How To Choose A Quality Cookware Set
September 23, 2005
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.
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.
Looking for more information?
Here are a few more selections you may enjoy:
How to Choose the Right Chess Set: There are no shortages of chess sets for you to choose from out there. As a result BraRoe Chess would. . . (click title link to read more)Men’s Designer Ties: Look For Quality: For an exquisite gift to that special man in your life, a designer tie can be just what you're looking. . . (click title link to read more)
How To Choose The Best Knife Set: Knives are the most important and most frequently used kitchen utensils. In choosing a new knife set, the main considerations. . . (click title link to read more)
Cleaning Tips – Their Usefulness To Website Visitors And The Cleaning Company: If you type into the search engines the phrase "cleaning tips" you get a choice of something like 14,800,000 websites. . . (click title link to read more)
Affiliate Fraud – Avoiding Fraud In Lead Programs: Lead fraud is possibly the largest obstacle to successful lead gathering via Affiliate marketing on the internet. Finding pre-qualified leads. . . (click title link to read more)
Choose Safe Dog Toys For Your Small Dog: Choosing the appropriate toys will make your small dog's play time richer, while lessening his chance of accidental injury. Safe. . . (click title link to read more)
Choosing Birthday and Christmas Gifts for Horse Lovers: One of the best ways to choose a gift that will please a recipient, is to consider their greatest interests. . . (click title link to read more)
Making a Better Dry Rub: Go to any grocery store, specialty food shop, or food show, and the shelves will be overflowing with dry rubs. . . (click title link to read more)