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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??
AttilaNYC's user avatar
  • 7,586
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?
Nathan Koop's user avatar
  • 1,435
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 ...
Tinkeringbell's user avatar
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/...
JoshuaMee's user avatar
  • 633
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 ...
Jason C's user avatar
  • 2,186
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?
JesseTG's user avatar
  • 1,510
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 ...
Peter Eisentraut's user avatar
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?
Eclipse's user avatar
  • 2,637
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 ...
O.M.Y.'s user avatar
  • 663
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?
ushna saeed's user avatar
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 ...
plor's user avatar
  • 962
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 ...
Eclipse's user avatar
  • 2,637
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?
avpaderno's user avatar
  • 7,072
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-...
user avatar
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 ...
slim's user avatar
  • 3,606
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? ...
USER_8675309's user avatar
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 ...
Dimitri C.'s user avatar
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 ...
dmcontador's user avatar
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 ...
BetsyB's user avatar
  • 521
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 ...
dim's user avatar
  • 465
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 ...
StrongBad's user avatar
  • 411
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 ...
Colin K's user avatar
  • 745
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-...
anonymous's user avatar
  • 351
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'...
TheStrangeQuark's user avatar
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 ...
JustRightMenus's user avatar
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 ...
Doug's user avatar
  • 432
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.
JustinP8's user avatar
  • 513
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?
lomaxx's user avatar
  • 5,528
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 ...
Aaronut's user avatar
  • 55.2k
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 ...
Michael Moussa's user avatar
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?
avpaderno's user avatar
  • 7,072
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 ...
Jay's user avatar
  • 8,873
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 ...
Cary Jensen's user avatar
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 ...
indiv's user avatar
  • 415
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 ...
Mien's user avatar
  • 13.4k
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.?
mbjb's user avatar
  • 1,779
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. ...
BaffledCook's user avatar
  • 13.3k
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?
statenjason's user avatar
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.
Tim Koelkebeck's user avatar
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 ...
Faheem Mitha's user avatar
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 ...
rageear's user avatar
  • 673
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 ...
JYelton's user avatar
  • 2,918
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 ...
Larry Wang's user avatar
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 ...
hunter's user avatar
  • 373
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?
Alinium's user avatar
  • 353
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 ...
luispedro's user avatar
  • 649
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?
lomaxx's user avatar
  • 5,528
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. ...
Tara's user avatar
  • 2,992

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