Cookware Consumer Guide

Selecting the right cookware for you can be a daunting experience. The range of cookware materials and brands available today is quite extensive and can be confusing if you don't know exactly what you are looking for.

Here are the top 5 things to look for when buying cookware:

1. Material - The type of metals used can have a significant bearing on how well your meals are cooked. Look for metals that are good heat conductors such as aluminum or copper. Bear in mind that the entire pot or pan does not have to be constructed from these metals alone. You can purchase stainless steel cookware for instance that contains a core base layer of aluminum or copper. This provides the best of both worlds.

2. Price - Price will most likely be a determining factor for many but when choosing cookware the rule of thumb is to buy the best you can afford. This will ensure that you have cookware that lasts a lifetime.

3. Maintenance - Some cookware materials require more maintenance than others. Copper is a beautiful material and will look wonderful in your kitchen but it requires polishing to keep its glossy shine. Cast iron cookware can also require a bit of work as it will need seasoning. Stainless steel is probably the least time consuming of all cookware materials.

4. Durability - Some metals are sturdier than others. Cast iron cookware is known for its durability and strength. It is not uncommon for cast iron cookware to be passed down through the generations. Stainless steel is also strong whereas copper and aluminum are a little less durable and can scratch and dent easily. Aluminum often goes through a process known as anodization in order to strengthen it.

Cast iron cookware is loved the world over for its durability and superb cooking results. One drawback with cast iron cookware, however, is that it requires seasoning. Without it your foods will stick and the metal will contaminate the meal.

To season your cast iron cookware take the following steps:

1. If your cast iron cookware is new then ensure you remove the protective oil or wax coating before use. These coatings are there to prevent rust forming prior to first use.
2. Preheat your oven to 300F and line the bottom of the oven with aluminum foil to protect from spills.
3. Coat the pot or pan with a heavy fat such as lard or Crisco.
4. Place the pot or pan upside down in your oven. This is to prevent oil accumulating in the bottom of the pan.
5. Leave in the oven for approx 1 hour.
6. Repeat steps 2 to 5 if required.

• All Clad Stainless Steel 9 Piece Cookware Set
  


• All Stainless Steel 14 Piece Cookware Set