Explore essential kitchen appliance terms: learn what convection ovens, induction cooktops, frost-free technology, sous vide, and more mean. Our detailed glossary helps you understand kitchen technology for better decision-making.
Modern kitchen appliances have transformed how we cook, clean, and store food, making daily tasks more efficient and enjoyable. However, with the wide range of devices available, understanding their features and specifications can be confusing. This glossary provides clear definitions of common terms related to kitchen appliances, helping you make informed decisions when purchasing or using these products.
Glossary of Terms for “Kitchen Appliances”
Convection Oven — an oven that uses a fan to circulate hot air, cooking food more evenly and often more quickly than a traditional oven.
Induction Cooktop — a stovetop that uses electromagnetic energy to directly heat pots and pans, offering fast heating and precise temperature control, while the surface itself remains cool to the touch.
Microwave Power (Watts) — the power output of a microwave, measured in watts. Higher wattage means faster cooking times and better heating performance.
Self-Cleaning Oven — an oven with a function that heats up to extremely high temperatures to burn off food residue, reducing the need for manual cleaning.
Dishwasher Capacity (Place Settings) — the number of place settings a dishwasher can accommodate in a single load. Standard models typically hold 12 to 16 place settings.
Frost-Free (No-Frost) Technology — a feature in refrigerators and freezers that prevents the build-up of ice, eliminating the need for manual defrosting.
Combi-Steam Oven — an oven that combines steam and convection cooking, allowing for healthier food preparation by retaining moisture and nutrients while providing crisp textures.
Energy Efficiency Class — a rating system that indicates how energy-efficient an appliance is, typically using a scale from A+++ (most efficient) to D (least efficient). This is important for saving on energy bills and reducing environmental impact.
Water Dispenser — a feature in some refrigerators that provides chilled water on demand through a built-in dispenser, typically located on the door.
Ice Maker — a built-in or freestanding appliance that automatically produces ice cubes. Some refrigerators have ice makers integrated into the freezer section.
Sous Vide — a cooking method using precise temperature control to cook vacuum-sealed food in water baths. Many modern kitchen appliances offer sous vide functionality.
Blender Power (Watts) — the power of a blender motor, measured in watts. Higher wattage allows the blender to handle tougher ingredients like ice and nuts more efficiently.
Juicer (Centrifugal, Masticating) — a device that extracts juice from fruits and vegetables. Centrifugal juicers are faster, while masticating juicers (cold press) extract more nutrients by using a slower, squeezing process.
Cookware Compatibility — a feature in cooktops (especially induction) that requires certain types of pots and pans, usually those made of magnetic materials like cast iron or stainless steel.
Automatic Shut-Off — a safety feature in many kitchen appliances that turns off the device after a certain period of inactivity or once the cooking process is complete, reducing the risk of accidents.
Programmable Settings — preset modes or customizable programs that allow users to select specific cooking times and temperatures for various types of food. Common in coffee makers, ovens, and slow cookers.
Food Processor Capacity (Liters) — the volume of a food processor’s bowl, typically measured in liters. Larger capacities allow for processing greater quantities of food at once.
Range Hood — a ventilation device installed above a stove or cooktop to remove smoke, odors, and heat from the kitchen.
Touch Controls — a control system that uses a flat touch-sensitive surface instead of traditional knobs or buttons, often found on ovens, microwaves, and induction cooktops.
Built-in vs. Freestanding — refers to whether an appliance is designed to be integrated into cabinetry (built-in) or can stand independently (freestanding). Built-in appliances provide a more seamless look in the kitchen.