Cookware 101

Cookware Options For Every Chef and Kitchen

Here’s a complete “how-to” guide for what’s what and how to use all the latest and greatest healthy non-toxic cookware surfaces. From curious beginners to experienced chefs, we have the perfect pieces to help you succeed in the kitchen. Our handy guide will outline all you need to know when making the best cookware decision for your home.

  • Stainless Steel: Durable, rust-resistant, and excellent for searing. Requires medium heat and proper cleaning to avoid discolouration or sticking.
  • Copper: Best for even heat distribution. Requires care to maintain its aesthetic and must be lined for safe cooking with most foods.
  • Carbon Steel: Lightweight and naturally non-stick with seasoning. Great for high-heat cooking and stir-frying, but requires upkeep to prevent rust.
  • Non-Stick: Chemical-free, easy to clean, and durable. Handles higher temperatures but avoid using metal utensils or high heat.
  • Enamelled Cast Iron: No seasoning needed, rust-proof, and aesthetically pleasing. Heavy but perfect for heat retention and versatile cooking.

Each surface has unique benefits, care requirements, and cooking techniques. Pick the cookware that fits your needs and enjoy successful culinary adventures!

Below are in-depth descriptions of each type of cookware surface. 

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Stainless Steel

Stainless steel cookware is a favourite among professional chefs and home cooks alike, and for good reason. It combines functionality, durability, and versatility, making it an essential part of any kitchen. 

Stainless steel is created by combining iron and carbon to produce steel, then adding chromium and nickel for enhanced properties. The quality of stainless steel is determined by its nickel content—for instance, an 18/10 stainless steel contains 18 parts chromium and 10 parts nickel, offering excellent durability and resistance to corrosion.

Why Choose Stainless Steel Cookware?

Stainless steel cookware offers numerous advantages:

  1. Non-Reactive and Non-Toxic: Unlike some materials, stainless steel doesn’t react with acidic or alkaline foods, ensuring your meals are safe and unaltered in taste.
  2. Durable and Rust-Resistant: Built to last, stainless steel is resistant to rust and wear, making it a long-term investment.
  3. Low Maintenance: Easy to care for with basic cleaning techniques.
  4. Excellent Searing Power: Stainless steel excels at creating a perfect sear on meats and other foods.
  5. Lightweight: Easier to handle compared to heavier materials like cast iron.
  6. Wide Budget Range: Available in various price points to suit different budgets.
  7. Easy Cleanup: With the right cleaner and techniques, maintaining its shine is a breeze.

Bonus Tip: Stainless steel pans can become naturally non-stick if a good amount of fat is used and the food is allowed to form a seared crust before being moved.

Things to Keep in Mind

While stainless steel cookware has many advantages, there are a few things to consider:

  • Susceptibility to Scratches: Avoid using metal utensils or abrasive scrubbers like steel wool. Instead, opt for silicone, plastic, or wooden utensils.
  • Discoloration Risks: Repeated overheating can cause discolouration (blue, brown, or gray hues). This doesn’t affect performance but can be avoided with proper heat control.
  • Cooking Technique: Food may stick if there’s insufficient fat or liquid, or if the temperature is too high. Cooking with medium heat is generally sufficient for most tasks.

Care and Maintenance

Proper care ensures your stainless steel cookware remains in top shape for years:

  1. Cool Down First: Allow the pan to cool completely before washing to prevent warping.
  2. Gentle Cleaning: Wash with warm water, mild soap, and a non-abrasive sponge.
  3. Restore Shine: If discolouration occurs, use a stainless steel cleaner like Universal Stone or Meyer Stainless Steel Cleaner.
  4. Dry Thoroughly: After washing, dry your pan immediately to prevent water spots.

Pro Tips for Cooking with Stainless Steel

  • Preheat Properly: Always preheat your pan before adding oil or fat. A well-heated pan ensures even cooking and reduces sticking.
  • Use Medium Heat: Stainless steel conducts heat effectively, so medium heat is often all you need.
  • Let Food Release Naturally: When searing, let the food form a crust before moving it. Once it’s ready, it will release easily from the pan.

With its impressive performance and longevity, stainless steel cookware is a worthwhile addition to any kitchen. By understanding how to use and care for it, you can enjoy its benefits for years to come. Whether you’re searing a steak to perfection or crafting delicate sauces, stainless steel is a reliable and versatile choice for all your culinary adventures.

RELISH RECOMMENDS: Meyer Supersteel | Le Creuset Stainless Steel Cookware | Hestan NanoBond Cookware

Carbon Steel

Carbon steel cookware has earned its place in both professional kitchens and home cooking spaces. Its lightweight design, versatility, and ability to develop a natural non-stick surface over time make it an excellent choice for a wide range of cooking techniques. 

Why Choose Carbon Steel Cookware?

Carbon steel cookware offers several advantages:

  1. Lightweight and Versatile: Much lighter than cast iron, making it easier to handle during cooking.
  2. Naturally Non-Stick: When properly seasoned, carbon steel develops a natural non-stick surface that improves with each use.
  3. Durable and Safe: Safe on all cooktops, including induction, and compatible with all kitchen utensils.
  4. Quick Heat Transfer: Ideal for high-heat cooking and techniques like stir-frying.

Bonus Tip: As the seasoning builds, your carbon steel pan will darken and become even more efficient as a non-stick surface.

Caring for Your Carbon Steel Cookware

  1. Cleaning: Always clean with hot water (no soap) and a soft sponge. Avoid harsh abrasives.
  2. Drying: Dry completely after washing to prevent rust.
  3. Seasoning Maintenance: Regular use and seasoning will maintain the pan’s non-stick surface.

Carbon steel cookware, whether in the form of a wok or a frying pan, offers exceptional performance and longevity. With proper care and seasoning, these pieces become invaluable tools in your kitchen. Whether you’re stir-frying vegetables or searing proteins, carbon steel cookware ensures top-notch results every time.

RELISH RECOMMENDS: De Buyer

Non-Stick

Non-stick cookware is a modern, safe, and versatile option for home kitchens. Its chemical-free composition and ease of use make it a favourite among health-conscious cooks.

Despite its name, non-stick cookware is made from metal pans with a silicon-based coating. This coating, derived from sand, creates a slick and glossy surface that mimics the properties of traditional ceramic. It’s this innovative finish that delivers its non-stick performance while maintaining a lightweight design.

Why Choose Non-Stick Cookware?

Non-stick cookware offers several advantages:

  1. Chemical-Free Coating: Completely free of PFAS, PFOA, and PTFE, making it a safer choice for your kitchen.
  2. Scratch-Resistant Surface: Durable enough to withstand everyday use.
  3. Durable Construction: Crafted from cast aluminum with hard-anodized or brushed stainless steel exteriors for long-lasting performance.
  4. Versatile Non-Stick Surface: Excellent for searing, browning, and easy food release.
  5. Lightweight and Easy to Handle: Makes cooking and cleaning a breeze.
  6. Non-Reactive to Acidic Foods: Perfect for recipes with tomatoes, citrus, or vinegar.
  7. Healthier Cooking: Requires less oil or fat to achieve great results.

Bonus Tip: Non-stick cookware remains stable and safe at higher temperatures, only starting to break down around 600°F, unlike traditional non-stick options.

Caring for Non-Stick Cookware

Proper care extends the life of your non-stick cookware:

  1. Use Gentle Tools: Always use silicone or wooden utensils to avoid scratches.
  2. Clean with Care: Wash with warm, soapy water and a non-abrasive sponge. Avoid harsh scrubs or steel wool.
  3. Dry Thoroughly: Ensure the cookware is completely dry before storing to maintain its integrity.
  4. Moderate Heat Settings: Use medium to medium-high heat for cooking—high heat is unnecessary and can degrade the coating over time.

What Makes Non-Stick Unique?

Despite its name, non-stick cookware is made from metal pans with a silicon-based coating. This coating, derived from sand, creates a slick and glossy surface that mimics the properties of traditional ceramic. It’s this innovative finish that delivers its non-stick performance while maintaining a lightweight design.

Performance Highlights

  • Heat Tolerance: Can safely withstand temperatures up to 500°F, unlike many other non-stick options.
  • Easy Cleanup: The slick surface ensures that food releases easily, making washing up hassle-free.
  • Healthy Cooking: Requires minimal fats or oils, supporting a balanced diet without compromising on flavor.

Non-stick cookware is a smart choice for those seeking safety, convenience, and performance in their kitchen. By following proper care instructions and using the right techniques, you can enjoy the benefits of this innovative cookware for years to come. Whether you’re frying eggs, simmering sauces, or crafting delicate dishes, non-stick cookware is a reliable and health-conscious companion.

RELISH RECOMMENDS: Le Creuset Toughened Non-Stick Pro Cookware | Scanpan | Hestan NanoBond | Meyer Hybrid Clad | Meyer Supersteel Non-Stick Cookware

Enamelled Cast Iron

Enamelled cast iron cookware combines the durability and heat retention of traditional cast iron with the convenience of a non-reactive enamel coating. Its versatility, vibrant colours, and ease of use make it a favourite in kitchens around the world. 

Enamelled cast iron offers several unique advantages:

  1. Non-Reactive Surface: The enamel coating ensures that the cookware does not react with acidic or alkaline foods, preventing pitting and preserving flavour.
  2. No Seasoning Required: Unlike raw cast iron, enamelled versions are ready to use and easy to clean without the need for seasoning.
  3. Rust Protection: The enamel layer protects the cookware from rust, even in humid conditions.
  4. Heat Retention: Retains and distributes heat evenly for consistent cooking results.
  5. Aesthetic Appeal: Available in a variety of colours, it adds a stylish touch to your kitchen.

Bonus Tip: While enamelled cast iron does not develop a non-stick surface over time, using adequate fats or oils can enhance its cooking performance.

Things to Keep in Mind

While enamelled cast iron is an excellent choice, there are some considerations:

  • Weight: These pieces are heavier than most other cookware options.
  • Temperature Sensitivity: The enamel is vulnerable to damage from rapid temperature changes or accidental drops.
  • Cost: Typically more expensive than raw cast iron due to the enamel coating.
  • Cooking Needs: Does not naturally develop a non-stick surface, so cooking with fats, oils, or liquids is essential.
  • Heat Limitations: Depending on the design (handles, knobs), enamelled cast iron can withstand temperatures up to 500°F.

Care and Maintenance

Proper care is essential to maintain the longevity and beauty of your enamelled cast iron cookware:

  1. Cleaning: Use mild soap or detergent and warm water to clean. Baking soda can be used for gentle scouring.
  2. Removing Stains: For tough stains, soak the pan overnight in warm water mixed with mild detergent or a small amount of baking soda.
  3. Tackling Stubborn Stains: Ordinary household bleach can be used to remove stains. Wash and rinse the pan thoroughly afterward.
  4. Avoid Abrasives: Do not use metal scouring pads or harsh cleaners that could damage the enamel.

Performance Tips

  • Cooking with Fats or Liquids: Always use oil, butter, or other fats to prevent sticking and enhance cooking results.
  • Searing Technique: Let ingredients form a seared crust before attempting to move them; this ensures easy release.
  • Gradual Heating: Avoid rapid temperature changes to prevent damage to the enamel.

Enamelled cast iron cookware is a versatile and reliable addition to any kitchen. With its exceptional heat retention, non-reactive surface, and stylish design, it’s perfect for everything from slow-cooked stews to beautifully seared proteins. By following proper care and cooking techniques, you can enjoy the benefits of enamelled cast iron for years to come.

RELISH RECOMMENDS: Le Creuset Enamelled Cast Iron Cookware | Vitantonio Products