Umbra PortoChef Recipe Album

Umbra PortoChef Recipe Album

Portochef-recipe-holder.jpgAfter my first Umbra disappointment, I was skeptical of their PortoChef Recipe Album. Promotional photos and reality don’t often jibe in my world.

I love the concept. Its 26 plastic sleeves wipe clean and hold computer printouts or magazine clippings, both of which I have in abundance. My makeshift recipe album does this, but it’s just a three ring binder with plastic sheet protectors.

But I was swayed by the sleek European design, the black leather finish and how it stands out of the way while keeping the recipe in plain view.

So $25 later I took it home.

As you can see, my teal binder is functional, but not nearly as sexy.

Even when propped up.

A side-by-side comparison turns my Staples Special into Umbra’s ugly step sister.

Then I decided to cook. Hmmm. The Umbra displays only one recipe at a time. I usually need two or more. No problem, I’ll just take out one of the sheets — Not so fast, Spendy Girl.

Turns out the Umbra is a sealed system. Those fancy black matte rings don’t open. Not only can’t I remove them, I can’t add to the album either. Which means I’ve got 26 sheets to play with. No more, no less. I later learn this point is moot since no one sells replacement two-ring, top punched sheet protectors anyway.

A quick flip through my binder of main courses (desserts have their own album) yields 53 sheet protectors and counting. If I include my extensive dessert collection I’d need at least four Umbras.

Permit me to recap before moving on. Umbra’s concept:


My reality:

Two recipes from my album, Blu Tacked to the cupboard skirt. A cookbook and index card on the Cooknook, plus a little help from the Portochef.

Not the tidy solution I’d imagined, but with a little effort, I just might be able to make this work.

Or not.

11 Comments
  • Carolyn Erickson
    Posted at 22:35h, 04 May

    Oh, that is such a shame. It’s so pretty. With just a little more effort, they could have had you, me and every cook in the country lining up to buy one of those.

    Thanks for the heads up. I have a functional-but-unsexy binder too. Poor thing probably deserves a little more appreciation than I give it.

  • Christie's Corner
    Posted at 08:34h, 05 May

    It’s really strange that Umbra drops the ball on the kitchen items when their bathroom accessories are so functional. That’s one reason I didn’t question their cookbook / recipe solutions. I guess their designers love to take showers and order take out.

    Too bad that the rings don’t open. I’d have been willing to buy extra sheets from them at inflated prices. Staples has nothing like this, so they have the market cornered. I can’t believe no one saw this as a golden opportunity to part cooks from their money.

    Embrace your binder. As my tag line says, “It ain’t always pretty!”

  • Murava
    Posted at 09:08h, 27 August

    Hi,
    Are you sure it does not open ? Umbra sells the refill sheets.
    http://www.organize.com/recipe-easel-refill-pages-clear-set-12-umbra.html
    ??????

  • Christie's Corner
    Posted at 07:47h, 01 September

    Murava, thanks for the heads up. I'm now really confused since I simply cannot find a way to open mine. Three people have tried and failed.

    Refill sheets were not available when I purchased my album (the store owner searched her catalogue at the time) but clearly they are now. My guess is they've changed the design since I bought mine.

  • Bridget
    Posted at 16:07h, 02 September

    they sell refill pages on the umbra website, so they must have a redone version since you bought it.

  • Mila
    Posted at 12:04h, 10 September

    I called Umbra because I want to purchase this item. Umbra said the older model does not allow to add more sheets. The latest model does open and a store clerk actually tested it to make sure it opens and it does. So yes, the newer model will allow you to add more sheets.

  • Christie's Corner
    Posted at 14:31h, 12 September

    Bridget, that would make sense. It was such a bad design not to be able to add pages.

    Mila, thanks so much for checking this out and taking the time to report back. I thought I was stupid or crazy — or both — and feel better now knowing they did, in fact, update the design.

    Thanks to everyone who let me know about the changes!!

  • Sugar
    Posted at 21:32h, 06 September

    I got one at Hipster Home and I absolutely love it. I do most of our cooking and counter space is limited so it helps with keeping from cluttering the counter while cooking and it keeps me and my recipes more orderly…….. and I need all the help I can get.

  • Sugar
    Posted at 21:39h, 06 September

    I solved the closed system problem by buying more then one. I have 3 of them including one for baked recipes, one for chicken recipes and one for Italian recipes. I may need to get more but honestly the book wouldn’t work with more recipes jammed in the binder so it really keeps you neat and orderly. Downside is I have to buy more then one. Upside is I have to buy more then one…… lol! Honestly it forces me to stay neat and orderly and they look great in my cooking shelf.

  • Christina Newberg
    Posted at 14:26h, 26 December

    Where did you buy the umbra binder at?

  • Charmian Christie
    Posted at 11:11h, 04 January

    I got the binder years ago at a home decor store that no longer exists. You might have to contact the company directly to find if they still make it.