Healthy Cooking, Happy Cookware: The Benefits Of Non-Stick Cookware Sets

Cooking healthy meals is important, but what about the cookware you're using? Non-stick cookware is a great option for healthier cooking, as it requires less oil and is easier to clean. However, it's important to choose the right type of non-stick cookware to ensure it's truly healthy and non-toxic.

Traditional non-stick cookware is often made with PTFE (Teflon), which can release harmful chemicals when heated to high temperatures. These chemicals have been linked to various health issues, including cancer and thyroid disease. Therefore, it's best to opt for ceramic non-stick cookware, which is free from PFAS, PFOA, and other harmful chemicals.

When choosing a healthy non-stick cookware set, look for options made from stainless steel, cast iron, or ceramic-coated materials. Stainless steel is durable and versatile, while cast iron offers excellent heat retention. Ceramic-coated cookware provides a safe non-stick alternative to traditional non-stick options, but it may not last as long.

Additionally, consider the weight of the cookware, as heavier pots and pans can be more challenging to handle. Look for long, thick, or wide handles that stay cool during cooking and are comfortable to grip. Also, check if the cookware is dishwasher-safe and oven-safe, as this can affect your cleaning and cooking options.

Some recommended healthy non-stick cookware sets include the Caraway Cookware Set, GreenPan Valencia Pro Set, and Lodge Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Set. These sets offer a combination of performance, durability, and ease of use, ensuring your cooking experience is not only healthy but also convenient and enjoyable.

Stainless steel

When purchasing a stainless steel cookware set, consider the following:

• Material: Look for food-grade stainless steel that is induction compatible and oven-safe.
• Number of layers: Stainless steel cookware is often marketed as tri-ply or five-ply, indicating the number of layers of metal that make up the pot or pan. More layers are thought to be more durable but also make the cookware heavier.
• Included pots and pans: Look for a set that includes a variety of pot and pan sizes that suit your cooking needs. Essential pieces include a fry pan, saucepan, saute pan, and stockpot.
• Handles: Opt for longer, thicker, or wider handles that are comfortable to hold and stay cool during cooking. Stainless steel handles are more durable and oven-safe compared to plastic handles.
• Lids: Consider whether you prefer stainless steel or tempered glass lids. Stainless steel lids are more durable but do not allow you to see inside the pot or pan during cooking.
• Tramontina Tri-Ply Clad 8-Piece or 10-Piece Set: Offers excellent heat distribution and durability at a reasonable price.
• All-Clad D3 or D5 Tri-Ply Stainless Steel 10-Piece Set: Top-tested All-Clad cookware set with excellent performance and easy-to-maneuver handles.
• Cuisinart MultiClad Pro Tri-Ply 12-piece Cookware Set: Includes a stainless steel steamer basket and performs well in heat distribution tests.
• Made In Starter Stainless Steel 6-Piece Cookware Kit: Features five layers of stainless steel and aluminum for even heating and durability. Includes a non-stick skillet.
• Hestan Nanobond Stainless Steel 10-Piece Cookware Set: Easy-to-clean stainless steel cookware infused with titanium for added strength and non-stick properties.

Cast iron

One of the benefits of cast iron cookware is its ability to retain heat, which makes it ideal for searing steaks and maintaining a constant temperature for deep-frying. It can also be used as bakeware for dishes like cornbread. Cast iron skillets are a popular choice for this type of cookware due to their durability and heat retention. These skillets come in various sizes, ranging from 3.5 to 15 inches, and some include features like silicone handle covers for added comfort and safety. Cast iron Dutch ovens are another popular option, perfect for braising, baking bread, and making soup stocks. They come in different shapes and sizes, including round and oval, and some have legs for use over open flames.

When purchasing cast iron cookware, you have the option of choosing between enameled and uncoated varieties. Enameled cast iron has a glass enamel coating, which makes it resistant to staining and dulling. It can be used with any type of food, including acidic options, and is generally easier to clean. However, the coating can crack or chip over time. On the other hand, uncoated cast iron may come pre-seasoned and ready to use, or it may require seasoning before use. Proper cleaning and maintenance are crucial for uncoated cast iron to prevent rusting and ensure a smooth, non-stick surface.

Carbon steel

One of the key benefits of carbon steel is its non-stick properties when seasoned. Seasoning carbon steel cookware creates a protective barrier, making it rust-resistant and non-stick. While some carbon steel products come pre-seasoned, others require seasoning before use. This process involves removing any protective coating, such as beeswax, and then coating the pan with oil and heating it in the oven or on the stovetop.

• Imperial Home 7-piece Carbon Steel Nonstick Cookware Set: This set includes a 3-quart Dutch oven, 1.6-quart saucepan, 1.2-quart saucepan with matching lids, and a 9-inch frying pan. It features plastic handles, quick and even heating, and dishwasher-safe convenience.
• 7-piece Carbon Steel Nonstick Cookware Set: This set includes a 3-quart Dutch oven, 1.7-quart saucepan, 1.2-quart saucepan, and a 9-inch frying pan with lids. It offers quick and even heating, lightweight versatility, and dishwasher-safe convenience.

When choosing a carbon steel cookware set, consider factors such as pre-seasoning, handle design and comfort, heating performance, and ease of cleaning. Additionally, ensure that the set suits your specific cooking needs and preferences.

Ceramic-coated

Ceramic cookware is a type of non-stick cookware that is made with a different set of water- and grease-repelling materials than traditional non-stick cookware. It is typically made of metal that has been glazed with a ceramic non-stick coating. The ceramic coating offers an easy-to-clean surface, while the metal base offers excellent heat conduction capabilities.

Caraway Ceramic Cookware Set

This set includes a pan rack, lid holder, and comes in an array of beautiful colours. The pans are made from aluminium with ceramic-coated interiors and feature riveted stainless-steel handles. They are oven-safe up to 550 degrees Fahrenheit and will work with every cooktop, including induction. The set includes a 10.5-inch frying pan, 3-quart saucepan, 4.5-quart saucepan, and a 6.5-quart Dutch oven, plus a handy lid storage organiser.

OXO Ceramic Professional Non-Stick Cookware Set

This 10-piece set includes two skillets, two saucepans, a high-sided sauté pan, and a 5.2-quart casserole pot. Each piece is made with an anodized aluminium core and a black ceramic-coated interior, and stylish stainless-steel handles. The set is oven-safe up to 600 degrees Fahrenheit and is induction-ready and dishwasher-safe.

Bialetti Ceramic Pro 10-Piece Non-Stick Cookware Set

This set includes an 8-inch and 10-inch sauté pan, 1.5-quart and 3-quart saucepans with lids, a 3-quart deep sauté pan with lid, and a 6-quart Dutch oven. The non-stick surface is unique as the brand uses a "Micro Divot surface" that allows for even heat distribution. The set is oven-safe up to 400 degrees Fahrenheit, but it is not induction-compatible.

GreenLife Stainless Pro 10-Piece Cookware Set

This set includes 7-inch and 9-inch frying pans, a 2.5-quart sauté pan with lid, a 2-quart saucepan with lid, a 5-quart stock pot with lid, and four bamboo utensils. The set is oven-safe up to 600 degrees Fahrenheit and is induction-compatible and dishwasher-safe.

GreenPan GP5 Stainless Steel 10-Piece Cookware Set

This set includes 8-inch and 10-inch frying pans, 2-quart and 3-quart saucepans, a 3-quart sauté pan, a 5-quart stock pot, and three pan protectors. The set is oven-safe up to 600 degrees Fahrenheit and is induction-compatible and dishwasher-safe.

Solid ceramic

• Xtrema® Cookware Set: This American-made, environmentally-friendly cookware is FDA-approved and meets California Prop 65 standards, meaning it is certified free from over 800 problematic compounds. While it conducts heat poorly and won't work on induction stoves, it retains heat well, helping food to cook evenly. It is also easy to clean and safe for the dishwasher, oven, stovetops, fridge, and freezer.
• CorningWare® Cookware Set: CorningWare is easy to clean, non-reactive to acidic foods, and can be used for cooking, serving, and storing food. The original Corning Ware is no longer in production, but you can find vintage sets at yard sales or opt for the StoveTop Pyroceram 4-piece Casserole Set, which is suitable for stovetops.
• Emile Henry Cookware Set: This stylish, high-quality ceramic cookware from France could last a lifetime. It is highly resistant to scratching and is ideal for more acidic foods. The Emile Henry Flame range offers a fantastic alternative to classic CorningWare, with pieces that are stovetop-compatible, dishwasher-safe, and microwave-safe. However, not all pieces are suitable for induction cooktops or hot plates.

While solid ceramic cookware offers some benefits, there are also some drawbacks. It is generally more expensive and harder to find than ceramic-coated options. Additionally, solid ceramic cookware is not compatible with induction cooktops unless used with an induction disk.

Frequently asked questions