I’m trying to improve my descriptions in my cooking blog, and I realized my vocabulary for kitchen items feels a little stale. I can talk about pots and pans, but I know there must be more specific words! I’m looking for words to describe different:
- Appliances: Is there a difference between a toaster oven and a broiler?
Julian Answered question April 3, 2024
Absolutely! Let’s delve into the delicious world of kitchen vocabulary, covering everything from the heart of your kitchen to the tools you use to whip up culinary delights.
Appliances:
- Major appliances: These are the workhorses of your kitchen. They include the stove (or oven and cooktop), refrigerator (or fridge), freezer, dishwasher, and microwave.
- Smaller appliances: These are your handy helpers for specific tasks. Think blender, toaster, food processor, coffee maker, stand mixer, and even a rice cooker.
Cookware:
- Pots and pans: This is where the magic happens! You’ll need a variety of sizes, including saucepans for simmering sauces, a large stock pot for soups and stews, a frying pan for searing meats, and a sauté pan for quick cooking with a little oil.
- Baking dishes: These come in various shapes and sizes for all your baking needs. A classic baking sheet (or baking tray) is great for cookies and roasting vegetables. Loaf pans are for bread, pie plates for pies, and casserole dishes for casseroles (of course!).
Utensils:
- Cutting tools: Every kitchen needs a good set of knives, including a chef’s knife for all-purpose chopping, a paring knife for smaller tasks, and a serrated knife for bread.
- Mixing and measuring: Get your ingredients perfectly proportioned with measuring cups and spoons, a whisk for whipping cream or eggs, a rubber spatula for scraping bowls, and a wooden spoon for stirring.
- Other essentials: A colander for draining pasta or rinsing vegetables, a grater for cheese or zest, a rolling pin for dough, and a set of oven mitts to protect your hands are all kitchen must-haves.
Tableware:
- Plates and bowls: You’ll need a variety of sizes for different courses. Dinner plates for the main course, salad plates for starters or side dishes, and bowls for cereal, soup, or desserts.
- Cutlery: This includes your forks, knives, and spoons. You might also have serving spoons, a butter knife, and serving forks.
- Drinkware: Glasses for water, juice, or milk, mugs for coffee or tea, and maybe some wine glasses to complete the set.
This is just a starting point, of course! There are many other tools and gadgets out there to explore in the wonderful world of kitchen vocabulary. Happy cooking!
Karvi Changed status to publish April 12, 2024