Choosing the Right Material for Your Cookware
When shopping for new cookware for your kitchen there are a number of different choices available to you. Manufacturers offer different brands, sizes and colors of pots and pans. You even have the option to choose what type of material you want your cookware made of.
Copper
The best material for pots and pans on the market is copper. This is due to the fact that it heats quickly and uniformly, which means your foods will cook correctly regardless of its location in the pan. It does not have to be in the middle of the pan directly over the heat source in order to cook. While copper is the best cookware material available it is also the most expensive, which is why individuals often choose another material instead.
Aluminum
Aluminum is a popular material for cookware and is the one most commonly found in homes. This is due to the fact it has many of the same benefits as copper but is not as expensive. Individuals choosing aluminum material for their cookware should opt for thicker aluminum rather than thinner as this will increase its longevity.
Cast Iron
One of the original materials for cookware was cast iron, and it is still used today to make cookware. While cast iron is cheaper than aluminum, many people choose not to use it due to the fact it is heavy and takes a long time to heat up before cooking can begin. However, cookware made of cast iron is very durable.
Nonstick
Growing in popularity in recent years is nonstick cookware. Many people have opted to use it due to the fact it makes cooking and cleaning easy. However the nonstick surface consists of a coating that when heated at high temperatures can release gases that overtime can be lethal. This is why it is important that you use nonstick pots and pans with a low or medium heat setting and never on high.
Stainless Steel
Finally you have the option to purchase stainless steel, which offers durable cookware that is easy to clean. The drawback to stainless steel is the fact it doesn't heat uniformly, thus food in some spots may cook faster than others spots.
When shopping for your next cookware set you have several choices including what type of material you want your pots and pans to be made of. By being informed about the benefits and drawbacks of each type you can select the one that is right for your cooking needs.
