All Questions
Tagged with kitchen-tools or equipment
1,306 questions
136
votes
7
answers
31k
views
Is it possible to cook a whole fish in a dishwasher?
I heard that there is a way to cook a whole fish in a dishwasher - any techniques, tips??
97
votes
13
answers
15k
views
What knives are "required" for a serious home kitchen?
I consider myself a serious home cook. What knives are essential?
65
votes
4
answers
12k
views
Why does plastic never dry properly in a dishwasher?
Whenever I get tasked with unloading the dishwasher, I'm always amazed at the amount of water that's still stuck (always in droplets) to our plastic kitchen utensils and storage containers.
We have ...
63
votes
7
answers
23k
views
How Did I Explode A Saucepan?
I am a complete amateur when it comes to the world of cooking.
My recent attempts to teach myself have unfortunately lead to me needing to ask:
How did I explode my saucepan?
I'd put some garlic/...
59
votes
9
answers
23k
views
How do I wash the "pokey" side of a box grater?
I have this box grater, and one of the sides is "non-directional" (not sure what this is called) -- that is, the pointy "blade" things are on every side of the holes:
Close-up:
The fibers you see ...
59
votes
4
answers
87k
views
What does the "bagel" setting on toasters do?
Usually, I put slices of bread in my toaster. Sometimes, I toast bagels. On my toaster, there's a little button that says "bagel". How does this setting toast the bagel differently?
58
votes
15
answers
45k
views
What is the point of a salt mill?
Salt mills and pepper mills often come in pairs. I understand the purpose of the pepper mill: It breaks open the pepper corn and releases the aroma. But there is, to my knowledge, no such thing as a ...
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?
54
votes
3
answers
13k
views
Mystery kitchen device with three finger loops, one attached to a sliding rod that passes through a ring
This is an oddball question but I am hoping someone can help me identify this device, which appears intended for use in a kitchen based on its location in a drawer full of other kitchen tools. As you ...
52
votes
15
answers
18k
views
How do I get something sticky like honey or Golden Syrup off measuring spoons or measuring cups? Is there a better way?
When I put honey in a spoon or measuring cup, the residue stays and it’s hard to get all of it out. How do I make it all come out? Is there a way to measure honey without leaving honey on a spoon?
47
votes
7
answers
31k
views
How do you clean a seasoned cast iron skillet?
I have a seasoned cast iron skillet, and I don't want to mess up the seasoning when I'm cleaning it. What do I use and what don't I use to get it back to clean?
I've heard not to use soap and to ...
41
votes
30
answers
45k
views
How do you reduce static in a coffee grinder?
Is there a way to reduce/eliminate the static buildup in a burr grinder? I've tried a few different coffee grinders and inevitably on removing the grinds bin, I get a spray of coffee all over the ...
40
votes
6
answers
7k
views
What should I look for in a good, multi-purpose chef's knife?
If I want to buy a good multi-purpose chef's knife, which characteristics should I look for?
39
votes
9
answers
12k
views
Why do we use so much water to cook spaghetti?
Every time I cook spaghetti in a regular pot, I get the feeling that I could save litres of water if the pot had been created with spaghetti cooking in mind. This is especially true when I only need 1-...
39
votes
3
answers
84k
views
Dishwasher safety - "top shelf" vs. "bottom shelf"
The instruction manual for some of my kitchen equipment says "Dishwasher safe (top shelf)".
What difference is there between what an object on the top shelf of a dishwasher experiences, and what ...
38
votes
3
answers
12k
views
Identify a round kitchen tool with perforated and hinged metal leaves
My old roommate left this in my kitchen before moving out. I can't remember what it is or used for. Is this part of a grill? Does it go in my sink to trap things that shouldn't go down the drain? ...
38
votes
11
answers
119k
views
Why is it necessary to preheat an oven?
Just about every recipe advises to preheat the oven before using it. I often forget this, but luckily this doesn't seem to matter all that much. Hence my question: why would it be necessary to preheat ...
37
votes
1
answer
9k
views
What is this cutting spatula with holes? (See photo)
What is this tool? What is it called and what is it for?
It's like a steel angled spatula with a cutting end and holes on the tip. It's not big (see the finger for reference), little more than a ...
36
votes
14
answers
8k
views
Nonstick cookware or not?
I am looking to replace my >10 year old Calphalon nonstick cookware. I can see the nonstick surface coming off the pans, and am starting to worry about how much of that is getting into our food.
I ...
36
votes
4
answers
14k
views
What is the use of this strange contraption on this serving fork?
I just bought an old fork + knife set at a flea market. The kind of big cutlery that is used to cut and serve chicken, roasted meat, whatever.
The strange thing is that the fork has a moving part on ...
36
votes
3
answers
11k
views
What is this glass object for?
I inherited a bar set. It has a wide variety of glassware, all of which I recognize except this piece
The bottom portion holds a 1/2 cup. There is a small hole connecting the top and bottom. The top ...
36
votes
2
answers
17k
views
What does a healthy cast iron skillet look like?
I've read plenty about how to restore and season cast iron, but I have no clue whether any of the old cast iron I've inherited could benefit from this.
Is healthy cast iron black? or should it be ...
35
votes
9
answers
237k
views
Does ceramic non-stick cookware "fail", and if so, how?
I've heard of pans with ceramic non-stick surfaces; it seems some reports on internet say they may "fail" in about 6 months.
How can these pans "fail"? Do ceramic-coated pans require non-stick-...
34
votes
13
answers
39k
views
How to prevent liquids from spilling when pouring from measuring cup?
One problem I've had that I know others have too is when pouring from those Pyrex glass measuring cups. I just saw it happen in the Binging with Babish video:
Is there any good way to prevent this? I'...
34
votes
12
answers
19k
views
Why not put knives in the dishwasher?
What is it about the dishwasher that harms knives?
The only reasons I've found are:
You could get cut... I personally have a greater change of getting cut by trying to wash them by hand.
The blades ...
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 ...
33
votes
9
answers
37k
views
What is the proper way to dispose of a kitchen knife?
How do you throw away a kitchen knife (or for that matter, any knife)? It seems extremely dangerous to just throw it in the dumpster, even if it's wrapped up real well.
33
votes
8
answers
131k
views
What can I use for a Crème brûlée if I don't have a blow torch?
I've always wanted to make a Crème brûlée but I don't have a blow torch to burn the top with. Is there anything else I can use to get that nice crunchy caramel on top?
33
votes
12
answers
121k
views
Slow cooking without a slow cooker
I frequently hear people telling me about how wonderful their slow cookers (AKA "crock pot") are. In many cases they're right - meat that tends to come out tough in normal cooking comes out very ...
32
votes
4
answers
242k
views
Is it normal to see flames inside my self-cleaning oven?
I spilled some sauce in the oven, so I decided to clean it today.
I wiped the bottom and glass door, but the rest of the stuff was crusty and stuck to the bottom of the oven. I started the cycle and ...
32
votes
6
answers
28k
views
What are the benefits of using a dedicated rice cooker, rather than just cooking rice in a pot?
For which reasons should I use a dedicated rice cooker, instead of cooking rice in a pot?
31
votes
8
answers
48k
views
What are the different applications for differently shaped wooden spoons?
A while back I got a set of wooden spoons that contained 5 differently shaped wooden spoons. Take a look at the following photo to see the different shapes.
I have mainly been using wooden spoon #1 ...
30
votes
1
answer
4k
views
What are the names and purposes of these six kitchen knives?
My longtime neighbor had this collection of six GONON-GIRONDE high-carbon steel knives that she inherited from her mother. I thought that they were incredible, and must be wonderful to use.
Sadly she ...
29
votes
16
answers
40k
views
Induction range vs gas
In the next few months I have a kitchen remodel planned. One item to be replaced is the range/oven. Currently we have a "vintage" electric stove.
I am undecided as to whether to choose gas or an ...
29
votes
9
answers
118k
views
What's the purpose of a bread box?
For some reason I always thought bread boxes were supposed to be wood, and that some property of wood helped keep bread fresh. Like a cigar box, perhaps. But after looking for a bread box, I see ...
28
votes
11
answers
4k
views
What is the best way to clean a grater?
A grater is a very useful instrument in the kitchen and it's fun to use. You can use it for a lot of food: cheese, citrus fruit peel, nutmeg, all kinds of vegetables, etc.
But cleaning a grater is a ...
28
votes
1
answer
6k
views
What is this oddly shaped hinged device with indentations?
What is this device? It's about 8cm long when closed, and has little indentations on the top piece and raised lines on the bottom. Possibly it could be used to crush garlic etc.?
28
votes
5
answers
45k
views
Blowtorch - hardware store vs kitchen store. Is there a difference?
When looking for a blowtorch for the kitchen, you can buy some reasonably expensive tools. When looking for a blowtorch for plumbing, you can buy some reasonably cheap tools.
The price is different. ...
28
votes
4
answers
3k
views
Wok preparation and caring
What is a good technique for initially seasoning a wok, keeping it seasoned, and preventing rust?
27
votes
1
answer
9k
views
What is this one-handed tool with five dull steel "blades" called?
I've been using it to break down clumpy powders, it's the best thing I have for the job by far, and I need to buy more for people helping me.
26
votes
12
answers
4k
views
What to look for in a kitchen scale
I'm thinking of buying a modern, probably electronic kitchen scale, to replace my really ancient mechanical one. I'm located in Bombay, India.
I'm wondering what considerations should inform my ...
26
votes
9
answers
2k
views
Unnecessary kitchen gadgets: a reference [closed]
There are a lot of advertised tools and electronic gadgets for every field; the kitchen is no exception.
In my experience, there are a lot of useful tools for specific purposes (a garlic press, for ...
26
votes
14
answers
221k
views
Is there something better than mineral oil for cutting boards?
I've been using mineral oil to oil my wooden cutting boards ever since I found out this was a good thing to do. I had a couple of bamboo boards up until I bought a really great John Boos carving ...
26
votes
7
answers
3k
views
Cutting boards: What are some general tips on purchasing and using a cutting board?
I have heard various debates on the merits of wood versus synthetic cutting boards, and their affect on food safety, knife edges, and ease of cleaning and storage.
What are the pros and cons of the ...
26
votes
2
answers
83k
views
What are the differences between an induction stove and a regular electric stove?
What are the differences between an induction stove and a regular electric stove? They are both electrically powered, and don't look all that different, but the induction cooktops I have seen are a ...
25
votes
2
answers
9k
views
Why does KitchenAid recommend against using the Dough Hook on Speed 1?
KitchenAid's manual for the stand mixer contains several warnings not to use the dough hook on any speed other than 2. While lots of websites explain how high speeds can overheat the dough, what can ...
25
votes
5
answers
3k
views
Will using a knife sharpener reduce the lifetime of my knife?
In the long run, is it better to regularly use a knife honer instead of a knife sharpener once in a while to keep the edge sharp?
25
votes
6
answers
103k
views
Which torch to buy for finishing sous vide meat? Butane or propane?
I have started cooking sous vide and am thinking of buying a torch to finish off the meat. I have seen stores selling little butane torches for creme brulees, but some have claimed they are not hot ...
25
votes
9
answers
125k
views
When baking, is it better to use a gas or electric oven?
I'm looking for an oven and wanted to know if there is any difference between a gas or electric oven when it comes to baking things like cakes, biscuits and scones?
25
votes
6
answers
19k
views
What's this "pucker" style hole on my cheese grater for?
Ok, this picture has two sort of weird looking holes, but the one I'm asking about is on the left side of the picture - the metal sort-of puckers up, like it's been punched through from the back side.
...