Whether you are into cooking or not, we believe this post will be beneficial for you as we are going to clarify the difference between utensils, tableware, silverware, and kitchenware. Additionally, we’ll learn the English names of some essential items that almost anyone can find in their kitchen. Let’s make sure we know what these things are called.

Utensils, Kitchenware, Tableware & Cutlery

A utensil is a handheld tool used for various tasks related to cooking, food preparation, serving, and eating. For example, a spatula, whisk, tongs, and mixing spoon are all kitchen utensils (see the slideshow below for pictures of these utensils).

Kitchenware includes items and equipment used in the kitchen for cooking, food preparation, serving, and storing. Examples of kitchenware include plates, bowls, knives, forks, trays, cake molds, and plastic containers. Appliances like blenders, toaster ovens, rice cookers, etc., are also considered kitchenware, although very large appliances such as refrigerators, dishwashers, and stoves do not fall into this category.

Tableware refers to the dishes, utensils, and other items used for serving and eating food at a table. It includes a variety of items such as plates, bowls, cups, glasses, forks, knives, spoons, serving dishes, and platters. Essentially, tableware encompasses everything needed for setting a table and enjoying a meal.

Cutlery (British English), typically called silverware in the US, refers to knives, forks, spoons, and other utensils used for eating and serving food. Serving utensils, such as tongs, ladles and cake servers, are all considered cutlery or silverware.

In summary, kitchenware includes a broad range of items and equipment used in the kitchen. Utensils specifically refer to handheld tools used for specific tasks. Tableware includes everything you need to serve and enjoy a meal at a table. Cutlery (silverware) refers to utensils used for eating and serving food, typically made of metal, such as silver.

Other ‘Ware’ Words

Note that there are other words containing the suffix ‘ware’ related to the kitchen. Namely, bakeware, glassware, and cookware. Bakeware includes items used for baking, such as cake pans, muffin tins, and baking sheets. Glassware refers to items made of glass used in the kitchen, such as drinking glasses, glass bowls, and glass storage containers. Cookware encompasses pots, pans, and other utensils used for cooking food on the stove or in the oven.

All these words containing the suffix ‘ware’ are uncountable and are used with a singular verb form:

1. This cookware lasts a lifetime if used properly.
2. Her glassware is stored in that cupboard.
3. This bakeware is very high quality.

See the pictures of the kitchenware mentioned in this post in the slideshow below.

Other utensils useful to know include:

Picture	Utensil
	colander /ˈkɑːləndər/
	cleaver
	corkscrew
	funnel
	dish rack
	grater
	measuring cup
	measuring spoon
	sieve /sɪv/
	wok
	perforated /ˈpɜːrfəreɪt/ spoon
	peeler
	potato masher
	chopping board
	jug / pitcher
	jar
	steak hammer
	garlic presser
	oven mitts
	pestle /ˈpesl/ & mortar /ˈmɔːrtər/
	salt/pepper shaker

Practice

Exercise 1. Click the link here and match the pictures to the terms.

Exercise 2. Click the link here and choose the right object for each definition.

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