How to Find the Best Cookware for Your Cooking Needs
You are ready to select your new cookware for your kitchen, but you’re not sure what type of cookware is the best for your needs. With so many different types of cookware to choose from, it is no wonder you’re confused. So today, let’s explore the world of cookware and decide which is the best cookware for you.
The major cookware groups are cast iron, stainless steel, aluminum, ceramic, graniteware, copper and coated cookware. We’ll start with cast iron cookware. Cast iron pots and pans, while heavier than other cookware types, are the most durable cookware you can get. Using cast iron can make your food taste better and if used correctly it has a natural non-stick finish. Cast iron cookware heats slowly and will have hot spots until fully heated. Once heated, it holds the heat well and is versatile enough to be put in the oven if desired. It is great cookware for slow cooking, casseroles, etc.
Stainless steel cookware is the superior cookware, but it also comes with a superior price! It is the most durable cookware and when used properly, can keep foods from sticking. When cooking on stainless steel, you need to start heating on medium heat until the pan or pot is fully heated, as it can get “hot spots.” Once fully heated, it has exceptional heat distribution for your cooking needs.
Aluminum cookware is very popular these days. This cookware is lightweight, economically priced, and is very good at distributing heat when cooking. The disadvantages are that it doesn’t hold heat well. It is a soft metal and will scratch and dent easily so using metal utensils can be a problem. Studies have also shown that people who use aluminum cookware have a higher risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease
Another cookware is ceramic cookware. While economically priced, this cookware tends to be delicate and will scratch easily with metal utensils if you don’t cook with care. Graniteware is another type of cookware you may come across. It’s a great heat conductor so don’t forget to use pot holders when moving or carry the pot or pan as the heat may travel to the handles. Coated or non-stick cookware is a healthy way to cook as you can decrease your intake of oils, butter, etc. The coating-usually teflon- can flake some but these flakes have been determined to be safe and non-cancerous.
The final type of cookware to discuss is copper cookware. Copper cookware is famous for its ability to conduct heat- heating swiftly and evenly. However, it can lose the heat just as quickly. While easy to clean, the copper can seep into the foods you’re cooking in unsafe amounts and is something to be aware of.
This is just an overview of each of the cookware types and once you know what type is of most interest to you, then you’ll want to check it out in more depth. If price is an issue, you may want to look more at aluminum, copper or the other various types or you may want to look at a small set of stainless steel and add to it as money permits. Other factors to consider would be how easily the cookware cleans up, whether or not the cookware needs to be pre-seasoned, and what you’ll be cooking the most and which cookware is best suited for this need.
I hope this article helps you in your quest to purchase the best cookware for your needs. Once you’ve made your choice, be sure to explore the many sets of cookware available. And be sure to visit us again for more kitchen information and ideas.
