Kitchen Equipment

Stiffer

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

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.

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.

Straight

Edged spatula , used to level dry or solid ingredients. Hand or machine wash.

Rolling Pin

Heavy roller made of wood, metal, or marble. used to flatten dough , crush bread , cookies , or crackers into crumbs. Hand wash.

Straightening Steel

Long steel rod. used to straighten knife edges between sharpening. Hand and machine wash.

Scale

May be a spring or balance scale. used to weigh dry ingredients , usually large amounts. Wipe with a damp cloth.

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.

Fork

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

Bakeware

Used to cook in the oven.

Straight-edge spatula

Used to level dry or solid ingredients. Hand or machine wash.

Rubber Spatula

Used to remove solid ingredients from measuring cup. Hand or machine wash.

Rubber spatula

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

Dry Measuring Spoons (nested measuring cup)

Usually made of metal or plastic ; basic set contains 1 cup , 1/2 cup , 1/3 cups & 1/4 cups. used to measure dry & solid ingredients. Hand or machine wash.

Measuring Spoons

Usually made of metal or plastic. Basic sets contain 1 table spoon , 1 tea spoon , 1/2 tea spoon , 1/4 tea spoon. Used to measure small ingredients , usually less than 1/4 cup. Hand or machine wash.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Dish Washer

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Strainer

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

Roasting Pan

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

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

Chefs/french knife

large, triangular blade. Used to slice, chop, and dice fruits and vegetables. Hand wash.

Slicing Knife

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

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.

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.

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.

Colander

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

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.

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.

Ladle

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

Bread Knife

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

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.

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.

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."

Parring Knife

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

Baking sheet

used to cook foods in the oven...

Cookware

used to cook foods on the range.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Cake Pan

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

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.

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.

Liquid Measuring Cup

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.

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.

Cooking 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.