Choosing cookware materials

If you’re new to cooking, or maybe even looking to replace your cookware collection with some new items, it is important to choose the right cookware for your lifestyle. There are many different materials that are used in cookware, and each offers distinct advantages and disadvantages for home chefs. In order to figure out which types of cookware materials will best suit your lifestyle, think a little bit about your own preferences and cooking habits.

Stainless steel cookware

Stainless steel is by far the most common material used for cookware. Steel is efficient and durable, and is generally the most cost-effective material. If you plan to cook frequently, stainless steel is a good choice for the beginner chef. It conducts heat well and is considered to be a multipurpose cooking medium.

Stainless steel pans

Some higher-end steel cookware is made with an aluminum core, which reduces weight and allows for faster and better heat distribution. The biggest drawback with stainless steel cookware is that heat is not always distributed evenly. This could cause certain areas in a pan to be hotter than others, thus sometimes cooking foods unevenly. Another disadvantage of stainless steel cookware is that food will easily stick to it, which can be problematic, especially when cleaning.

Copper cookware

Copper cookware is also very popular for some cooks. Copper conducts heat much better and more evenly than stainless steel, so copper pots and pans offer better cooking evenness than stainless steel alone. However, copper is reactive with acids found in food, so they must be lined with a material such as stainless steel t0 be safe for cooking. Copper-clad pots and pans are popular, as they offer the even heating of a copper pan with a price tag closer to a stainless steel piece of cookware.

Copper-clad cookware

Aluminum cookware

Aluminum cookware is very light and conducts heat much better than stainless steel. However, in order for aluminum to be made safe for cooking, it must be anodized. As a result, aluminum cookware is generally expensive, but is usually well-made and has great conductive properties.

Teflon-coated cookware

Today, there are a myriad of products that are Teflon-coated. Everything from baking sheets to Dutch ovens to sauté pans can be found with a Teflon coating. The biggest advantage that Teflon offers is its incredible nonstick properties. Virtually nothing will stick to a well maintained Teflon surface – even the most horribly burned foods will slide right off. This makes both food removal and cleaning an ease.

Teflon cookware

If you are big on the presentation of foods, Teflon cookware will allow you to remove foods easily and in one piece. Unfortunately, Teflon surfaces are not permanent, and will eventually begin to chip and peel off. Once this begins to happen, a Teflon pan will not have much use anymore. Some people are also concerned with ingesting Teflon if it chips off into their food. Don’t spend too much on Teflon cookware, as the Teflon surface will wear off sooner than any other part of the cookware.

Cast iron cookware

Cast iron is a medium that has been in use for centuries. Cast iron pots and pans are renowned for their ability to evenly retain heat, allowing the user to get an even browning on food surfaces. Cast iron cookware is great in the sense that it offers nonstick properties similar to Teflon, but without the risk of chipping and peeling. In fact, cast iron cookware tends to improve with age – the more you use, it the more evenly it will cook.

Cast iron cookware

Cast iron is extremely durable, and will last a very long time if properly maintained. Another advantage of cast iron cookware is its ability to go from the stove top directly into the oven, as cast iron pots and pans generally do not have plastic or composite grips on them which could melt. Cast iron must be seasoned periodically with heat and oil to maintain its nonstick properties, and you’ll want to buy a special cleaner. Cast iron is also very heavy, especially when compared to steel or aluminum cookware, which decreases its maneuverability on the stove top.

Which cookware material is best?

With so many different types of materials, it may seem hard to choose your cookware. Price can help you make a decision. With cookware, you generally get what you pay for. High-end cookware will usually last longer and be better constructed than entry-level cookware, but it comes with a substantial price increase. Materials such as aluminum or copper will also be more expensive. Teflon cookware is usually inexpensive, but wears out the fastest.

Buying a complete set of cookware will save money. If you are new to cooking, try a basic stainless steel set, and add other cookware pieces as you grow in expertise. A 10-piece stainless steel set is usually available for $150 to $200. (By contrast, a 7-piece copper set can set you back $800.)

10-piece stainless steel cookware sets

People who prefer to experiment may be better off buying several different types of cookware in different materials. If you do a lot of cooking, you may want to consider a higher-end set that will last longer. If you cook for a large family, consider buying a 15-piece set of cookware. Remember, there is nothing wrong with experimenting with different materials; you will know best whether you like a certain cookware material better than another.

Brands of cookware

There are great pieces of cookware made in the U.S., and equally good pieces imported from overseas. However, some of the most prominent brands of cookware remain All-Clad, Lodge, Calphalon, Farberware, and KitchenAid. All of these companies offer cookware ranging from entry-level to expert, at a variety of prices. Good luck, and have fun in the kitchen!