It is exciting to purchase a new cookware set and to try the new pieces in your kitchen, but if you’ve not purchased the right set, that happiness can quickly turn into a frown, and disappointment can set in. With this cookware buying guide, that is one less worry that you will have. Use this guide to help yourself to cookware buying made easy.
All about the Metal
When buying cookware, you will notice that it is available in many types of meals. It is imperative that you know the pros and cons of each before buying. Let’s take a look at some of the most popular types of material cookware is constructed with.
Cast iron
Cast Iron is one type of material that never goes out of style. Chances are good that your mom had a few of these pieces of cookware in her kitchen, and so should you! Cast iron is best used when you want slow cooking of your foods or when you need steady, even temperatures. The heat stays within the pan when cooking with cast iron
Stainless Steel
Most cooks choose stainless steel cookware because it cooks foods well, is easy to clean, and is resistant to most of the damage that cookware sustains, including rust and stains. One of the disadvantages of the cookware, however, is that even heating is not a top trait, and hot spots are common.
Aluminum
Aluminum cookware is lightweight and inexpensive to purchase, but they can easily dent and damage, and they may react with some of the acidy foods that you prepare. Cast Aluminum is an alternative.
Nonstick Cookware
Almost all cooks will agree that nonstick cookware is imperative to purchase. This special type of cookware is made with materials that keep food from sticking to the bottom of the pan. The pots and pans are easy to clean and easy to care for and suitable for cooking most any type of food that you wish to prepare. Ideally, you will want nonstick aluminum that has at least face layers, although 7 is best.
Carbon Steel Cookware
Carbon steel cookware is among the best that your money can buy. It is not suitable for cooking all food, however. It is best for woks and crepe pans where different pan temperatures are important.
These are just some of the materials that your cookware can be constructed with. It is imperative that you get to know the various metals and their benefits to determine which type is best suited for your cooking needs.
Additional Considerations for Purchasing Cookware
Although the type of metal the cookware is constructed with is of great importance when purchasing cookware, it is not the only consideration that you should make. Here are a few additional factors to keep in mind to ensure that you get the perfect cookware for your kitchen and your cooking needs.
Number of Pieces
A basic cookware set includes 5 to 7 pieces. Usually these items are a sauté pan, saucepan with a lid, and slope skillet with the lid and a stockpot with a lid. If you need more than the basic set offers, a basic plus set offers 8 to 10 pieces of cookware, including the items in the basic set, and an additional saucepan and additional skillet, each with lids. The Plus sets include 12 pieces which include a small, medium, and a large saucepan, each with a lid; small and a large stockpot with a lid; sauté pan with a lid, and a large slope sided skillet.
Brand
The brand of cookware is a very important consideration. Obviously you want to purchase a brand that is known for creating quality products.
Warranty
Is there a warranty offered with your cookware? A warranty for 90+ days is essential when you make your purchase. A good set of cookware may include a lifetime warranty.
Ease of Cleaning
If you want cookware that is easy to clean, definitely include this in the list of characteristics that you seek in your cookware.
Price
Don’t go broke to purchase the cookware you will use in your kitchen. There are cookware sets priced in just about all price ranges, so there is no reason to spend more money than what you have allotted to make the purchase. Expect to spend about $50 for a decent cookware basic set, while some of the larger, brand name sets may set you back a few hundred dollars.
Conclusion
Purchasing cookware is not difficult, especially when you know what to look for in the set that you intend to purchase. Use the information above to make it easier to purchase the cookware that is right for your budget.