The Ultimate Guide To Choosing The Perfect Cookware Set

Choosing the right cookware set can be a daunting task, especially with the innumerable amount of cookware brands and types available. Here's a guide to help you select the best cookware set for your needs and preferences.

First, consider your budget. Cookware sets can range from a few hundred to a thousand dollars or more. Decide on an amount you're comfortable spending, and then look for sets that fall within that range. Keep in mind that you don't have to spend a fortune to get good-quality cookware.

Next, think about the types of meals you cook often. Different types of cookware are better suited for certain dishes. For example, if you frequently braise meats and stews, a Dutch oven is a must-have. If you're a fan of soups, a large stock pot is ideal. For stir-fried vegetables, a stainless-steel fry pan with an impact-bonded aluminum base is a great choice.

The material of the cookware set is another crucial factor. Common materials include stainless steel, cast iron, aluminum, and copper, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. Stainless steel is durable, easy to care for, and non-reactive, but it may not be the best heat conductor. Cast iron is excellent for even heat distribution and can be used on various cooktops, but it requires proper cleaning and seasoning to avoid rusting. Aluminum is a great heat conductor but tends to warp and scratch easily. Copper provides excellent heat control and is easy to clean, but it's expensive and requires careful maintenance.

When choosing a cookware set, also consider the number of pieces included. A set with more pieces might not always be the best choice, as you may end up with items you rarely use. Instead, opt for a set that includes the essential pieces you need for your cooking style, such as skillets, pots, stockpots, and lids.

Additionally, pay attention to the construction and design of the cookware. Look for heavy-gauge materials with thick bottoms, as they conduct heat evenly and prevent food from scorching. Check the handles to ensure they are well-constructed and heatproof. Metal handles with removable plastic or rubber heat guards offer the most versatility. Glass lids can be convenient for monitoring the cooking progress without lifting the lid, but they add weight and can break.

Finally, consider your cooktop. Flat-bottomed pans that don't warp are essential for smoothtop ranges, while gas ranges are more forgiving. For induction cooktops, choose cookware with magnetic properties, such as stainless steel or cast iron.

Non-stick vs traditional

Non-stick cookware is easy to use and clean, thanks to its slick coating, which helps to keep food from sticking. It is also healthier as it requires less oil than traditional cookware. However, certain scientists, environmentalists, and consumer advocacy groups have concerns about the chemicals used to make the non-stick coatings, such as PTFE (most commonly known as Teflon). The chemical of most concern is PFOA, which can be toxic if the pan is overheated.

Traditional cookware is made from materials such as stainless steel, copper, or cast iron. Stainless steel is durable, rust-resistant, and non-reactive to acidic foods. It is also easy to clean and safe, as no toxic chemicals can leach into food. However, it can be more expensive and requires regular maintenance to keep it looking good. Cast iron is another popular choice as it is strong, distributes heat evenly, and is oven-safe. However, it requires regular maintenance to keep its non-stick surface and can react with high-acidity foods.

Overall, non-stick cookware is a good choice for those who want easy-to-use and easy-to-clean pots and pans. Traditional cookware is a better option for those concerned about the chemicals used in non-stick coatings or who want more durable and oven-safe cookware.

Stainless steel

Choosing the Right Stainless Steel Cookware

When buying stainless steel cookware, look for a grade of 18/10 or higher, indicating the percentage of chromium and nickel, respectively. This ensures durability and resistance to corrosion. Additionally, look for cookware with 3, 5, or 7 layers of coating, which will improve heat retention and distribution. Heavier cookware is generally better, as it indicates higher construction quality and provides a firmer grip. Choose cookware with handles that stay cool during cooking and are ergonomically designed for easy handling. Finally, consider the number and variety of pieces included in the set to ensure they meet your cooking needs.

Cooking with Stainless Steel

To prevent food from sticking to your stainless steel cookware, preheat the pan and add a thin layer of cooking oil. You can test if the pan is ready by adding a drop of water; if it makes a "TSS" sound and evaporates, the pan is hot enough. Avoid cooking cold ingredients, as they are more likely to stick. Instead, bring them to room temperature before adding them to the pan.

Caring for Your Stainless Steel Cookware

While most stainless steel cookware is dishwasher-safe, it is recommended to hand wash them with a soft sponge and mild detergent to prolong their lifespan and maintain their quality. Avoid using steel wool or abrasive sponges, as they can scratch the surface. To remove burnt-on food or stains, boil a mixture of water and vinegar in the pan, then scrub gently with a soft sponge. Always allow your cookware to cool down before cleaning and drying to prevent warping or cracking.

Benefits of Stainless Steel Cookware

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Relying on the dishwasher to clean your stainless steel cookware
• Cleaning the cookware before it has cooled down
• Adding salt to cold water, which can pit the surface of the pan
• Neglecting to remove calcium build-up, which can encourage bacteria growth
• Overheating the pan, which can cause rainbow stains
• Not drying your pan after washing, leading to water spots
• Using steel wool or abrasive cleaners, which can scratch the surface

Aluminium

However, aluminium does have some drawbacks. It is a relatively soft metal, which means it is more prone to warping under high heat. It is also highly reactive, especially with acidic foods, and can leach into food. This can cause an unpleasant taste and, potentially, adverse health effects.

To combat these issues, many manufacturers use a process called anodization to create a thicker layer of aluminium oxide, a non-reactive substance, on the surface of the aluminium. This makes the cookware tougher, less likely to warp, and more resistant to scratching and corrosion. It also reduces the leaching of aluminium into food. Anodized aluminium is still lightweight and affordable, but it is more durable and can be used over higher heats, making it a good choice for those looking for a more long-lasting option.

When it comes to cleaning, aluminium cookware should be washed gently by hand with warm water and a mild detergent. Avoid using harsh chemicals or putting it in the dishwasher, as this can damage the surface.

In summary, aluminium is a good choice for cookware if you are on a budget, but anodized aluminium is a better option if you can stretch your budget a little further. It is more durable, safer, and easier to clean, making it a good investment for your kitchen.

Copper

When choosing a copper cookware set, consider the following:

• Number of pieces: A good set should include at least seven to eight pieces, including various sizes of skillets, saucepans, sauté pans, and stockpots, to cater to different cooking needs.
• Materials: Most copper cookware is lined with stainless steel or tin to prevent copper from leaching into food. Stainless steel is durable but prone to sticking, while tin is less sticky but more prone to scratching and has lower heat resistance. Some sets also have an aluminium core for better heat distribution.
• Thickness: For durability and optimal reactivity, look for copper skillets and sauté pans with walls that are 2.5 to 3 millimetres thick. Thinner pans are less durable, while thicker ones may be less responsive to heat adjustments.
• Handles: Copper handles get very hot, so look for long handles that are easy to grip away from the pan. Also, consider the weight of the pans and choose handles that provide a comfortable and secure grip.
• Oven safety: Most copper cookware sets are oven-safe, but pay attention to the temperature limits, as they vary among sets. Stainless steel-lined copper can handle higher temperatures than tin-lined pots.
• Design and special features: Consider the design of the cookware and choose a style that appeals to you and fits your kitchen's aesthetic. Special features like lid shape, handle design, and textural elements can also influence your decision.
• Williams Sonoma Thermo-Clad Copper 10-Piece Cookware Set: This set offers excellent performance and heat distribution. It includes a range of pan sizes and has attractive, classic profiles. However, the handles on some pieces are heavy and may be difficult for those with limited mobility to manoeuvre.
• Hestan CopperBond 10-Piece Cookware Set: This set has a copper core surrounded by aluminium and a stainless steel cooking surface, providing the benefits of all three metals. The pieces have curved lips for easy pouring, but the handles on the fry pans and sauté pan are slightly awkward to use.
• Cuisinart Copper Collection Tri-Ply Cookware 8-Piece Set: This set offers excellent value for money, with a price of around $300. The pans have a thickness of 2.8 millimetres, providing good reactivity, and the set performed well in terms of heating and cooling speed. However, the skillets have some hot spots, and the stockpot is on the smaller side.
• Mauviel Copper M'200 CI 10-Piece Cookware Set: This set is a true splurge, with a price tag of $2,000. It is made entirely of copper and stainless steel, with cast iron handles that stay cooler for longer. The pans are well-balanced and perform well in browning and searing. However, the stockpot is small, and the set is more challenging to clean due to the rivets.
• Viking 4-Ply Contemporary 9-Piece Copper Cookware Set: This set is suitable for everyday use and is induction-friendly. It heats up quickly but retains heat for longer, making it ideal for cooks who want more control over temperature changes. The skillets sear food nicely and are easy to clean, but the handles are designed at an extreme angle, making the pans a bit clumsy to hold.

Cast iron

• Maintenance and Seasoning: Cast iron skillets are often pre-seasoned, but it is recommended to add a few more layers of seasoning for better non-stick properties. To season a new cast iron skillet, wash and dry the pan, then rub it with cooking oil (vegetable, canola, or corn oil are good choices) inside and out. Heat the oiled pan in an oven at 450°F for 30 minutes. Repeat this process three to four times to build up a good initial layer of seasoning. After that, simply using the pan will help maintain the seasoning.
• Choosing a Cast Iron Skillet: Most cast iron skillets perform similarly, but some factors can affect their ease of use. Look for skillets with comfortable handles and a large helper handle for secure grip and manoeuvrability. A functional pour spout or lip is also important to prevent dribbling when pouring hot oil or grease. While some high-end skillets offer a smoother cooking surface and lighter weight, they may not provide significantly better performance than more affordable options.
• Using Your Cast Iron Skillet: Cast iron skillets are ideal for searing steaks, roasting chicken, frying eggs, and baking cornbread. They excel at retaining heat, which is beneficial for searing and high-temperature cooking. However, cast iron may not distribute heat evenly, so you may need to move your food around for even browning. Cast iron skillets are safe to use at high temperatures and can go under the broiler, making them a good alternative to non-stick cookware.
• Cleaning and Care: Contrary to popular belief, you can wash your cast iron skillet with mild dish soap and hot water. To remove stubborn food residue, pour hot water into the skillet while it's still hot and let it bubble for a minute before washing. Ensure that you dry the pan completely after washing to prevent rust spots and damage to the seasoning. Apply a thin layer of neutral oil after drying to preserve the seasoning.
• Recommended Brands: Lodge is a popular and reputable brand for cast iron skillets, offering both classic and lightweight options. Their skillets are affordable, well-seasoned, and made in the USA. Victoria cast iron skillets are also recommended for their smooth surface, wide pour spouts, and comfortable handle. Le Creuset offers a cast iron skillet with a matte black enamel coating that eliminates the need for seasoning and special care.

Frequently asked questions