All Questions
Tagged with kitchen-tools or equipment
1,306 questions
13
votes
4
answers
18k
views
How to clean and maintain cast iron lids
I have a number of cast iron lids that fit skillets, dutch ovens, etc. Most have the little cone-shaped spikes on the underside to collect and return moisture to the food.
I have no issues cleaning ...
- 1
11
votes
6
answers
144k
views
Cleaning a clogged espresso machine Portafilter
Can anyone recommend a method for cleaning the clogged holes in a "Basket" of an espresso machine Portafilter? I had this problem with both DeLonghi and Saeco home espresso machines.
For example, in ...
- 3
0
votes
2
answers
95
views
Instrument to detect food composition and preparation techniques based on physically sensed molecules?
I was wondering whether it is possible to devise an instrument (or whether anything has been devised), that can be inserted (like a thermometer/receptor/detector), into a food (such as a soup (or ...
- 141k
0
votes
0
answers
64
views
Bubbles on glass stovetop
I have just purchased a glass top stove and the second time I used it there were white bubbles that look like they are inside the burner not something that can be scraped off, I used a stainless steel ...
- 1
1
vote
1
answer
94
views
Gasket “lidded” Pioneer Woman Crockpot
My lid to my pioneer woman crockpot has a rubber gasket for latching down to travel. Awful burn rubber smell which over takes the smell of whatever Im cooking. I dont travel. Can I just remove this ...
- 11
0
votes
1
answer
145
views
Why does KitchenAid dough hook move up the shaft?
I have a KitchenAid Professional 600 mixer. I use it almost exclusively for Kneading whole grain sourdough or other bread on speed 2. The sourdough is medium hydration. I purchased a spiral dough hook ...
- 32.3k
21
votes
2
answers
4k
views
Bleach in cast iron pan, safety concerns?
Someone used a solution of bleach and water (probably 1/10 ratio) on my cast iron, they were letting it soak in this solution. When I noticed I immediately rinsed it off multiple times, scrubbed it (...
- 111
8
votes
2
answers
806
views
What are the pros & cons of downdraft ventilation?
I'm looking at replacing my cooktop sometime within the next few months. One of the things I dislike about my current one is the exhaust hood, so when I heard about downdraft ventilation my interest ...
2
votes
6
answers
23k
views
Dark grey residue from newly purchased stainless steel kitchen items?
I have had this happen a few times now. What happens is that I purchase a new kitchen item made of stainless steel. When cleaning it, I find out that there is some kind of dark grey residue that comes ...
2
votes
0
answers
112
views
Identify meat slicer
I need help identifying this meat slicer. It has no decals or markings on it anywhere and I would like to buy it a new sharpener.
I’m hoping someone might recognize it! Thank you.
- 21
2
votes
2
answers
55k
views
How long do I need to freeze the freezer bowl when making the second batch of ice cream?
I have made one batch of ice cream, and now I need to make another. I have rinsed out the freezer bowl, and when I dried it I noticed that the water had frozen to a thin film of ice. So it is ...
- 1
2
votes
1
answer
218
views
I need to cook for a group of around 500 people for a week. I have a rough plan, what am I missing? [closed]
I want to preface this with the fact that I have 8 kids, and we enjoy making use of leftovers normally, meaning the meals I cook every day usually either fill up a 2 gallon or 3 gallon pot, and ...
- 121
6
votes
2
answers
2k
views
Could compressed air be used in a 'whipper'
I'm considering a compressed gas whipper like this or this.
They're not cheap to buy, and once they're purchased they require nitrogen, nitrous oxide or carbon dioxide cylinders to work.
This has got ...
- 791
10
votes
9
answers
4k
views
Soft goat cheese as pizza topping without mess
I use soft unripened goat cheese as a pizza topping. I prefer it over crumbled goat cheese for these reasons:
Soft goat cheese browns easier, melts easier, and has stronger flavour/tang compared to ...
- 45.8k
4
votes
5
answers
1k
views
What to look for in an induction stovetop?
This is a sad story, because I've already bought one and am not completely happy.
The good:
Power - 9kW.
Fires - 3 fires from small to large (14cm - 28cm).
Timer - From one to ninety nine minutes ...
- 11
10
votes
4
answers
7k
views
"Universal" aka "Bristle" Knife Blocks: Blade Damage and Hygiene
Does anyone have any experiences of /advice about "universal" knife blocks, i.e. blocks that hold the knives in place with a dense bunch of plastic bristles instead of the usual slots in the wood.
I'...
- 11
2
votes
1
answer
2k
views
Are can openers like the original Swing-A-Way sold under a different name now?
Swing-A-Way can openers used to be made in St. Louis, MO. After the family sold out they finally ended up being made in China. The quality went away. I thought I came across some info that the ...
14
votes
6
answers
5k
views
What to consider when learning to make sushi at home?
I like eating sushi and think it would be a fun experiment to attempt making sushi at home. I've seen rolls put together in a restaurant a couple times - looks so simple! I've heard it is difficult ...
- 82.2k
1
vote
0
answers
75
views
Baking a 6" cheesecake inside 10" silicone pan in water bath?
I don't have time to buy a smaller silicone pan. Will 2" gap around cheesecake pan make a difference while baking in a water bath?
- 11
2
votes
1
answer
357
views
How to properly use an enameled cast iron grill pan?
I was given an enameled cast iron grilling pan. As I'm entirely inexperienced with cooking using either enameled cast iron or grilling pans, this is way out of my league. I am failing to use it for ...
- 353
1
vote
3
answers
11k
views
What is this spoon-like kitchen utensil with a rubbery head and wooden handle called?
What is this utensil or kitchen tool called that has a rubber-like head and a wooden handle?
What is it used for?
- 383
7
votes
5
answers
3k
views
How to know whether the teflon coated pan's life has reached end?
I use oil for cooking in the Teflon coated pan. I put the pan on a very low fire. (Simmer) Lately I have found that the onions get stuck to the bottom of the pan.
How to know whether the teflon ...
- 165
4
votes
2
answers
245
views
How to powder nuts at home?
How can I grind whole nuts (walnuts, brazil nuts, macademia etc) into powder conveniently at home?
I have already tried:
mortar and pestle. I don't like it because the nut dust splashes everywhere, I ...
- 151
2
votes
1
answer
109
views
Requirements for a stand mixer able to handle bringing together really thick noodle dough? Like 40% or even 35% hydration?
My mom had an ancient 375 watt Kitchenaid, but it broke
(it had already worn down and broken a few times even before I tried noodle dough in it!)
Now she's got an even weaker 275 watt one, which she ...
- 141k
0
votes
1
answer
219
views
Can Le Creuset ware be used on an induction stove?
I am about to buy a Le Creuset set and wonder if the skillet can be used on an induction stove.
- 1,451
0
votes
0
answers
58
views
Kitchen aid is noisy at medium speeds
My kitchen aid stand mixer is noisy only at speeds 3-6. It sounds normal at low or high speeds. We greased it, but it was still noisy. We read that it may not have enough grease, so we added more, ...
3
votes
3
answers
5k
views
What Advantage Does a Meat Press Give You When Making Your Own Deli Meat?
This is the device in question:
I've seen multiple videos online of people using this to make deli meat out of leaner cuts like chicken breast. They grind up the breast, season it, compress into this ...
4
votes
4
answers
11k
views
What is the best way to turn the chunks of jaggery into fine powder?
I have big chunks of jaggery. I want to turn them into fine powder.
What is the best way to turn the chunks of jaggery into their powdered form?
- 1
8
votes
2
answers
1k
views
Equipment: Intense candle for nabemono. What is it?
I went to a Japanese Nabemono (Chankonabe?) place, in Tokyo. The meal was basically a hot pot. But instead of the typical small candle or small methanol pot/gel I've seen used elsewhere, they had a ...
1
vote
0
answers
177
views
Why can't a cafeteria serve chilled apples? [closed]
I like a cold apple. My cafeteria sells room temperature apples. My cafeteria has refrigerators that hold many cold products. Those refrigerators have lots of unused room. Being the trouble maker that ...
- 133
3
votes
4
answers
2k
views
Wooden butter knife sanding?
I received a wooden butter knife in the mail fairly recently: now my only question is this, will it need sanding to maintain its food worthiness or does it require something else to keep it food safe? ...
1
vote
3
answers
1k
views
What is a German potato grater called?
I know of this grater via German cooking, but it may NOT be specific to Germany. Regardless, I am trying to determine the name of this kind of grater so I can purchase one. The grater is actually ...
5
votes
4
answers
8k
views
Is my "non stick" pan kaput?
I have a Circulon frying pan I've been using for a few years. I got it second hand in good condition.
The non stick factor was great when I got it, but when I fry with it now, I find I need to use ...
- 153
7
votes
6
answers
3k
views
Is there some sort of kitchen utensil/device like a cylinder with a strainer?
I just had to strain a lot of thick liquid and had to place a container on the table and then a metal strainer on the container's "neck" or "entrance". Then I had to pour the ...
- 518
3
votes
1
answer
1k
views
Can I cook eggs in a pan with a plate as a cover?
Is it ok to place a similar size plate on a similar size pan? I mean like, putting a plate on top of a pot so the food can cook. Would the glass shatter? Why shouldn’t I try this? I have a small pan ...
- 45.8k
0
votes
4
answers
15k
views
Can I use an electric smoker without wood chips as an oven to cook a ham?
I'm cooking a big dinner. I am wondering if I can use my electric smoker without woods chips like a second oven so I can free up space in oven inside. Will it cook my ham well? I don't want to smoke ...
8
votes
2
answers
363
views
How important is material thickness in really large cooking pots?
I need a stainless steel pot of 100 liters or maybe even bigger for cooking. They sell at different wall material strength at the wholesale, varying from 0.8mm to 1.6mm (they all have sandwich bottom ...
- 1
33
votes
5
answers
17k
views
Can my freezer be too cold?
The FDA recommends a freezer temperature of 0˚F (-18˚C). Warmer temperatures risk bacterial growth and quality problems. But what are the reasons not to set the freezer colder? My Bosch freezer can be ...
7
votes
2
answers
257
views
Getting a better waffle split (stroopwafels)
I'm currently trying to make stroopwafels on an electric stroopwafel maker, and I've had a decent amount of success; my waffles come out brown on both sides, and after cutting them into a circle with ...
- 1,522
10
votes
10
answers
31k
views
Do I need a bread maker?
I'd like to try my hand at baking my own bread. Do I need a bread maker to get decent bread? Are there any advantages to using a bread maker vs. my normal oven?
CommunityBot
- 1
7
votes
5
answers
52k
views
Ceramic vs Stainless Steel in coffee mugs
My travel mug broke :( Looking at replacements, I find that most travel mugs with designs tend to be stainless steel, whereas my prior mug was ceramic. Is there a difference in heat retention between ...
- 1
56
votes
12
answers
6k
views
How should I care for my knives?
I've finally put down the money to buy a quality knife and it's sharpness is amazing!
How do I take care of it so that the edge lasts and the knife stays sharp?
- 738
6
votes
1
answer
7k
views
Is MAPP gas safe for searing meat and Creme Brulee etc?
I'm looking to purchase a bigger gas torch that will double as a Sous-vide meat-searer and to finish off Creme Brulee as my small kitchen torch is just not up to the task.
Rather than regular propane ...
- 5,339
3
votes
2
answers
169
views
What is the purpose of the pipe inside the double jar juice dispenser?
Here is the picture:
What is the purpose of the pipe inside the double jar juice dispenser?
- 228
13
votes
6
answers
5k
views
Does the airflow pattern in a hot air popcorn popper matter? / What should I look for in a popper?
I'm interested in purchasing a hot-air popcorn popper. I grew up with a Wear-Ever Popcorn Pumper, which holds the unpopped corn in a metal cup with angled slots for air on the sides (so that the corn ...
- 1
12
votes
12
answers
99k
views
Are Damascus steel kitchen knives worth it?
Many manufacturers currently offer kitchen knives with Damascus steel blades at a premium.
Besides looking cool do such knifes have any better characteristics compared to simply good forged stainless ...
4
votes
1
answer
152
views
How do I keep French bread loaves from drying out while in the Couche?
When rising my french bread loaves or baguettes: how do I keep them moist enough to expand without making a mess of the couche?
Ciabattas for instance have short proofing times as they still have ...
- 5,339
11
votes
1
answer
16k
views
Pressure cooker rice quality vs high-end rice cooker
I'm considering buying a proper rice cooker, as we've eaten most of the non-stick coating of the cheap one. The forums rave about induction heating, Zojirushi, Tiger, Toshiba RC-18NMF with its cast-...
10
votes
7
answers
49k
views
How do I keep the paddle of a bread machine from damaging the bread upon removal?
I love my bread machine. However when the bread is done baking, removing it from the machine breaks the bread where the paddle is. I know the paddle is embedded in the bread and it will break the ...
- 1
3
votes
3
answers
394
views
Open-Source Stand Mixer (Kitchen Equipment)?
Where can I find designs for an open-source stand mixer?
I'm generally looking for small-scale, industrial-quality kitchen equipment that's open-source. I'd prefer a set of machines that share the ...
- 46