Kitchenware

The earliest kitchenware was simple, made locally and had a variety of uses. Most antique kitchenware can still be used today, although sometimes not what they were originally intended for. They can also be used for garden ornaments and have decorative uses around the home. It is important though that they conform to safety standards, for example those containing lead. Shopping online has also made it easier to purchase kitchenware, rather than visiting your local antiques dealer. Sought after items can still sit on the shelf of an auction room or on a stall at an antiques market, but will sell out online.

You can tell a lot about the history of an object by the materials used and methods of manufacture. Wood is one of the oldest manufacturing materials and has been a popular choice for kitchenware from bread bins to spoons as well as utensils and handles for saucepans. The only disadvantage is rot and insect damage. Aluminium was established in 1808 and was widely used as it was lighter and more versatile. Bakelite is an early form of plastic, invented in 1909. It's heat resistance properties made it useful for handles but wasn't used for food preparation as it tainted the food. Brass appeared in medieval times and Cast Iron was commonly used during the 19th century for pots and pans. Copper, an excellent conduction of heat, became popular for pans and kettles. It's big disadvantage is that copper reacts with acidic food and were phased out in the early 20th century. The poisonous verdigris that were created sometimes killed whole families.

Earthenware is a type of pottery that is made with porous clay that requires a sealant glaze, unlike porcelain or stoneware. Enamel is coloured glass that is applied in the form of a paste to metal, ceramic or glass. Ironstone, patented in 1813, is a type of stoneware produced from the slag from the iron furnaces added to clay.

Plastic dominated kitchenware by the middle of the 20th century and is still widely used today. It is reasonably priced and is a good area for those starting as collection. Pyrex is a type of glass that can withstand extreme heat, developed during the first world war. Stainless steel was developed in 1910 and was first used for making cookware in the 1920's. It doesn't react to acid foods and is resistant to rust, so it has become the favoured metal for cutlery.

Technology has also shaped our kitchens, but without fuel the kitchen was of no use at all.  Originally cooking was done over a wood fire, which was then replaced by coal. The first cooking ranges were introduced in the 17th century with wrought iron fire baskets. These new kitchen ranges changed cooking forever and encouraged the use of pots and pans. By the late 19th century, twenty five percent of homes had a gas supply, so gas cookers became popular. They could be rented from the gas company, instead of purchasing them. The thermostat enabled meals to be cooked at a certain temperature and for a measured length of time, cutting fuel usage and standardizing recipes. The galley kitchen on railway trains was the inspiration of fitted kitchens as we know them today.