Kitchens Glossary

Welcome to our comprehensive guide on all things kitchens, where we unravel the A-Z of everything that makes the heart of your home tick. Whether you’re a budding chef, a seasoned home cook, or simply someone who appreciates the art of kitchen design, our kitchens glossary is your go-to resource.

From appliances and utensils to styles and materials, we’ve curated a list of over 100 terms to help you navigate the world of kitchens with ease and confidence. Whether you're planning a kitchen renovation or just looking to enhance your culinary skills, this glossary is designed to inspire and inform. So, let’s dive in and explore the fascinating world of kitchens, one term at a time!

A

1. AGA: A type of large, cast-iron cooker that maintains a constant temperature, known for its classic design and heat-retention properties.
2. Aluminium Foil: A thin sheet of aluminium used for wrapping food to keep it fresh or for lining baking trays.
3. Appliance Garage: A storage space for kitchen appliances, typically designed to keep them out of sight while still easily accessible.
4. Apron Sink: Also known as a farmhouse sink, this style protrudes from the edge of the counter, giving a distinct look.
5. Acrylic Worktop: A solid surface countertop made from acrylic resin, known for its seamless appearance and variety of colours.

B

6. Backsplash: A vertical extension of the kitchen wall behind the countertop that protects against spills and splashes.
7. Baking Sheet: A flat metal tray used for baking cookies, pastries, and other foods.
8. Belfast Sink: A deep ceramic sink with a front-facing panel, also known as a Butler sink.
9. Blender: An electric kitchen appliance used for blending ingredients into a smooth consistency.
10. Boiling Water Tap: A tap that instantly provides boiling water, eliminating the need for a kettle.
11. Breakfast Bar: A counter area, often with stools, used for casual dining or socialising in the kitchen.

C

12. Cabinetry: The wooden or metal cupboards and drawers used for storage in a kitchen.
13. Cast Iron Skillet: A heavy-duty frying pan made from cast iron, known for its heat retention and even cooking.
14. Chopping Board: A flat board used as a surface for cutting food items.
15. Cooker Hood: Also known as a range hood, it extracts smoke, steam, and odours from the cooking area.
16. Corian: A brand of solid surface material used for countertops, made of acrylic polymer and alumina trihydrate.
17. Crockery: Plates, bowls, cups, and other dishes used for serving food.
18. Cupboard: A storage cabinet, often used to store food, dishes, and kitchen equipment.

D

19. Dishwasher: An appliance used for automatically washing and drying dishes and cutlery.
20. Double Oven: An oven unit with two separate compartments, allowing for different temperatures and settings.
21. Dovetail Joints: A type of joint used in carpentry, particularly in drawers, for strong, interlocking connections.
22. Drying Rack: A rack used for air-drying dishes, glasses, and cutlery.

E

23. Extractor Fan: A fan that removes steam, smoke, and odours from the kitchen, typically mounted above the hob.
24. Espresso Machine: A coffee-making machine that brews coffee by forcing pressurised water through ground coffee beans.
25. Egg Poacher: A kitchen tool or pan with cups for holding eggs as they poach in boiling water.

F

26. Farmhouse Table: A large, sturdy table typically made of wood, used for family meals and gatherings in the kitchen.
27. Flat-Pack Kitchen: A kitchen design where the units and cupboards are supplied in pieces and assembled on-site.
28. Food Processor: A multi-function kitchen appliance used for chopping, slicing, shredding, and pureeing ingredients.
29. French Door Refrigerator: A fridge with two doors that open outwards from the centre, with a freezer drawer below.

G

30. Gas Hob: A stove top that uses gas burners for cooking.
31. Granite Worktop: A countertop made from natural granite stone, known for its durability and natural beauty.
32. Griddle: A flat cooking surface used for grilling or frying foods.
33. Grill: A cooking appliance or device used for grilling food, can be part of an oven or a standalone appliance.

H

34. Halogen Oven: A countertop oven that uses halogen lamps to cook food quickly and efficiently.
35. Herb Rack: A rack used for storing fresh or dried herbs and spices.
36. Hot Plate: A portable heating element used for cooking or keeping food warm.

I

37. Induction Hob: A hob that uses electromagnetic fields to heat pots and pans directly, rather than the hob surface.
38. Island Unit: A freestanding cabinet with a worktop, located in the centre of the kitchen, used for additional workspace or storage.

J

39. Juicer: A kitchen appliance used for extracting juice from fruits and vegetables.

K

40. Kettle: An electric or stovetop pot used for boiling water.
41. Kitchen Aid: A brand of stand mixers and other kitchen appliances, often used generically for any stand mixer.
42. Knife Block: A storage device for holding kitchen knives, typically made of wood or plastic.

L

43. Laminate Worktop: A countertop made of multiple layers of material, finished with a decorative layer of laminate.
44. Lazy Susan: A rotating tray used in cabinets or on countertops to make items more accessible.
45. Larder: A cool, dry storage area for food, often a cupboard or walk-in room.

M

46. Magnetic Knife Rack: A wall-mounted rack with a magnetic strip for holding knives securely.
47. Marble Worktop: A countertop made from natural marble stone, known for its elegance and unique veining.
48. Microwave Oven: An appliance that uses microwave radiation to cook or heat food quickly.

N

49. Non-Stick Pan: A frying pan with a coating that prevents food from sticking, making it easier to cook and clean.

O

50. Oven: A kitchen appliance used for baking, roasting, and grilling.
51. Oil Dispenser: A container used for storing and pouring cooking oils.
52. Open Shelving: Shelves without doors or cabinets, used for displaying dishes or kitchenware.

P

53. Pantry: A room or cupboard used for storing food and kitchen supplies.
54. Paring Knife: A small knife with a sharp blade, used for peeling and cutting fruits and vegetables.
55. Pastry Board: A flat board used as a surface for rolling and shaping pastry dough.
56. Pizza Stone: A flat stone used in ovens to bake pizza, helping to achieve a crisp crust.

Q

57. Quooker Tap: A brand of tap that provides instant boiling water.

R

58. Range Cooker: A large cooker with multiple ovens and a hob, often a central feature in a kitchen.
59. Refrigerator: An appliance used for keeping food and drinks cool and fresh.
60. Rolling Pin: A cylindrical tool used for rolling out dough.

S

61. Salad Spinner: A kitchen tool used for drying salad leaves by spinning them.
62. Sash Windows: Windows with one or more movable panels, often used in traditional kitchen designs.
63. Saucepan: A deep pan with a handle, used for cooking sauces and other foods.
64. Self-Cleaning Oven: An oven with a feature that burns off food residue at high temperatures, making cleaning easier.
65. Silicone Baking Mat: A non-stick mat used for baking, replacing parchment paper and reducing waste.
66. Skirting Board: A wooden or plastic board running along the base of an interior wall, covering the joint between the wall and the floor.
67. Splashback Tile: Tiles installed behind the sink or hob to protect the wall from splashes and stains.
68. Stainless Steel Worktop: A countertop made of stainless steel, popular in professional kitchens for its durability and hygiene.
69. Steam Oven: An oven that uses steam to cook food, preserving nutrients and moisture.
70. Storage Jars: Containers used for storing dry goods like pasta, rice, and spices.
71. Stove: A kitchen appliance used for cooking, typically consisting of a hob and an oven.
72. Subway Tiles: Rectangular tiles, traditionally white, used for backsplashes or wall coverings.

T

73. Tandem Drawer: A drawer system that allows for smooth, soft-closing action and full extension.
74. Tea Towel: A cloth used for drying dishes and cleaning in the kitchen.
75. Thermometer: A device used to measure the temperature of food or the oven.
76. Toaster: An appliance used for toasting bread and other baked goods.
77. Tray: A flat surface used for carrying or serving food and drinks.
78. Trivet: A stand used to protect surfaces from hot pots and pans.

U

79. Undermount Sink: A sink installed under the countertop, creating a seamless look.
80. Upright Freezer: A freezer with a vertical orientation, used for storing frozen foods.

V

81. Vent Hood: A device installed above the hob to remove cooking fumes, smoke, and odours.
82. Vinyl Flooring: A type of flooring made from synthetic materials, popular for its durability and easy maintenance.

W

83. Warming Drawer: A drawer used to keep food warm until it is ready to be served.
84. Waste Disposal Unit: A device installed under the kitchen sink that grinds up food waste, making it easier to dispose of.
85. Whisk: A kitchen tool used for beating or whipping ingredients, such as eggs or cream.
86. Wine Rack: A rack used for storing wine bottles horizontally.

X

87. X-Frame Table: A table with a base in the shape of an X, offering a unique and modern design.

Y

88. Yoghurt Maker: A kitchen appliance used for making yoghurt at home.

Z

89. Zester: A kitchen tool used for removing the zest from citrus fruits.

Additional Terms

90. Adjustable Shelves: Shelves in cupboards or pantries that can be moved to accommodate items of different sizes.
91. Baking Stone: A stone used for baking bread, providing even heat distribution.
92. Ceramic Hob: A hob with a smooth glass surface, heated by electric elements beneath.
93. Combi Microwave: A microwave with additional features like a grill or convection oven.
94. Deep Fat Fryer: An appliance used for deep frying foods.
95. Electric Kettle: A kettle that boils water using an electric heating element.
96. Freestanding Fridge: A refrigerator that stands independently, not built into cabinetry.
97. Gourmet Drawer: A specialised drawer for storing fine cutlery or spices.
98. Ice Maker: A device that produces ice cubes, often built into a refrigerator.
99. Jam Funnel: A funnel with a wide opening, used for filling jars with jam or preserves.
100. Kilner Jar: A brand of glass jars with a rubber seal and metal clip, used for preserving food.
101. Magnetic Spice Rack: A spice rack that uses magnets to hold spice containers in place.
102. Nutmeg Grinder: A small handheld device used for grating nutmeg.
103. Olive Oil Dispenser: A container specifically designed for storing and pouring olive oil.
104. Pressure Cooker: A pot that cooks food quickly under high pressure.
105. Quiche Dish: A shallow dish used for baking quiches and tarts.
106. Rice Cooker: An electric appliance designed for cooking rice.
107. Salt Pig: A container used for storing salt within easy reach during cooking.
108. Tagine Pot: A North African cooking vessel with a conical lid, used for slow-cooking stews.
109. Universal Pan Lid: A lid designed to fit multiple pan sizes.
110. Vegetable Spiralizer: A kitchen tool used for cutting vegetables into spiral shapes.
111. Waffle Maker: An appliance used for making waffles.
112. XOXO Knife Set: A high-quality set of knives with ergonomic handles.
113. Y-Shaped Peeler: A peeler with a Y-shaped design, used for peeling fruits and vegetables.
114. Zero-Waste Bin: A bin designed to minimise waste, often featuring compartments for recycling and compost.