Basic Kitchen Equipment

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

Blender, food processor

A blender or food processor can speed some preparation steps by chopping, grinding and mixing. Choose one with variable speeds and parts that are easy to clean.

Bowls

Choose a set of four nesting glass, stainless steel, plastic, or pottery bowls. Some sets are available with spouts for pouring. Plastic bowls may retain food odors, colors and oils.

Bread machine

A nice-to-have, but not-necessary piece of equipment that mixes and bakes bread all in the same machine.

Custard cups

These small glass cups may be used in the oven for baking single-serving desserts and custards. They also are handy for separating eggs, coloring small amounts of frosting and other baking uses.

Decorating bag

This is also referred to as a pastry bag and is a waxed cloth, plastic or paper bag which comes with a variety of screw-on tips for decorating with frostings and icings.

Eggbeater

This is a hand-held rotary beater that can be used in place of a wire whisk or electric mixer.

Electric mixer

This appliance is used for mixing and whipping ingredients. A portable, hand-held mixer is great for light jobs. A free-standing electric mixer works best for bigger quantities and longer mixing times. Many freestanding mixers also come with bread dough hooks for making yeast bread.

Grater

A utensil that has surfaces to produce fine to coarse shreds. It is available in plastic or metal.

Juicer

Sometimes called a reamer, this is a glass, metal or ceramic utensil for removing the juice from citrus fruits. Choose a juicer with holes for straining the juice from the pulp, a spout for pouring and a handle. Some juicers have a rim for placing over a measuring cup or bowl.

Knives

An assortment of sharp, serrated and plain-edged knives, in sizes ranging from paring to butcher, will fit all your baking needs.

Measuring cups

You will need two kinds: a glass measuring cup, which holds 1, 2, or 4 cups, for measuring all liquids, and a set of metal or plastic 1/4, 1/3, 1/2 and 1 cup measuring cups for dry ingredients.

Measuring spoons

Measuring spoons for 1/4, 1/2 and 1 teaspoon and 1 tablespoon are available in metal or plastic for measuring small amounts of both dry and liquid ingredients.

Metal spatula

These are used for leveling off ingredients. Rounded end spatulas are used for frosting cakes.

Mixing spoons

Whether you prefer plastic, wood, or metal, have several mixing spoons of varying sizes on hand.

Pancake turner

This is used to remove cookies from baking sheets or bars from pans. One with a short, wide blade works best.

Pastry blender

A pastry blender is a set of parallel curved wires attached to a handle used to cut butter and/or shortening into the dry ingredients for pastry or biscuit dough. Inexpensive and available in supermarkets and housewares stores, a pastry blender does a good job of working the fat into the flour until the mixture is coarse and crumbly.

Pastry brush

Use these to spread glazes and grease pans. Choose brushes with soft natural or synthetic bristles that won't tear or mark dough.

Pastry cloth

A sturdy, washable, canvas-like cloth to help prevent rolled doughs from sticking to a counter or tabletop.

Rolling pin

This is used for rolling out doughs. Choose a smooth, non-porous finish, either wood, marble or plastic. Wooden rolling pins are lightweight, inexpensive and readily available. However, these can become permeated with oils and flour if the surface is nicked or damaged. To keep doughs from sticking, cover the rolling pin with a rolling pin cover. Marble rolling pins are heavy, and roll dough evenly and quickly. When they are chilled, dough does not stick to them.

Rolling pin cover

This is also referred to as a stockinette cover. Made of a tube-knit cotton, it is stretched over a rolling pin. The cloth is then lightly floured and helps prevent rolled doughs from sticking.

Rubber scraper

Choose a wide, slightly stiff blade and a strong handle for scraping the sides of the bowl during mixing. Keep one just for baking so that it won't pick up strong odors from savory foods such as onions.

Strainer

This is necessary for draining liquids and for rinsing fruit and is available in plastic or wire mesh.

Timer

This is important for accurate baking times and is available in a number of styles. Choose one with a loud tone.

Wire racks

For cooling baked goods, racks allow air to circulate around the food and keep crusts from getting soggy. They are available in several sizes.

Wire whisk

This is used for mixing, beating egg whites and whipping cream and is available in a variety of sizes. Larger whisks are appropriate for bigger quantities and heavier mixtures. Choose ones with comfortable handles.