There are an almost endless number of options when it comes to cookware. There are many different brands, many different materials that cookware is made from, and they come in many different price ranges. We put together this cookware set buyers guide to help save you some time by showing you what to look for when you are shopping for a cookware set.
Your Budget
One of the first things you will have to figure out is your budget. How much are you willing to spend on a cookware set? You also need to think about the quality of the set. You may be able to save a few bucks by purchasing a cheaper cookware set but you’ll have to replace it more often and it will ultimately cost you more money. A good quality cookware set may be expensive but it can last a lifetime and be a one time investment.
It’s always a good idea to buy the best cookware set your budget will allow. One way to keep the cost down even when buying quality cookware is to choose your pieces carefully. Some sets may have more pots and pans than you actually need and it would be better to buy fewer quality pieces than a lot of cheap, lesser quality pieces.
Your Cooktop
If you have a gas range you can use almost any type of cookware but if you have a smooth top range it is essential that you purchase flat bottomed pots and pans. If you have an induction cooktop you will probably want to go with a stainless steel cookware set. One tip is that if a magnet will stick to your cookware then it will work with an induction cooktop.
Some of the Different Types of Cookware Available
Stainless steel is a very versatile material and is the top choice for most chefs. Stainless steel is easy to clean and requires very little maintenance. It is also rust and stain resistant. One problem with stainless steel is that it does not conduct heat as well as other materials so you could develop hotspots. With stainless steel cookware it is best to get an encapsulated cookware set which means the bottom of the panel have a layer of copper or aluminum that helps distribute the heat evenly while the top of the pan that comes in contact with your food is stainless steel.
A lot of people like cast iron cookware and it is a great choice if you need to cook food at a low steady temperature. Cast-iron takes time to heat up and cool down but it retains its heat very well. Aluminum cookware is very popular because it is lightweight and inexpensive compared to some other materials. Aluminum is an excellent heat conductor but cheaper aluminum pieces can warp and a lot of people are also concerned that aluminum leaching into their food may cause or contribute to Alzheimer’s disease.
Nonstick cookware has also been very popular for a long time but a lot of people are worried about nonstick coatings flaking off and getting into their food. Nonstick cookware also requires that you be very careful not to scratch and damage the nonstick surface.
Multiply cookware is a great choice because it combines several different metals into one pot or pan. The idea is to get the best out of each material like using copper or aluminum as a core for heat distribution while using stainless steel as the actual cooking surface.
I purchased a small Cuisinart boiler and noticed a bump in the bottom of it. I didn’t pay much attention to it until I washed it. Apparently when cooking in it the bump burst open and the metal is showing thru and the surface is peeling off. I can only assume this is a manufacturer’s flaw and not the flaw of Cuisinart, this brand is why I purchased it. However, I can no longer cook in it with the Silverstone type finish peeling off. I live to far away from where I purchased it to return it. I’m very upset at not being able to use it.
Sorry to hear about your loss. That is one of the reasons I like to purchase my stuff online. It’s super easy to return.