COOKING WITH THE BEST COOKWARE

Things To Consider When Buying Cookware

A good nice quality set of pots and pans, and other cookware, can improve the quality of your cooking and give you an easier time during clean up. It is cheaper to buy cookware as a set, instead of buying each piece individually. There are several things to take into account when looking for the best cookware set to buy for your kitchen. There are several different types of materials that cookware is made from, and that includes copper, aluminum, cast iron, and stainless steel. Each of these different material offers different advantages and impacts the price of the cookware set. It is worth it to invest a little extra money into buying a nice quality set because these higher end sets will last you many years, and some will even last a lifetime with the manufacturer guarantee to replace the ones that do not.

Which Material Is the Best For Cookware?

Copper Cookware

Copper provides for the best heat conductivity for quick, and even heating. It also cools quickly. Professional chefs prefer copper for these reasons. Copper is a stylish and attractive look, but it does have a high price and requires more maintenance such as polishing. Copper is also prone to scratching and discoloration. It is important to hand wash copper cookware to keep it looking it’s best.

Aluminum Cookware

Aluminum is another great conductor of heat. Most aluminum cookware has a nonstick coating, making cleanup much easier. Aluminum cookware has prices in the low side, as well as the high side, and the more you spend the better the quality and the longer they list. It’s best to buy in the mid to high range when looking to buy aluminum cookware.

Cast Iron Cookware

Cast iron is a poor conductor of heat, but once it heats up it does stay hot for a long time due to its mass. Definitely the most durable, but it is also the heaviest. It also rusts easily if not seasoned and maintained well. Cast Iron Cookware sometimes has an enameled surface, which eliminates the need to season them. They can withstand almost any heat that you could throw at it, from the oven, to the grill. Very long lasting, but did I mention how heavy they can be?

Stainless Steel Cookware

The best quality cookware sets are made of thick stainless steel. Stainless steel cookware looks beautiful, and is very durable, which is why it is a favorite for most restaurants. They are resistant to scratching, denting, and even discoloration. My favorite part is that they are dishwasher safe! You can also use metal utensils, unlike with the pans that have non-stick surfaces added.

Hybrid - New Amazing Cookware

The new buzz word in the cooking world is the new hybrid cookware. Giving you aluminum cookware with non-stick coatings, but with stainless steel honeycomb type materials that protects the non-stick coating from scratching and chipping from your metal utensils. These sets are amazing!

HexClad Cookware

With HEXCLAD cookware, you can achieve excellent chef quality results at home. HexClad heats evenly and can cook with minimal oil and your food will not stick. That’s because of the unique design that has all the features you are looking for, with nonstick, steainless steel, and cast iron all in one! HexClad Cookware has a lifetime warranty, so it is the last set of pans you will ever need. They are safe for using metal utensils, they are nonstick and non- toxic. They are oven safe, dishwasher safe, induction ready, with a stay cool handle. Take you cooking to the next level with the HexClad Cookware Set and start delivering perfect, and delicious meals every time, with simple clean up. Treat yourself, and spoil yourself, by buying a HexClad Cookware Set today. You and your family will appreciate that you did. You deserve it! Buy HexClad Cookware by clicking on the Shop Now button below.

AnolonX Cookware by Anolon

Anolon is another fine name in cookware. Lock in flavor with the exclusive SearTech(tm) technology. This has a standard cookware base with built in stainless steel mesh that keep your oils in the middle of your pots and pans. This stainless steel mesh unites the fats with the heat for unparalleled caramelization and browning of your foods. This cookware set has an extremely durable nonstick finish that is matched with unique, flat rivets for one of the smoothest cooking surfaces yet. This cookware set is metal utensil safe, oven safe to 500°F, and is also dishwasher safe for the quickest and easiest cleanup.

Lodge Dutch Oven Cookware

USA Enamel™ 7.5 Qt. Enameled Cast Iron Dutch Oven, Cherry On Top by Lodge, is part of their new collection of enameled cast iron cookware that is made in the US. This model is inspired by the very best in American design, and at 7.5 quarts is the perfect size for creating original recipes, from a crowd feeding pot of soup to deep fried goodies. You can also makes chili’s, stews, and more. It features stainless steel inlaid handles and hardware on an enameled cast iron pot. This Dutch Oven is made to last for generations of long time use. You can braise, boil, roast, simmer, deep fry and so much more. You can also take this pot from stovetop to oven, or grill, and to your tabletop without any problems, just put a heat protector on your table before you place the hot pot on it. Check out our Pellet Grill and Flat Top Grill pages for the best in grills.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. How many pieces should I look for in a cookware set? A. Whether you are an avid cook or not, you should choose the set with the most amount of pieces to ensure you have exactly what you need, no matter how many questions you have over for dinner. A ten to thirteen piece set is ideal for most people. Q. Are nonstick coatings like Teflon safe? A. Teflon has a bad name due to the toxic chemical PFOA, that was a key chemical in the manufacturing of Teflon, has that chemical has not been used since 2013. So any cookware sets you purchase new today, or since they stopped using PFOA, you are good. Q. What is a ceramic cookware set? A. Ceramic coatings are durable, and resists food sticking when you cook. They are also free from metals and harmful chemicals. The best ceramic cookware sets will hold up to years of use with little to no peeling or chipping of the coating, but one of the draw backs of ceramic is that over time it will end up chipping, no matter how well you take care of it. But, the ceramics of today are more durable, and will last you a long time before you need to replace them. Q. How can I keep my nonstick cookware free from scratches? A. Most nonstick cookware today are extremely durable. They will hold up and resist scratching, but you need to not use metal utensils to keep them scratch free. Or if you buy the hybrid stainless steel with the nonstick coating, the stainless steel prevents scratches, so they are safe to use metal utensils now. For most nonstick coatings you should avoid abrasive cleaners and harsh scrubbers during cleanup to prevent scratching.

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About The Author Mike Mendenhall is the the founder of Mendenhall Outdoors. This website is an extension of the Mendenhall family’s lifestyle and passion for the great outdoors. Everything that they learn, and experience, along the way that they find may be valuable to our website visitors is on the site for you to enjoy. We highlight products and services that you might find interesting. We frequently receive free products from manufacturers to test. This does not drive our decision as to whether or not a product is featured or recommended. If you click a link on this page, then go on to make a purchase, we might receive a commission – at no extra cost to you, and does not impact the purchase price of any products that you may purchase. Delicious cooking with new cookware sets for your kitchen, buy yours today!