Basic Kitchen Tools and Utensils

Large Appliances Refrigerators-may have the freezer on the top, on the bottom, or on the side Some are self-defrosting Have extra freezer space Ice makers Ice cube and water dispensers Freezers-separate from the refrigerators. Larger freezer space for storing frozen foods Automatic dishwashers-makes the clean up job easier but is not essential

Stoves/Conventional ovens-stoves usually come with conventional ovens Some also include a microwave Others include convection ovens A convection oven uses a high-speed fan to circulate hot air throughout the oven, which speeds up the cooking Conventional ovens may be self-cleaning or continuous cleaning An automatic timer that can turn the oven on or off is another possible feature Microwave ovens-fast, convenient, & easy to use Foods cook up to 75% faster than in a conventional oven. You can reheat leftover food, cook food, or defrost frozen food. Defrosting means thawing or unfreezing frozen food.

Small Appliances Electric skillets Toasters Blenders Food processors Slow cookers Popcorn poppers

Pots and Pans Bakeware Cookie sheet: used for baking cookies or pizza Pie Pan: used for baking pies and quiches Loaf pan: used for baking bread and meat loaf Muffin pan: used for baking muffins, cupcakes, and rolls Cake pans: used for baking cakes and bar cookies. Available in square, round, rectangular, and tube. Casseroles: ovenproof dishes, which come in a variety of sizes

Pots and Pans Cookware Double boiler: used for foods that burn easily, such as milk and sauces Saucepans: used for top-of-the-stove cooking. Have one long handle and a lid. Available in different sizes

Utensils Measuring Utensils Dry measuring cups: used to measure dry ingredients such as flour, sugar and pasta Liquid measuring cups: used to measure liquid ingredients such as milk and oil Measuring spoons: used to measure small amounts of certain ingredients such as baking powder and seasonings

Utensils Cutting Utensils Chef’s knife: used for cutting, mincing, slicing, and dicing foods Paring knife: small knife used for peeling and cutting fruits and vegetables Slicing knife: used for slicing meat and poultry Cutting Board: used to protect the counter when cutting Peeler: used for peeling fruits and vegetables Kitchen Shears: scissors used in the kitchen to cut foods such as chicken Can Openers: hand operated or electrical, used to open canned foods Grater: used for grating, shredding, or slicing vegetables and cheese

Utensils Mixing Utensils Mixing bowls: used for mixing ingredients. Usually come in different sizes Wooden spoon: spoon made of wood Whisk: used for beating and blending. Especially good for beating egg white mixtures and stirring sauces. Rubber scraper: used for cleaning foods completely from side of bowl Pastry blender: used to mix butter/shortening with flour Sifter: used for removing lumps and adding air to flour before measuring. Can also combine dry ingredients. Rotary beater: used for beating light mixtures or adding air to eggs

Utensils Cooking Utensils Kitchen fork: used for lifting and turning food Spatula/turner: used for lifting and turning foods such as pancakes and hamburgers Tongs: used for lifting and turning hot foods Ladle: used for serving soups

Utensils Other Kitchen Utensils Colander: used for draining liquids from cooked food or for rinsing fruits and vegetables Slotted spoon: large serving spoon used to drain liquids from cooked foods Strainers: used to separate liquids from solids Rolling pin: used to flatten dough Timer: used to keep track of time when food cooks Thermometer: used to check the internal temperature of foods