KITCHEN EQUIPMENT

GCSE Food and Nutrition

Learning Objectives

To understand the factors to consider when choosing kitchen equipment

To understand the safety factors when using electrical equipment

Kitchen Equipment

Large pieces of kitchen equipment are expensive and are frequently used, so it is important to carry out careful research before buying them.

Useful information for consumer can be found in Which? reports and in magazines such as Good Housekeeping.

Microwave Oven

Types available:• Microwave• CombinationFactors to consider:• Size of family• Space available in kitchen• Digital/Manual controls• Power output 500-1000 watts • Required uses: defrosting, re-heating(the higher the power the shorter the cooking time)

Cookers

Types available:• Free-standing• Built-in oven and separate hob• Combination e.g gas hob – electric oven• Aga

Cookers – Factors to Consider

The amount of cooking in the householdThe size of the familyBudget to spend on a cookerSpace availableType and cost of fuel: gas, electric or solid fuelFeatures required: self clean, eye-level grill, halogen hobSafety labels

CE Mark – European Union

Refrigerators and Freezers

Fridge/Freezer

Built -in Larder Fridge

Fridge with ice-box

Chest Freezer

Refrigerators

Factors to consider when buying a refrigerator• Size of family will affect capacity• Additional features: ice-maker, wine rack, automatic

defrost• Appearance – colour and style• Budget• Running costs – check the energy rating on the label

Freezers

Factors to consider when buying a freezer:• Similar to the refrigerator and…• Style: upright with drawers or chest• Type of food you are likely to freeze home-made or commercially frozen• Space available: chest freezer will take up more space• Running costs: chest freezers are slightly cheaper - Why?

Food processors, mixes and blenders

Consider:• How much preparation of fresh ingredients is done• Required functions – chopping, mixing, making dough, liquidising soup• Storage space available• Additional attachments• Ease of cleaning• Cost and energy rating

Safety factors when using electrical equipment

• Do not plug electrical in with wet hands• Make sure flexes and wiring are not frayed or worn• Use oven gloves when removing hot pans and dishes from

cookers• Take care when washing sharp blades or slicing discs

from food processors• Keep all equipment clean and free from grease and food

particles in order to prevent food poisoning• Electrical equipment should carry a safety label

CE mark – European Union British Standards InstituteKitemark

These labels can be found on electrical items indicating

Quality and Safety

Energy Rating

The European Union (EU) energy rating label, now found on all white goods, tells you the appliances exact energy consumption (kWh) and its energy efficiency rating. The EU energy label rates products from A++, (the most efficient) to G (the least efficient).It also tells you the volume of fresh and frozen food which would be important factor for a large family.