Kitchen Equipment Planning

A kitchen should be safe, convenient to work in, easy to clean and pleasant.

1.Type:

(a)Working kitchen.
(b)Working kitchen and dining room.
(c)Working kitchen and living room.

2.Large equipment should be arranged for easy working sequence.
3.Working surfaces, sinks, etc, should be the correct height to avoid strain.
4.Tools utensils, etc should be stored near to where they are usually used.

Points to consider for large equipment

In choosing a cooker, you should consider:

1.The kind of fuel which is available and which you prefer, e.g. electricity, mains gas, cylinder of bottled gas.
2.How much money you can afford to spend.
3.Whether the size will fit the kitchen and the number of people in the family(e.g. oven size, the number of hot warming up plates, storing cooking utensils, etc.
4.Whether there is adequate space for warming up plates, storing cooking utensils, etc.
5.Whether the saucepans will balance on the plates/rings, especially small saucepans.
6.The position of the grill (eye level, waist level, or in the oven).
7.Whether the cooker is easy to clean, self-cleaning, etc.
8.Whether it is strongly made and well made (e.g. avoid cookers with sharp edges).

When using a cooker:

1.Use it safely and economically.
2.Clean it regularly.
3.Make full use of modern devices such as automatic timing, automatic lighting, etc.

Sinks

In choosing a sink, consider:

1.Its price and size.
2.The material of which it is made, e.g. stainless steel, porcelain, plastics, etc.
3.Whether it has single or double basins and draining boards. If there is only one draining board, remember to choose a left-hand or right-hand draining board to suit your requirements.

When using a sink:

1.Clean it regularly with a suitable cleaner.
2.Keep the outlets clean.
3.Avoid blocking the outlet.

Refrigerators

When choosing a refrigerator, consider:

1.How much you can afford to pay.
2.The good points of each type. There are many makes to choose from, so spend some time deciding on the one which suits you best.
3.Whether it is frost free, whether it runs quietly. Other questions you should ask are: Is it cold enough? Is it fairly economical to run? Is it well designed inside?
4.Whether the size is suitable to fit the kitchen space and whether the door opens from right to left, or left to right (this is important if the refrigerator is placed next to s wall).
5.Whether it is big enough for the family requirements.
6.Whether the interior is well finished. Do the shelves fit well? Does the door close tightly? Are the controls easy and accessible?

When using a refrigerator:

1.Store food according to instructions.
2.Do not pack the refrigerator too tightly. Leave space for the free movement of cold air.
3.Clean it regularly.
4.Keep it tidy and check the contents regularly.
5.Cool the food before putting it in the refrigerator.
6.Do not leave the door open unnecessarily, of slam the door.
7.Use the smallest containers possible to fit the food and cover the containers.

Saucepans

1.Consider the material used. Aluminium and stainless steel are strong and easy to clean. Copper conducts heat quickly. Enamel is suitable for low-heat cooking. Non-stick pans are very useful for making scrambled eggs, etc.

2.Saucepans should suit the type of cooker used, e.g. electric cookers need flat-bottomed, ground based, fairly heavy pans; lighter pans may be used with gas.

3.Size is important, e.g. for number of people in the family or elderly people living alone.

4.Pan handles and lid knobs should remain cool. Pan handles must befirmly fixed. Lids should fit well buy not too tightly.

5.Saucepans should be easy to clean, e.g. rounded, where sides meet bottom, and non-stick.

6.They should balance well when held. Very large saucepans should have two handles.