Kitchen Vocabulary in English

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The names of kitchen appliances are quite essential in the kitchen. They assist in identifying the many elements of the kitchen and their roles. We can easily communicate with others about cooking if we know and understand the kitchen vocabulary. Enlarge your lingo with the kitchen words below. 
In the Kitchen

Basic Vocabulary For Kitchen

Before diving into the thrilling world of English grammar, we need to prepare ourselves for this exciting journey. And the first thing we can do is to find out the main categories of the kitchen equipment names. Therefore, here is the list of general terms to get started with. 

  • Kitchen utensils — tools and implements people use to prepare food. Usually, they come in different shapes and sizes. The best examples of kitchen utensils are knives, forks, whisks, etc. 
  • Kitchen appliances — electrical devices people use for different cooking processes, such as baking, cleaning, etc. This category includes refrigerators, ovens, dishwashers, and more. 
  • Ingredients — raw materials people use to make food. 
  • Recipe — a set of instructions you can use for preparing a dish. Typically, it includes a list of ingredients, measurements, and essential steps. 
  • Cooking methods — different techniques and processes we use to prepare food. 

These are just some common examples of in-the-kitchen vocabulary. Of course, there are many more words than you can think of. And this is what we precisely are planning to discuss next. So, now that you know the basics, we are pleased to say – welcome to our English vocabulary and grammar kitchen!

Kitchenware Types: Vocabulary and Definitions

All of the tools, equipment, utensils, and other parts of the kitchen are referred to as kitchenware. The following is a list of common kitchenware objects and their definitions.

  • Cookware is a sort of kitchenware that is used for cooking. Pots, pans, skillets, and other items are included.
  • Bakeware is a type of cookware that is used for baking. Baking pans, cake pans, cookie sheets, and muffin tins are all included.
  • Dishware is a sort of cookware that is used for eating and serving food. It consists of plates, bowls, cups, and utensils.
  • Flatware is a form of dishware that includes knives, forks, and spoons.
  • Glassware is a form of dishware that is composed of glass. It comes with drinking glasses, cups, and plates.
  • Storage containers: Storage containers are used in the kitchen to store food and other materials. 

With these terms at your disposal, you can effectively communicate about the tools and utensils that aid us in cooking, baking, serving, and organizing our kitchen spaces.

Vocabulary and Definitions for Utensils and Cooking Tools

kitchen utensil is a compact, hand-held item used for food-related chores. Utensils in the kitchen are commonly used to measure, mix, cut, grip, whisk, baste, strain, or otherwise manipulate foods.

Cooking tool is a larger, more complex kitchen utensil that is built for specialized cooking operations. Some examples are pans, pots, skillets, ovens, stovetops, microwaves, toasters, and dishwashers.

A list of standard kitchen equipment and cooking instruments and their purposes and definitions is provided below.

Words for Cutting Instruments

Within the world of culinary vocabulary, understanding the terminology related to knives and cutting tools is essential for efficient and precise food preparation. 

  • Knives: A knife is a cutting tool with a sharpenable blade. Knives are used to cut, slice, and dice food.
  • Cutting board is a flat surface typically constructed of wood or plastic. It provides a firm chopping surface while also protecting countertops from knife scratches.
  • Paring knife is a short, sharp blade with a pointed tip. It is used in the peeling and slicing of fruits and vegetables.
  • Chef's knife is a large, sharp knife with a broad blade. It is used to chop, slice, and dice food.
  • Bread knife is a knife with a serrated blade that is used to slice bread. The serrated edge keeps the bread from ripping.
  • Cleaver is a big, hefty knife with a thick blade. It is used to butcher meat and cut through bone.
  • Scissors are a type of cutting tool that has two blades that are linked at a hinge. Scissors are tools used to cut paper, hair, and other things.
  • Mandoline is a cooking tool consisting of a flat board with a blade or blades connected to it. It's used to cut fruits and vegetables.
  • Vegetable peeler is a small kitchen equipment with a blade used to peel fruits and vegetables. 

These vocabulary terms enable you to communicate effectively about the various implements used for slicing, dicing, peeling, and cutting, facilitating our culinary endeavors and ensuring a seamless cooking experience.

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Definitions of Instruments for Measuring

Understanding the terminology associated with measuring and temperature tools is vital for achieving precision and accuracy in cooking and baking.

  • Measuring cups are used for measuring liquids or dry substances. They are normally made of plastic or metal and come in 1/4 cup, 1/3 cup, 1/2 cup, and 1 cup increments.
  • Measuring spoons: Measuring spoons are good to accurately measure liquid or dry substances. They are normally made of plastic or metal and available in 1/4 teaspoon, 1/2 teaspoon, 1 teaspoon, and 1 tablespoon sizes.
  • Liquid measuring cup is a clear, graduated cup that is useful for measuring liquids. It is often made of glass or plastic and contains ounce or milliliter markings.
  • Dry measuring cup is a graduated cup that people use to measure dry substances. It is usually made of metal or plastic and contains measurements in cups, ounces, or grams.
  • Kitchen scale is a device used to weigh ingredients. It is often composed of metal or plastic and contains ounce or gram markings.
  • Oven thermometer is a device used to measure the temperature of an oven. It is often composed of metal or glass and contains degrees Fahrenheit or degrees Celsius markings.

These vocabulary terms enable you to communicate effectively about the instruments used for measuring ingredients and ensuring precise oven temperatures, thereby elevating our culinary endeavors to new levels of precision and success. 

Mixing Instruments Vocabulary

These tools serve a variety of purposes in the kitchen.

  • Whisk is a wire-looped culinary instrument for blending, aerating, or emulsifying ingredients.
  • Spatula is a flat, narrow kitchen implement with a handle. You can use it to flip food or transfer it from one container to another.
  • Ladle is a blend of a wide bowl and a long handle for scooping and transferring liquids.
  • Stirring spoon: A stirring spoon is a long-handled kitchen spoon for stirring food.
  • Wire whisk is a culinary instrument featuring wire loops for combining, aerating, or emulsifying ingredients.
  • Mixer is an electric kitchen equipment with beaters used to mix items. It usually has several speed levels and attachments for various jobs like mixing, kneading, and whipping.

These terms will help you to enhance your cooking experiences and communicate about cooking with confidence.

Baking Equipment Terms

These pans serve specific purposes and play integral roles in the culinary process.

  • Baking sheet is a flat, rectangular pan for baking cookies, biscuits, and other culinary products.
  • Cookie sheet is a baking sheet with raised sides that prevent cookies from slipping off. 
  • Baking pan is a deep pan for baking cakes, breads, and other foods. 
  • Cake pan is a deep, round baking pan used for baking cakes. 
  • Loaf pan is a deep, rectangular baking pan used for making bread. 
  • Muffin tin is a shallow pan with cups used to bake muffins. 
  • Pie dish is a deep, round pan for backing pies. 
  • Ramekin is a small, circular dish used to bake individual quantities of food like pudding, custard, and soufflé. It is usually composed of glass or ceramic.
  • Saucepan is a deep pan with a handle on the stovetop to cook meals. Typically, it is constructed of aluminum, stainless steel, or copper.
  • Skillet: A skillet is a shallow pan with sloped sides on the stovetop to cook food. 
  • Frying pan: A frying pan is a straight-sided skillet used for frying meals on the stovetop. Aluminum, stainless steel, or cast iron are common materials.

These vocabulary terms enable you to articulate our needs, techniques, and preferences, allowing us to navigate the kitchen with confidence and creativity. 

Kitchen Appliances and Devises

Appliances and devices are essential components of any kitchen. They can make cooking and cleaning quicker and faster and aid in food storage. Here is a list of some popular kitchen appliances and devices, as well as their uses:

  • Refrigerator is a device that keeps food cold and fresh. It is frequently the largest kitchen appliance.
  • Oven is a device used to cook food. It may run on either gas or electricity.
  • Stove is necessary to cook food on the top surface of a fire. It is often either gas or electric.
  • Dishwasher: A dishwasher is a machine that cleans dishes. It cleans the dishes with hot water and soap.
  • Sink is a part of kitchen for cleaning dishes, hands, and food. 
  • Trash disposal: A trash disposal is necessary to grind up food waste.
  • Microwave: A microwave helps to speedily warm food.
  • Blender is used to prepare smoothies, shakes, and other blended beverages. It is also useful for chopping vegetables and fruits.
  • Toaster: A toaster is a device to cook toasted bread.
  • Food processor is a machine that chops vegetables or fruits. It's also great for making sauces and dips.

These essential kitchen appliances and devices play integral roles in food preparation, cooking, and kitchen maintenance, enhancing efficiency and convenience in the culinary realm.

Best TV Programs to Practice Kitchen English Vocabulary

Culinary programs are one of the most popular kinds of television shows right now. Unfortunately, there are so many of them that it is challenging to choose the best. But don’t worry. We’ve done the hard work for you! And we are excited to share our personal top three kitchen-related TV shows suitable for English learners. 

  • MasterChef. It is one of the most popular cooking shows that feature amateur and professional chefs competing in various culinary challenges. There you’ll hear a lot of cooking terminology and get exposure to a wide variety of ingredients names. There are many adaptations of this program around the globe, but our favorite versions are the American and British ones. 
  • Jamie Oliver’s Food Revolution. In this show, celebrity chef Jamie Oliver travels around the world promoting healthy eating habits and teaching people how to cook. You’ll learn about healthy cooking and eating habits, as well as find out various cooking terms and techniques.
  • Food Network. It is not a program but a whole channel dedicated to all things food and cooking. You can watch shows like “Chopped,” “Iron Chef America,” and “Good Eats” to learn more culinary vocabulary. 

All these channels and shows are a great way to practice and learn something new for those who want to expand their culinary knowledge and English skills at the same time. And what is your favorite cooking program? Let us know in the comments!

Learn Dozens of Kitchen Vocabulary with Promova

The key to achieving any goal is persistence. The more time you spend practicing, the better the results will be. And it doesn’t matter whether you want to learn a new recipe or language. The point is to find the most suitable option for yourself and keep moving forward. 

If you want to learn new culinary terms in English, we know the best solution! Don’t walk, but run to the App Store or Google Play and install the user-friendly Promova app. After passing a quick test, you will access unique studying materials based on your proficiency level and learning preferences. In addition, you can find dozens of lessons dedicated to kitchen terms, from food to kitchen furniture names. 

Conclusion 

Familiarize yourself with various kitchen appliances names to become a kitchen specialist and effectively communicate your needs and activities. Remembering these names is crucial for cooks and bakers. Additionally, having a wide knowledge of kitchen appliances allows you to explore diverse cooking techniques and experiment with different recipes. 

Make your next step to fluency with Promova

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Comments

Sofia BarnesDec 28th, 2023
I appreciate this comprehensive kitchenware vocabulary. It's enriching my culinary knowledge in an engaging way.
ADAMOct 17th, 2023
Wow, cool!