The Ultimate Kitchen Companion: Dishware And Cookware For Every Need

Cooking is a lot more fun when you have the right tools. A cookware set is a great way to ensure you have everything you need to create delicious meals.

A good cookware set should include a variety of pots and pans in different sizes and materials, such as stainless steel, non-stick, and cast iron. Having a range of cookware will allow you to tackle any recipe, from frying eggs to searing steaks, and making pasta to braising stews.

In addition to pots and pans, some cookware sets also include utensils and baking dishes, giving you everything you need to become a kitchen whiz.

Non-stick cookware: Non-stick pans are perfect for cooking eggs, pancakes, and fish without the food getting stuck to the pan

Non-stick cookware is a great addition to your kitchen, especially if you're a beginner. Non-stick pans are perfect for cooking eggs, pancakes, and fish without the food getting stuck to the pan. Here are some of the best non-stick cookware options available:

Best Overall: Made In 10-Inch Non-Stick Frying Pan

This pan combines performance and durability. It is made of anodized aluminum, which makes it strong yet lightweight. The pan heats evenly and has a non-stick coating that prevents food from sticking. It is also oven-safe up to 500 degrees Fahrenheit and suitable for all stove types, including induction.

Best Value: Tramontina Professional Non-Stick Restaurant Fry Pan

This pan offers excellent value for money. It is made of heavy-duty aluminum with a non-stick surface. The pan is PFOA-free, dishwasher-safe, and oven-safe up to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. It has a long, silicone-coated handle for a secure grip and is compatible with gas, electric, and ceramic glass cooktops.

Best Ceramic: GreenPan Valencia Pro 11-Piece Non-Stick Cookware Set

This set includes a variety of pots and pans suitable for all your cooking needs. The cookware has a hard-anodized exterior and a ceramic non-stick interior that is PFOA-free. The lids are clear, with stainless steel handles, and the handles of the pans are comfortable to hold. The set is induction compatible and oven-safe up to 600 degrees Fahrenheit.

Most Durable: Ninja Foodi NeverStick Premium Hard-Anodized Cookware Set

The Ninja Foodi cookware set offers durability and lightweight construction. The pans have straight sides, maximizing the cooking surface area. The cookware is scratch-resistant and metal utensil-safe. It is oven-safe up to 500 degrees Fahrenheit and includes pieces such as an 8-inch fry pan, a 10.25-inch fry pan, a 2.5-quart covered saucepan, a 3-quart covered sauté pan, and a 6.5-quart covered stockpot.

Best Stainless Steel Non-Stick: Made In The Non-Stick Set

The Made In non-stick set combines the durability of stainless steel with the convenience of a non-stick coating. The set includes an 8-quart stock pot, a 4-quart sauté pan, a 4-quart saucepan, and a 10-inch frying pan. The pieces have flared edges, making them ideal for sautéing, and the lids fit smoothly onto each pan. The cookware is induction compatible and oven-safe.

Stainless steel cookware: Stainless steel is more versatile and durable than non-stick cookware and is ideal for sautéing vegetables

Stainless steel is a popular choice for cookware due to its durability and versatility. It is a safe, non-reactive material that can be used with all types of food and is especially good for sautéing vegetables. Here are some tips for using and caring for stainless steel cookware:

Choosing the Right Set

When selecting a stainless steel cookware set, consider the number of pieces included and whether they match your cooking needs. Basic sets typically include a stockpot, saucepan, skillet, and the corresponding lids. Some sets may also offer additional pieces such as a sauté pan or grill pan. Choose a set with a variety of pot and pan sizes to suit the dishes you usually prepare. Additionally, check the weight and handle design of the cookware to ensure it is comfortable for you to use and store.

Cooking with Stainless Steel

To prevent food from sticking to your stainless steel cookware, preheat the pan before adding oil or other fats. Use a thin coating of oil for most dishes, and a slightly more generous amount for delicate foods like fish or eggs. Allow the oil to heat up before adding your ingredients. When cooking proteins, let them sit at room temperature for 20-30 minutes beforehand to ensure more even cooking. For vegetables, letting them come close to room temperature is sufficient.

When cooking with stainless steel, use medium to moderate heat to avoid damaging the pan and the food. High heat is only necessary when boiling liquids. Stainless steel is responsive to temperature changes, so you can easily adjust the heat as needed while cooking.

Caring for Your Cookware

It is recommended to hand wash stainless steel cookware instead of using a dishwasher, as the harsh conditions can degrade the quality of the pans over time. Always allow your cookware to cool down before washing, as exposing hot pans to cold water can cause warping or cracking. Avoid using steel wool or abrasive scrubbers, as these can scratch the finish. For burnt-on bits, try boiling water in the pan to loosen them, then wash as usual. To remove calcium build-up, boil a solution of water and vinegar, then wash and dry the pan.

Advantages of Stainless Steel

Stainless steel is a versatile and durable material that can be used for a wide range of cooking tasks. It is safe to use with all types of food and is non-reactive, meaning it won't affect the flavour of your dishes. Stainless steel cookware is also typically oven-safe, making it convenient for dishes that require both stovetop and oven cooking.

Disadvantages of Stainless Steel

One of the main drawbacks of stainless steel is that food can stick to the surface if the pan is not properly preheated or oiled. Stainless steel cookware may also be heavier than other materials, which can be a consideration for those with mobility or strength issues. Additionally, stainless steel can be more challenging to clean than non-stick cookware, especially if food is burnt on.

Cast iron cookware: Cast iron pans are great for cooking steaks, searing, frying, and baking. They are extremely durable and can withstand high heat

Cast iron pans are a great addition to your cookware set. They are extremely durable and can withstand high heat, making them perfect for cooking steaks, searing, frying, and baking. Here are some tips and tricks for using cast iron pans:

• Cast iron pans are ideal for cooking steaks as they heat up quickly and evenly, retaining heat exceptionally well. This helps create a crispy, golden-brown exterior while cooking the interior to perfection.
• It is recommended to use cast iron pans for steaks that are 1 to 1.5 inches thick. For thicker cuts, you can use the reverse sear technique, where you sear the steak in the pan and then finish it in the oven.
• Before cooking, ensure your steak is completely thawed. Remove it from the refrigerator and let it come to room temperature for 30-40 minutes.
• Season your steak with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. You can also add a pat of butter and some crushed garlic cloves for extra flavour.
• Preheat your cast iron skillet on high heat for about 5 minutes. To check if it's hot enough, sprinkle a few drops of water on it. If the water sizzles and evaporates, your pan is ready.
• Add a tablespoon of vegetable oil or butter to the pan before placing your steak. Sear each side of the steak for about 2 minutes.
• For a 1.5-inch medium-sized steak, bake it in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 4 minutes for a medium-rare steak. Adjust the cooking time according to your desired doneness.
• Let the steak rest for 5-10 minutes after removing it from the oven. This allows the juices to redistribute, making the steak juicy and tender.
• Cast iron pans are also great for baking cornbread, frying eggs, and searing pork chops.
• When cleaning your cast iron pan, avoid using soap as it can remove the seasoning. Instead, use a stiff-bristled brush or scrubber to scrub the pan with hot water.

Ceramic cookware: Ceramic-coated pans can be used over high heat and are easy to clean. They are also dishwasher-safe

Ceramic cookware is a great addition to your kitchen, with its sleek design and non-stick properties. But how do you care for it? Can it go in the dishwasher?

Ceramic Cookware: What's Not to Love?

Ceramic-coated pans are a popular alternative to traditional non-stick pans. The ceramic coating is made from a sand derivative, giving the pan a glossy, enamel-like appearance. This coating is what gives the pan its non-stick properties, meaning you can cook with less oil or butter. The coating is also non-reactive, so it won't leach harmful additives into your food. Ceramic pans are also typically dishwasher-safe and oven-proof, making them a versatile and convenient option for any home cook.

Caring for Your Ceramic Cookware

While ceramic pans are durable, they do require some special care to maintain their non-stick properties and keep them in good condition. Here are some tips for caring for your ceramic pans:

• Avoid using high heat when cooking. Ceramic pans conduct and distribute heat well, so you won't need to turn up the heat. Using high heat can also wear out the non-stick coating faster.
• Let the pan cool completely before rinsing. The shock of cold water on a hot pan can damage the coating.
• Handwashing is recommended over dishwashing. While some ceramic pans are dishwasher-safe, handwashing will help prolong the life of the coating. Use warm, soapy water and a non-abrasive sponge to clean your pan.
• Avoid using metal utensils as these can scratch or scrape the ceramic coating. Opt for silicone, wooden, or plastic utensils instead.
• Store your pans properly. Don't stack your pans, as this can cause them to bend or scratch. If space is limited, separate the pans with silicone mats.

Copper cookware: Copper cookware is beautiful and an excellent heat conductor but requires regular maintenance to keep it clean and shiny

Copper cookware is a beautiful addition to your kitchen and has excellent heat conductivity. However, it requires regular maintenance to keep it clean and shiny. Copper is highly reactive, and foods like vinegar and tomatoes can leach copper into your meal over time, which can be harmful to ingest. For this reason, copper cookware is usually lined with another metal, such as tin, stainless steel, or nickel. Tin is inert and non-stick but has a low melting point, so it should never be preheated while empty. Stainless steel is durable but prone to food sticking to it.

Copper cookware is expensive and requires a lot of upkeep if you want to maintain its bright, shiny finish. It is best suited for delicate proteins like fish and seafood, as well as sauces, caramel, and chocolate. Copper heats quickly and evenly but loses heat just as fast, so it is very responsive. When deciding whether to invest in copper cookware, consider whether you value aesthetics and unique properties over cost and ease of maintenance.

Frequently asked questions