Here Are the Best Types of Cookware For Each Task

Finding the best cookware material for your cooking needs can be a tricky task. Here’s how you can sort out which material works best for you!

In a 2016 survey, 98% of people said that they still prefer to prepare meals at home in the United States. 

Although the restaurant industry has been on the rise, home-cooked meals are still the best around.

To become a home chef, you will need the correct cookware and know what to do with it. 

Continue reading to discover the best cookware material that you can get your pots and pans in! 

1. Hard-Anodized Aluminum

If you are looking for an easy to clean pan that can be used with high temperatures, hard-anodized aluminum is recommended.

This aluminum pan is nonstick and much more durable than other options. Many people use this material for pans if they want to get a strong sear on meats. However, it can be used to cook a wide range of foods. 

The best part about this type of cookware if that you can cook practically anything on. These pans are all-purpose, so you can use whatever utensils you prefer. Unlike Teflon pans, you can use metal spoons to stir the pot. You can even use these pans in the oven, just keep an oven mitt nearby!

Although hard-anodized aluminum pans can cost more than the average choices, it is worth the money. Be sure to only use mild dish soaps while cleaning, avoid harsh cleaners that will eat the coating away. 

2. Teflon 

Do you cook a lot of eggs or fish at home?

If so, nonstick pans may be recommended. The nonstick pans are typically made of aluminum and have a Teflon coating. This coating makes even the stickiest of ingredients slide off of the pan without sticking to the bottom. 

Nonstick pans are best for delicate foods that can easily break during the cooking process. You should also cook your pancakes and crepes in this type of pan as well. You shouldn’t need to use much (if any) oil because if how well this pan works.

These pans may be a bit more costly, but they are worth the money. You can quickly clean these pans off without having to let them soak for hours. Just be sure that you handwash them and avoid using metal, to preserve the Teflon. 

Many people get this type of cookware because it is so lightweight and can heat up quickly. 

3. Ceramic

Have you ever heard of the term “green nonstick?”

Green nonstick pans are more popularly known as ceramic pans. They are created from a gel made from sand. The nonstick surface is doesn’t require chemical coatings, like Teflon, making it a more eco-friendly option. 

There are many benefits of using ceramic cookware. It is a lightweight option and easy to handle. You don’t have to stress about cleaning your ceramic pots and pans because it is nonstick and easy to wash!

If you are cooking food at low temperatures this is the best cookware material to go with. Unfortunately, because of the way these pans are made, they are not meant for searing ingredients and high heats. Don’t forget to keep your ceramic options out of the oven and handwash them only. 

4. Stainless Steel

Another excellent all-purpose cooking pan material is stainless steel. 

Most stainless steel pots and pans are made of multiple layers of metal to become a better conductor of heat. Copper is a common metal used within stainless steel pans. Although they are made with multiple layers, they are still lighter than cast-iron and easy to cook with. 

Stainless steel pans are best used for searing meats and making sauces. You can quickly get your meat seared and flavored and then pop it in the oven to finish the cooking.

Since stainless steel isn’t non-stick, you can even use metal utensils. Just be prepared to scrape the pan if you are cooking something sticky, you can even toss it in the dishwasher.  

5. Cast-Iron

One of the heaviest and most reliable materials for cooking is cast-iron.

Cast-iron pots and pans are recommended if you want to get an even-cook and sear on your food. You can make entire meals in a single cast-iron pan and move it from the stove to the oven without a problem. 

You must know how to preserve cast-iron if you buy pans in this material. You must never use soap on your pans. Instead, you can clean them with soap, water, and salt (or special cast-iron cleaning products). Doing so will prevent rust from forming and maintain the seasoning of the pan. 

As long as you properly take care of your cast-iron cookware, it can last for a long time and be well worth your money. Although these pans are much heavier than other options, they are durable;e and can handle extreme temperatures. 

6. Carbon Steel

If you have a difficult time preserving your cast-iron pots, you can try carbon steel options instead. 

Carbon steel pots and pans cook similar to cast-iron and also become nonstick over time as it becomes seasoned. After carbon steel pans are seasoned, you can even cook delicate items, such as eggs, in the pan. 

This cookware is lighter than cast-iron but doesn’t conduct heat as well. Make sure you learn more about maintaining and seasoning these pans to prevent rust. 

Find the Best Cookware Material for You 

There are a variety of cookware materials available because not all foods should be treated the same in the kitchen. 

Utilizing this guide can help you find the best cookware material for whatever you are cooking, whether it be crepes or meat. It is important to understand how all of these materials work and how to maintain them so that your dishes come out delicious. 

Be sure to check out our blog for more articles with cookware guides and tips on how to make a better meal!