Best Pots And Pans: Ultimate Durability

Pots and pans are made from a variety of materials, each with its own pros and cons. The most durable option depends on your needs and preferences. Here is an introduction to some of the most common materials used for pots and pans, including information on their durability:

- Stainless steel is a popular choice for pots and pans as it is durable, attractive, and non-reactive. It is created by adding chromium and nickel to steel, making it highly anti-corrosive. However, stainless steel is a poor heat conductor, so it is often bonded with other metals like copper or aluminum to improve heat distribution.

- Copper is an excellent heat conductor, making it a favourite among professional chefs. It heats up quickly, cools down fast, and provides maximum control over the application of heat. However, copper is expensive and requires special care as it can react with acidic foods.

- Aluminum is the second-best heat conductor after copper. It is inexpensive, lightweight, and responsive. However, natural aluminum can react with acidic foods, so it is often lined with a non-stick coating or clad with stainless steel.

- Carbon steel is durable and responsive but is usually reserved for specialty pans like skillets or woks as it can rust if not seasoned properly.

- Cast iron is a poor heat conductor but is highly durable and self-regulating, making it ideal for Dutch ovens, fry pans, and grill pans. It is available in natural or enamel-coated forms, with the latter being low-maintenance but more expensive.

- Clay and stoneware are traditional materials that are practical, durable, and produce excellent cooking results. They are non-reactive, easy to clean, and can be used in the oven, freezer, and dishwasher. However, they require special care to prevent cracks.

- Non-stick coatings, such as PTFE (Teflon) and ceramic, are popular for their ease of cleaning and healthy cooking. However, they require special care to maintain their non-stick properties and are not as long-lasting as traditional materials.

Stainless steel

When choosing a stainless steel cookware set, it's important to consider the number of pieces included, the types of pots and pans offered, the construction and cladding of the pieces, and the ease of cleaning. Here are some options for stainless steel cookware sets that offer a range of features and benefits:

Tramontina Tri-Ply Clad 10-Piece Set

• Offers great performance for searing and browning
• Durable and well-built
• Some users may find the pots unbalanced due to the weight being centered in the middle
• Not the easiest set to stack
• Priced at $230

Cuisinart Chef's Classic Stainless Steel 7-Piece Cookware Set

• Heats up quickly and evenly
• Great comprehensive set for beginners
• Not ideal for high heat
• Priced at $110

All-Clad D5 Stainless Brushed 5-Ply Bonded Cookware Set

• High-quality construction
• Extremely even cooking with minimal sticking
• Capacity etched onto pots and pans
• Will last for decades
• Handles might be uncomfortable for some users
• Priced at $800

Made In 10-Piece Stainless Set

• Very well-balanced cookware
• Pans are oven-safe at higher temperatures than other brands
• Excellent assortment of pieces included
• Does not include a non-stick pan
• Priced at $779

Calphalon Stainless Steel Cookware Set

• Securely riveted handles
• Fill lines in the pans are helpful
• Lids made from tempered glass
• Straining holes may cause quicker evaporation
• Priced at $200

Le Creuset Stainless Steel Cookware Set

• Offers thorough cooking with no hot spots
• Very reactive to changes in temperature
• Only comes with a 10-inch fry pan
• Does not include storage accessories
• Priced at $830

Cast iron

However, cast iron pans are poor conductors of heat and heat unevenly if the stovetop burner is significantly smaller than the pan. They are also quite heavy, which can make them slightly awkward to maneuver. The handles of cast iron pans can also get very hot, so always use oven mitts or pot holders when handling them.

Carbon steel

Durability and Construction:

Performance:

Maintenance:

Best Carbon Steel Pans:

When choosing a carbon steel pan, consider your budget, the pan's weight and handle design, and whether it comes pre-seasoned or not. Here are some top picks:

• Merten & Storck Carbon Steel Pan: This pan offers a supremely non-stick factory seasoning, resulting in food gliding off easily. It is on the heavier side but provides a large cooking surface.
• OXO Carbon Steel Obsidian Pan: A lightweight, super non-stick, and affordable option. It comes pre-seasoned and is easy to clean, making it a great choice for those new to carbon steel.
• De Buyer Carbon Steel Pan: This pan is from a French company with 200 years of experience. It offers superior construction and a lifetime guarantee. While it requires initial seasoning, it will develop a great non-stick surface over time.
• BK Pre-Seasoned Carbon Steel Pan: If you're solely focused on searing, this pan offers a deep and even heat. However, it may not be ideal for baking.

Copper

However, copper has some drawbacks. It is a soft metal that can be easily damaged and is reactive, meaning it can leach into food and affect its taste and colour. For this reason, copper cookware must be lined with a non-reactive metal such as tin or stainless steel. Tin is traditionally used as it is non-stick and highly responsive, but it eventually wears out and needs to be replaced. Stainless steel is more durable but can compromise copper's responsiveness and is less non-stick.

Aluminium

Benefits of Aluminium Cookware

Drawbacks of Aluminium Cookware

While aluminium is a great choice for many cooking tasks, it's not perfect for everything. One potential drawback is that aluminium can be reactive to acidic foods, which means it might not be the best choice for dishes with tomatoes or other acidic ingredients. Additionally, while aluminium heats up quickly, it might not retain heat as well as heavier materials like cast iron. So, if you're looking for cookware that will stay hot for a long time, aluminium might not be the best option.

Caring for Aluminium Cookware

To care for your aluminium pots and pans, it's important to wash them by hand with hot water and soap after each use. While some aluminium cookware is dishwasher-safe, hand washing is generally recommended to preserve the coating and prevent discolouration. It's also important to avoid using metal utensils with aluminium cookware, as they can scratch the surface. Instead, opt for wooden or silicone utensils.

Where to Buy Aluminium Cookware

Frequently asked questions