Kitchen Tools Name List

A traditional kitchen requires more than the big appliances such as a refrigerator and an oven to function well. From long-handled spoons to colanders and sieves to different types of knives and cutting boards, a traditional kitchen contains many and varied small tools to complete all the tasks involved with cooking.    

Measuring Cups and Spoons  

  A liquid measuring cup.


Any functioning kitchen needs to have measuring cups and spoons. Measuring cups come in various sizes and are generally made out of glass or plastic. Measuring spoons often come in nested sets, most commonly with spoons ranging from 1/8 teaspoon to a tablespoon.  

Knives and Cutting Aids  

  A chef's knife.


Every kitchen needs at least one large knife and a cutting board. A good basic set of knives is a regular chef's knife for everyday chopping and cutting, a serrated knife for cutting breads, a paring knife for fine cutting and peeling and a cleaver if you intend on cutting raw meats. Cutting boards are generally made from wood or plastic. Wooden cutting boards are not appropriate for meat cutting.  

Spoons and Mixing Tools  

  A slotted mixing spoon.


In order for a cook, professional or otherwise, to properly mix things, a traditional kitchen has long-handled mixing spoons, a whisk, a slotted spoon with holes to function as sort of a miniature strainer, a soup ladle, a flexible spatula for scraping the sides of a bowl and a hand-held mixer.  

Colanders and Draining Tools  

  Apples in a colander.


Colanders and sieves are necessary kitchen tools when cleaning fruits and vegetables or draining liquid from foods such as pasta. Metal colanders are good for draining hot foods. Sink mounted colanders and sieves with adjustable arms to fit over any sink are good for washing fruits and vegetables. Smaller sieves are good for small draining jobs and for straining foods over a bowl to catch and save liquid.  

Miscellanous Tools  

  A rolling pin.


In addition to the above tools, a traditional kitchen also includes a peeler, kitchen shears, a rolling pin, either a manual or electric can opener, a cork screw, a grater, a vegetable scrubber, a basting brush, a meat thermometer, a basting bulb and a kitchen timer. There are many other kitchen tools that are very task specific, such as the apple corer, the garlic press and the plastic lettuce knife, and can be purchased as the need arises.