Equipment¶
Reference for kitchen equipment -- what we own, how we use it, and what to look for when buying.
What We Have¶
Cookware¶
| Item | Brand / Model | Dimensions | Material / Finish | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dutch oven / casserole | Overmont | 26 cm diam., 5.2 L | Enamelled cast iron | Blue. Oven-safe. No seasoning needed -- wipe and store. Braises, stews, bread, deep-frying. |
| Wok (flat bottom) | Craft Wok 731W316 | 35.6 cm (14") diam. | Hand-hammered carbon steel | Wood + steel handle. Flat bottom suits gas without a wok ring. Season before first use; wipe dry after each use. |
| Cast iron skillet | Lodge (Sugar Skull) | 26 cm diam. | Uncoated cast iron, pre-seasoned from factory | Gas and oven-safe. Searing, pan-baking, frying. Needs seasoning maintenance -- see below. |
| Frying pan (stainless) | Tramontina Grano | 26 cm diam. | Tri-ply: 18/10 SS outer + aluminium core + 18/10 SS inner | Induction-compatible. Oven-safe, dishwasher-safe. Preheat before adding fat. |
| Frying pan (non-stick) | Tefal Resist D52606 | 28 cm diam. | Pressed aluminium body, Titanium-reinforced PTFE non-stick interior | Gas only -- no induction. Max ~200 °C (400 °F) in oven. No metal utensils. |
| Saucepan | DEMEYERE Atlantis | ~20 cm diam., 3.3 L | 7-ply stainless, Silvinox® electrochemical surface | Belgian premium cookware. Silvinox strips iron/carbon from the outer surface leaving pure chrome/nickel -- fingerprint and stain resistant. Induction-compatible, oven-safe to 260 °C. |
| Pot with lid | Tefal Duetto+ G7196455 | 28 cm diam. | Stainless steel exterior, non-stick interior | Soups, sauces, braises. |
| Cookware set (partial) | Tefal INGENIO AUTHENTIC L6719552 | Various | Pressed aluminium, Dark Stone mineral-reinforced PTFE. Induction via stainless base disc | Original 10 pieces: 24 cm frying pan, 28 cm frying pan, 16 cm saucepan, 20 cm saucepan, 24 cm sauté pan, 28 cm wok, 16/20/24 cm plastic lids, 1 INGENIO removable handle. Some pieces removed -- update this list when confirmed. |
| Stock pot | -- | 10 L (10.5 qt) | Stainless steel | Batch soups, pasta water, blanching. |
Bakeware & Oven¶
| Item | Brand / Model | Dimensions | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Springform pan | -- | 23 cm (9 in) diam. | Cheesecakes, tortes, deep quiches. Check seal before use; wrap base in foil if it leaks. |
| Cooling racks | HaWare | 39 × 28.7 × 2 cm (set of 2) | Stainless steel. Dishwasher-safe. Baking, cooling, roasting, grilling. |
| Round baking dish | Lamart LT9204 CASA | -- | Ceramic/stoneware, round. Oven, microwave, dishwasher safe. Gratins, baked desserts. |
| Deep baking sheet | Vogue K443 | 370 × 265 × 20 mm | Hard anodised aluminium. Won't react with acidic foods, no coating to flake. Swiss-roll / deep-roasting format. Good for dishes with liquid (gratins, traybakes with sauce). |
| Flat baking tray | Vogue K444 | 425 × 311 mm | Hard anodised aluminium. Won't react with acidic foods, no coating to flake. Large professional-grade tray. Cookies, roasting veg, sheet-pan dinners. |
| Oven trays (built-in) | Electrolux (with oven) | Non-standard size | 2 trays included with the EOB46030X oven. Non-standard dimensions -- Vogue trays above were bought as replacements. |
Knives & Cutting¶
| Item | Brand / Model | Dimensions | Steel | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chef's knife | Tefal ICE FORCE K232S574 | 20 cm blade | German X50CrMoV15 SS, HRC ~56, cryogenic treatment at -120 °C | Part of the 5-piece block set. |
| Bread knife | Tefal ICE FORCE K232S574 | 20 cm blade | German X50CrMoV15 SS, HRC ~56, cryogenic treatment at -120 °C | Serrated. Part of the block set. |
| Santoku knife | Tefal ICE FORCE K232S574 | 18 cm blade | German X50CrMoV15 SS, HRC ~56, cryogenic treatment at -120 °C | Asian-style flat blade. Part of the block set. |
| Utility knife | Tefal ICE FORCE K232S574 | 11 cm blade | German X50CrMoV15 SS, HRC ~56, cryogenic treatment at -120 °C | Part of the block set. |
| Paring knife | Tefal ICE FORCE K232S574 | 9 cm blade | German X50CrMoV15 SS, HRC ~56, cryogenic treatment at -120 °C | Part of the block set. |
| Tomato / serrated knife | Victorinox | 11 cm blade | X50CrMoV15 SS, HRC ~56 | Serrated edge, pink handle. Tomatoes, citrus, delicate crusts. |
| Poultry shears | BANQUET CULINARIA | 25.5 cm total | Stainless steel | Wooden handles. Breaking down chicken, trimming fat, cutting herbs. |
| Plating tweezers | HENDI 680070 | -- | Stainless steel | Curved. Precise placement; also useful for deboning fish. |
| Diamond sharpener | DMT D8C Dia-Sharp | 20 cm (8 in) | Monocrystalline diamond | Coarse (~120 grit). Reshaping damaged or very dull edges only -- removes metal fast. |
| Whetstone | G21 | -- | Aluminium oxide | Dual-grit 1000 / 6000, with angle guide. 1000 to sharpen; 6000 to finish and polish. |
Prep & Hand Tools¶
| Item | Brand / Model | Dimensions | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cutting board (HACCP white) | Louis Tellier NPP4 | 40 × 30 × 2 cm | PE-HD plastic, HACCP-grade (dairy, bread, pastry). Dishwasher-safe. |
| Cutting board set | Kikcoin | Extra large (set of 3) | Grey plastic. Juice grooves, easy-grip handle. Dishwasher-safe. Colour-code for meat / veg / cooked. |
| Bench scraper | LODOS | 16 cm wide | Food-grade stainless steel. Dough portioning, pastry work, scraping the board. |
| Mandoline slicer | Benriner BN-1 | -- | Japanese-style razor blade, white plastic body. Thickness adjustable 0.1–6.3 mm. Includes 3 julienne blades (fine / medium / coarse). Always use the hand guard. |
| Rolling pin | -- | -- | Wooden, non-tapered (straight cylinder). For pastry and pizza dough. |
| Peeler (straight) | Tefal Ingenio K2071014 | -- | INGENIO-system compatible. Standard straight blade. |
| Peeler (Y-type) | Tefal Ingenio K2071814 | -- | Y-style blade. Better ergonomics for large veg. |
| Peeler (set) | Kuhn Rikon Swiss Peeler | -- | Set of 2 (red + green), stainless blade. |
| Zester / citrus press | Chef'n PalmZester | -- | 3-in-1: zests, grates, presses citrus. Hand-held, yellow. Dishwasher-safe. |
| Fine grater | Microplane Zester | -- | Fine-tooth rasp, blue handle. Best for hard cheese, citrus zest, nutmeg, ginger. |
| Safety glove | Microplane | -- | Cut-resistant. Wear on the non-dominant hand when using the mandoline or Microplane. |
| Manual citrus juicer | Chef'n FreshForce | 25.5 cm (10 in) length | Handheld lever press, plastic, yellow. |
| Hinged citrus squeezer | PIQIUQIU | -- | Metal hinge squeezer. Faster single-handed for small citrus. |
| Measuring cup | OXO Good Grips | 1 L (4 cup) | Plastic, angled interior markings (readable from above). |
| Measuring spoons | Contacto | Set of 4 | Stainless steel. Standard 1 tbsp / 1 tsp / ½ tsp / ¼ tsp. |
| Meat mallet | TESCOMA PRESIDENT 638730.00 | -- | Double-sided (tenderising and flat). Schnitzel, chicken breasts. |
| Colander (fine) | ORION | 25 cm diam. | Stainless steel, small holes. Draining pasta, rinsing veg. |
| Colander (coarse, freestanding) | -- | -- | Large holes, stands on its own base. Brand unidentified. Good for draining large items quickly. |
| Potato masher | -- | -- | Manual plastic stick type. |
| Garlic press | -- | -- | -- |
| Can opener | -- | -- | -- |
Utensils & Hand Tools¶
| Item | Brand / Model | Dimensions | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ladle | -- | -- | For serving soup, stew, sauces. Brand unidentified. |
| Wooden spoons | -- | -- | Brand unidentified. Keep one dedicated to the wok / high-heat work. |
| Offset / pastry spatula | Westmark Master Line 31252270 | 10 cm blade, 25 cm total | Angled, flexible stainless blade. Frosting, lifting, spreading thin layers. |
| Fish / slotted spatula | La Cuisine | 16 cm blade, 28 cm total | Stainless, slotted, bevelled edge. For sliding under fish, eggs, pancakes. |
| Burger spatula | -- | -- | Stainless steel, triple-riveted tecnopolymer handle. |
| Wok spatula | AOOSY | 42.5 cm total | Stainless steel. Long handle keeps hands clear of wok heat. Dishwasher-safe. |
| Locking tongs | OXO Good Grips | 23 cm (9 in) | Silicone tips (non-stick safe). Locking mechanism for storage. |
| Whisk | OXO Good Grips | 23 cm (9 in) | Stainless steel. Small size -- sauces and dressings. |
| Spider skimmer | AOOSY | 14 cm (5.5 in) basket | Stainless wire, wooden handle. Frying, pasta, blanching. |
| Wok cleaning brush | Craft Wok 732W8 | 30.5 cm (12 in) | Bamboo. Hot water only -- no soap on the carbon-steel wok. |
| Cookie cutters (round) | AVANA | -- | Set of 12 stainless steel rings with storage box. |
| Salad spinner | OXO Good Grips | -- | With strainer and lid. Washes and spins dry greens. |
Storage & Organization¶
| Item | Brand / Model | Dimensions / Capacity | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spice jars | Deco haus® | -- | Set of 36 square glass jars with shaker inserts + labels. |
| Mixing bowls | Terlulu | 0.6 L / 1.4 L / 1.9 L / 2.8 L / 4.7 L (set of 5) | Stainless steel with lids. Includes a grater insert. Stackable, dishwasher-safe. |
| Food storage containers | JoyServe | 473 ml (16 oz) and 946 ml (32 oz) | 48 sets (24 + 24). Airtight, BPA-free. Dishwasher and microwave safe. |
| Dish rack | IKEA ORDNING | 18 cm | Stainless steel. |
| Cutlery stand | IKEA ORDNING | 13.5 cm | Stainless steel. Companion to the dish rack. |
| Pepper mill | TESCOMA GrandCHEF | -- | Adjustable grind. |
| Salt mill | TESCOMA GrandCHEF | -- | Pair with pepper mill. |
Appliances¶
| Item | Brand / Model | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Gas hob | -- | Multi-burner. Instant flame adjustment. |
| Oven | Electrolux EOB4630X (ELUX EURO, PNC 94418256700) | Electric multifunction, built-in, 230 V. Upper element 1000 / 1900 W (low / full grill), lower element 1000 W. Functions: conventional (top + bottom), fan-assisted convection, grill, infrared grill. Removable door and glass for cleaning. Mechanical door lock. Non-standard tray size -- Vogue K443/K444 bought as replacements. Capacity unconfirmed (~52 L likely). Came with the flat. |
| Microwave | Electrolux EME 1925 | Built-in. |
| Fridge-freezer | BOSCH KGN39AIAT Serie 6 | NoFrost -- no manual defrosting. |
| Food processor | BOSCH MC812W501 MultiTalent 8 | 1000 W. Main bowl 3.9 L (handles 1.5 kg dough). Blender jug 1.5 L. Smart Detection sets speed automatically per attachment. Included: universal knife, reversible shred/slice disc, fine grating disc, kneading hook, whisk, pusher. Not a blender -- use the jug for that. Pulse for control on chopping. |
| Immersion blender | Braun Multiquick 5 MQ50.001.M | 1000 W, 21 speeds, PowerBell VPlus blending shaft. Box includes only the blending shaft + measuring beaker. Extra attachments (chopper bowl, whisk, masher) available separately via EasyClick system. For soups, sauces, smoothies. |
| Rice cooker | Tefal RK102811 Classic 2 | 500 W, 3 L bowl, up to 900 g raw rice (serves 6–10). Non-stick bowl. Auto switches to keep-warm when done. Included: steamer basket, measuring cup, rice spoon. |
| Food scale | OXO Good Grips | 5 kg (11 lb) capacity. Pull-out display for use with large bowls. |
| Toaster | Siguro TO-T11SS-1LS | Long-slot design. |
| Electric kettle | BOSCH TWK8613P | -- |
| Milk frother | Severin SM 3590 | Electric countertop. Hot and cold foam. |
| Instant-read thermometer | ThermoWorks Thermapen ONE (blue) | ±0.3 °C, <1 sec. Replace CR2032 battery annually. |
Buying Guides¶
Knives¶
A good knife is the single most impactful kitchen upgrade. You need three at most: a chef's knife, a paring knife, and a bread knife. Everything else is optional.
What actually matters:
| Spec | What to look for | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Steel hardness (HRC) | European style: HRC 56--58. Japanese style: HRC 60--63. | Harder steel holds an edge longer but chips more easily. European knives are more forgiving for home cooks. |
| Blade length | Chef's knife: 20--21 cm (8 in) for most people. | Shorter feels safer but forces more cuts. 20 cm is the sweet spot. |
| Blade shape | European (curved belly for rocking) vs. Japanese (flatter for push-cutting) | Pick whichever motion feels natural. European is more common here. |
| Weight & balance | Hold it -- the balance point should be near the bolster (where blade meets handle). | A blade-heavy knife fatigues the wrist. A handle-heavy knife feels disconnected. |
| Handle | Full tang (metal runs through the handle). Riveted or moulded. | Half-tang handles can loosen over time. Material is preference -- wood, composite, polymer all work. |
What doesn't matter much: Brand prestige, Damascus pattern (cosmetic), "laser-sharpened" marketing, number of pieces in a block set.
Sharpening workflow (with what we have): 1. Edge damaged or very dull? DMT D8C diamond (coarse) to reshape -- a few strokes per side, then move on. 2. Regular sharpening: G21 whetstone 1000 grit -- use the angle guide, ~10--15 strokes per side. 3. Finishing: G21 whetstone 6000 grit -- lighter pressure, 5--8 strokes per side. 4. Before every use: honing steel (realigns the edge without removing metal).
Storage: Magnetic strip or blade guard. Never loose in a drawer, never in the dishwasher.
Brands available in CZ: - Wusthof, Zwilling (Henckels) -- widely available at Tescoma shops and online. Solid European forged knives. The Classic and Pro lines are the workhorses. - Victorinox Fibrox -- surprisingly good for the price. The 20 cm chef's knife is a common recommendation for beginners. Available at Alza.cz and kitchen shops. - Tojiro DP -- entry-level Japanese. HRC 60, VG-10 steel. Available online (e.g., knivesandtools.cz). Needs more careful handling than European knives. - Opinel -- excellent paring knives, very affordable. Found in outdoor/hobby shops.
Pans & Cookware¶
You need fewer pans than you think. A 28 cm skillet, a 24 cm saucepan, and the Dutch oven cover 90% of cooking.
Materials compared:
| Material | Pros | Cons | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stainless steel (tri-ply) | Durable, non-reactive, oven-safe, dishwasher-safe | Food sticks without proper technique (preheat + fat) | Searing, pan sauces, anything acidic (tomato, vinegar) |
| Cast iron | Supreme heat retention, naturally non-stick when seasoned, indestructible | Heavy, slow to heat, reactive to acid, needs seasoning maintenance | Searing, baking, frying, oven-to-table |
| Carbon steel | Lighter than cast iron, excellent heat response, seasons like cast iron | Reactive to acid, needs seasoning, can warp if thin | High-heat searing, stir-frying, crepes |
| Non-stick (PTFE) | Easy release, easy cleanup | Coating degrades over time, not for high heat (max ~260 °C / 500 °F), not oven-safe above ~200 °C | Eggs, fish, pancakes -- delicate foods that stick |
| Enamelled cast iron | Non-reactive, no seasoning needed, looks great | Heavy, enamel can chip, expensive | Braises, stews, soups, baking bread (Dutch oven) |
What to check before buying: - Thickness: Thicker = more even heat. Lift it -- if it feels flimsy, it is. Tri-ply stainless should have visible layers on the rim. - Oven-safe temperature: Check handle material. Stainless handles are oven-safe to any home oven temp. Bakelite/plastic handles typically max at 175--200 °C (350--400 °F). - Lid fit: Should sit snug with minimal wobble. A tight lid matters for braises and rice. - Handle rivets: Riveted handles are more durable than welded or screwed.
Brands available in CZ: - IKEA 365+ -- surprisingly decent stainless tri-ply at a budget price - Tefal (T-fal) -- widely available non-stick. The Thermo-spot indicator is handy. Replace every 2--3 years. - Tescoma -- Czech brand, decent mid-range. Good for basics. - De Buyer -- excellent carbon steel (Mineral B line). Available online. - Staub / Le Creuset -- premium enamelled cast iron. Expensive but lasts a lifetime. Occasionally on sale at outlet shops or online.
Thermometers¶
Temperature removes guesswork. Different types for different jobs.
| Type | Response time | Range | Best for | Limitations |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Instant-read (e.g., Thermapen) | 2--3 seconds | -50 to 300 °C (-58 to 572 °F) | Spot-checking meat, bread, oil temp | Manual -- you hold it in, read, remove |
| Leave-in probe (wired or wireless) | Continuous | Typically up to 300 °C (572 °F) | Roasts, oven cooking, smoking. Set a target and walk away. | Probe cable must handle oven door; wireless ones need charged batteries |
| Infrared (IR) gun | Instant | Surface only, up to ~500 °C (930 °F) | Pan surface temp, pizza stone, grill grate | Reads surface only -- useless for internal meat temp. Shiny surfaces give false readings. |
Key temperatures to know:
| Item | Target | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Chicken (breast) | 74 °C (165 °F) | Can pull at 71 °C (160 °F) and rest -- carryover finishes the job |
| Chicken (thigh) | 82 °C (180 °F) | Higher temp renders connective tissue for better texture |
| Pork (chops, loin) | 63 °C (145 °F) + rest | Slightly pink is safe and juicy |
| Pork (shoulder, pulled) | 93--96 °C (200--205 °F) | Low and slow until it shreds easily |
| Beef (medium-rare) | 52--54 °C (126--130 °F) | Pull 3--5 °C below target for carryover |
| Beef (stew, braised) | 88--93 °C (190--200 °F) | Collagen breaks down above 71 °C (160 °F) |
| Bread (done) | 93--99 °C (200--210 °F) internal | Enriched breads on the lower end, lean breads higher |
| Oil for frying | 175--190 °C (350--375 °F) | Too low = greasy; too high = burned outside, raw inside |
Brands available in CZ: - ThermoWorks Thermapen -- the gold standard instant-read. Order from thermoworks.com (ships to EU) or find resellers online. - ThermoPro -- budget-friendly leave-in probes. Available on Alza.cz and Amazon.de. - Weber iGrill -- Bluetooth probe thermometer. Good for grilling and smoking. Available at grill shops.
Maintenance Reminders¶
- Craft Wok (carbon steel): Bamboo brush + hot water only after use. Dry on heat, thin coat of neutral oil. Re-season in oven (230 °C / 450 °F, 1 hour) if food starts sticking.
- Overmont casserole (enamelled cast iron): No seasoning. Hand wash preferred. Avoid thermal shock -- don't plunge a hot pot into cold water. Enamel chips if knocked against metal.
- Tefal non-stick (D52606 and INGENIO pieces): Hand wash only, no metal utensils, no cooking spray (builds residue). Replace when food sticks even with fat.
- Tramontina stainless: Preheat properly before fat -- stainless sticks when cold. Dishwasher-safe but hand washing preserves finish.
- DEMEYERE Atlantis: Hand wash preferred. The Silvinox surface is very resistant but avoid abrasive pads. No thermal shock. Dishwasher-safe in practice but degrades the finish over time.
- Knives (ICE FORCE set + Victorinox): Hone before each use, full sharpen with the G21 a few times a year. Hand wash and dry immediately. Never in the dishwasher.
- G21 whetstone: Soak in water 5 minutes before use. Rinse and dry after. Store flat so it doesn't warp.
- DMT diamond sharpener: Rinse with water before and after. Occasional drop of dish soap is fine. No oil.
- Benriner mandoline: The blade is razor-sharp. Always use the hand guard. Rinse immediately -- dried food is harder to clean without touching the blade.
- Lodge cast iron skillet: After each use -- wipe clean (no soap), dry on the burner briefly, rub with a thin coat of neutral oil while warm. Re-season in oven if food sticks (thin coat of high-smoke-point oil, 230 °C / 450 °F, 1 hour). Never soak in water.
- Thermapen ONE: Replace CR2032 battery once a year. Wipe probe with sanitizer after raw meat.
- Braun immersion blender: Detach the shaft and rinse immediately after use. Don't submerge the motor body.
- BOSCH food processor: Disassemble and wash all parts after each use. Bowl is dishwasher-safe; base is not.
- Microplane grater + safety glove: Always wear the glove on the guiding hand. Rinse the grater immediately -- hard cheese dries fast and is hard to clean.