Specialty Cookware Options

Throughout the ages, specialty cookware is a market that tries to keep up with consumer needs and demands. The hard part for the buyer is making wise purchases for the family. Improvements in the making and forming of metals ensure wide choice we have for cookware. There are pots and pans made of nonstick materials, aluminum, stainless steel, copper, cast iron, enamel covered and glass.

· Nonstick: If you are a cook who desires convenience and easy clean up, non-stick cookware is the way to go. Careful cooking and clean up will ensure your non-stick pans last for years. When cooking in your non-stick pan, be careful not to reach for the metal spatula or a regular fork to turn your food.

These metal tools can scratch the non-stick surface and ruin your pan. Specialty cooking stores often have high-end non-stick cookware and bake ware for the progressive cook. Anondized aluminum is harder than stainless steel, conducts heat faster than glass and spreads quickly and evenly across the bottom. The anondized aluminum is a supplemental coating that hardens the metal, making it very scratch resistant. It is very easy to clean. An anondized aluminum pan, doesn’t react to acidic foods, so these pots are excellent choices for cooking with tomato sauce, wine or lemon juice. Teflon is another nonstick option in cookware. Teflon is a tough, nonporous material that permits cooking without additional fats. It was approved for cookware in 1960.

· Aluminum: Cookware constructed of aluminum is usually lightweight with very good heat conductive properties. It is available in sheets that are stamped into form to use for baking sheets, pie plates and cake pans. Due to its softness and lightweight quality, it is sometimes mixed with magnesium, copper or bronze to make it stronger and more durable. Cast aluminum is thicker and makes excellent sauce pans, dutch ovens and bundt pans.

· Stainless Steel: The desirable quality of stainless steel is its durability. Because it is hard, tough and nonporous, its finish won’t corrode or tarnish. Often the stainless steel pan will contain nickel, molybdenum or titanium, to contribute to its toughness and resistance to scratching and high temperature resistance. To ensure stainless steel conducts heat and conducts it evenly, it is constructed with a copper or aluminum bottom. Manufacturers usually caution the consumer about acidic or salty foods remaining too long in a stainless steel pan.

· Copper: Cookware constructed of copper is visually appealing to many cooks. It is an excellent conductor of heat, which is why many stainless steel pans contain copper. Many cooks utilize copper pans when they are cooking sauces or foods that require a precise temperature. Copper is easily dissolved during cooking so it is often lined with tin or stainless steel. Copper pans can be quite heavy but the dedicated cook often desires copper for certain recipes.

· Cast Iron: Most grandma’s cooked in the classic cast iron skillet. It was used in China to cook rice and has been used to cook with for many years. It is an even conductor of heat for all types of cooking including baking, frying and even browning. It is slow to heat, but once it is at the desired temperature the cast iron skillet provides even heating. A surprising fact about cast iron is its potential to provide the important nutrient iron to the food as it cooks. The downside to the cast iron skillet is its potential to rust. It must be handled with care and seasoned frequently with cooking oil to protect its finish. Also, the cast iron pan must be dried immediately to prevent rust. Nothing fries chicken or fried potatoes better than a cast iron skillet!

· Enamel/Glass: In 1830, a craftsman discovered he could create a smooth and virtually permanent finish by coating pans with porcelain enamel. Non-metallic cookware is an option cooks should take advantage of often for cooking. Glass ceramics can be taken from the freezer to the stove. This glass cookware is advantageous in that it is scratch resistant and does not absorb odors. Many enamel cookware manufacturers offer their pans in designer colors that match any kitchen. Enamel cookware is a convenient option when taking food to a dinner or special event. Its look is appealing and the food can be cooked right in the pan. Crockpots are often enamel and are an answer to the perfect meal for the busy family.