Gourmet Living: Elevating Your Culinary Experience With Premium Cookware

Gourmet Living offers a range of cookware sets, including stainless steel and ceramic options. The 10-piece stainless steel non-stick cookware set features glass lids, strong ergonomic bakelite handles, and is rated 4.15 out of 5 stars with over 4200 reviews. Meanwhile, the 14-piece Gourmet Collection Hard Anodized Cookware Set is constructed from heavy-gauge, hard anodized aluminum, and is suitable for gas, electric, and ceramic glass cooktops. This set has received positive reviews for its quality and ease of cleaning, with customers describing it as gourmet quality.

Ceramic vs. Metal Cookware

Durability

Ceramic cookware is not as durable as metal cookware. Even if you carefully source a well-made ceramic pan, your cookware is still likely to last only a couple of years. This is due to the nature of the silicon oxide coating, which naturally releases every time you heat up your pan. Once that coating has worn out, your pan will no longer be non-stick. The coating on a ceramic pot or pan tends to be more brittle than other types of coatings, which means it can be more susceptible to scratches and other forms of wear and tear. This applies to high-heat cooking, as well. Some ceramic pans are marketed as safe for high-heat cooking, but sustained use over high heat can actually cause the ceramic coating to break down more quickly.

Metal cookware, on the other hand, is generally more durable. Stainless steel pans, for example, are buy-it-for-life items. They are extremely durable and can last a lifetime with proper care.

Heat Distribution

Ceramic cookware offers more even heating than metal cookware. Ceramic-coated pans distribute heat very well, necessitating lower-than-usual heat settings to avoid over-browning food. Even on low heat, you can achieve perfectly cooked scrambled eggs and fried eggs that don't stick. Metal cookware, such as aluminium construction, is very responsive to heat changes but can be too effective, with pans tending to run hot. You'll need to carefully control your burner to avoid overcooking your food.

Ease of Cleaning

Ceramic cookware is generally easier to clean than metal cookware. The smooth non-stick finish of ceramic cookware makes for easier cleanup and requires less oil or cooking fat to keep things from sticking. You won't need to scour or soak your ceramic cookware to get it clean. Just give it a gentle scrub with dish soap and a soft sponge to remove any debris. Metal cookware, on the other hand, may require more effort to clean, especially if food is burned on.

Safety

Ceramic cookware is often marketed as a safer alternative to traditional non-stick cookware. The silicon oxide coating is always free of chemicals like PFOA and PTFE, which can break down when used with high heat, releasing gases and chemicals into the food. Metal cookware, such as aluminium, is not induction-compatible and can give food a metallic taste if it comes into contact with acidic ingredients.

Cookware Materials

There are many different materials used to make cookware, each with its own pros and cons. Here are some of the most common ones:

• Stainless Steel: Stainless steel is a common cookware material that is durable and long-lasting. It is often combined with other materials like aluminium or copper to improve heat conduction. Stainless steel is dishwasher, oven, and broiler safe. However, it is a poor heat conductor on its own and requires more effort to clean.
• Aluminium: Aluminium is a good heat conductor and is typically lightweight and affordable. It is commonly used as the base for non-stick cookware. Anodized aluminium is more durable and scratch-resistant but is more expensive.
• Copper: Copper is an excellent heat conductor and highly responsive, making it a favourite among professional chefs. However, it requires more care and is usually lined with a non-reactive metal like tin or stainless steel. Copper cookware is not compatible with induction cooktops.
• Cast Iron: Cast iron is durable, retains heat well, and can handle high temperatures. It is affordable but requires seasoning to prevent rusting and can be heavy. Enameled cast iron is easier to clean and better for cooking acidic foods but is more expensive.
• Carbon Steel: Carbon steel is similar to cast iron but lighter in weight. It requires seasoning and is not dishwasher-safe. It is ideal for high-heat cooking techniques like searing and stir-frying.
• Non-stick: Non-stick cookware is easy to clean and requires less oil. However, the coating can wear over time, and there are concerns about the potential release of toxic chemicals like PFAS if overheated.
• Ceramic: Ceramic cookware is made from clay and offers non-stick properties without the use of Teflon. It takes time to heat up and the non-stick quality can fade over time. It is relatively easy to clean but is not dishwasher-safe.

Cookware Maintenance

Stainless Steel

Stainless steel is easy to maintain. It doesn't corrode or scratch and is dishwasher-safe. To hand-wash, use hot water, dish soap, and a scouring pad or sponge. Avoid using scouring powder or steel wool, which may scratch surfaces and leave them prone to staining. Don't leave stainless steel to soak for long periods, as this may cause pitting.

Cast Iron

Cast iron needs to be seasoned before use to maintain a layer of oil on the surface, which gives it non-stick qualities and prevents rusting. Brush the pot, pan, or saucepan with oil, then pour in enough to cover the bottom. Heat in the oven at a low temperature for an hour, then let it cool. After it has cooled, wipe away any residue with a paper towel. After each use, wash with hot water and dishwashing liquid, and dry thoroughly to prevent rusting. If rust spots appear, scour with steel wool and a little vegetable oil.

Copper

Copper is highly reactive, so avoid cooking acidic foods in copper pots and pans. Always clean copper cookware by hand, using hot water, dish soap, and a non-stick sponge or soft brush. For stubborn stains, soak in hot, soapy water for 10 to 15 minutes, then rinse. To remove the brownish-black tarnish that occurs over time, dip half a lemon in kosher salt and scrub the surface. Wash with hot soapy water, then rinse. After cleaning, always dry copper thoroughly.

Aluminum

Aluminum is a reactive material, so avoid cooking acidic foods in aluminum pots and pans. Hand-wash with hot water, mild dish soap, and a non-scratch scrub sponge or pad. To reduce discoloration, combine water and white vinegar or lemon juice in your pot or pan, bring to a boil, let sit for up to 15 minutes, then pour out. Clean with hot water and dish soap, then rinse and dry.

Non-stick

To maintain the coating of non-stick pots and pans, avoid using metal utensils as they could scratch the surface. It's best to hand-wash non-stick cookware, as the high heat and strong detergents of a dishwasher may cause the surface to deteriorate. Clean with hot water, dish soap, and a soft sponge or cloth. For stubborn bits of food, use a mix of baking soda and water, or bring water and vinegar to a simmer, cook for up to 10 minutes, then cool. Wash and dry thoroughly. After drying, protect the surface with about a teaspoon of oil. If stacking non-stick pots and pans, place a paper towel or dry dish towel between the layers.

Cookware Safety

When shopping for cookware, safety is an important consideration. Here are some tips to ensure the cookware you choose is safe to use:

• Choose the right materials: Opt for materials like stainless steel, carbon steel, cast iron, or ceramic. These materials are generally safe and non-toxic, but be wary of non-stick coatings, which may contain harmful chemicals like PTFE or PFOA.
• Avoid less reputable brands: Purchase your cookware from well-known and trusted brands to reduce the risk of hazardous materials or poor construction.
• Check for reactivity: Some metals, like cast iron and copper, can react with acidic foods and leach into your food. Stainless steel, on the other hand, is non-reactive and safe to use.
• Avoid toxic coatings: In the past, some ceramic glazes contained lead. Nowadays, the concern is mostly around PFOA (perfluorooctanoic acid), which is sometimes found in non-stick coatings. Choose cookware that is PFOA-free to avoid potential health risks.
• Proper use and care: Always follow the manufacturer's instructions for use and care. For example, some cookware may not be oven-safe or dishwasher-safe. Using the wrong utensils can also damage your cookware, so opt for wooden or silicone utensils instead of metal ones.
• Induction compatibility: If you have an induction cooktop, ensure that your cookware is compatible. Not all materials will work on induction stovetops.
• Warranty and returns: Look for cookware with a good warranty and return policy. This will give you peace of mind and allow you to replace any defective items.

Cookware Functionality

The Gourmet Living 10-piece stainless steel cookware set is a versatile and functional addition to your kitchen. The set includes saucepans, a stock pot, and fry pans, all with a ceramic interior. The ceramic interior is PTFE and PFOA-free, ensuring healthy cooking. The cookware is also dishwasher-safe, making clean-up a breeze.

The fry pans have a ceramic interior, which provides a non-stick surface for easy cooking and cleaning. The stainless steel exterior of the saucepans and stock pot gives the set a sleek and modern look, while also being durable and long-lasting. The set is also induction-compatible, making it suitable for all cooktops.

The saucepans and stock pot come with tight-fitting lids, which help retain moisture, flavour, and nutrients in your dishes. The lids are made of tempered glass, allowing you to monitor the cooking process without lifting the lid. The ergonomic bakelite handles provide a secure and comfortable grip, making it easy to lift and manoeuvre the cookware.

The set offers a range of sizes, from a 1-quart saucepan for smaller tasks to a 5-quart stock pot for larger meals. The variety of sizes ensures you have the right tool for any cooking task, whether you're simmering a sauce or boiling pasta.

With its combination of functionality, durability, and ease of use, the Gourmet Living 10-piece stainless steel cookware set will be a valuable addition to your culinary arsenal.

Frequently asked questions