How to Choose Your Cookware Sets

Whether you are cooking for the first time or have been doing it for years, good cookware is one of the most important things you need. There are several factors that you have to consider when selecting cookware. And the two most important factors are the shape of the cookware and its material.

There is a specific cookware shape for every cooking chore. The choosing of the vessel should depend on the meal you intend to make and the cooking technique that you will be using.

Sauce pans, for example, come equipped with straight sides to contain the added liquids, while with a fry pan, which has sloped sides, you can flip and turn the food.

Another example is the sauté pan which is similar to a frying pan. The only difference is that a sauté pan has high and straight sides which allow the cooking of more food.

The type of material that the cookware is made of is also an important factor while choosing cookware. The most commonly used materials include stainless steel, hard anodized, cast iron / enameled cast iron, non-stick, copper, and clad.

Stainless steel is the most popular material because of its durability and low cost. It is also easy to clean and excellent for flavour preservation. Hard anodised cookware is also preferred by some because of its durability and strength, and it is also easy to clean and is moderately priced.

Cast iron and enameled cast iron cookware is exceptional in heat capacity, is solid and durable, and can have excellent non-stick properties.

With non-stick cookware, you will be able to cook meals easily and quickly. It is, as you know, non-stick, easy to clean, and is ideal for low fat cooking. Copper cookware is an excellent heat conductor, and is easy to maintain, durable and very stylish.

Clad cookware provides you with the benefits of the qualities of different materials, since it is made of layers of different metals. It is durable and easy to clean, and provides even heating.

So, tell us what all things are missing in your kitchen?