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What Are the Different Types of Cooking Equipment?

Felicia Dye
Felicia Dye

Pots, pans, and knives are cooking equipment that many people consider basic, but which are generally available in a wide range of varieties. Some people consider the word oven to refer to a specific piece of equipment, but there are actually numerous types of these also. Certain types of cooking equipment fall into the category of counter-top appliances. These items include deep fryers, slow cookers, and food processors.

Pots and pans are one type of cooking equipment with a vast number of options. These tend to vary based on factors such as brand, with some companies having somewhat of a celebrity status. They differ according to what they are made of and the type of interior surface that they have. Furthermore, there are different types, which are used to produce difference results. For example, a person shopping for equipment in this category may have options such as a wok, a griddle pan, or a stockpot.

A microwave oven.
A microwave oven.

Knives are cooking equipment that often seem basic and not worthy of much thought for the general household cook. For chefs, however, knives are essentially tools that are carefully selected, and the proper knife is used for the proper reason. Examples of the various types of knives include a paring knife, a fillet knife, and a Santoku knife, which all vary in design.

Stainless steel pots and pans.
Stainless steel pots and pans.

For many people, the word oven invokes a specific image, but there are numerous types. An unknowing person may, for example, call a Dutch oven a pot because of the resemblance. Dutch ovens are usually designed with rounded bodies to be used over an open fire or hearth. Brick ovens are usually permanent structures that are fire heated and used for baking items such as bread or pizza. A toaster oven is a small counter-top appliance that may have numerous settings, such as grilling, baking, and toasting.

A broiling pan.
A broiling pan.

Another piece of cooking equipment that is available in a counter-top version is a deep fryer. This appliance allows food to be cooked by complete submersion in cooking oil. Some deep fryers, such as those used in restaurants, are much larger and rest on the floor in much the same way as a conventional cooking range. Though they may look somewhat similar, a counter-top deep fryer should not be confused with a slow cooker. A slow cooker is a small appliance that does as the name suggests and prepares food over an extended period.

Toaster ovens are a popular counter-top cooking appliance.
Toaster ovens are a popular counter-top cooking appliance.

Two other types of cooking equipment that individuals may get confused are a blender and a food processor. A blender is a machine that is mostly used for either soft foods or liquids. A food processor is generally larger and can be used for a much wider variety of foods. Food processors also tend to have more capabilities, including the ability to chop, slice, and grate.

Discussion Comments

Mor

@Iluviaporos - I prefer to keep my cooking equipment as sparse as possible. You don't really need more than four pots, after all, because most people will only have four stove elements.

The more there are in the kitchen, the more I'll be tempted to use and the more I'll have to clean up after I'm finished.

lluviaporos

@browncoat - I don't really think anyone needs a garlic press unless they are constantly putting on dinner parties, and even then garlic isn't really the best thing to be serving!

I tend to end up with a lot of different baking equipment if I'm not careful. It always feels like if I buy a new set of measuring cups or some silicon bakeware I'll end up baking more, but it never seems to happen like that.

browncoat

One of my friends always insisted on having a cast iron pan as his primary kitchen equipment. It was extremely heavy, and while it did distribute heat well, I'm not sure it really needed to belong in a student apartment.

He basically only used it to cook scrambled eggs and probably strained his wrist every time he did so. I think people should consider what they are actually going to be making before they buy their equipment. You don't need a garlic press, for example, if you never eat garlic.

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    • A microwave oven.
      A microwave oven.
    • Stainless steel pots and pans.
      Stainless steel pots and pans.
    • A broiling pan.
      By: rimglow
      A broiling pan.
    • Toaster ovens are a popular counter-top cooking appliance.
      By: carlos Restrepo
      Toaster ovens are a popular counter-top cooking appliance.
    • Deep fryers are a popular type of cooking equipment.
      By: Bombaert Patrick
      Deep fryers are a popular type of cooking equipment.
    • Silicone is a popular choice for bakeware molds.
      By: nito
      Silicone is a popular choice for bakeware molds.
    • Knives and other cutlery are important pieces of cookware.
      By: Silvano Rebai
      Knives and other cutlery are important pieces of cookware.