Made In pans are safe to use. They are made of carbon steel, stainless steel, and non-stick materials. They are oven-safe and lightweight, with incredible heat retention. The non-stick pieces are 100% non-toxic and made without PFOAs. The stainless steel pieces are oven-safe up to 800 degrees Fahrenheit, and the non-stick pieces can handle heat up to 500 degrees Fahrenheit.
Characteristics | Values |
---|---|
Pros | Durable, natural non-stick properties, eco-friendly, long-lasting, safe |
Cons | Requires oil to keep food from sticking, hard to find 100% ceramic, labels are not FDA-regulated |
Best Brands | Greenpan, Caraway |
What You'll Learn
- Carbon steel pans are lightweight and boast incredible heat retention
- Stainless steel pans are easy to clean and distribute heat evenly
- Cast iron pans are durable and give food a distinct flavour
- Ceramic pans are chemical-free and non-stick
- Non-stick pans are easy to clean but may contain harmful chemicals
Carbon steel pans are lightweight and boast incredible heat retention
Carbon steel pans are a fantastic choice for your kitchen. They are lightweight, boast incredible heat retention, and are used by professional chefs worldwide.
Carbon steel is an alloy made from a mixture of carbon and iron. It is similar to cast iron but is thinner, lighter, and more responsive to changes in temperature. Carbon steel pans are also incredibly durable and can withstand super-high temperatures for hours. They can be used on gas, electric, or induction cooktops, or even over an open fire.
The lightweight design of carbon steel pans makes them easier to manoeuvre and handle. They heat up faster and are more manageable to move in and out of the oven. Their lightweight construction also makes them ideal for tossing vegetables or performing a culinary flick of the wrist.
Carbon steel pans are a great option if you're looking for something lightweight yet durable, with excellent heat retention and responsiveness. They are a popular choice for professional chefs and are sure to be a valuable addition to your kitchen.
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Stainless steel pans are easy to clean and distribute heat evenly
Stainless steel pans are a popular choice for home cooks and professional chefs alike. They are durable, easy to clean, and distribute heat evenly, making them a versatile option for various cooking tasks. Here are some key advantages of stainless steel pans:
Easy to Clean
Stainless steel pans are designed to resist corrosion and rust, but proper care is needed to maintain their quality and shine. Here are some tips for cleaning stainless steel pans:
- Always let the pan cool down before cleaning to avoid warping.
- Hand-washing is recommended over the dishwasher to maintain quality and avoid damage.
- For everyday cleanup, scrub the pan with hot soapy water and a non-abrasive sponge.
- For stuck-on food, fill the pan with soapy water, boil it, and scrape with a spatula or wooden spoon.
- For tougher messes, use a mixture of baking soda and water, boil, and scrub with a non-abrasive sponge.
- To remove discoloration, splash some vinegar in the pan, wipe with a soft sponge, and rinse.
- To prevent water spots, dry the pan immediately after washing.
Distribute Heat Evenly
Stainless steel is an excellent heat conductor, distributing heat evenly across its surface. This makes it ideal for griddle cooking and flat baking sheets. It's also non-reactive, so you can cook a variety of dishes without worrying about damaging the pan's surface.
Other Benefits
In addition to being easy to clean and distributing heat evenly, stainless steel pans offer several other advantages:
- They are generally safe to cook with and non-toxic.
- They are long-lasting and durable, making them a worthwhile investment.
- They are dishwasher-safe, although hand-washing is recommended for better results.
- They are affordable compared to some other materials like copper.
- They have natural non-stick properties when properly seasoned and maintained.
In conclusion, stainless steel pans are a great choice for any kitchen because they are easy to clean, distribute heat evenly, and offer a range of benefits that make cooking a more enjoyable and efficient task. With proper care, they will last for years and become a trusted tool in your culinary adventures.
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Cast iron pans are durable and give food a distinct flavour
Cast iron pans are incredibly durable. They are so tough that it is very difficult to completely ruin them. In fact, there are 75-year-old cast iron pans that are still in use today. Cast iron is a great option for those who want to avoid chemically-treated cookware. However, cast iron does require more of a time investment than other options. It needs to be seasoned and stored properly, and you must follow proper cleaning procedures.
Cast iron pans are also known for giving food a distinct flavour. This is because cast iron pans transfer small amounts of iron into food while cooking. This can be beneficial for those who are anemic, as it can help improve iron levels. However, it is important to note that cast iron may not be a good option for those with hemochromatosis, a disorder that causes the body to absorb and hold on to too much iron.
Cast iron pans are a great option for those looking for durable and flavour-enhancing cookware. Just be sure to properly season and care for your pan, and avoid cooking acidic foods for long periods to prevent a metallic taste.
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Ceramic pans are chemical-free and non-stick
Ceramic pans are a safe and healthy option for cooking. Ceramic cookware is made of durable, inorganic materials and is often considered one of the best non-toxic materials for cooking. Ceramic pans are kiln-baked to high heat, rendering the quartz sand surface non-stick. This means that ceramic pans do not leach or emit potentially harmful toxic fumes.
Ceramic cookware is also an eco-friendly choice that will last for decades if maintained properly. Ceramic pans are made without the chemical PFAS, which is used in the production process for traditional PTFE-based cookware. This makes ceramic pans a safer option for the environment and your health.
It's important to note that the labels "100% ceramic" and "non-stick ceramic" or "ceramic-coated" are not FDA-regulated. So, when purchasing ceramic pans, be sure to buy from a reputable brand to ensure you're getting authentic 100% ceramic rather than ceramic-coated metal or non-stick ceramic pots and pans.
Some reputable brands that offer ceramic-coated non-stick cookware include Caraway and GreenPan. These brands offer ceramic-coated non-stick pans that are free from PFAS, Gen X, PFOA, lead, and cadmium. Their products are also ergonomically designed, with comfortable grip handles and tempered glass lids that allow you to monitor your food as it cooks.
While ceramic pans are a great option for non-toxic and non-stick cookware, it's important to note that they may require some oil to prevent food from sticking. Additionally, ceramic pans should be hand-washed and treated with care to ensure the longevity of the non-stick surface.
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Non-stick pans are easy to clean but may contain harmful chemicals
Non-stick pans are convenient and easy to clean, but they may contain harmful chemicals that can leach into food when overheated or scratched. The non-stick coating is usually made of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), also known as Teflon. PTFE contains potentially harmful chemicals, including PFOA, PFOS, and GenX, which are classified as PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances).
PFAS chemicals have been linked to various health issues, including thyroid disease, lung damage, kidney and testicular cancer, harm to children's immune systems, and negative effects on the liver, kidneys, immune system, and reproduction in animal studies.
To avoid the potential risks associated with PTFE non-stick coatings, some companies have introduced ceramic non-stick coatings, which are marketed as a safer alternative. Ceramic non-stick coatings do not contain PFAS chemicals and are considered non-toxic. However, it is important to note that the term “ceramic” can be used loosely, and some products may not be truly ceramic.
When choosing non-stick cookware, look for products that are PTFE, PFOA, and PFAS-free. Additionally, avoid overheating non-stick pans, as this can cause the release of toxic fumes. It is also recommended to use wooden or silicone utensils with non-stick cookware to prevent scratching the coating.
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Frequently asked questions
An oven-safe pan can be used in the oven as well as on the stovetop. This is advantageous for recipes that start on the stovetop and finish in the oven. Most manufacturers are very clear about whether or not their cookware is oven-safe.
Carbon steel, stainless steel, cast iron, and non-stick cookware are all good options for oven-safe pans.
Ceramic cookware is not always oven-safe. This is due to the coating used on many ceramic pans, which cannot be exposed to high temperatures. Additionally, any pans that use plastic handles or lids cannot be used in the oven.
Use heat-safe utensils such as silicone, nylon, or wood. Be cautious of high temperatures, even if your pan features a stay-cool handle. Always let your pan cool before eating or placing it on a table, even when using trivets.