A consumer’s guide to the best and...

A consumer’s guide to the best and worst of sports media and merchandise. Ground rules: If it can be read, played, heard, observed, worn, viewed, dialed or downloaded, it’s in play here.

What: “Zamboni” web site

Address: www.zamboni.com

Much like the ubiquitous box-shaped ice resurfacer itself, the “Zamboni” web site is functional, workmanlike and not much to look at it, but it’s the place to turn if you need to know how to properly maintain a Model 100 or an Electric 552.

(One such tip, free of charge: “Inspect all universals, transfer case and hydraulic cylinders for leaks and seepage, and hydrostatic pump and motor.”)

Essentially, the site is a cybercatalog, featuring photos and detailed descriptions of the various Zamboni machines now on the market and a “Zamboni Novelties” page--”for the fun of it.” Here, you can become the life of any party with the purchase of a leg-slapping “What The Hell Is A Zamboni?” lapel button, a Zamboni brass belt buckle, a Zamboni baseball cap, a Zamboni sweatshirt (“Snappy 4-color caricature of a Zamboni Resurfacer on a white sweatshirt)” or a license plate frame that bears the message--of course--”My Other Car Is A Zamboni.”

For history buffs, there’s a paragraph about the machine’s inventor, the late Frank Zamboni of Paramount, and a photo of his original prototype, which made its debut in the 1940s.

It’s a simple site--maybe not quite as exciting as watching an ice rink be resurfaced, but close.