The Ultimate Pots And Pans Buying Guide

Pots and pans are essential for any kitchen, but with so many options available, it can be challenging to decide which ones to buy. Here's a guide to help you choose the best pots and pans for your needs.

First, consider your cooking needs and how much storage space you have. If you cook a variety of dishes and have ample storage, a complete cookware set may be ideal. On the other hand, if you have limited space or prefer to buy individual pieces, open stock pots and pans may be a better option.

Next, think about the type of cookware material that suits your cooking style. Stainless steel is durable, easy to care for, and perfect for browning and braising. Nonstick cookware is excellent for scrambled eggs, pancakes, and delicate foods as it prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier. Cast iron is perfect for searing and frying, while carbon steel is a favourite in professional kitchens due to its durability and efficiency. Copper provides quick and even cooking but is more expensive and requires extra care.

When choosing a cookware set, consider the number of pieces and their versatility. Look for a set that includes a variety of pot and pan sizes to suit your cooking needs. Also, check if the set is induction compatible if you have an induction cooktop.

Finally, consider your budget. Cookware sets can range from budget-friendly to high-end, so determine how much you are willing to spend. Remember, you don't always have to spend a lot to get top-performing cookware.

Stainless steel vs non-stick

When it comes to choosing the best pots and pans, it's important to consider your needs and preferences. Two of the most common types of cookware materials are stainless steel and non-stick. Here's a detailed comparison between the two to help you decide which one is best for you:

Stainless Steel vs. Non-Stick:

Performance:

• Stainless steel is known for its exceptional heat conduction and durability. It can handle various cooking techniques such as searing, braising, boiling, and sautéing. Stainless steel is also compatible with all types of cooktops, including induction.
• Non-stick cookware, on the other hand, is designed for convenience. Its slick coating prevents food from sticking, making it easy to cook and clean. However, non-stick cookware needs to be replaced every few years as the coating wears down.

Health and Safety:

• There have been concerns about the chemicals used in non-stick coatings, such as PTFE (Teflon) and PFOA. While PFOA is no longer used in manufacturing since 2013, overheating non-stick pans can release other potentially toxic chemicals.
• Stainless steel, when properly maintained, is generally considered safe. Look for stainless steel cookware with at least 16% chromium, which is safe for food preparation according to the American National Standards Institute (ANSI).

Durability:

• Stainless steel cookware is highly durable and can last a lifetime with proper care.
• Non-stick cookware, due to its coating, typically needs to be replaced every three to five years.

Ease of Cleaning:

• Non-stick cookware is much easier to clean as food residue washes off easily.
• Stainless steel may require more elbow grease to remove burnt-on food, but proper techniques and cleaning products can minimize this effort.

Price:

• Stainless steel cookware is usually more expensive than non-stick.
• Non-stick cookware offers a more affordable option, but keep in mind that it may need to be replaced more frequently.

Best Uses:

• Stainless steel is ideal for searing, browning, and cooking acidic foods. It produces the desired browning effect (Maillard reaction) and is oven-safe at higher temperatures.
• Non-stick cookware is perfect for delicate foods like eggs, pancakes, and flaky fish. It allows for easy release and manipulation of food.

In conclusion, both stainless steel and non-stick cookware have their advantages and disadvantages. The best approach is to have a mix of both in your kitchen. Invest in a high-quality set of stainless steel cookware as your workhorse, and supplement it with a few non-stick pans for specific tasks. This combination will ensure you're well-equipped to handle a variety of cooking techniques and recipes.

Ceramic vs traditional non-stick

When it comes to choosing between ceramic and traditional non-stick cookware, there are several factors to consider, including health, durability, performance, and cost. Here is a detailed comparison to help you decide which option is best for your kitchen:

Health and Environmental Impact:

Ceramic cookware is often marketed as a healthier and more eco-friendly alternative to traditional non-stick options. Ceramic cookware does not contain PFOS, PFOA, or PTFE, which are potentially harmful chemicals. The absence of these chemicals makes ceramic a safer and more environmentally friendly choice. On the other hand, traditional non-stick coatings, such as Teflon, have been associated with health and environmental concerns due to the potential release of harmful fumes when heated above 500 degrees Fahrenheit.

Durability and Lifespan:

Ceramic cookware is known for its durability and longevity. With proper care, ceramic pots and pans can last for many years. The hard-anodized surface of ceramic cookware resists scratches and chips, and it can handle higher temperatures than non-stick pans. However, ceramic-coated non-stick tends to lose its stick-resistant qualities faster than traditional non-stick surfaces. On the other hand, non-stick cookware is more affordable and offers comparable durability. While non-stick coatings may degrade over time, proper care can extend their lifespan.

Cooking Performance:

Both ceramic and non-stick cookware offer unique benefits depending on the task at hand. Ceramic cookware is an excellent choice for boiling water and cooking pasta, as it conducts heat quickly and evenly, and retains heat well. It is also suitable for searing steak and baking casseroles at high temperatures. Non-stick cookware, on the other hand, excels at frying delicate foods like eggs and grilled cheese sandwiches. The smooth surface of non-stick pans prevents sticking, resulting in crispy edges without the need for extra butter or oil. Non-stick cookware is also ideal for cooking rice, as it ensures the rice doesn't stick or burn.

Cost:

Ceramic cookware often comes with a higher price tag compared to regular non-stick options. While the upfront cost may be higher, it's important to consider the long-term costs associated with each type of cookware. Ceramic-coated cookware may require more frequent replacements due to the potential for quicker loss of non-stick properties. Non-stick cookware, on the other hand, is usually less expensive and may offer longer-lasting non-stick performance, making it a more budget-friendly option.

In conclusion, both ceramic and traditional non-stick cookware have their advantages and disadvantages. Ceramic cookware is a healthier and more eco-friendly option, with superior durability and heat retention. However, it may be more expensive and require more frequent replacements. Non-stick cookware, on the other hand, offers convenience, ease of cleaning, and affordability. The choice between the two ultimately depends on your specific needs, preferences, and budget.

Budget vs premium

When it comes to choosing the best pots and pans, there are a few things to consider. Firstly, it's important to think about your cooking style and the types of food you like to cook. For example, if you frequently sear meat, a cast-iron skillet might be the best option, while non-stick frying pans are ideal for delicate foods like fish or eggs. Stainless steel is a versatile option that can be used for almost anything, but it can be tough to clean.

Another factor to consider is your cooktop. Flat-bottomed pans are essential for a smooth-top range, while cookware with magnetic properties is necessary for an induction cooktop. If you have a gas range, you have more flexibility, but good contact between the pan and the burners is still important.

When choosing between a budget and premium option, there are a few key differences to keep in mind. Budget-friendly sets can often perform just as well as their more expensive counterparts, but they may not have the same level of durability. Premium options, on the other hand, tend to be made with higher-quality materials and may offer more features, like induction compatibility or oven-safe temperatures up to 500° F.

Additionally, it's worth considering the number of pieces in a set. While a larger set may seem like a better deal, it's important to evaluate whether you will actually use all of the pieces. Manufacturers sometimes count lids and utensils as part of the piece count, so be sure to check what's included before making a purchase.

Ultimately, the best pots and pans for you will depend on your individual needs and preferences. Taking the time to evaluate your cooking style, cooktop compatibility, and the features that are most important to you will help you make an informed decision and build the perfect culinary collection.

Material reactivity

When it comes to cookware, the material of your pots and pans matters more than you might think. The reactivity of your cookware can affect the flavour, appearance, and safety of your food.

Reactive Cookware

Reactive cookware undergoes a chemical change when it interacts with certain substances, typically highly acidic or alkaline ingredients like citrus, vinegar, wine, or tomatoes. Reactive materials include unfinished cast iron, aluminium, and copper.

Aluminium is the second-best heat conductor after copper, but it reacts with acidic foods, imparting a metallic taste, and can discolour light-coloured foods. Anodized aluminium has a hard, corrosion-resistant surface that helps prevent this discolouration. Copper pots and pans are usually lined with tin to prevent a reaction, but tin scratches easily, exposing the copper underneath.

Non-Reactive Cookware

Non-reactive cookware provides a neutral cooking surface and is suitable for pretty much any ingredient. Common non-reactive materials include ceramics, enamel (as long as it's not scratched or chipped), glass, plastic, and stainless steel.

Stainless steel is the most common non-reactive cookware. It is durable and offers rapid, uniform heat conductivity, but it doesn't conduct or retain heat well, so it often has a core or base of aluminium. Stainless steel is easy to clean and is safe for the dishwasher, oven, and broiler. However, food can stick to stainless steel, making it difficult to clean, and it tends to be more expensive.

Enamel-coated cast iron is also non-reactive and non-stick. It is perfect for searing and slow cooking, but natural cast iron must be "seasoned" to prevent rust and create a non-stick surface. Enameled cast iron is more expensive than natural cast iron, but it comes in a variety of colours that can add a splash of colour to your kitchen.

When to Use Reactive vs. Non-Reactive Cookware

You don't always need to worry about having a non-reactive pan, but there are some situations where it's crucial. If you're making a slow-cooked, tomato-based dish, or anything containing citrus, vinegar, wine, or other alcohol, you'll want to reach for a non-reactive pan.

On the other hand, reactive cookware has its place in the kitchen, too. For example, cast iron is great for searing and cooking food at high heat. Just be aware of the potential risks and reach for non-reactive cookware when cooking acidic or alkaline dishes.

Induction compatibility

Induction cooktops use magnets to generate heat, and while they can be intimidating to home cooks, most of your existing pots and pans will work with an induction appliance.

To check if your cookware is induction-compatible, use a magnet to see if it sticks to the bottom of the pan. If it does, it's compatible.

Induction-compatible cookware is typically made from cast iron, carbon steel, or stainless steel. However, some aluminium or ceramic cookware may also be compatible if it has a magnetic metal plate bonded to its base.

• Best Stainless Steel Cookware Set for Induction: All-Clad D3 Stainless Everyday, 10-Piece Pots and Pans Cookware Set. This set offers a good range of sizes, is durable, and performs well. It has flared edges and comfortable handles, but the lid handles can get hot.
• Best Ceramic Nonstick Cookware Set for Induction: GreenPan Valencia Pro Ceramic Nonstick 11-Piece Cookware Set. This set is durable, induction-compatible, and comes with all the daily essentials. However, the edges may show some wear over the years.
• Best Hybrid Cookware Set for Induction: HexClad Hybrid Perfect Pots & Pans Set (12-piece). This set is suitable for high-temperature cooking and is oven-safe, dishwasher-safe, and metal-utensil-safe. However, it is quite heavy and bulky, and frequent staining may occur after high-temperature cooking.
• Best Traditional Nonstick Cookware Set for Induction: All-Clad HA1 Hard-Anodized Nonstick 10-Piece Set. This set includes everything you need to cook a great meal.
• Best Value Cookware Set for Induction: Cuisinart MCP-12N Stainless Steel 12-Piece Cookware Set. This set offers incredible performance at a great value. It includes all the essentials for cooking a meal, with comfortable handles and a well-balanced design.
• Best Upgrade Cookware Set for Induction: Hestan NanoBond Titanium Ultimate Set, 10-Piece. This set offers exceptional performance and ease of use, with even heating and excellent durability. It is also very expensive.

Other factors to consider when choosing induction-compatible cookware include the size of the pans, whether you prefer a single pan or a set, your budget, and how easy the cookware is to clean.

Frequently asked questions