Cooking lovers know the importance of having high-quality cookware essentials which aid the cooking process and guarantee a delicious taste. Although you may be tempted to equip your kitchen with all sorts of utensils, bear in mind that cookware is relatively expensive. Instead of spending your whole budget on purchasing various types of pots and pans, only purchase the essentials.
Choose the cookware essentials in accordance with the type of cook you are. As utensils are things which can be used for a long-term period, make sure you pick ones of high-quality in order to ensure durability.
Selecting the right cookware is all about selecting the right material. Every metal used for producing cooking utensils, has its advantages and disadvantages. Read the following features of various types of metals and decide which one suits you the best.
Heat conductivity
Heat conductivity is an essential feature of every metal cookware piece, as it is indispensable for faster and more efficient cooking. Metals need to have a good conductivity in order for the heat to pass through them and cook the food more quickly. Naturally, not all materials have the same level of conductivity, so make sure you choose one with a high level, if you don’t want to wait for ages for the meal to be cooked.
Copper is doubtlessly the metal known as the greatest heat conductor, which is why many chefs purchase cookware strictly made out of this material. Anyhow, it’s costlier in comparison with the other less conductive metals. Visit this page, to learn some interesting facts about copper pots and pans.
Maintenance
Purchasing cookware is not where the story ends, but it’s actually where it begins. An extremely important factor which has to be taken into consideration is maintenance, as your cookware won’t look stainless as the day you bought it, unless you maintain it regularly.
Naturally, every material requires different maintenance. For instance, although copper is the best heat conductor, it needs regular polishing as well as iron. Polishing is a time-consuming activity which you must be prepared to take on, as otherwise your utensils won’t look glowing for a very long time.
However, if you’re aware that you won’t spare time for polishing, then select a more appropriate metal which doesn’t require regular maintenance, such as stainless steel.
Reaction between metal and food
Some metals can alter the taste of the meal you’re preparing due to their reactivity features. The most infamous metal in this area is aluminum, which reacts in relation with food which contains acids. Luckily, this reaction doesn’t affect your health, but if you’re a person who likes its meals cooked properly, without any taste alterations, then aluminum cookware is not the right choice for you.
For making an even better choice, read the following characteristics of the most common metals used in cooking utensils.
Aluminum
Aluminum cookware is among the most purchased types, due to its light weight and low price. It heats up easily, but the main problem lies in its ability to change the flavor and color of the food.
Therefore, most of the utensils are made of anodized aluminum which has an extra coat in comparison to regular aluminum and this coat prevents undesirable food alterations. You can find such top-notch cookware on numerous online shops like http://www.fromourplace.com.
However, beware that aluminum gets scratched and damaged easily as a result of its light weight.
Cast iron
Iron cookware may not be nice-looking, but it’s definitely made out of the most durable metal which you’re going to use for ages. It’s a lot heavier in comparison with aluminum and can withstand high heat, which makes it perfect for cooking on high temperatures.
It’s also prone to dents and scratches thanks to its greater weight. The only disadvantage apart from its non-attractive look is the frequent maintenance which you must practice in order to preserve its original look for a longer period.
Copper
Copper gives cookware perhaps the most elegant look while being the greatest heat conductor at the same time. Both of these features contribute to its high price which is why you can’t see such cookware in many households.
On the other hand, like aluminum, copper is also known for its reactive feature. Therefore, it’s always paired with nonreactive material like stainless steel. It also gets damaged easily and it’s not safe for copper utensils to be washed in a dishwasher.
Wrap up
Prior to visiting a store or making an online purchase in order to buy new cookware, make sure you know which qualities you require. Make a good distinction between all types of metals by carefully comparing their similarities and differences.
Whether you’ll choose a good heat-conductor, an elegant look or low maintenance utensil, it’s completely up to you!