Equipment and materials required, used, and managed

• Why is kitchen equipment important for a business?


  It is crucial for the success of the business and is expensive to buy.
• What is the function of a large conventional oven?


  It is used for baking and roasting food.
• How do convection ovens differ from conventional ovens?


  Convection ovens have a fan that circulates air for even cooking.
• Why is it important to clean and maintain ovens regularly?


  To ensure temperature and time control are accurate.
• What is the purpose of a glass chiller?


  To store glasses and keep them cold and frosted.
• How does a floor-standing food mixer function?


  It mixes large quantities of dough, batter, or cake mixes quickly.
• What is the capacity range of floor-standing mixers?


  10 to 40 litres.
• Why are deep fat fryers considered safer than frying in a pan?


  They are thermostatically controlled and sealed, reducing overheating risks.
• What types of food can be cooked in a deep fat fryer?


  Chips, fish, churros, and doughnuts.
• What is the function of a hot water urn in a catering kitchen?


  To boil large quantities of water and keep it at a constant temperature.
• What temperature range do walk-in fridge-freezers maintain for high-risk foods?


  Between 1°C and 5°C.
• What is stock rotation in a kitchen?


  The practice of using products with the shortest shelf life first.
• How does a standing bain-marie keep food warm?


  By gently heating food in hot water to prevent drying out.
• What is the main use of a steamer in a kitchen?


  To cook food gently with very little water.
• What is the advantage of a pass-through dishwasher in a commercial kitchen?


  It saves time and is more efficient than washing by hand.
• How many racks can some commercial dishwashers wash in an hour?


  Up to 80 racks.
• What is the purpose of hotplates in a kitchen?


  To keep prepared food warm until it is served.
• Why should hotplates be switched on in advance of service?


  To ensure they are hot enough to keep food warm.
• What are the materials commonly used for cleaning in a catering kitchen?

  • Detergents: to remove dirt and grease
  • Disinfectants: to destroy bacteria
  • Antibacterials: hand wash and hand gel
  • Paper towels: to remove spills
  • Kitchen cloths: disposable or reusable
  • Bin liners: for waste disposal
• What items should a first aid kit in a catering kitchen contain?


  Plasters, dressings, bandages, eye wash, and styptic wipes.
• What safety materials are used in a catering kitchen?

  • Aprons
  • Disposable gloves
  • Tabards
  • Face masks
  • Oven gloves
  • Cling film and parchment paper
• What are the uses of small equipment in a catering kitchen?

  • Food processor: mix, chop, slice, and grate
  • Hand-held mixer: beat and whisk small amounts
  • Liquidiser: blend solid food into liquid
  • Mincer: mince meat
  • Table-top mixer: beat and whisk larger quantities
• What are the common utensils used in a kitchen and their uses?

  • Baking sheet/tins: cooking food in an oven
  • Balloon whisk: whisking mixtures
  • Colander: draining liquid
  • Chopping boards: cutting different foods
  • Frying pan: frying food
  • Measuring jug: measuring liquid
  • Rolling pin: rolling out pastry
• What is the purpose of cling film and parchment paper in a kitchen?


  For wrapping and storing food.
• How do you ensure food safety when using hotplates?


  By managing time and communication to serve food quickly.
• What is the significance of using different attachments with a floor-standing mixer?


  They allow for versatility in mixing different types of food.
• What is the role of a thermostat in a hot water urn?


  To keep the water at a constant temperature once boiled.
• What is the minimum temperature for frozen foods in a walk-in fridge-freezer?


  • 18°C or below.
• Why is it important to change the oil in a deep fat fryer regularly?


  To maintain food quality and safety, especially with strongly flavored foods.
• How does the use of a steam oven benefit the cooking process?


  It retains vitamins and minerals while cooking food gently.