Pots And Pans: Key Features To Look For

When it comes to choosing the right pots and pans, it's important to consider your cooking needs, the materials used, and the features that will make your life easier. Here are some key things to look for:

- Mix of Shapes and Sizes: It's essential to have a variety of pots and pans in different shapes and sizes to cater to various cooking needs. This includes saucepans, frying pans, skillets, Dutch ovens, woks, and stockpots.

- Materials: Different materials suit different cooking styles. Stainless steel is durable, easy to care for, and provides even heating. Nonstick cookware is perfect for delicate foods and easy cleanup. Cast iron is versatile and retains heat well. Carbon steel is lightweight and efficient, often used for woks and pans designed for high-performance cooking. Copper provides quick and even heating but can be pricey.

- Compatibility with Cooktop: Ensure that your chosen pots and pans are compatible with your cooktop. Flat-bottomed pans are essential for smoothtop ranges, while cookware with magnetic properties is necessary for induction cooktops.

- Ease of Use: Look for features that make your cooking experience more convenient. This includes comfortable handles, stay-cool technology, tight-fitting lids, pouring lips on both sides, and scratch-resistant and dishwasher-safe coatings.

- Durability and Maintenance: Invest in high-quality pots and pans that will last a long time. Consider the maintenance required, such as seasoning for cast iron and carbon steel pans.

- Value for Money: Compare prices and features to find the best value for your budget. You don't always have to spend a lot to get top-performing cookware.

Material: stainless steel, non-stick, cast iron, carbon steel, copper, or aluminium

When choosing the material of your pots and pans, it's important to consider the types of food you frequently cook and the specific requirements of your cooktop. Here's a detailed breakdown of the most common materials used in cookware:

Stainless Steel

Stainless steel is a durable and attractive option often found in many pots and pans. It is created by adding chromium and nickel to steel, making it highly anti-corrosive. While stainless steel is a poor heat conductor on its own, it is often combined with other materials like copper or aluminum to improve heat distribution. This type of cookware is ideal for high-heat cooking and can last a long time if properly cared for. However, it may require more elbow grease to clean and is prone to hot spots.

Non-Stick

Non-stick cookware has a ceramic or synthetic coating that prevents food from sticking and makes cleanup easier. It is perfect for delicate foods that usually stick to the pan, such as eggs and pancakes, and requires less oil, making it a healthier option. However, non-stick coatings can wear over time, and there are concerns about the chemicals used in non-ceramic non-stick pans. These pans are best suited for low to medium heat and should be washed gently to prolong their lifespan.

Cast Iron

Cast iron is a classic and durable option that is excellent for searing, sautéing, browning, and frying. It heats slowly and evenly, retaining heat well, which makes it ideal for low and slow cooking. Cast iron cookware needs to be seasoned to avoid rusting and must be cleaned and maintained properly. It is heavy and can be challenging to clean, but with proper care, it can last a lifetime.

Carbon Steel

Carbon steel is a popular choice in professional kitchens due to its durability and efficiency. It is lighter than cast iron and can be used in a similar way, making it ideal for woks, omelet pans, and crepe pans. Carbon steel pans require seasoning to avoid rusting and should be hand-washed with mild soap and a soft brush. They are ideal for high-heat cooking and develop a natural non-stick surface over time.

Copper

Copper is an excellent heat conductor, providing quick and even heating with maximum control. It is highly responsive to temperature changes, making it a favorite among professional chefs. Copper cookware is usually lined with a non-reactive metal like tin or stainless steel to prevent reactions with food. However, copper is a precious metal, making it a pricey option, and it requires special care to maintain its luster. Copper is not compatible with induction cooktops.

Aluminium

Aluminium is a lightweight and responsive alternative to stainless steel. It is a good heat conductor and is often used as the base for non-stick cookware. Anodized aluminium has a hardened surface that makes it more durable and easier to clean. Aluminium cookware is generally affordable and compatible with most cooktops, except induction, unless it has a steel exterior. However, pure aluminium can react with acidic foods, so it is often lined or clad with another material.

Price: balance cost with durability

When it comes to pots and pans, cost, quality and material are the top priorities. While it's true that the more expensive options are usually of better quality, it's still possible to find great quality cookware at a reasonable price.

One of the most important things to consider when buying cookware is whether to buy a set or individual items. This depends on the cook. If you're not sure what you need in the kitchen, you might want to consider buying a set. However, it's worth noting that some essential items, such as a cast-iron skillet or Dutch oven, are rarely included in a starter set. So, if you're an experienced cook, it might be better to buy individual pieces.

When buying a set, it's important to consider what's included and what's missing. For example, if you like to make soup, you'll need a stockpot. It's also worth noting that lids are often overlooked when buying cookware, but they're an essential part of the set.

When buying individual items, it's important to consider the type of cookware you need based on what you like to cook. For example, if you grill a lot of lean protein, you'll get more use out of cast-iron cookware. If you cook more soups and stews, you might want to invest in stainless steel pots.

In terms of durability, cast iron and carbon steel are known for their longevity. However, a high-quality piece of enameled cast iron or stainless steel cookware will also last a long time.

To summarise, when balancing cost with durability, it's important to define a budget and only buy what you can afford. However, it's worth investing in high-quality, durable cookware that will save you money in the long run.

Maintenance: consider dishwasher-safe, oven-safe, and ease of cleaning

When it comes to the maintenance of your pots and pans, there are a few key considerations to keep in mind, namely whether they are dishwasher-safe, oven-safe, and how easy they are to clean.

Dishwasher-safe

If you want to save yourself time and effort, choosing pots and pans that are dishwasher-safe can be a great option. This means that you can simply place them in the dishwasher after use, without having to worry about manual cleaning. Many modern pots and pans are designed with this convenience in mind, and those with heavy-duty aluminum and fully encapsulated stainless steel bases are often dishwasher-safe.

Oven-safe

Another important consideration is whether your pots and pans are oven-safe. This is especially important if you plan on using your cookware for baking or roasting. Cast iron skillets, for example, are great for searing a steak and are also ideal for slow cooking or baking, delivering crisp, golden-brown crusts. If you're looking to invest in a Dutch oven, you may want to opt for one with a stainless steel replacement knob, which will make it oven-safe at high temperatures.

Ease of cleaning

Aside from being dishwasher-safe, some materials and coatings can make your pots and pans easier to clean. For example, non-stick coatings can prevent food from sticking to the surface, making cleanup a breeze. However, it's important to note that non-stick coatings may eventually wear off, so proper care and maintenance are essential. Additionally, certain materials like copper should be kept away from regular soap and water to prevent oxidation, and should instead be cleaned with a vinegar-water solution.

Handles: check for comfort, grip, and heat resistance

Handles are an essential part of cookware, as they are the only element one interacts with while cooking. When looking for pots and pans, it is important to consider the comfort, grip, and heat resistance of the handles.

Firstly, comfort is key when it comes to handles. You want to make sure that the handle provides a comfortable grip and does not hurt your hand. Look for handles with optimal dimensions and proportions, and avoid those with uncomfortable and sharp edges.

Secondly, grip is also crucial. The handle should allow for a stable and comfortable grip, ensuring safety and control while cooking. Look for handles that are designed with ergonomics in mind and provide a secure grip.

Lastly, heat resistance is an important factor to consider. You want to choose handles that are made of materials with high thermal resistance and will not get hot when exposed to heat. This is important for safety reasons and will also make your cooking experience more pleasant. Some handle materials to consider are thermoset, coated handles, and metal handles. Thermoset is a popular choice for domestic cookware handles due to its high thermal resistance and comfort. Coated handles offer a variety of finishes, such as soft-touch, glossy, or matte. Metal handles, often made of steel, are commonly found in professional kitchens and offer high heat resistance, but may require potholders for daily use.

In addition to these factors, it is also worth considering the fixing method of the handle. Riveted handles, for example, are attached to the cookware with strong metal rivets, ensuring a durable connection. On the other hand, welded handles provide a smooth interior and are easier to clean. Detachable handles offer versatility, allowing you to move the cookware from the stovetop to the oven easily.

Lids: ensure they fit well and have steam vents

When buying pots and pans, it's important to look for lids that fit securely and allow steam to escape. This is important for a few reasons. Firstly, a well-fitting lid ensures that steam and heat are contained within the pot or pan, helping to cook your food efficiently. It also helps to prevent spills and splatters, keeping your cooktop clean and safe.

Additionally, a lid with a steam vent is essential to prevent overboiling and wobbly lids. Steam vents allow excess steam to escape, regulating the pressure inside the pot or pan and preventing boiling over. This is especially important when cooking foods that tend to foam up, such as pasta or potatoes.

When choosing a lid, look for one made of tempered glass or stainless steel. Tempered glass lids allow you to see the progress of your food without lifting the lid, which helps to retain heat and moisture. They usually feature a steam vent in the form of a small hole at the top, which can also serve as an overflow protection measure. Stainless steel lids are also durable and often feature a steam vent or hole to allow steam to escape.

Make sure the lid has a comfortable, stay-cool handle that is oven-safe and easy to grip. It's also important to ensure that the lid is the correct size for your pot or pan, as ill-fitting lids can defeat the purpose of having a lid in the first place.

Frequently asked questions