Buying pots and pans - what qualities to look for

During the last decade, there has been a significant revolution in the way families in the UK cook at home. Overall, there's been a much greater emphasis on culinary diversity, with exotic food from all over the world now making regular appearances in people's kitchens. However, there has also been a strong focus on quality - not just with ingredients but also with the tools that are used for cooking. Rather than relying on flashy time-saving gadgets, leading chefs like Jamie Oliver, Anthony Worrall Thompson and Raymond Blanc have espoused the value of simple but hard-wearing pots and pans. If you're thinking of re-stocking your kitchenware collection, here are a few suggestions of what qualities to look for when making your purchases.
The primary consideration when purchasing pots and pans is their durability, and this often comes down to the material from which they are made. Hard anodised and stainless steel pans may be more expensive but they are worth the investment thanks to their tough and durable nature, which means they could be a feature in your kitchen for several years. However, while basic saucepans and frying pans made from such materials do represent high quality, other items of kitchenware may need to be even more hard-wearing.
Griddle pans and skillets, for instance, are at their best when made from cast iron. This provides a very heavy base that's ideal for cooking steak and fish, as well as charring vegetables. Look for a square grill pan that has a cast iron handle as well, since these are also oven-proof. Similarly, casserole dishes should also be made from a durable material like cast iron. Indeed, well-designed cast iron casserole dishes - like those produced by Le Creuset - are popular wedding gifts precisely because they have the potential to last a married couple their entire life together. A cheaper but sturdy alternative for casserole dishes and other ovenware is Pyrex, a popular brand of hard-wearing glass products that may also last decades in the kitchen. However, unlike cast iron, glass dishes can only be used in the oven and cannot be placed directly onto a hob.
If you're a regular baker or you frequently use a frying pan in your cooking, you may also want to think about investing in high quality non-stick cookware. Pots and pans coated in polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) - also known by the brand name Teflon - provide a safe non-stick cooking surface, which deters food from catching. However, non-stick pans need to be carefully treated when washed and should only be cleaned with non-scratch sponges. Normal scourers will scrape the PTFE coating off the pan and reduce its long-term effectiveness. Indeed, all pots and pans should be well cared for when being cleaned in order to ensure that they last and perform well for many years. And if you'd like to avoid doing the washing up, make sure you look for pans that are dishwasher safe to minimise the hassle of cleaning up after cooking.

Paul Buchanan writes for a digital marketing agency. This article has been commissioned by a client of said agency. This article is not designed to promote, but should be considered professional content.

 

Friends Link : anolon professional 12 piece nonstick cookware set kitchenaid gourmet essentials 2 quart tea kettle krona-7.5 quart stock pot with vented straining