GREAT TIPS ON HOW TO CHOOSE YOUR COOKWARE

With so many cookware products out there, it can be difficult for the average person to know what to look for when shopping for new products. Where exactly should you start in your quest to find the right cookware and products for your kitchen? The secret lies in breaking things down into simple shopping points, and that’s precisely what this article is designed for.

By following these basic tips, you’ll be well equipped to go purchase the right cookware for your kitchen. Let’s examine what to look for.

CHECK THE MATERIALS

Typically, you want cookware that can withstand heat, but that’s not all there is to it. Pots and pans should possess enough weight so that they conduct heat well without burning the food inside. There are a few materials you can choose from when deciding which cookware to buy, each with different qualities:

• Copper is high-quality material, and since it conducts heat better than most metal compounds, it’s a surefire bet. However, it’s quite pricey, and requires special care when it comes to cooking with certain types of food.

• Anodized aluminum is a popular choice for cookware, specifically because it handles heat very well. It’s also usually treated with a special compound to prevent certain chemical reactions while cooking. 

• Cast iron is prone to rust if not taken care of, so be sure to take this into consideration. That being said, it is a great conductor of heat, and creates a thorough cook. Use care when cleaning as many cast iron cookware items can be scratched with abrasive sponges.

• Non-stick pans continue to gain popularity year over year, particularly for those who want to reduce the amount of fat that gets into the finished product. They’re also getting better in terms of quality, but be mindful that you don’t go too hard on them when cleaning. 

THE LITTLE DETAILS IN CONSTRUCTION

Great cookware shouldn’t just be made of great materials, but should also be crafted well. These days, it’s necessary to find cookware that comes with a list of basic “musts,” and these include heat-proof handles. There are several variants on the market, including metal handles with rubber heat guards for the best of both worlds. Also, make sure to check the handles themselves to see if they’ll hold up over time. Good handles are secured in several spots, usually by rivets that keep them solid and secure without loosening.

Lids are another thing to watch out for. Heat-proof knobs and handles are a major advantage here, particularly for recipes that require adding elements in at different times. Glass lids tend to be popular, as they allow you to check the food as it’s cooking. 

CHOOSE YOUR PACKAGE SIZE WISELY

It may be very tempting to splurge on a 10- or 12-piece cookware set, especially if there’s a sale going on, but do you really need it? Try to identify what’s best for your kitchen size, and the kinds of meals you create. There’s no sense going all out on a collection for which half the cookware products will gather dust in storage. While cookware sets are a major advantage for those who want a one-size-fits-all approach to their cooking habits, sometimes it’s also advantageous to pick and choose your items one by one, and build your own cooking arsenal. A good rule of thumb is to buy the products you need for the dishes you’re creating on a regular basis. If you decide to up the ante and expand your culinary knowledge, you can always add more cookware items at a later date.

Arming yourself with a little bit of knowledge can go a long way to saving you both time and money when buying cookware. It’s not always about the best deal, or the most attractive materials. Oftentimes, it’s about what you need for your specific cooking tasks and dietary desires. Stick to the above formula, and you’ll be ready to cook to your heart’s content with the cookware products best suited to you, specifically.