Have you ever watched a cooking show or followed a recipe, but your meal turns out nothing like it was supposed to? Sure, some of it boils down to your level of cooking skills and techniques used, but cookware also has a lot to do with it. Simply put, what you cook in is equally as important as what you prepare.
Whether you know it or not, the size, shape, and type of cookware you use can either make or break a meal. Using the wrong pots and pans could leave your dishes burnt or stuck. Similarly, trying to prep meals with a dull knife can be quite frustrating, time-consuming, and messy. Even worse would trying to create certain dishes without the right supplies.
That’s why it’s important to take your time when selecting the right cookware for your personal or professional purposes. If you’ve experienced these cooking frustrations or you simply want to upgrade your cookware, this quick guide will help you make the best selection.
Cooking Needs
The first step is to figure out what type of cookware you need. Do you need pots and pans for everyday cooking? Or are you looking for a special item to prepare a specific type of dish? If you were looking to prepare stir fry, for example, you’d want to look for a wok. However, if you’re simply looking for durable everyday pots and pans that can be used to prepare all types of dishes, then you might prefer to look for a stainless steel cookware set.
Sit down and determine what your cooking needs are. Consider things like your cooking style, the types of dishes you like to make, and the type of stove and oven you prepare your meals in to get a clear picture of what you’re shopping for.
Cookware Brand
It’s really easy to get confused on what cookware to purchase when there are so many different brands to choose from. Keep in mind, however, not all products are created equally. You can narrow down your options by doing your due diligence to research the brand first.
For instance, if you were interested in Made In Cookware, you’d want to start by checking customer reviews to see what others have to say about the brand. Then, you’d check the internet for articles about Made In or their social media page to connect with the brand in a social setting.
If you find the brand has a positive reputation in their industry, a reasonable following, satisfied customers, and quality products, then this is a brand you could consider making a purchase from. Personally, I love their carbon steel line, especially their wok. Have you seen it?
Heat Conductivity and Reactivity
It is ideal to know the difference between metals used to design cookware. Seeing as how some metals are better conductors than others, this can make a big difference when you’re preparing meals. Copper, for example, heats up a lot faster than stainless steel. So, you’ll need to determine whether you’d prefer something that’s slower to get to the appropriate temperature or something that heats up quickly.
Another factor to consider about the types of metals you choose for cookware is reactivity. Whether you knew this or not, metals can react with your food. Aluminum, for example, does not do well with acidic dishes as some pieces of metal can actually be absorbed into the food.
Cleaning and Upkeep
No matter what type of cookware you purchase, you’re going to have to care for it. You’ll need to figure out how much time and energy you want to put into maintaining your cookware. Copper, for example, will need to be cleaned and regularly polished to maintain it’s glow and shine. Aluminum or hard-anodized aluminum, on the other hand, is very versatile and simply requires hand washing after each use.
So, there you have it — All Cookware Find. After you’ve evaluated all of the above-mentioned factors, then you can consider things like price and aesthetic appeal. Then, you can begin creating culinary masterpieces for you, your family and friends, or customers to enjoy.
