Kitchen Equipment

Kitchen equipment are facilities and tools used in the kitchen for food preparation and for making cooking tasks easier. The types of equipment needed depends on the user of the kitchen. When selecting or purchasing equipment, the following factors should be considered:

Income or availability of money.
Size of the kitchen.
The safety and maintenance of the equipment.
The durability and usability of the equipment.
The importance and essentiality of the equipment.
Facilities available.
Appearance and design of the equipment.

Types of kitchen equipment

Kitchen equipment can be divided into:

Small equipment.
Large equipment.
Mechanical equipment.

SMALL EQUIPMENTS: these are equipment that can be moved from one place to another. They serve as the equipment in the kitchen. E.g. plates, bowl, tray, cover etc.
LARGE EQUIPMENT: they occupy fairly large floor spaces. They are not easily moved from one place to another, they are fixed equipment. E.g. gas cooker, refrigerators, electric cookers etc.
MECHANICAL EQUIPMENTS: these are equipment that simplify some basic kitchen operations by the use of electricity. Examples are blender, food mixer, mincer, toaster, dish washer, potato peeler etc.

CARE OF THE REFRIGERATOR

Do not open the door for too long or else warm air would enter thus giving it additional work.
Food should be arranged inside the refrigerator in such a way that cold air can circulate all round. Excessive packing of food into the refrigerator should be avoided.
Never remove materials from the freezer compartment with sharp objects.
Defrost weekly.
Refrigerator should be cleaned thoroughly at regular intervals.
A qualified service engineer should be called at the first sight of a defect.

FACTORS TO CONSIDER WHEN CHOOSING A REFRIGERATOR

Choose one that is affordable.
Choose the one that meets the family’s requirement.
Choose the one that has light in the interior and thermostat control.
Choose the one that can be used in your locality depending on the availability of electricity supply.
Choose the one that has adequate compartment for food storage and freezing.

MATERIALS USED IN MAKING KITCHEN EQUIPMENT

There are several materials commonly used in making kitchen equipment, each with its own unique properties and suitability for specific applications. Here are some of the materials frequently employed in the production of kitchen equipment:

1. Stainless Steel: Stainless steel is a popular choice due to its durability, corrosion resistance, and ease of cleaning. It is commonly used for cookware, sinks, countertops, and appliances.

2. Aluminum: Aluminum is known for its excellent heat conductivity, lightweight nature, and affordability. It is often used for cookware, such as pots, pans, and baking sheets.

3. Cast Iron: Cast iron is highly durable and provides excellent heat retention. It is commonly used for cookware like skillets and Dutch ovens.

4. Copper: Copper offers exceptional heat conductivity and responsiveness, making it suitable for cookware that requires precise temperature control. However, it is often used as an inner lining with other materials due to its reactivity with certain foods.

5. Non-stick Coatings: Many modern kitchen appliances and cookware feature non-stick coatings, such as Teflon or ceramic, which prevent food from sticking and make cleaning easier. These coatings are often applied to aluminum or stainless steel surfaces.

6. Glass: Glass is used in various kitchen equipment, such as baking dishes, measuring cups, and storage containers. It is non-reactive, easy to clean, and allows for easy monitoring of food during cooking.

7. Plastic: Some kitchen tools and utensils, such as cutting boards, measuring spoons, and storage containers, are made from various types of food-grade plastics. These materials are lightweight, durable, and often dishwasher-safe.

8. Wood: Wooden utensils, cutting boards, and handles are popular in the kitchen due to their natural aesthetics and gentleness on cookware. However, they require special care to avoid damage or contamination.

It’s important to note that while many materials used in kitchen equipment are generally safe, some materials may pose health risks if they leach into food or if damaged. Always follow manufacturers’ instructions for proper care and use of kitchen equipment and consider using food-grade materials to ensure safety.

EVALUATION

State and explain the classification of kitchen equipment with examples.

Assignment

In a tabular form, state the materials used in making kitchen equipment and give 3 examples for each.