Buying Kitchen Essentials

Rahul has just moved into a new flat and goes to a home store to buy the basic kitchen items he needs to start cooking.

Meanings in Rahul, Shop assistant

Key words and phrases

cookwarepots, pans, and other vessels used for cookingHe bought a new set of cookware for his kitchen.

non-stick pana pan coated so food doesn't stick to it while cookingA non-stick pan uses less oil for frying.

chopping boarda flat board used for cutting vegetables or meatHe chopped the onions on the chopping board.

storage containersboxes or jars used to keep food freshShe stores the flour in airtight storage containers.

gas stovea cooking appliance that uses gas flame burnersHe lit the gas stove to boil water.

induction cooktopan electric stove that heats pans using an electromagnetic fieldShe prefers the induction cooktop because it heats up faster.

cutleryknives, forks, and spoons used for eatingHe bought a matching set of cutlery.

dinner seta matching set of plates and bowls for serving mealsShe picked a simple white dinner set.

kitchen shelfa fixed surface used to store kitchen itemsHe arranged the spice jars on the kitchen shelf.

grocery lista written list of items to buyShe made a grocery list before going shopping.

budget-friendlyreasonably priced, not too expensiveHe was looking for budget-friendly cookware.

warrantya promise from the seller to repair or replace a faulty productThe mixer comes with a two-year warranty.

exchange offera deal where an old item is traded for a discount on a new oneHe got a discount through an exchange offer on his old mixer.

mixer grinderan electric appliance used to mix, blend, or grind foodShe used the mixer grinder to make chutney.

essential itemsthe basic things needed for a purposeHe made a list of essential items for the kitchen.

durableable to last a long time without wearing outShe chose a durable steel pan over a cheaper one.

receipta printed proof of purchaseKeep the receipt in case you need to return anything.

return policythe store's rules about returning purchased itemsHe asked about the return policy before buying the pan.

capacityhow much a container or appliance can holdHe bought a pressure cooker with a five-litre capacity.

checkout counterthe place in a store where you pay for itemsThere was a long queue at the checkout counter.

Useful sentences

Ask What do you need for your new kitchen?
Answer I need some basic cookware and a chopping board to start with.
Ask Should I get a gas stove or an induction cooktop?
Answer An induction cooktop is safer, but a gas stove works even during a power cut.
Ask Do you have any budget-friendly non-stick pans?
Answer Yes, these ones are budget-friendly and quite durable too.
Ask Does this mixer grinder come with a warranty?
Answer Yes, it comes with a one-year warranty.
Ask What's the capacity of this storage container?
Answer It has a capacity of two litres.
Ask Is there an exchange offer on my old mixer?
Answer Yes, you can get a discount by exchanging your old one.
Ask Did you make a grocery list before coming here?
Answer Yes, I listed all the essential items I need.
Ask Where should I keep this dinner set?
Answer You can keep it on the kitchen shelf near the cutlery.
Ask What's your return policy on kitchen appliances?
Answer You can return it within fifteen days with the receipt.
Ask Where do I pay for all this?
Answer The checkout counter is right at the front of the store.

Dialogue

RahulHi, I just moved into a new flat and need some kitchen essentials.

Shop assistantSure, do you already have a grocery list, or should I suggest the basics?

RahulPlease suggest — I need cookware, a gas stove, and some storage containers.

Shop assistantThis non-stick pan set is budget-friendly and very durable.

RahulThat looks good. Does it come with a warranty?

Shop assistantYes, a one-year warranty, and there's an exchange offer on old cookware too.

RahulGreat, I'll take this set. Can you also show me a mixer grinder?

Shop assistantOf course, this one has a good capacity and is very popular.

RahulPerfect. What's your return policy if something doesn't work?

Shop assistantYou can return it within fifteen days — just keep the receipt.

Common mistakes

Saying "I want buy kitchen items" instead of "I want to buy kitchen items."
Saying "this pan is much durable" instead of "this pan is very durable."
Saying "give me warranty card" instead of "can I get the warranty card?"
Saying "it have big capacity" instead of "it has a big capacity."
Saying "I return it tomorrow" instead of "I will return it tomorrow."
Saying "where is pay counter" instead of "where is the checkout counter?"

Quick quiz

1. What is "cookware"?

2. What does "budget-friendly" mean?

3. What is a "warranty"?

4. Complete: "Keep the ___ in case you need to return anything."

5. What is an "exchange offer"?

6. Where do you pay for items in a store?

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