Kitchen Deals -> Kitchen tools

If you enjoy eastern cuisine, you can buy a speciality hob with a wok burner. Similarly if you are a BBQ fan, choose a BBQ grill. If you are left handed, go for front rather than right hand side controls as this eliminates the risk of reaching across the heat. If you cook for a large family, more than four rings may be useful, and if you have young children it may be worth considering paying a little extra for a hob guard or in the case of gas, choosing an automatic re-ignition or cut off device should the flame blow out.

Many still consider a whip as a "gourmet" piece of kitchen equipment. Nothing could be further from the truth. It is as essential as a kitchen stove and should be in everyone's kitchen. Nothing works better for mixing a multitude of different preparations or for making sauces or gravy. Buy a solid stainless steel whip with moderately stiff wires. Very thin wires are for mixing delicate things like egg whites or whipped cream. Very thick, solid wires are for mixing stiff dough.

Modern appliances reach higher temperatures quicker - and often hold heat longer. To avoid worktop damage, follow both the appliance manufacturers instructions and these rules:

• Always use the correct size of pan for the burner, placed centrally. An overhanging pan can scorch surrounding surfaces. Don't use two burners as one (e.g. for a large griddle) - it has the same effect.
• To reduce heat, turn the burner down instead of pulling the utensil partially off the heat source.