Ikea Cookware: Safe Or Not?

IKEA offers a wide range of pots and pans, from bargain-priced aluminium options to heavyweight stainless steel cookware. But are they safe? The answer is yes—IKEA's pots and pans are made from materials like stainless steel, aluminium, and cast iron, which are commonly used in cookware and considered safe for cooking. However, it's important to follow care and maintenance instructions to ensure their longevity and maintain their safety. For example, IKEA recommends avoiding the use of steel wool or powders when cleaning stainless steel pots and pans to prevent scratching. Overall, IKEA's cookware provides a durable and affordable option for home cooks, with prices ranging from $3.50 for a small pan to $130 for a full set.

Cleaning and maintenance

Every IKEA pot and pan comes with a small booklet with instructions and basic tips to help you look after your products. As a general rule, always wash, rinse, and thoroughly clean products before you use them for the first time. To do this, you'll first need to know what your pot or pan is made of and whether or not it's non-stick. You can find information on how to clean your product and which hob type it's suited to on its price tag, shelf label, and, if it's packaged, on the product packaging.

• Allow to cool before cleaning: It is important to let your pots and pans cool down before cleaning them. Using cold or lukewarm water to rinse a pot or pan straight away can cause residual food to become even more stuck or even warp the pan itself. These utensils tend to have a concave base, which flattens out and expands when heated. As such, if the pot or pan is not given enough time to return to its original shape, it might remain uneven and become unstable.
• Don't keep food inside: Pots and pans are designed for cooking, not storing food. Many foods can stain or discolour pots and pans if left inside for too long. Instead, use glass jars and containers to keep your food in perfect condition.
• Don't stack without protection: Always put your pots and pans away properly. Stacking them without protection can cause scratches and ruin the non-stick layer.

Stainless Steel Pots and Pans

• Never clean them with steel wool or powders, as they might get scratched.
• Unless they're non-stick, you can put them in the dishwasher.
• If food is stuck to the bottom, try pouring a little detergent on top of it. Add some water and heat it up. Leave it to boil and you'll be able to clean it away easily.
• Lime, salty water, lemon, and vinegar may stain the metal. To prevent this from happening, dry the product immediately after washing. You can also wait to add the salt and lemon until the water is boiling.
• If stains persist, wash them away with vinegar and water. Use one teaspoon of vinegar per litre of water.

Aluminium Pots and Pans

• They are not dishwasher-safe, so always wash them by hand.
• Dry after washing to keep their shine.
• If they are not non-stick, avoid using them to cook acidic foods (like tomatoes or lemons), as this could affect the oxide coating covering the pot or pan.
• Don't leave food in them for too long to avoid discolouring the metal.
• Use non-sharp utensils made of plastic or wood so you don't scratch the aluminium.

Cast Iron Pots and Pans

• Don't put them in the dishwasher.
• You can use hard sponges or steel wool to clean them, but don't use too much detergent as it can damage the material when drying if it's not removed properly.
• Untreated cast iron pots and pans must always be seasoned. If they have an enamel glaze, this won't be necessary.
• If the enamel on your pot or pan is matt rather than shiny, grease it with a little oil before use. And from time to time, go over them with some oil-soaked paper after use.
• Sprinkle some salt into the pot or pan to absorb any remaining fat and wipe it down with a piece of kitchen roll or a tea towel.

Non-Stick Pots and Pans

• Clean the pan with warm water, detergent, and a soft sponge to avoid scratching the non-stick coating.
• If your pot or pan contains residual burnt food that won't come off, fill the pot or pan with water and add four or five tablespoons of detergent. Put it on the heat and bring the contents to a boil. Stir with a spoon or spatula made of plastic or wood, carefully scraping away the food residue. After a few minutes, the fat will dissolve and lift away the grime. Once you've done this, wash your pot or pan as usual. After it has dried, you'll need to grease it again.

Stainless steel vs non-stick

While there is no definitive answer to whether stainless steel or non-stick pans are better, there are pros and cons to both.

Stainless Steel

Stainless steel pans are generally more expensive than non-stick pans, but they are more durable and versatile. They can be used to fry, sauté, boil, braise, brown, and sear food. They can also withstand higher heat and be transferred from the stovetop into the oven. Stainless steel pans are built to endure, but they require more muscle to clean and are harder to maintain.

Non-Stick

Non-stick pans are usually cheaper and are great for cooking delicate foods like eggs, crepes, pancakes, and fish. They are also easier to clean. However, non-stick pans are less flexible with temperature and are not designed for high heat or to go into the oven. They also tend to degrade over time and need to be replaced.

Most home cooks will want at least one of each type of pan. Stainless steel pans are great for high-heat cooking and searing, while non-stick pans are ideal for delicate foods that are more likely to stick to the pan. It's important to read the manufacturer's instructions for both types of pans to ensure proper use and care.

Aluminium vs cast iron

Aluminium and cast iron are two very different materials, each with its own unique properties and applications. Here is a detailed comparison of the two:

Weight and Strength:

Cast iron is significantly heavier than cast aluminium, with cast iron weighing about 7.8 g/cm3 while cast aluminium weighs around 2.7 g/cm3. This weight difference makes cast iron more challenging to transport. However, cast iron is considered stronger and more durable than cast aluminium due to its higher compressive and tensile strength. It can withstand higher temperatures and is highly resistant to wear and tear, making it ideal for heavy machinery components and construction.

Heat Retention and Distribution:

Cast iron is known for its excellent heat retention, which is beneficial for cooking and keeping food warm. On the other hand, cast aluminium has superior heat distribution due to its thinner construction, leading to more even cooking. Cast aluminium also cools down faster than cast iron, making it easier to handle and clean.

Durability and Maintenance:

While cast iron is highly durable, its high carbon content makes it brittle and prone to fracturing. Cast aluminium, on the other hand, has higher corrosion resistance and is easier to maintain. Cast iron requires proper seasoning and care to prevent rust and maintain its non-stick properties, which can be time-consuming. Cast aluminium products generally require less maintenance and are less prone to rusting.

Cost:

Cast aluminium is typically cheaper than cast iron due to its lighter weight, which reduces transportation costs. Cast iron, being stronger and more durable, tends to be more expensive, especially when it comes to high-quality cookware.

Environmental Impact:

Cast aluminium has a lower carbon footprint than cast iron due to its lightweight properties, requiring less energy for production and transportation. Additionally, cast aluminium does not rust, further reducing its environmental impact. In contrast, cast iron has a higher carbon footprint due to its heavier weight and susceptibility to corrosion.

In conclusion, the choice between cast aluminium and cast iron depends on your specific needs. If you require strength and durability, cast iron is the better option. However, if lightweight and low-maintenance properties are more important, cast aluminium may be the preferred choice.

Price vs quality

IKEA's pots and pans vary in price and quality, with some products being more durable than others. The cheapest options are the KAVALKAD and SKÄNKA lines, which start at $3.50 and $5, respectively. These are made of aluminium and have non-stick finishes and plastic handles. While they heat up evenly, they are not expected to be very durable.

The next price tier includes the IKEA 365+ and OUMBÄRLIG lines, which start at $15 and $20, respectively. These are made of stainless steel with a layer of aluminium inside, which helps them heat uniformly. They have durable non-stick surfaces, although some butter or oil is required to prevent food from sticking. The IKEA 365+ line also has glass lids and stackable designs, making them a practical choice for everyday cooking.

The SENSUELL collection is IKEA's top-of-the-line offering, with prices ranging from $40 for a saucepan to $130 for a 4-piece set. These pots and pans are made of heavyweight stainless steel with an aluminium core for even heating. They have riveted handles that stay cool to the touch, soft grips for comfortable maneuvering, and glass lids. The SENSUELL collection is noted for its durability, ease of cleaning, and attractive design.

Overall, the more expensive IKEA pots and pans seem to offer better quality and durability than the cheaper options. However, even the cheapest options can be good value for money, especially for occasional use. IKEA's products are generally priced lower than similar offerings from other brands, so they can be a good option for those seeking affordable yet functional cookware.

User reviews

However, some users have expressed concerns about the quality of IKEA's budget cookware lines. One user noted that their IKEA pots and pans began to pit after a couple of years, while another mentioned that the non-stick coating on their IKEA pans wore off quickly. Some reviewers also pointed out that most IKEA cookware is not dishwasher-safe, which can be inconvenient.

Overall, IKEA's pots and pans seem to offer good value for money, especially for students or those on a tight budget. The higher-end lines, such as 365+ and SENSUELL, are praised for their durability and performance, while the budget options are generally considered adequate for their price, as long as users are careful about hand-washing and avoiding high heat.

Frequently asked questions