Cookware Your Guide

A Guide to the Best Materials for Cookware

If you cook at home you will know the pain of not using the best materials for cookware. We will guide you as to which ones to use. All pots and pans are made from various materials and will have different heat absorption capabilities. Once you understand how each pan is different you will enhance and improve the quality and taste of your meals.

Essential Pots and Pans


Saucepans.

Describe a saucepan! It would start with high sides and a long handle and all Saucepans should come with a lid to keep the heat and moisture in.

Materials saucepans can be made from

Stainless Steel
Aluminum
Copper
Cast Iron

Uses for Saucepans.

Cooking sauces
Soups
Boiling water
Melting


Skillets/Frying Pans.

Describe a frying pan/skillet pan! Frying pans and Skillet pans have sloping sides with a long handle.

The non-stick varieties are the most popular as they are easier to clean. The skillets made of cast iron are loved for their durability and keep the heat.

Uses for frying pans

Frying
Sauteing
Searing

 


Stockpots

The clue is in the name main use for making stock as they are large pots with straight sides, and they usually come with a lid to slow down the evaporation of the liquid process.

Uses for a stockpot

Stocks and broths
Boiling large quantities of water
Soups and stews
Large batches of sauce 

 

 


Dutch Ovens

Dutch Ovens are made of a variety of materials all designed for keeping the heat.

Materials Dutch Ovens can be made from.

Cast Iron
Enameled Cast Iron
Aluminium
Stainless Steel
Ceramic

Uses for Dutch Ovens

Baking
Braising
Stews
Casseroles
Soups
Slow Cooking


Woks

Rounded bottoms with high sides are designed for high-temperature cooking, and quick and fast cooking while keeping most of the nutrients and flavour, One of the most versatile pieces of equipment and a must for any kitchen.

Materials Woks can be made from.

Carbon Steel
Cast Iron
Stainless Steel
Aluminum

Uses for The Wok.

Stir-frying
Steaming
Deep-frying
Smoking
Boiling
Braising
Soups
Poaching
Roasting

Any chef will tell you, that getting the best materials for cookware is a must, if you want the best outcome then using the right pots and pans that are made for the job is a must for any chef regardless of your level, a professional or a home cook.

If you have an understanding of the best materials for cookware it will hold you in good stead. If knowing which pot or pan suits the culinary task, you are undertaking you can enhance the flavour of your dish.

For even heat distribution it is essential you choose the best materials for cookware and your food should cook evenly.

What is one of the best materials for cookware? With its durability and non-reactive properties. Stainless steel which is brilliant for everyday use.

If you’re boiling pasta, making baked beans, or simmering sauces then Stainless is one of the best materials for cookware.

If the main core of the pan is enhanced with copper or aluminum stainless steel cookware distributes the heat a lot more evenly as you don’t want uneven cooking and these pots and pans go a long way in preventing hotspots.