one year warrantee (excluding the battery).
I have already made the Greek style rice pudding recipe from the Stirmate.com website – I couldn’t wait and ate some right away (delicious), but I’m sure it will be even better when it cools and firms up. Bottom line is that the Stirmate is worth the money, and certainly beats standing over a hot stove for hours stirring and stirring like some recipes require.