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Are you shopping for new cookware because you are finding that your old ones are wearing down? Or, are you planning to get new pots and pans as housewarming gifts for a friend or a loved one that moved? Do you want to buy the best cookware for newlyweds? If any of those scenarios match what you are doing, you will need to know about the best cookware material.
When it comes to choosing the highest quality cookware, you need to know its composition. You will also need to become educated on the recommended cookware materials so you do not end up investing in pots and pans that will not serve you (or those who you are gifting) well in the long run. Let’s now talk about the best cookware materials.
Non-Stick Cookware
When you want to cook eggs or anything sticky and hard to clean, you want to use non-stick cookware. It is safe and effortless to use. You do not need to worry about coating non-stick cookware because it naturally prevents food from sticking to the surface. In addition to that, you will have an easy time cleaning the cookware, which reduces your time spent cleaning in the kitchen.
The other reason no-stick cookware is an excellent material to watch your caloric intake by using this material for cooking. You do not need to grease or butter the pans and pots, saving you plenty of fat and calories. However, bear in mind, the cookware does not do well when you overheat it as it can break down the coating. In addition to that, you have to be careful not to scratch the surface. That means do not use hard sponges and metal utensils to clean it.
Stainless Steel
You probably have heard chefs recommend people to buy stainless steel cookware, as it is good for daily cooking. That is because it is one of the best cooking materials. This durable metal is dent and scratch resistant and will last you a long time. In addition to that, it reacts to heat changes which allows you to have more control. This material can also withstand high heat, which means you can place it in the oven, and you do not need to worry about it overheating.
Another great thing about stainless steel is that you do not need to worry about flavors from your pots and pans transferring to your food which makes it ideal for clean cooking. You will have an easy time maintaining stainless steel cookware as it is easy to clean and dishwasher safe. However, it takes time to learn how to use the cookware, and it is also expensive.
Copper Cookware
You will want to look into copper cookware because it is a high-quality material. Firstly, it is conductive, which means copper cookware will provide even heat distribution which means there will be no hot and cold food spots. In addition to that, copper cookware will heat up quickly, which cuts time spent in the kitchen waiting for foods preheating. That is one reason that chefs love copper pots and pans.
And let’s face it, copper cookware is gorgeous! It does wonders for your kitchen aesthetically.
However, copper, like stainless steel, is expensive. In addition to that, you need to take a lot of care of your copper pots and pans as they are high maintenance. You also have to take special care of the materials on the copper cookware’s surface, so it does not wear down. You do not want copper leaking onto your food as that can increase the chances of copper poisoning.
Cast Iron Cookware
If you are looking to fry, slow cook, or sear your food, cast iron cookware is an excellent material. Firstly, this material retains heat quite well. That is why this is the best material for slow cooking or searing your meals. Secondly, cast iron is a non-stick material and is safe when it comes to food directly contacting it. That is why cast iron is a standard surface for copper cookware. But cast iron adds a safe amount of iron to your food which is a necessary dietary need. The material can last you a long time too. The non-stick factor makes cast iron cookware easy to clean also.
However, bear in mind, cast iron takes a while to heat up as it is not heat-reactive. It can also transfer flavors which can alter the taste of your food that you cook. Since iron can rust, you need to take excellent care of it, making the material high-maintenance. Iron can also make the cookware heavier.
Cast Iron Cookware With Enamel
The cast iron cookware with enamel or ceramic possesses the same advantages as cast iron, but it helps make the cookware easier to maintain. The cookware retains heat the same way as it does without enamel, and it is easy to clean. All you need is soap and water and a clean sponge, and your pots and pans are clean. As long as you care for this cookware properly, it will last a very long time to the point that you can pass them down a generation or two.
However, it takes a while to heat the same way as iron cookware without the enamel. It is expensive, and enamel can deteriorate as it can chip or show discoloration. That is why you want to be careful with how to handle it, which means do not drop it. The cookware is heavy as well.
Conclusion
Finding the best cookware takes time if you do not know what to look for when it comes to the best quality pots and pans. It boils down to the material which makes up the composition of the cookware and the quality. Therefore, if you are looking for the best cookware materials, you will want to go with cookware made with copper, cast iron, and stainless steel. Non-stick cookware is also an excellent material for watching your caloric intake, as you do not need to add oil or butter to coat food. It is also easy to clean. You will want to learn about what makes these materials superior to other types of cookware and know their drawbacks. That way, you can make an educated decision on the kind of cookware to buy.
