Healthy Living Brand Cookware: Safe?

Healthy Living Brand pots and pans are safe to use. The brand offers a range of stainless steel and carbon steel cookware, which are generally considered safe materials for cooking. Stainless steel is a popular choice for both professional and home chefs due to its durability and heat conduction properties. Carbon steel combines the heat retention of cast iron with the lightweight of stainless steel, making it a versatile option for different cooking techniques.

However, it's important to note that stainless steel may leach small amounts of nickel and chromium, especially when cooking acidic foods. Therefore, it is recommended to use glass cookware for acidic dishes, and always follow the manufacturer's instructions for proper use and care to ensure the safest cooking experience.

Pros and cons of ceramic cookware

Ceramic cookware has become increasingly popular, with brands like Our Place and Caraway leading the way. But what are the pros and cons of ceramic cookware? Here's a detailed overview:

Pros of ceramic cookware:

• Non-stick properties: Ceramic cookware offers a natural non-stick surface, eliminating the need for extra butter or oil during cooking. This makes it easier to cook with less fat and also simplifies cleaning.
• Aesthetic appeal: Ceramic cookware is known for its designer colours and sleek, minimalist shapes, making it a stylish addition to any kitchen.
• Lightweight and easy to manoeuvre: Ceramic pans are typically lightweight and easy to handle, providing more versatility and ease of use compared to cast iron or stainless steel pans.
• Safe and non-toxic: Ceramic cookware is often marketed as a safer alternative to traditional non-stick cookware. It is usually free of chemicals like PFOA, PTFE, and PFAS, which have been linked to various health risks.
• Induction compatible: Ceramic cookware is compatible with a variety of cooktops, including induction, gas, and electric stoves.
• Affordable options: While some high-end brands can be expensive, there are also affordable ceramic cookware sets available that offer good value for money.

Cons of ceramic cookware:

• Less durable: Ceramic cookware tends to be less durable than other types of cookware. The coating can be more brittle and susceptible to scratches, and even with careful use, it may only last a couple of years before the non-stick coating wears out.
• Not oven-safe: Not all ceramic cookware is oven-safe. Always check the bottom of your ceramic pots and pans for oven safety instructions and temperature limits.
• Requires special care: Ceramic cookware requires gentle handling and special care to prevent chipping and discolouration. Avoid using metal utensils as they can scratch the surface, and hand-wash with mild soap and a soft sponge instead of putting them in the dishwasher.

Pros and cons of stainless steel cookware

Stainless steel cookware is a popular choice for home cooks and professional chefs alike. It is known for its durability, versatility, and even heat distribution. However, there are also some drawbacks to using stainless steel cookware. Here are the pros and cons to help you decide if stainless steel cookware is right for your needs.

Pros of Stainless Steel Cookware:

• Durability: Stainless steel is a tough and durable material that is resistant to chipping, rusting, staining, denting, and scratching. It is built to last and can be a lifelong purchase.
• Versatility: Stainless steel cookware can be used for various cooking methods such as frying, sautéing, boiling, braising, browning, and searing. It can also handle high heat and is generally oven-safe, making it suitable for stove-to-oven dishes. Additionally, it is non-reactive, so it can be used for cooking acidic foods without leaching metallic properties into the food.
• Heat Distribution: Stainless steel provides even and quick heat distribution, making it ideal for cooking tasks like searing and sautéing.
• Appearance: Stainless steel has a sleek and attractive mirrored finish that is easy to maintain and keep pristine.
• Easy to Clean: Stainless steel is generally easy to clean and is often dishwasher-safe.
• Recyclable: Stainless steel is completely recyclable, so if a pan gets destroyed, the material can be salvaged.

Cons of Stainless Steel Cookware:

• Not Non-Stick: Food can stick to stainless steel pans, especially if they are not properly preheated or if the right amount of fat or oil is not used. This can make them harder to clean and may not be ideal for delicate foods.
• Weight: Stainless steel pans are typically heavier than non-stick pans, which can make them cumbersome to move around or store.
• Hot Handles: The handles of stainless steel pans can get hot quickly, increasing the risk of accidental burns.
• Poor Heat Transfer: Cheaper stainless steel cookware may have poor heat conductivity if they do not have a bonded aluminum or copper base.
• Pricing: High-quality stainless steel cookware tends to be more expensive, although it is often considered a worthwhile investment.

Pros and cons of cast iron cookware

Cast iron cookware is a popular choice for home cooks and professional chefs alike. It is affordable, durable, and versatile. But is it the right choice for you? Here are some pros and cons to help you decide.

Pros:

• Durability and Longevity: Cast iron cookware is built to last. With proper care, it can be passed down through generations, improving with age and developing a lovely black seasoned finish.
• Affordability: Cast iron pots and pans are typically inexpensive compared to other cookware materials of similar quality, such as aluminium or stainless steel.
• Heat Retention: Cast iron is excellent at retaining heat. Once heated, it maintains a consistent temperature, making it ideal for creating a crisp, brown crust on your food. It also keeps food warm for longer, even after being removed from the heat source.
• Even Heat Distribution: Cast iron provides an even heating area, ensuring your food cooks evenly. This is especially advantageous when cooking over an open fire.
• Non-Stick Properties: When properly seasoned, cast iron develops a natural non-stick coating. This not only makes cooking and cleaning easier but also reduces the need for added oil or fat, promoting healthier cooking.
• Dietary Benefits: Cooking with cast iron can naturally add iron to your meals, helping to support your daily iron requirements.

Cons:

• Weight: Cast iron is heavier than other cookware materials due to its durability and thickness. This can make it awkward to manoeuvre and may require using both hands to lift.
• Poor Heat Conductor: While cast iron retains heat well, it is not the best conductor of heat. It can heat unevenly if used on a burner that is significantly smaller than the pan.
• Hot Handles: The handles of cast iron pans can get very hot, especially if the pan has been in the oven. Always use oven mitts or a dish towel when handling to avoid burns.
• Requires Seasoning: Cast iron cookware requires regular seasoning to maintain its non-stick properties and prevent rusting. Seasoning can be time-consuming and requires skill to get right.
• Cooking Limitations: Cast iron reacts with acidic foods like tomatoes or citrus juices, causing discolouration and a slight alteration in taste. It is not ideal for boiling water or cooking acidic dishes.

Overall, cast iron cookware offers excellent value for money and is a versatile addition to any kitchen. While it may have some drawbacks, many consider the pros to outweigh the cons. With proper care and seasoning, your cast iron cookware can last a lifetime.

Pros and cons of copper cookware

Copper cookware is a classic material beloved by professional chefs and culinary legends. It is a pricey investment, but it can last for a long time if properly cared for. Here are some pros and cons of copper cookware to consider:

Pros of Copper Cookware:

• Excellent heat conductivity: Copper is a wonderful conductor of heat and distributes heat better than aluminium. Its conductivity is ten times higher than glass or stainless steel. It quickly responds to temperature changes, reducing cooking time and preventing burnt spots.
• Even heating: Copper warms up quickly and spreads heat evenly, so there are no hot or cold spots. This is especially beneficial when preparing rice, scallops, shrimp, sauces with dairy, or any other meals prone to scorching.
• Delicate cooking: Copper's even temperature control and conductivity are ideal for cooking delicate proteins and sauces prone to breaking. It is perfect for cooking foods that require steady heat and precise temperature control, such as delicate proteins like fish, finishing sauces, caramels, and emulsions.
• Antimicrobial: Copper is resistant to microbes, so germs and bacteria cannot survive on its surface.
• Aesthetic appeal: Copper cookware adds a touch of elegance to your kitchen with its warm copper colour and shine. The contrast between the copper exterior and the silvery stainless steel or tin interior gives it a unique look.
• Long-lasting: With proper maintenance, copper cookware can last a lifetime.

Cons of Copper Cookware:

• High maintenance: Copper cookware requires handwashing and frequent polishing to prevent oxidation and tarnishing. It is prone to corrosion and needs regular polishing to maintain its shine.
• Not induction compatible: Copper is not a magnetic material, so it is not compatible with induction stoves.
• Limited heat retention: While copper heats up quickly, it does not retain heat well. Once off the heat, it begins to cool down quickly.
• Reactivity: Copper is a reactive metal and can react with acidic foods, causing a metallic taste and discolouration. It is essential to ensure that copper cookware has an intact stainless steel or tin lining to prevent direct contact with food.
• Food sticking: Food is prone to sticking to copper pans with a stainless steel cooking surface.
• Expensive: Copper cookware is a major investment, with a complete set costing upwards of $1000. A single frypan can cost over $200.

Pros and cons of hybrid non-stick cookware

Hybrid cookware is a great option for those who enjoy the experience of non-stick cookware but are concerned about the maintenance and health aspects. Hybrid cookware is coated with high-quality Greblon coating and has hexagonal ridges made from stainless steel. The stainless steel ridges on hybrid cookware ensure a longer life even with rough use, as the coating on plain non-stick cookware is prone to peeling off within a few years. Hybrid cookware is also generally a healthier option than non-stick cookware as the hexagonal ridges ensure that food does not come into direct contact with the coating.

| Non-Stick Cookware | Hybrid Cookware |

|---|---|

| Cooks with less oil | Cooks with less oil |

| Not metal spoon friendly | Metal spoon friendly |

| Prone to peeling off | Not prone to peeling off |

Pros of Hybrid Cookware:

• Perfect weight, all-round heating, and ease of maintenance.
• Durable and long-lasting.
• Even heat distribution.
• Rough usage is possible due to HexaRidge technology.
• Generally a healthier option than non-stick cookware.

Cons of Hybrid Cookware:

• Not completely non-reactive and must not be used with certain types of food.
• Cannot be cleaned in a dishwasher.
• May not be induction-friendly.

Pros of Non-Stick Cookware:

• Ease of cooking.
• No sticking.
• Less oil required.

Cons of Non-Stick Cookware:

• Fear of using coated cookware that stands the risk of peeling and mixing with food.
• Requires special spatulas and gentle care.
• The non-stick coating may contain harmful chemicals such as PFOA, which is linked to liver damage, cancer, and developmental problems.

Frequently asked questions