The Pros and Cons of Different Types of Cookware
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=K_Hupp]K Hupp
There are so many different types of cookware on the market today, it can be hard to decide which to type to buy. When I decided to replace my worn out pots and pans, I decided to do a little research before making a purchase. I was amazed at the differences in types of cookware. I found that some types of cookware are more healthier cooking choices than others. Here is a list of each type of cookware's pros and cons. This should help you make up your mind when it comes time for you to update your own cookware.
Stainless Steel- Stainless steel is one of the best choices for cookware, as long as it is properly cared for. Stainless steel is nearly non-stick and heats evenly, especially if it has an aluminum clad bottom. Never use scouring pads or metal utensils with stainless steel. Scratching the inside of the cookware can allow small amounts of chromium and nickel to leach into your food. Be sure to follow cleaning instructions from the manufacturer when caring for stainless steel cookware.
Copper Clad Exterior with Stainless Steel Lining- To retain the shining copper exterior on copper clad requires more care than just stainless steel. It also allows the benefit of copper's ability to conduct heat. The stainless steel interior should be cared for by avoiding scratches of any kind. Once again, follow manufacturer's instructions when cleaning your cookware.
Aluminum- Regular aluminum cookware has been on the market for ages. It heats quickly, is lightweight and costs less than many other types of cookware. Aluminum can be reactive to acidic foods. Try to cook your tomatoes and other acidic foods in a different type of cookware. Don't use aluminum cookware over high heat. It has also been suggested that aluminum cookware can be linked to Alzheimer's disease, but this has not been proven.
Anodized Aluminum- Anodized aluminum is safer to use than regular aluminum cookware. It has been treated in a special process to prevent any leaching of metals into your food. It is also lightweight and heats evenly and quickly. It does not react when cooking acidic foods either.
Copper Cookware- Copper cookware is very pretty, but if not cared for properly it can also leach into your food. It is usually coated with a protective layer to prevent this from happening. I would avoid using this type of cookware if it is uncoated or the coating is scratched or dissolved. For best results, follow the instructions given by the manufacturer.
SilverStone and Teflon- SilverStone and Teflon are both non-stick cookware finishes. They make cooking and cleanup a breeze, but they can also emit harmful fumes when used over high heat. When scratched, small amount of the coating can also get into your food. Don't use Teflon if you have a pet bird. The fumes from cooking with Teflon is hazardous to birds.
Cast Iron Cookware- Cast iron cookware is one of the best choices for cooking. It conducts heat evenly and has no hot spots. When properly cared for, it is a nearly non-stick cookware. Since we need iron in our diets, the small amount of iron that leaches into food is actually a benefit. Cast iron must be seasoned to keep it from rusting. Follow the instructions that come with your cookware to ensure a properly seasoned finish. Due to the thickness, it heats up more slowly than other types of cookware. It is also extremely heavy, which can be a draw back for people with hand or wrist problems.
After much debate, I finally decided to buy a quality set of stainless steel cookware. I'm caring for the finish as recommended, and I'm making sure to only use wood or plastic utensils when cooking. This set of cookware should last for many years to come.
I already have a 13" cast iron skillet and absolutely love it. The only reason I chose stainless steel over cast iron was because it's hard to find cast iron saucepans in the most common sizes. I may yet add a smaller size cast iron skillet or griddle to my cookware collection before I'm completely satisfied.
Kathy enjoys cooking and gardening. Visit her KitchenAid Mixer Attachments [http://kitchenaidmixerattachments.org] website and check out the KitchenAid Food Grinder [http://kitchenaidmixerattachments.org/KitchenAid_Food_Grinder.html]
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?The-Pros-and-Cons-of-Different-Types-of-Cookware&id=2767027] The Pros and Cons of Different Types of Cookware
Thursday, November 6, 2014
Wednesday, November 5, 2014
How to Buy and Use Bakeware Items?
How to Buy and Use Bakeware Items?
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Simon_Waker_Haughtone]Simon Waker Haughtone
Who doesn't dream of a kitchen cabinet stocked with some of the best crystals and eye catchy Chine ware and Bakeware items? These not only deck up your interiors but also convey your cooking expertise to the outside world. Typically bakeware forms include cookie trays, cake and pie pans, weighing balance and loaf pans among others. Baked goods will expand during baking and hence the weighing gadgets have a very important role in any baker's kitchen!
Aluminum bakeware is the most popular option as it resists warping, however the shiny texture of aluminum makes it unsuitable for browning. Aluminum Foil comes handy while making pizzas and over oven treats. These should be handled with care so as to retain their original shape.
Ovenproof glass gets heated up quickly and can save around 25 degrees. Non-Stick bakeware are used for browning muffins or cookies. Silicone also enables you to get the desired browning effect and the best thing is that these are maintenance free and dishwasher safe. Silicone is resistant, durable and will not break even if it falls down. Silicone bakeware is made of FDA-approved food grade silicone and is well suited for a wide range of temperatures from -40 to 500 degrees. It is flexible and soft and won't occupy much storage space as well.
Stoneware: Care should be taken to use only water for washing and this kitchen ware cannot be put in a dishwasher.
Insist on quality bakeware and kitchenware as it will last for many years and offers maximum safety while being heated to very high temperatures. Avoid black colored pans as it will get heated very quickly and could burn the items.
Also remember that the surfaces of nonstick pans tend to scratch easily. To prevent scratches, you can use parchment paper on non-stick surfaces. Lastly, try thinking outside of the pan: in addition to being used to bake desserts, some bakeware can also be used to cook other types of food in the oven, like fish, chicken and pasta. Bakeware is available in a variety of different materials including aluminum, steel or silicone. Buying a spectacular range of cookware and bakeware is only half your job done. Now you can set up your kitchen in a trendy or traditional theme to gel well with the rest of the home d�cor. [http://www.usefulkitchenware.com/]Home kitchenware has undergone a radical transformation down the line. Apart from simplifying the cooking chores, [http://www.usefulkitchenware.com/cookware-and-bakeware/]cookware adds up to the milieu of the home and vibes to your living spaces.
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?How-to-Buy-and-Use-Bakeware-Items?&id=5109971] How to Buy and Use Bakeware Items?
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Simon_Waker_Haughtone]Simon Waker Haughtone
Who doesn't dream of a kitchen cabinet stocked with some of the best crystals and eye catchy Chine ware and Bakeware items? These not only deck up your interiors but also convey your cooking expertise to the outside world. Typically bakeware forms include cookie trays, cake and pie pans, weighing balance and loaf pans among others. Baked goods will expand during baking and hence the weighing gadgets have a very important role in any baker's kitchen!
Aluminum bakeware is the most popular option as it resists warping, however the shiny texture of aluminum makes it unsuitable for browning. Aluminum Foil comes handy while making pizzas and over oven treats. These should be handled with care so as to retain their original shape.
Ovenproof glass gets heated up quickly and can save around 25 degrees. Non-Stick bakeware are used for browning muffins or cookies. Silicone also enables you to get the desired browning effect and the best thing is that these are maintenance free and dishwasher safe. Silicone is resistant, durable and will not break even if it falls down. Silicone bakeware is made of FDA-approved food grade silicone and is well suited for a wide range of temperatures from -40 to 500 degrees. It is flexible and soft and won't occupy much storage space as well.
Stoneware: Care should be taken to use only water for washing and this kitchen ware cannot be put in a dishwasher.
Insist on quality bakeware and kitchenware as it will last for many years and offers maximum safety while being heated to very high temperatures. Avoid black colored pans as it will get heated very quickly and could burn the items.
Also remember that the surfaces of nonstick pans tend to scratch easily. To prevent scratches, you can use parchment paper on non-stick surfaces. Lastly, try thinking outside of the pan: in addition to being used to bake desserts, some bakeware can also be used to cook other types of food in the oven, like fish, chicken and pasta. Bakeware is available in a variety of different materials including aluminum, steel or silicone. Buying a spectacular range of cookware and bakeware is only half your job done. Now you can set up your kitchen in a trendy or traditional theme to gel well with the rest of the home d�cor. [http://www.usefulkitchenware.com/]Home kitchenware has undergone a radical transformation down the line. Apart from simplifying the cooking chores, [http://www.usefulkitchenware.com/cookware-and-bakeware/]cookware adds up to the milieu of the home and vibes to your living spaces.
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?How-to-Buy-and-Use-Bakeware-Items?&id=5109971] How to Buy and Use Bakeware Items?
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