Pots, pans, and knives are cooking equipment that many people consider basic, but which are generally available in a wide range of varieties. Some people consider the word oven to refer to a specific piece of equipment, but there are actually numerous types of these also. Certain types of cooking equipment fall into the category of counter-top appliances. These items include deep fryers, slow cookers, and food processors.
Pots and pans are one type of cooking equipment with a vast number of options. These tend to vary based on factors such as brand, with some companies having somewhat of a celebrity status. They differ according to what they are made of and the type of interior surface that they have. Furthermore, there are different types, which are used to produce difference results. For example, a person shopping for equipment in this category may have options such as a wok, a griddle pan, or a stockpot.
Knives are cooking equipment that often seem basic and not worthy of much thought for the general household cook. For chefs, however, knives are essentially tools that are carefully selected, and the proper knife is used for the proper reason. Examples of the various types of knives include a paring knife, a fillet knife, and a Santoku knife, which all vary in design.
For many people, the word oven invokes a specific image, but there are numerous types. An unknowing person may, for example, call a Dutch oven a pot because of the resemblance. Dutch ovens are usually designed with rounded bodies to be used over an open fire or hearth. Brick ovens are usually permanent structures that are fire heated and used for baking items such as bread or pizza. A toaster oven is a small counter-top appliance that may have numerous settings, such as grilling, baking, and toasting.
Another piece of cooking equipment that is available in a counter-top version is a deep fryer. This appliance allows food to be cooked by complete submersion in cooking oil. Some deep fryers, such as those used in restaurants, are much larger and rest on the floor in much the same way as a conventional cooking range. Though they may look somewhat similar, a counter-top deep fryer should not be confused with a slow cooker. A slow cooker is a small appliance that does as the name suggests and prepares food over an extended period.
Two other types of cooking equipment that individuals may get confused are a blender and a food processor. A blender is a machine that is mostly used for either soft foods or liquids. A food processor is generally larger and can be used for a much wider variety of foods. Food processors also tend to have more capabilities, including the ability to chop, slice, and grate.