The kitchen is a hub of activity in most households and it’s home to a variety of tools and utensils that help make cooking, baking and cleaning easier. Knowing the uses of various kitchen utensils can help you be a smarter and more efficient cook. Here’s a closer look at some common kitchen utensils and their uses.
Whisks
Whisks are used for beating, blending and stirring ingredients together. They can also be used to whip cream or egg whites for desserts or meringues. Whisks come in many sizes, from small hand-held ones to larger balloon whisks.
Spatulas
Spatulas are essential for cooking eggs, flipping pancakes or burgers, or folding ingredients together. Spatulas come in different materials such as silicone and metal, with curved edges for scraping the sides of bowls. Some spatulas even have slots for draining liquids like bacon fat.
Slotted Spoons
Slotted spoons are ideal for scooping out foods like boiled eggs or vegetables from hot water without taking up too much liquid. The slotted design helps drain off excess liquid while lifting the food out of the pot or pan.
Graters
Graters are used to grate cheese, vegetables or fruits into small pieces. Graters come in several sizes with different blade designs that allow you to choose how fine you want your ingredients grated.
Tongs
Tongs are great for picking up hot foods without burning your fingers. They can also be used to turn food items on the grill or in a frying pan without breaking them apart. Tongs come in several sizes with spring-loaded handles that make it easy to open and close them quickly.
Peelers
Peelers are used to peel potatoes, carrots, apples and other fruits with thick skin. Peelers come in several designs including hand-held ones with a blade on one side that peels away the skin when dragged across the surface of a fruit or vegetable.
Spoons
Spoons are essential for stirring sauces, mixing ingredients together and measuring out dry ingredients like sugar or flour when baking. Spoons come in many sizes ranging from teaspoons to tablespoons.
The uses of various kitchen utensils vary depending on what type they are but all serve an important purpose when it comes to cooking, baking and cleaning up afterwards. Whisks help beat ingredients together; spatulas help flip food items; slotted spoons can scoop out foods without taking too much liquid; graters can grate cheese and vegetables into small pieces; tongs can pick up hot foods without burning your fingers; peelers can remove skin from fruits and vegetables; spoons are essential for stirring sauces, mixing ingredients together and measuring out dry ingredients when baking.