How To Choose A Quality Cookware Set
Sharon Chennault
If you are considering purchasing new cookware, you probably
are wondering how to make the most sensible purchase and still
get all the pieces and features you need. Price is always a
major factor in deciding which cookware set is right for you.
Choosing the perfect cookware set involves much more than color
and the availability of nifty glass lids that you can see
through. If you are a serious cook, or simply want the best
deal for the price, you will need to be more practical in
making your decision.
The main factor in choosing cookware is the material from which
it is made. Copper is very expensive, but conducts heat better
than any other material. Heat conduction allows your food to
cook evenly. You will undoubtedly find cookware that is
constructed from stainless steel with a copper reinforced
bottom. The problem with this type of cookware is that the
bottom of the food will cook faster than the rest, making it
very difficult to avoiding burning and/or scorching your food.
Braising is out of the question in a stainless steel pan with a
copper reinforced bottom.
You need cookware that allows heat to be distributed evenly.
You are probably very familiar with pans that have hot spots.
Hot spots are places in the pan where the food cooks
disproportionately faster than in the rest of the pan. Cookware
with even heat distribution is imperative if you are serious
about the food you cook. The problem with copper, cast iron,
and aluminum cookware is that certain foods will absorb a metal
taste and color from the pans, not to mention you will ingest
some of the metal that is transferred to the food. Copper will
scratch and discolors easily, but every cook should have at
least one copper bowl for beating egg whites. Copper bowls will
allow you to beat eggs whites to their maximum volume.
Aluminum is inexpensive, but as mentioned before, will react
with certain foods in an unfavorable manner. Aluminum wears
down quickly, although there are anodized pans that will cut
down on reactivity and increase durability. If you opt for
aluminum cookware, anodized is the best choice. Cast iron is
good for searing steaks and a few other specialized cooking
tasks, but you must keep your cast iron cookware seasoned to
avoid sticking and pitting of the pan.
The fact is that there is no perfect cookware. Each has its own
benefits and drawbacks. Stainless steel is probably the best
compromise. Stainless steel is in the middle price range and
heat conductivity. It is durable and cleans easily and will not
react with any type of food you cook. Another good choice is
stainless steel with an aluminum insert that goes all the way
up the sides of the pan.
The conclusion would seem to be that in order to get a good set
of cookware, you will have to spend some money, but it is not
necessary to get the most expensive type. A good stainless
steel cookware set with a few special pieces such as a
non-stick frying pan, a copper bowl, and any other extras you
desire will be your best choice.
About The Author: This article has been provided courtesy of
Kitchen Junkie,
http://www.kitchenjunkie.com/ . Kitchen Junkie
offers great kitchen articles available for reprint and other
tools to help you get the best bargain on kitchen appliances
and more.
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