What is Cookware? In-Depth Guide to Cookware

Cookware refers to a variety of appliances and equipment used to cook or bake meals. This includes cooking pots, frying pans, saute pans, baking pans, dutch ovens, egg pans, griddles, woks, rondeau, saucepans, cake molds, etc. Cookware is used on a stove or inside an oven to cook or bake your meals.

You may have come across the term ‘cookware’ quite frequently and it includes all these items that can be used to prepare your meals. Different brands feature different types of cookware that are constructed from a variety of materials including stainless steel, cast iron, carbon steel, copper core, aluminum, nonstick, etc. Depending on your needs and cooking requirements, you may wish to pick a specific brand or type of cookware.

But, the right type of cookware depends on a lot more than just its construction. Design, cooking performance, durability, affordability, maintenance, etc., are just a few of the factors you need to consider before purchasing a cookware set for your kitchen.

In this article, we will introduce you to what is cookware and the many important factors you should consider when purchasing or using different types of cookware.

What is the ideal material for cookware?

Different cookware materials are ideal for different types of cooking and individual preferences. Most people lean toward stainless steel cookware as it is affordable and durable, but it also comes with its fair share of cons. 

The ideal cookware depends entirely on your cookware needs and your knowledge of cookware maintenance. Some types are nonstick and will require hand washing, while others that are hybrid may be sturdier and can be chucked inside the dishwasher for quick and easy cleaning.

What are the different types of cookware?

As previously mentioned, there are numerous types of cookware made of different materials to suit individual needs. It depends on what types of food you cook and affordability of cookware when deciding on which to buy. 

Cast Iron

Cast iron is praised for being virtually indestructible. It is a traditional cookware material that is porous and helps achieve the perfect sear on your foods. It also packs and delivers a lot of flavor if proper care is given.

Cookware constructed with cast iron is affordable and extremely durable, making it last for years. It can handle extremely high heat and can also be transferred from the stovetop to the oven. This thick and sturdy material is also known to retain heat very well which helps in even cooking.

However, cast iron requires extra TLC to maintain and thoroughly clean than most new cookware. It also doesn’t react well to acidic foods as these can strip the seasoning from your pan. And, if not maintained and cared for properly, your cast iron cookware may begin to rust.

Enameled Cast Iron

A step above cast iron, enameled cast iron comes with a porcelain coating that combats rust. It is also very easy to clean and can be used on the stove or in the oven.

It offers the same cooking benefits of cast iron cookware but it is much easier to clean and maintain in the long run and it also does not require seasoning. It reacts better against acidic foods and does not strip away any seasoning.

But, enameled cast iron cookware can be quite expensive and its nonstick coating is not as resilient as the seasoned cooking surface of cast iron pans. It is also larger and heavier, making it harder to store and carry when cooking.

Stainless Steel

One of the most popular and common cookware is stainless steel but not all stainless steel pots and pans are created equal and the top brands in the market provide the best stainless steel cookware.

It is always in high demand as it is nonreactive so it does not affect or negatively react with your acidic or alkaline ingredients when cooking. It is also far better at heat conduction and conductivity and most stainless steel varieties are also dishwasher friendly, making them a lot easier to maintain in the long term. Most varieties are also oven-safe, so long as the pot handles are also stainless steel.

However, stainless steel is sometimes poor at even heat distribution, but some top-of-the-line aluminum or copper core stainless steel cookware may not have the same problem. It is also less nonstick than other cookware materials and may be tougher to clean especially if food bits are stuck to the bottom of the pan. 

Carbon Steel

Carbon steel pots and pans are more recent than traditional cookware. They are constructed with mostly iron and some carbon, making it extremely durable like cast iron but a lot lighter and thinner. 

It provides you with all the benefits of cast iron and retains heat well, making it ideal for searing. You can enjoy rich, grilled flavors when cooking with a carbon steel pan. When seasoned properly, these pots and pans remain naturally slick, requiring very little grease to cook your food in.

But, carbon steel cookware requires seasoning to maintain and washing it isn’t always the easiest task. These items are not dishwasher safe and will react poorly to acidic foods. Read more about Carbon steel Vs Iron on our blog.

Copper

Copper cookware is also traditional and can help you achieve that perfect sear on your meats and vegetables. It has excellent heat retention and cooks your food evenly without leaving behind uncooked or cold patches. But, these pots and pans can be extremely expensive and require a lot of maintenance such as lemon or vinegar polishing routinely to maintain their good condition. 

It also reacts poorly to acidic foods, meaning that your foods can absorb the taste of metal and even a small amount of copper.

Aluminum

When it comes to aluminum cookware, there are two categories: regular aluminum and anodized aluminum. Each variety comes with its own benefits and disadvantages.

Regular aluminum is more affordable and lightweight. It is also great at heat conduction and retention. Anodized aluminum is more durable, resilient, and is even scratch-resistant compared to the former.

Much like copper cookware, regular aluminum reacts poorly to acidic foods whereas anodized aluminum does not, but it is pricier than the regular variety.

Nonstick

The most commonly used cookware is nonstick cookware as it is easier to cook in and clean. It also requires very little oil or butter to cook with. However, traditional nonstick cookware has Teflon and PFOA, PTFE coating which can react and leech into the food when exposed to high heat. This can release harmful fumes which may cause coughing, trouble breathing, etc. Modern nonstick varieties come with PFOA-free coating which is far better.

Glass

Though it is far less common to see glass cookware, it has become quite the attraction in recent years thanks to social media trends. The biggest advantage of glass cookware is visibility. You can keep a close eye on your food as it simmers and cooks through. But, since it isn’t nonstick, your food can burn easily and glass cookware also comes with poor heat distribution which may result in uneven cooking. 

Ceramic

Most ceramic cookware is widely referred to as ceramic nonstick cookware but in reality, it is actually a combination of aluminum and silicone finish that leaves behind a clear, ceramic like texture. 

It has nonstick properties and is also free of harmful chemicals like PFOA and PTFE. Ceramic cookware is also known to be more eco-friendly in its construction and use. 

However, their nonstick coating can wither away quicker than other cookware varieties and it can be harder to clean as this cookware is not dishwasher-safe.

Silicone

With all the controversy about Teflon non-stick cookware, silicone cookware became more popular as a better alternative as it is constructed from bonded silicone and oxygen. 

This cookware is stain-resistant, nonstick, and incredibly easy to clean. It is also quite durable. But, since it is newer in the market, there isn’t much research or reviews available to determine how safe it is.

What is the ideal size for a cookware?

The ideal size of cookware depends on the size of your household and your cooking requirements. The larger the household, the bigger should be your pots and pans. 

A 4 QT saucepan is a great size for cooking family sized meals. If you are a single-person household, then even a 1 QT saucepan will work just fine. If you want to cook soups, pastas, or rice, then you may require another saucepan that is slightly larger than 1 QT.

For larger families a 6-8 QT pot or saucepan is perfect. The depth of these pots prevents liquids and foods from spilling out or the liquid from cooking down too quickly. 

When it comes to frying pans, a 12” one is large enough to handle most recipes including sauteing, simmering, frying, etc. You can also use these to sear your steaks or vegetables with ease. 

Any rectangular bakeware that is 9/13”, be it glass, metal, or ceramic, is a great choice. It provides ample space for baking breads, cakes, and pasta bakes.

What are the best cookware brands?

The best cookware brands offer excellent durability, cooking performance, longevity, heat conductivity and retention, as well as aesthetic appeal. There are countless brands in the cookware market that offer one or more of these. Depending on your cooking requirements and construction preference, you can pick any of these as your next cookware of choice.

  • Caraway
  • Misen
  • Made In  
  • Sardel
  • Hexclad 
  • GreenPan
  • Gotham Steel

Factors to Consider When Buying Cookware

Heat Conductivity

It goes without saying that some metals are better heat conductors than others. Good heat conductivity is an essential part of any good cookware as it ensures that your food gets hot quickly. It also means heat distribution and even cooking. Cookware that reacts quickly to temperature change when the heat is up or down is better than cookware that takes longer to heat and leaves cold spots on your food. Poor heat conductivity also leads to poor searing of meats and vegetables. 

Affordability 

Some high-end brands may cost a lot. But, this could be for a variety of reasons. Hybrid cookware like carbon steel is pricey due to its unique construction and several cooking benefits. This doesn’t mean that there aren’t affordable options available in the market for you. A good rule to follow is to buy the best you can afford. The cheapest option isn’t always better as many cheap cookware lack durability and longevity and you will need to replace them anyway, which will cost even more.

Durability

It goes without saying that there are some cookware varieties that last longer than others. This could be due to their make and the superior quality materials used to construct them. Durable cookware will not warp, chip, or bend easily and will last you a significant amount of time before you need to replace them.

Maintenance

Before picking a cookware for your kitchen, ask yourself if you understand its upkeep and maintenance. Many homeowners enjoy buying copper cookware but when it begins to deteriorate early, they blame the quality of the cookware when it's actually the lack of knowledge of maintenance and upkeep for such cookware. Copper cookware requires routinely polishing with vinegar, etc., to maintain its shine and nonstick surface. It is better to invest in a cookware you understand and are able to maintain.

Stove Compatibility

If you own an induction stovetop then you will need to invest in cookware that consists of ferrous metals. Ferrous metals are detected by the induction unit, allowing it to heat up. Ordinary, traditional cookware will not work with such a stove. Thus, always check the type of stove you own before you purchase cookware.  

What are the features of a good cookware?

The features of good cookware include the following:

  • Effective Performance: The cookware should feature good heat conductivity and retention for even cooking.
  • Easy Maintenance: It should be easy to wash and maintain so that it lasts for longer.
  • Versatility: It should be easy to use for a variety of different recipes and cuisines.
  • Durability: The cookware shouldn’t break, chip, peel, or crack after only a few rounds of cooking and should offer durability worth its price.
  • Oven-Safety: Good cookware should be easy to transfer from the stove to the oven.
  • Metal Utensil-Safety: Strong cookware should be able to withstand metal utensil usage without cracking or damaging the cooking surface.
  • Toxin-Free Cooking: It should not be coated with harmful chemicals like PFOA, PTFE, lead, and cadmium that may leech into your food.

Conclusion for Cookware Usage, Types, and Notable Factors

Cookware is used to prepare all kinds of foods, recipes, and cuisines. It also includes bakeware that can be used to bake breads, pastas, lasagnas, cakes, and other foods. 

There are also several different types of cookware and depending on your cooking requirements, you can invest in cast iron, stainless steel, ceramic, copper, nonstick, silicone, glass, carbon steel, enameled cast iron, aluminum, etc. 

And, before you purchase any cookware, make sure you consider important factors such as affordability, construction, stove compatibility, maintenance, and durability, etc., to ensure that your chosen cookware is suitable for you.

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