Five Common Cookware Materials

Materials used in manufacturing the different kinds of cookware have high conductivity when it comes to heat. It also varies in thickness and weight. All the materials have their advantages and at the same time their disadvantages. Some of the materials are briefly discussed below in order for you to have a better understanding when it comes to your cooking wares.

1. Porcelain. Some kitchenware is made entirely of porcelain while some are merely coated by it. When porcelain is coated there is another material beneath it which is usually cast iron. Cooking ware coated on the inside with porcelain should not be utilized for frying or sautéing. Cookware with porcelain enamel are best used in the oven. Porcelain usually keeps the other materials from corroding and reacting to the food.

2. Glass. This is not your ordinary glass cooking ware; this is tempered glass. This type of cookware is usually flameproof and ovenproof meaning it can survive being placed in the oven or on the stove top and even in the microwave. This type of cookware is rather expensive. It retains heat but doesn't react to it. Another thing, tempered glass cookware heats unevenly which results to various hot spots. This cookware can also function as a serving dish.

3. Non-stick. Pots and pans covered with non-stick material are highly recommended. It keeps food particles from sticking thus making the cleaning up process easier. This is very useful when cooking or reheating sticky foods. And if you are health conscious this will help reduce the fat content of your food as less oil is being used.

4. Aluminium. This type of material is usually used for frying pans and sauté pans. This material is rather strong and a very good conductor of heat plus it is lightweight. In comparison to other pots and pans made from other materials, aluminium cookware is cheaper. There is one thing though as aluminium reacts to acidic and alkaline foods which can affect its taste. In order to solve this, the inside of an aluminium pot or pan is usually coated with stainless steel or with other materials that do not react to acid or base.

5. Stainless Steel. This type of material is very popular among various kitchen utensils from spoons and forks to pots and pans. What makes the stainless steel so popular is its versatility and ability to maintain its original shine. Aside from that, it doesn't dent easily because of its very good tensile strength. Cleaning pots and pans made of stainless steel is easy and it doesn't require high maintenance. The only downside to this material is that it is not a good conductor of heat. Pots and pans made from this material have bottoms made of aluminium or copper core which solves the problem of heat conductivity.

Do not forget that each material has its pros and cons so you should balance as to which type of material you prefer more. You're still the one who has the final say. It is still up to you to choose.