Schlosskueche (Palace Kitchen), Potsdam

The Palace Kitchen (Schlossküche) at Sanssouci Palace in Potsdam was added after King Friedrich Wilhelm IV became king in 1840. He and his wife, Elisabeth Ludovika of Bavaria, used Sanssouci as their summer residence, leading to several expansions, including the transformation of the east wing into a multifunctional kitchen space. This included a Large Kitchen, bakery, coffee maker's room, the Silver Chamber (now the museum shop), and a pantry near the royal chef's room. The palace cellar, originally Frederick the Great’s wine cellar, was expanded to include storerooms, a dishwashing area, a patisserie, and an ice cream-making section.

One of the most significant features of the Palace Kitchen is the mid-19th century technological marvel known as the "cooking machine." This modern appliance of the era marked a departure from traditional open-flame cooking, allowing the staff to utilize heated plates on the stove. This innovation not only improved safety but also enhanced the efficiency of meal preparation for the court. The staff who operated this equipment resided in quarters directly above the kitchen.

Today, visitors to the Palace Kitchen can explore this historic space and view a variety of period items, including the cooking machine, copper cookware, porcelain dishes, pots and pans, baking trays, pudding and ice cream molds, and other kitchenware typical of the 18th and 19th centuries. The Palace Kitchen offers a glimpse into the culinary history and technological advancements of the time.