Some stands also have adjustable viewing angles which offer versatility with different sized books.ĭepending on how much countertop space you have available, size can be a major consideration. The upright angle of a cookbook stand not only makes it easier to read from a book, it also reduces the glare from overhead lighting which can make it difficult to read a recipe when a book is open flat on the countertop. Plastics and acrylics are also common as are materials such as wood or bamboo, although natural materials can be more prone to cosmetic damage and the humidity in a kitchen environment will take its toll on them over time. They are made from various materials, such as cast iron, stainless steel or coated steel and these are designed for longer life. Features of Cookbook StandsĬookbook stands can be traditionally styled or may be contemporary design pieces that will make a statement on your countertop. By the early twentieth century, cookbooks were rarely singling out particular social or income groups, instead the focus was now on publishing cookbooks for specific dietary requirements, such as those with kosher recipes. The most expensive books would be calf bound and only available to those who were wealthy while the cheaper ones were printed as small yet affordable booklets. These were still printed for wealthier individuals, but also for those less well-off, as one 1847 title published in England – Plain Cookery for the Working Classes – demonstrated.Ĭookery books continued to retain class divides in European countries but as literacy rates improved and incomes increased in many households, some publishers began to produce books for ‘all households’ or ‘for all classes’.Īs time moved on, the main distinguishing factor between cookbooks became their binding quality rather than social groups. With the rise of modern printing in the fifteenth century onwards, more books began to be printed and by the seventeenth century, it was viable to publish cookbooks. They were usually created as aides-memoires for staff but also as a way for royalty to show off how luxurious their banquets were. At this time, books of recipes were produced by palaces and other senior figures. Having the cookbook on a stand also means that you have more countertop space available to actually prepare food on.Ī stand keeps your cookbook out of the way of grease splatters and flour dust and if your cookbook is one which has been passed down through the generations, it is even more important to keep it clean.Īlthough nobody seems to know when the cookbook stand first appeared, it was probably around the time of early cookbooks which date as far back as the fifteenth century. Whether you are an avid baker, or your preference is for whipping up savory dishes, the cookbook stand will allow you to concentrate on your cooking while keeping your recipe close at hand. Things to Consider Before Buying A Cookbook Stand

Best protective cookbook stands