Pots & Pans
Has straight sides and is taller than it is wide. Used to cook large quantities of liquid on the range, such as stocks or soups.
Pot
A small appliance that ranges in size and speed settings. Comes freestanding or mounted on a base. Used to mix foods that require time and endurance: whipping cream, egg whites, mixing batter, etc.
Electric Mixer
Used to lift and turn meat and other foods. Used to hold larger pieces of food while cutting them.
Kitchen Fork
Can be made of wood, plastic or metal and come in many sizes usually ranging from 1-16 ounces. A tool with a long handle and a “bowl” on the end for reaching to the bottom of deep pots and for transferring liquids.
Ladles
A long utensil with a set of slim stainless steel, plastic, or silicone wires that are gathered at one end and looped at the other. Used to hand beat, incorporate air, whisk, blend, and stir.
Whisks
Has a long handle and straight sides. Primarily used for heating and cooking food in liquid. Come in many sizes in order to accommodate a variety of needs and food amounts.
Sauce Pan
Used to stretch and roll dough, such as pie crusts, cookies, and biscuits. Most are made of hardwood, but marble and others may be used too.
Rolling Pin
Used to scrape food from inside of bowls and pans. Can also be used to fold in whipped cream or egg whites.
Rubber Scraper
Can be used for serving or stirring foods. These can be made of wood, plastic, or metal. Have holes pressed through it and is used for straining or skimming food particles or items from liquids.
Large Spoons
Used to tackle a variety of cutting chores. Used only in the kitchen with foods, not for household use.
Kitchen Shears
Used to saute and fry foods. Slope-sided pan allows the chef to flip items without using a spatula.
Frying Pan
Used to beat ingredients to incorporate air in foods such as eggs, egg whites, whipped cream, etc.
Eggbeater
Used to lift and turn foods, such as pancakes so they can cook on both sides and to remove cookies from a pan.
Turner
Comes in 1, 2, 4, and 8 cup capacities. Found in glass or plastic.
Liquid Measuring Cups
Used to sift food to incorporate air and eliminate lumps in foods such as flour, powdered sugar, and cocoa.
Sifter
The height and sloped sides are well-suited for tossing ingredients, an essential step in stir-frying.
Wok
A cone shaped bag (vinyl, nylon, or plastic coated cotton), about 1-2 feet long with a large and small opening.
Pastry Bag & Accessories
Metal, wooden, or plastic pinching tools used to grab foods without using your hands or fingers.
Tongs
A set of individual plastic or metal utensils, ranging in increments of ⅛, ¼, ½, 1 teaspoon, and 1 tablespoon (sometimes includes 1 ½ tbsp). More accurate than cutlery teaspoons and tablespoons since cutlery spoons vary from one manufacturer to another.
Measuring Spoons
Spring scale used to determine the weight of an ingredient or portion of food.
Portion Scale
This type of sturdy cooking vessel has been used for centuries to slow-cook soups, stews, sauces, and breads.
Dutch Oven
Have one or two slanted edges: use to bake cookies and allow air to circulate freely around baked goods.
Sheet Pan/Cookie Sheet
Has a long, flexible blade with a rounded end. It is useful for leveling off ingredients, scraping bowls, and spreading icing on cakes.
Straight Edge Spatula
The standard set comes in ¼, ⅓, ½, and 1 cup increments. Made of stainless steel, metal, or plastic. Most sets can be nested or stacked inside each other for easy storage.
Dry Measuring Cups
Metal or plastic bowl with ⅛ inch holes pressed throughout it. Used for rinsing and draining foods.
Colander