[Search for users] [Overall Top Noters] [List of all Conferences] [Download this site]

Conference turris::cooks

Title:How to Make them Goodies
Notice:Please Don't Start New Notes for Old Topics! Check 5.*
Moderator:FUTURE::DDESMAISONSec.com::winalski
Created:Tue Feb 18 1986
Last Modified:Thu Jun 05 1997
Last Successful Update:Fri Jun 06 1997
Number of topics:4127
Total number of notes:31160

1659.0. "Utensils" by ROBOAT::HEBERT (Captain Bligh) Wed Mar 01 1989 14:27

I searched and looked at keys; there is no precedent topic.

I'm thinking of getting some new kitchen utensils. Not for eating, but
tools for cooking. This seems to be an area of wide choice.

For example, spatulas can be found in dozens of different configurations.
Why? Why do some spatulas have long slots cut down the length of the
blade; some have circular holes; some have "v"ees along their length? Are
these functional, or merely decorative? Is it just to save material?
Weight? Will holes/slots help me flip an omelette?

Next, handles. I've seen some expensive utensils with black composition
handles; but it seems to me that wood would be better, because it
probably won't conduct heat into your hand.

Do you go for a matching set? I've been turned off by the mixture of
pieces in sets (like, at Lechmere); "I want some of those, but I like
certain pieces of that other set better for my use." If I buy the
pieces I like best there'll be no set, but a collection of tools that I
like. (And most of them will look like restaurant utensils, rather than
chic designer pieces.) Or, do you know of a source for matching utensils
to satisfy even the most jaded, finicky person?

It's a puzzlement.

Art
T.RTitleUserPersonal
Name
DateLines
1659.1Buy individually ZONULE::HANNULACat Tails & Bike Wheels Don't MixWed Mar 01 1989 16:4011
    I would by all peices separately.  That way you are guaranteed to
    get the exact peices that you want, and you won't get the pieces
    that you don't want.  I'm pretty sure that I have seen "sets" of
    cooking utensils that you can buy peice by piece - that way you
    would have a matching set in the end if that's important to you.
    
    I don't know anything about spatulas except that you can't use metal
    ones on teflon pans.  Which reminds me - has anyone seen a huge
    ladel that is made for a teflon pot?
    
    	-Nancy
1659.2My $.02BOOKIE::AITELEveryone's entitled to my opinion.Wed Mar 01 1989 17:5523
    My $.02:
    
    1) get ONLY stainless steel, wood, and maybe a couple plastic
    if you have coated pans.  Steer clear of metals that are not
    rust-proof.
    
    2) Try them out and see if they fit your hand.  Are they balanced?
    If there are two people cooking, do they fit BOTH of your hands?
    You may want two of some things like poultry shears, if you're
    dealing with one person with tiny delicate hands and another with
    meathooks!
    
    3) Unless you plan on making your utensils a part of your kitchen
    decore, forget expensive matched sets.  Get pieces that fit your
    needs.  However, sometimes the only way you can get the stainless
    pieces you want is by buying expensive utensils.  

    4) Durability: Are they dishwasher safe?  Will the handles snap
    off in a month?  Those cheap white plastic handles are good for
    about that long. (you know, the ones that have little mushrooms
    on them...)
    
    --Louise
1659.3re .1HOONOO::PESENTIJPFri Mar 17 1989 09:029
>    I don't know anything about spatulas except that you can't use metal
>    ones on teflon pans.  Which reminds me - has anyone seen a huge
>    ladel that is made for a teflon pot?

Yes, I have one that I got as a gift.  It's huge (1 ladle = 1 serving of 
soup), plastic, white, and very durable.  I also got a matching 
watchamacallit (round, flattish and lots of holes) that I use for stir frying. 
It's great for pushing turning, and draining.  I'm not sure, but I think they 
came from Building 19.