Spotless Cookware: Easy-Clean Sets For The Modern Kitchen

Cooking is fun, but cleaning up afterward can be a tedious task. An easy-to-clean cookware set can make all the difference in your post-meal routine. Non-stick cookware is a great option for easy cleaning, as food slides right off the surface with minimal effort. Look for sets that are dishwasher-safe and have features like drip-free rims and lids that double as strainers to make cleanup a breeze. Whether you're a gourmet chef or a beginner, investing in an easy-to-clean cookware set will make your time in the kitchen more enjoyable.

Non-stick coatings

PTFE-based coatings are likely the best option for non-stick coatings, but their low resistance must be considered. They can deteriorate under high temperatures, abrasion, or chemical agents. To improve their resistance, PTFE coatings can be reinforced with other elements like titanium.

Other types of non-stick coatings include ceramic sol-gel non-stick coatings and siloxane-based non-stick coatings. Ceramic coatings are harder and better able to resist high temperatures than PTFE coatings, but their non-stick properties may be somewhat lower. Siloxane-based coatings achieve the same principle of non-stickness as silicones, and the radicals can be modified to give them different non-stick properties, such as the contact angle and slip angle.

When applying a non-stick coating, it is crucial to ensure a correct union between the coating and the final product. This involves cleaning the surface, activating the surface through methods like flaming or plasma, applying the coating through dip-coating or spraying, and curing the coating.

Stainless steel

General Care Tips:

• Always let your cookware cool down before cleaning. Submerging or soaking a hot stainless steel pan in cold water could cause irreparable warping.
• Avoid using abrasive tools like steel wool or harsh cleaners like bleach on your stainless steel pans, as these can permanently damage the surface. Instead, use a non-abrasive or "stainless steel-approved" scrubber and a soft cloth.
• To prevent water spots, always dry your pans immediately after washing.
• To prevent food from sticking, preheat your pan before adding oil, and allow cold foods like refrigerated meats to come to room temperature before adding them to the pan.
• Only salt water after it has come to a boil to avoid "pitting corrosion," which can leave tiny but irreparable pockmarks in the bottom of the pot.

Removing Stuck-on Food:

• For stuck-on food bits, fill the pan with enough soapy water to cover the residue, bring it to a boil, and scrape with a spatula or wooden spoon. Then, allow the pan to cool and wash as usual.
• For more stubborn messes, including burnt food or oil, try adding a few spoonfuls of baking soda to your scorched pan, along with enough water to cover the burnt areas. Bring it to a boil and simmer until most of the water has evaporated. Then, scrub away the buildup with a non-abrasive sponge and wash in hot, soapy water.
• For another option, fill the bottom of your pot or pan with water, enough to cover the stuck-on food. Then, add 1 cup of vinegar and bring the water to a boil. Once boiling, remove from the heat and add 2 tablespoons of baking soda. Briefly mix and empty the pan, then scrub with a non-abrasive sponge to remove any remaining food particles.

Removing Discoloration:

• To remove rainbow-colored discoloration caused by overheating, splash some vinegar in your pan and wipe the area with a soft sponge before rinsing and drying thoroughly.
• For white, cloudy residue caused by hard water, bring a mixture of one part vinegar to three parts water to a boil in the pan. Let it cool, then wash with soap and water.
• For water spots, dampen your pan and rub it with a moist sponge that has been sprinkled with baking soda, then rinse as usual.

Commercial Cleaners:

Commercial cleaners like Bar Keepers Friend can also be effective for removing tough stains and restoring the shine of your stainless steel cookware. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for use, and always test on a small area first to avoid any potential damage to the finish.

Cast iron

Cleaning

• Allow the pan to cool down enough to handle with your hands.
• Scrape away any stuck-on food residue with a flat metal utensil or a pan scraper.
• Rinse the pan with hot water. Avoid using cold or warm water as it may damage the pan.
• Use a soft washcloth or scrubbing brush to wipe down the pan. Avoid using abrasive materials such as scouring pads or steel wool, as they can damage the seasoning.
• Dry the pan thoroughly. You can place it back on the stove and turn the heat to medium to ensure all water has evaporated.
• Apply a thin layer of cooking oil to the surface of the pan. This helps protect the pan and maintain its seasoning.

Things to Avoid

• Do not soak the cast iron pan in water or put it in the dishwasher, as this can ruin the seasoning and cause rust.
• Avoid using soap, especially in large amounts, as it can strip away the seasoning. However, a small amount of mild dish soap is generally considered acceptable.
• Do not use steel wool or metal scrubbers to clean the pan, unless you are removing rust.
• Do not let the cast iron air dry, as this can lead to rusting. Always dry it thoroughly before storing.

Removing Rust

If your cast iron pan develops rust, don't panic! You can remove the rust and restore the pan:

• Scour the rusty pan with warm, soapy water and steel wool.
• Rinse and dry the pan thoroughly.
• Apply a thin layer of cooking oil to the pan, inside and out. Be careful not to use too much oil, as it may cause the pan to become sticky.
• Place the pan upside down in the oven and bake at a high temperature (450-500 degrees F) for about an hour. This will help restore the seasoning.

By following these simple steps, you can keep your cast iron cookware in great condition and enjoy its many benefits for years to come.

Ceramic

General Care and Maintenance:

• Always allow your ceramic cookware to cool down completely before washing. Ceramic coatings do not respond well to quick, drastic changes in temperature, and letting the cookware cool down prevents cracking.
• Hand-washing is always preferred over using a dishwasher. Dishwashing detergents can be too harsh and abrasive for the ceramic coating. Use mild dish soap and a soft sponge or cloth instead.
• Avoid using metal utensils, pads, or scouring pads as they can scratch and damage the non-stick coating. Opt for wooden, silicone, or nylon utensils and sponges or soft cloths for cleaning.
• Avoid cutting food directly in the ceramic-coated pan to prevent scratches and gouges.
• Use oil or butter instead of cooking sprays. Cooking sprays can leave a residue that builds up and is difficult to remove, and some sprays contain ingredients that are too harsh for ceramic finishes.
• Avoid extremely high temperatures when cooking, as this can damage the ceramic coating and cause staining.
• Always use a padded protector between pieces when stacking ceramic cookware to prevent scratches.

Removing Stuck-on Food and Stains:

• For stuck-on food, fill the pan with warm water and a small amount of liquid dish soap and let it soak for at least 30 minutes. Then, use a soft sponge or cloth to clean the surfaces.
• For more stubborn food residue, sprinkle baking soda on the affected area and add a splash of hot water. Use a damp sponge to scrub the area in a circular motion. Rinse and dry the cookware.
• For very stubborn food, create a mixture of water and white vinegar (2 cups water to 1/2 cup vinegar) and pour it into the pan. Let it soak overnight or boil the mixture for a few minutes to loosen the stain. Cool the pan before scrubbing.
• To remove stains and discolouration, use hydrogen peroxide. Pour enough 3% hydrogen peroxide to cover the bottom of the pan. It should bubble, indicating that it's fresh and effective. Let it sit for about 30 minutes, then rinse and dry the pan.

Glass

Regular Cleaning:

• For day-to-day cleaning, a simple wash with a non-scratch cloth or sponge and some warm water with liquid soap or dishwashing detergent will do the trick. Make sure to dry the glass completely with a soft towel afterwards.
• Avoid using abrasive cleaning tools like scouring pads or steel wool, as these can scratch the surface of the glass and make it more susceptible to breakage.

Removing Stains and Burns:

• For burnt-on messes, fill the glass cookware with very hot water and liquid detergent, and let it soak overnight. This will help loosen the burnt food.
• If you're dealing with stubborn stains, create a mixture of vinegar and water (1 cup of vinegar diluted in water) and let the glass item soak for 1-2 hours. Then, add some dishwashing liquid and use a soft sponge to wash the pan.
• For extremely stubborn stains, you can try a baking soda and vinegar paste. Apply it to the stained area and let it sit until it dries. Then, spritz the area with vinegar and wash as normal. Alternatively, you can use a solution of water and lemon juice instead of vinegar.
• To remove coffee and tea stains, fill the glass item with 2 cups of water and add 4 tablespoons of bleach. Let it soak for half an hour, and the stains should be gone. If you don't have bleach, you can use dishwasher detergent instead.
• For hard water stains or mineral deposits, use full-strength vinegar. Boil the vinegar in the glass item for about 10 minutes, then let it cool before draining and rinsing.

Safety Tips:

• Always use cold water when washing glass cookware. Hot water could cause the glass to crack.
• Avoid splashing water, as it can cause burns.
• Always exercise caution when cleaning. Don't move around unnecessarily, and never try to pick up something hot with your bare hands.
• When handling glass cookware, wear eye protection and hold it at arm's length.

By following these tips, you can keep your glass cookware set in excellent condition and avoid scratches, clouding, and stains.

Frequently asked questions