Do you cook a lot and want to know how to maintain your cookware? You're in luck. This blog post will give you the information that you need in order to get the most out of your cookware and make sure it lasts as long as possible.
We'll look at the different types of material cookware is made of and how that will affect maintenance, but we'll also cover common tips that any cook can do to keep their pots and pans looking new for longer. Let's get started.
What cookware is made of
Pots and pans are made from a number of materials. The most common are stainless steel, aluminum and cast iron. Each type has its own benefits and drawbacks when it comes to cooking in them and how easy they are to clean afterwards.
Stainless steel
Stainless steel cookware is typically the most common type of cookware on the market. It is very easy to cook with and it also looks great, making cooking an enjoyable experience even if you are not the most experienced cook out there. Stainless steel pans are used on all cooktops including induction cookers, although you’ll need to make sure the base is magnetized for use on induction hobs.
However stainless steel cookware isn't without its problems. The main drawback of this type of cookware is that it does not distribute heat as well as other materials like cast iron meaning parts of the pan may be hotter than others. Also, stainless steel pans lose heat quite quickly.
The above are general characteristics of stainless steel that one ought to keep in mind. However, we recommend checking out online reviews of the best stainless steel cookware before purchasing one. This is so that you get more precise information on specific cookware before committing to buying any.
Aluminum
Aluminum cookware is another very common type of cookware and it offers several advantages over stainless steel cookware as well. Aluminum cookware does a better job at distributing heat than stainless steel, so that food will cook more evenly in your pan and you won't have to turn the stove up or down too often while cooking.
However, this cookware does come with its downsides as well. One downside is that it can warp over time, which means it won't cook as evenly as it did when new, which could lead to poor cooking results. A way around this weakness is to buy high-quality, thick aluminum pans that have been anodized. These will come at a premium price point though, so that's something to keep in mind.
Cast iron
Cast iron cookware does a better job at distributing heat, so if you are looking for good cookware above all else, then cast iron should be your first choice. Cast iron cookware is also very durable, so you will have cookware that will last you a lifetime if you are willing to care for it properly.
However, cast iron cookware has its downsides as well of course and the main one being they require special treatment in order not to rust. You need to season cast iron pans and you can never clean them in a dishwasher.
Also, when using cast iron, it is recommended to cook only in fats like lard, beef tallow or duck fat. It can also take a while for cast-iron cookware to heat up so that you will need some patience when cooking if you want the best results possible.
How to maintain your cookware
Now that you know a little about the main materials used to make cookware, let's look at how you can take care of your pots and pans and make sure they'll last you a long time.
Some common maintenance tips include only using wooden utensils when cooking as metal utensils could scratch your pans, and nicks and scratches can scrape off non-stick coatings and cause rust and also offer a perfect breeding ground for bacteria.
Another tip is to oil your cookware after washing them, this will also prevent rusting. To oil the cookware you can use flaxseed or lard but if using olive oil make sure it is not extra virgin as that comes with its own set of problems during cooking!
You should also avoid heating up an empty pan and should always dry your pans thoroughly after hand washing as this will prevent rusting as well.
How to care for stainless steel pots and pans
Stainless steel cookware is very easy to take care of, in fact, it is one of the easiest materials to work with when it comes down to maintaining your pots and pans. There is a very good chance your stainless steel pans will be dishwasher safe. It is usually the handle that shouldn't go in the dishwasher, so check that before putting them in for a wash cycle.
The other handy thing about stainless steel pans is they're not reactive so they're not likely to become stained by the food you're cooking in them.
How to care for aluminum pots and pans
Washing your aluminum pans in the dishwasher could cause them to discolour. You're best hand-washing your pans to be certain they'll stay in top shape. Rapid temperature changes are also likely to warp aluminum pans, so make sure they're not exposed to sudden changes in temperature like putting them under cold water immediately after you've finished cooking. Always let them cool first.
Another thing to consider about aluminum is that it is softer than stainless steel too, so will scratch easier. This is something to think about when it comes to storage.
How to care for cast iron pans
As we've already mentioned, cast iron cookware is very durable and can last you a lifetime if taken care of properly. However, this also means that they require special treatment.
You will need to season your cookware to add a non-stick coating to it but also to build a corrosion-resistant barrier between the pan and the environment. This means coating the cookware in oil and heating it up.
You can also coat your cookware with lard after washing, but make sure to dry well before storing them or they could rust if left damp overnight. You must always hand wash cast iron pans and never, under any circumstances put them in the dishwasher.
Conclusion
Cookware can be expensive, so it is important to know how to take care of it properly. There are many cookware materials that you should consider when shopping for cookware - cast iron cookware will last a lifetime if taken care of correctly, stainless steel cookware is easy to clean and not reactive like other metals. Aluminum cookware needs special treatment due to its softness but is also good because it's lightweight and can be inexpensive.
Whatever your choice, we hope we've helped you get an understanding of what is required to properly maintain your pots and pans.
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