When Planning Your Kitchen Think About How You Actually Cook

Cooking Center

While the sink center may the most frequently used area in the kitchen, the cooking center or centers may be the true heart of the kitchen. People who love to cook will be very particular about the types and features of cooking appliances. They find true self- expression in their cooking techniques and the quality of the final outcome of the food product and planning for this task is important.

HOW DO WE COOK?
When you are planning your kitchen design think about the various cooking methods and what you will need in those areas. Then make sure that you accommodate for the necessary tools!


Surface Cooking- This refers to cooking that is taking place on the top of the range or on the cooktop. Frying, sauteing, steaming and boiling are typical methods of surface cooking. This type of cooking often requires high user interaction. Foods need to be turned and stirred. Ingredients need to be added. Often people check on the progress of the cooking and increase or decrease the amount of heat used. Pots, frying pans, spoons and spatulas are all needed at this area.

Surface 

Oven Cooking- Typical cooking in the oven included baking, roasting and broiling. This may occur in the oven cavity of a range or in a separate oven placed in a tall cabinet or under the counter. Ovens may include convection, microwave, speed or steam options. Often oven cooling is a passive activity, with the cook pre-heating the oven, putting the food in the oven, setting a timer and periodically checking on progress before it is done and removed from the oven. Various roasting and baking pans, casserole dishes and cookie sheets are used here. Hot pads, baster, meat forks and other utensils are needed.

Microwave Cooking- Over 96% of households have a microwave and use it in a variety of ways. Some use it as part of the food preparation process- melting butter or boiling water. Others use it to prepare frozen foods for eating or to re-heat leftovers. Still others use it as a major cooking appliance following microwave recipes for casseroles or other dishes.


The way the microwave is used will determine where it should be located, what types of items are used with it and whether a second microwave is appropriate. There may be special cookware used to cook in the microwave or the same glass dishes used in the oven might be appropriate. Plates, mugs and measuring cups all might be used in microwave cooking.

Speed Cooking- Several new appliances offer higher speed cooling that combines microwave with convection or light. These ovens may be used like a separate oven or a microwave.

Jenn-Air's Spead Cooking microwave

Small Appliances- Numerous small appliances perform some specialized cooking and may be important to the client. Toaster ovens are frequently used in small households to bake rolls or other items. Countertop grills may used to prepare a hamburger or steak. Toaster, waffle irons and electric frying pans or griddles may also provide some specialized cooking. Most of the small appliances are placed on the countertop when they are in use, various types of equipment will be needed depending on the cooking task.