Kitchen Equipment

Bakeware

Bakeware - used to cook foods in the oven.

Baking sheet

Baking sheet - metal rectangular pan, similar to a cookie sheet, but with four sides about 1 inch deep. Used to bake sheet cakes, pizza, chicken pieces, and fish. Hand or machine wash.

Blender

Blender - removable container with a wide opening, handle, pouring spout, and measurement markings on side. Used to chop, blend, and liquefy. See the use and care booklet for parts that must be hand washed and can be machine wash.

Bread knife

Bread knife - serrated or saw-tooth blade. Used to slice breads and other soft foods. Hand wash.

Cake pan

Cake pan - usually made of aluminum in a range of sizes. Used to bake layer cakes and other baked goods. Hand or machine wash.

Can opener

Can opener - hand and electric varieties. Used to cut lids off of metal cans. Small hand openers may be hand or machine washed. Electric models should be wiped with a damp cloth. The blade should be removed and cleaned with soap and water.

Casserole

Casserole - dishes with high sides that may be made of glass, glass-ceramic, or earthenware; available in a variety of sizes, with or without lids; may go from freezer-to-oven. Used to bake and serve main dishes and desserts. Hand or machine wash.

Chef's/French knife

Chef's/French knife - large, triangular blade. Used to slice, chop, and dice fruits and vegetables. Hand wash.

Colander

Colander - perforated bowl made of metal or plastic available in a variety of sizes. Used to drain liquids from foods. Hand or machine wash.

Cookie sheet

Cookie sheet - flat, metal rectangular pan with two or three open sides. Used to bake cookies, biscuits, and pizza; also used to toast bread. Hand or machine wash.

Cookware

Cookware - used to cook foods on the range.

Cooling rack

Cooling rack - wire rack with legs; usually square or rectangular, made of metal, in a variety of sizes. Used to hold baked goods and hot pans off of counter/table tops, preventing scorching; allows air to circulate around foods so it cools quickly. Hand or machine wash.

Cutting board

Cutting board - made from a variety of materials (plastic resists bacteria better than soft woods). Used to protect counter and table tops when cutting and chopping. Wooden cutting boards should be hand washed. Plastic boards may be either hand or machine washed.

Dishwasher

Dishwasher - a major kitchen appliance available in portable or built-in models; various options available. Used to clean/sanitize kitchen equipment and tableware. Follow operating manual's instructions for loading details and recommended detergent and drying agents; use ONLY dishwasher detergent; scrape dishes before loading; and ensure that all items are dishwasher safe.

Double boiler

Double boiler - a small pan that fits into a larger pan with a lid; usually made of glass or metal. Used to cook and melt foods that scorch easily, such as sauces, chocolate, custard, butter, etc. Hand or machine wash.

Dry measuring cups (nested measuring cups)

Dry measuring cups (nested measuring cups) - usually made of metal or plastic; basic set contains 1 cup, ½ cup, 1/3 cup, and ¼ cup. Used to measure dry and solid ingredients. Hand or machine wash.

Dutch oven

Dutch oven - a heavy pot with close-fitting lid; may have a rack to keep foods from sticking to the bottom. Used to cook large amounts or sizes of foods on the range or in the oven. Hand or machine wash.

Electric skillet/griddle

Electric skillet/griddle - fry pan whose temperature is controlled by a thermostat; high dome cover with vent; clearly visible heat indicator light. Skillets are used to fry, bake, roast, panbroil, stew or simmer food. Griddles are similar to skillets, but have no sides or lids. Griddles are used to fry foods, such as eggs and pancakes. Immersible: Hand or machine wash, as instructed by operating manual. Thermostat to be wiped clean with damp cloth. Non immersible: Wash by hand, following operating manual's instructions.

Food processor

Food processor - more powerful and versatile than a blender; assorted disks/blades for special jobs. Used to blend, chop, grate/shred, grind, knead, and slice. See the use and care booklet for parts that must be hand washed and can be machine wash.

Fork

Fork - Used to beat eggs and other ingredients and/or to mix together ingredients. Hand or machine wash.

Hand mixer

Hand mixer - a hand-held electric appliance; lighter and less expensive than a stand mixer, but less versatile. Used to blend, beat, and whip ingredients. Hand or machine wash removable beaters; wipe mixer body with a damp cloth.

Kitchen shears

Kitchen shears - scissors. Used to snip, trim, or cut fresh herbs, dried fruit, vegetables, meat, and pastry. Hand or machine wash.

Ladle

Ladle - round cup attached to a long handle; usually in a variety of sizes and made from glass,Ladle metal, or plastic. Used to lift and serve sauces, soups, stews, gravies, salad dressings, and punches. Hand or machine wash.

Liquid Measuring Cups

Liquid Measuring Cups - usually made of clear glass or plastic; contains measurements for portions of a cup and fluid ounces. Used to measure liquid ingredients. Hand or machine wash.

Loaf pan

Loaf pan - a deep, narrow, oblong pan that may be made of glass, glass-ceramic, or aluminum. Used to bake loaves of bread, pound cake, and meat loaf. Hand or machine wash.

Measuring spoons

Measuring spoons - usually made of metal or plastic; basic set contains 1 tablespoon, 1 teaspoon, ½ teaspoon, and ¼ teaspoon. Used to measure small ingredients, usually less than ¼ cup. Hand or machine wash.

Mixing bowls (nested mixing bowls)

Mixing bowls (nested mixing bowls) - usually made from plastic, glass, or metal in a variety of sizes; some have lids for storage. Used to prepare and combine ingredients for recipes. Hand or machine wash.

Muffin pan

Muffin pan - rectangular baking pan that comes in a variety of sizes, such as with six to twelve round depressions; usually made of metal. Used to bake muffins, cupcakes, and rolls. Hand or machine wash.

Oven mitt/pot holder

Oven mitt/pot holder - Cloth pads in various sizes and shapes. Used to protect hands while handling hot bakeware and cookware. Cleaning depends on the type material.

Paring knife

Paring knife - smallest kitchen knife. Used to remove a thin peel from fruits and vegetables. Hand wash.

Pastry blender

Pastry blender - several pieces of curved metal attached to a handle. Used to blend flour and solid fat when making pastry; blending butter and cheese mixtures. Hand or machine wash.

Pastry brush

Pastry brush - usually found in a variety of sizes and materials. Used to brush pastry and other foods with butter or sauces; removing crumbs from cakes before frosting. Hand or machine wash.

Pie pan

Pie pan - shallow, round baking dish with sloping sides; usually made of glass or metal in a variety of sizes. Used to bake dessert and main-dish pies and quiches. Hand or machine wash.

Pizza pan

Pizza pan - large, round baking pan with a narrow rim around the edge; may be perforated for crispier crust. Used to bake pizza. Hand or machine wash.

Pots

Pots - usually made from metal; larger and heavier than saucepans; small handles on each side with a lid; vary in size from 3 - 20 quarts. Used to cook large amounts or sizes of foods in liquid on a range.

Range/oven

Range/oven - a major kitchen appliance available in free-standing, drop-in, or built-in models; number and types of cooking surfaces vary; oven types vary; may be electric or gas. Used for frying or cooking in liquid, on top of the range; baking, broiling, or roasting in the oven. Wipe with damp cloth any spills as they occur when appliance cools; follow operating manual's instructions for specific use and care.

Refrigerator/freezer

Refrigerator/freezer - a major kitchen appliance; comes in a variety of sizes and colors with a wide range of options, such as ice maker, in-door dispensers, etc. Used to refrigerator/freeze perishable foods. Refrigerator should be kept at 40˚, and freezer at 0 ˚ for home consumer use. Wipe spills as they occur. Clean interior of refrigerator with baking soda solution a minimum of once a month. Clean exterior of refrigerator with appliance cleaner or damp cloth. Check gaskets around door monthly. Vacuum under and behind refrigerator/freezer a minimum of twice a year. Change water filters as recommended.

Roasting pan

Roasting pan - heavy oval or rectangular pan; usually made of metal with a lid. Used to roast meats and poultry. Hand or machine wash.

Rolling pin

Rolling pin - heavy roller made of wood, marble, or metal. Used to flatten dough; crush bread, cookies, or crackers into crumbs. Hand wash.

Rubber spatula

Rubber spatula - Used to remove solid ingredients from measuring cups. Hand or machine wash

Rubber spatula

Rubber spatula - Used to remove solid ingredients from measuring cups. Hand or machine wash.

Saucepans

Saucepans - usually made of metal or heatproof glass; one long handle and a lid; range in size from ½ - 4 quarts. Used to cook foods in liquid on a range. Hand or machine wash.

Saute pan/skillet

Sauté pan/skillet - skillets (fry pans) have wide bottoms and low sides; vary in size and often have lids. Sauté pans are uncovered skillets with narrow bottoms and sloping sides. Used to brown and fry foods. Hand or machine wash. ** Cast iron must be hand washed and dried completely to prevent rusting; may need to rub with vegetable oil to preserve "seasoning."

Scale

Scale - may be a spring or balance scale. Used to weigh dry ingredients, usually larger amounts. Wipe with a damp cloth.

Sifter

Sifter - a metal or plastic canister with a wire-screened bottom, available in various sizes with a blade or wheel inside. Used to remove lumps from and incorporating air into dry ingredients before measuring. To clean, tap over garbage can to remove dry ingredients; if necessary, wipe with a damp cloth, but dry immediately to prevent rusting.

Slicing knife

Slicing knife - long, thin blade. Used to cut large cuts of meat or for slicing meat. Hand wash.

Slotted spoon

Slotted spoon - usually made from metal, plastic, or wood in various sizes. Used to remove solid food from and draining away liquids. Hand or machine wash.

Slow cooker

Slow cooker - (crock pot) a heating base, cooking vessel that may be removable, and a lid; usually have at least two settings. Used to cook slowly for several hours; convenient for one-dish meals. Exterior: Wipe with damp cloth. Interior: If removable, cooking vessel may be hand or machine washed.

Square/rectangular

Square/rectangular pan - usually made of aluminum in a variety of sizes. Used to bake a variety of cakes, cookies, and other baked goods. Hand or machine wash.

Stand mixer

Stand mixer - electric mixer that leaves hands free; suited for heavy-duty work; often has attachments. Used to blend, beat, whip ingredients, and to knead dough. Hand or machine wash removable attachments; wipe mixer body with a damp cloth.

Steamer

Steamer - Perforated metal or bamboo insert that fits into a saucepan or pot that holds food above boiling water. Used to steam vegetables to retain nutrients. Hand or machine wash, depending on material from which it is made.

Straight-edge spatula

Straight-edge spatula - Used to level dry or solid ingredients. Hand or machine wash

Straight-edge spatula

Straight-edge spatula - Used to level dry or solid ingredients. Hand or machine wash.

Straightening steel

Straightening steel - long steel rod. Used to straighten knife edges between sharpening. Hand wash.

Strainer

Strainer - bowl made of wire mesh available in a variety of sizes. Used to remove solid pieces from liquid foods. Hand or machine wash

Thermometers

Thermometers - may have a dial or digital display. Used to take the internal temperature of foods to ensure the safety and sanitation of foods. Hand wash and calibrate daily and/or after dropping.

Toaster

Toaster - comes in two- and four-slice models; may have extra wide openings for bagels and thick-sliced bread. Used to brown/toast breads and pastries on both sides at one time. Wipe exterior with damp cloth; clean crumbs from bottom regularly.

Toaster oven

Toaster oven - available in variety of sizes; uses less energy and creates less heat than a full-size oven. Used to bake and broil small amounts of foods in addition to toasting. Wipe exterior with damp cloth; clean crumbs from bottom regularly.

Tongs

Tongs - Usually made of metal or plastic; variety of sizes. Used to turn meats and fried foods; griping and lifting bulky foods. Hand or machine wash.

Turner

Turner - Made of metal or plastic; may be slotted or solid. Used to lift and turn foods, such as cookies, meat, fish, pancakes, and eggs. Hand or machine wash.

Vegetable peeler/parer

Vegetable peeler/parer - a swivel blade. Used to pare/peel fruits and vegetables; making decorative carrot, chocolate, or cheese curls for garnishing. Hand or machine wash.

Wire whisk

Wire whisk - usually made of balloon-shaped wire loops that are held together by a handle. Used to stir, beat, and whip foods; incorporates air into foods; helps to prevent/remove lumps. Hand or machine wash.

Wok

Wok - Bowl-shaped pan often used in Chinese cooking; may be used on range or electric. Used to quickly fry foods in a very small amount of fat. Hand or machine wash - if electric, follow operating manual's instructions for care.

Wooden spoon

Wooden spoon - available in many sizes and may be slotted or solid; will not scratch pan surfaces. Used to mix and stir ingredients. Hand wash.