Basic Guide to Cooking Utensils & Tools for the Kitchen

Ladle: A serving spoon to serve or stir liquid or stew mix. The ladle consists of a handle and a bowl for scooping liquid or stew. Compared to skimmer or spoon, it has much deeper bowl for containing the liquid. Handle is typically designed at an angle to the bowl for ease of use. The handle may have slots or hook for hanging the ladle on the wall or in the pot.

The ladle may have side spout for easy pouring and can come in a variety of sizes and shapes, depending on specific use. The ladle can be made of different materials such as plastic, stainless steel, silver, wood or others.

Skimmer: Large round shaped serving spoon small perforated holes. Usually has large round surface area for scooping. The skimmer is suitable for draining noodles, dumplings and other food.

Turner/Flipper: A kitchen utensil used for lifting or turning food. A variation of this is the perforated/slotted turner which helps prevent excess liquid such as fat or oil from being picked up while flipping. The kitchen turner is ideal for cooking steaks, eggs, stir-fry, etc.

Spatula: A cooking utensil with broad and flat tip that can be used to flip, mix or spread liquid or food. The spatula is suitable for cooking eggs, stir-fry, etc.

Tong: A Kitchen tool with two long arms, joined together by a joint. The ends of the 2 long arms may be covered in are for gripping and lifting the food. Ideal for BBQ cooking or steak cooking.

Sieve: also known as sifter or strainer. They are used for retrieving cooked items from water or to drain the excess liquid from the food. This kitchen utensil is suitable for cooking dumplings, pierogi, etc.

For any inquiry, please reach out to one of our specialists at Keywood for assistance.