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• Combination
Factors 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 UnionBritish Standards Institute
Kitemark
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.