To cook well it is essential not only to choose the ingredients carefully. Also, use the right tools, and resistant pans made with safe materials which guarantee uniform cooking. Given that the offer is very wide today, it may not be immediate at the time of purchase. To understand which is the best material for pans and pots and which solution will offer the best results on our stoves. We, therefore, propose a short guide to appreciate the differences and peculiarities of the most common materials and proceed safer in choosing.

First of all, the purchase of pots and pans cannot fail to consider the type of hob on which we are going to use them. Because there are cases in which the choice of some materials and the exclusion of others is obligatory. For an induction hob, we will choose pots and pans in steel or cast iron, excluding aluminum, copper, and ceramic. At the time of purchase, in order not to make a mistake, it is advisable to check the compatibility of the material with the induction hob, looking for the appropriate spiral symbol on the label. For a traditional hob, however, as there are no specific technical limits for the choice of material, the focus will be solely on its quality and functionality.

Types Of Pots and Pans Material

  • Stainless steel – Safe and resistant, better if certified. Stainless steel pots are suitable for cooking pasta, rice, and vegetables in boiling water. They are useful for preparing broth and soups, less so for dishes that require a non-stick base.
  • Aluminum – A widely used and widespread material. A good conductor of heat, compared to steel is cheaper, lighter, and easier to handle, but less resistant over time. It is useful to check on the label that it is anodized aluminum. Such as treated so that it does not yield harmful substances to food during cooking. The inside of aluminum pans is often coated with non-stick material.
  • Cast iron – Exceptionally resistant, cast iron allows heat to spread evenly. It is particularly suitable for cookware intended for long cooking.
  • Copper – Excellent conductor, copper is used for professional pots and pans. More expensive than average, and require careful and periodic maintenance to avoid oxidation and toxic deposits.
  • Glass – Pots and casseroles in borosilicate glass have the advantage of being suitable for the traditional hob. Also, the oven and microwave oven exclude the risk of allergies and metal contamination.
  • Ceramic – Ceramic-coated pots and pans are safe and resistant to high temperatures, but poorly non-stick. Easy to maintain, because they last longer. It is advisable to limit the steps in the dishwasher and wash them by hand.
  • Soapstone – Soapstone pots and pans have the advantage of being naturally non-stick. Unlike other materials, soapstone takes a longer time to heat up. But at the same time, it is great for keeping the temperature constant for longer. Some precautions are necessary for proper maintenance. For example, the stone must never be washed with detergents. But simply with salt water, and should be periodically greased with olive oil to keep it efficient in cooking.

What about stone-effect pans or pots?

On the market, it is possible to find pots and pans with a stone effect. Not made of soapstone but of aluminum coated with non-stick material simply similar in appearance to the most sought-after soapstone. In this case, they should be treated like normal non-stick pans.

Non-stick pots and pans

GreenPan Swift Healthy Ceramic Nonstick, 12 Piece Cookware Pots and Pans Set

The choice of material for non-stick pots and pans requires particular attention to the quality and maintenance of the product. Most of the coatings on the market are in Teflon, a material resistant to up to 260 °. From the point of view of food safety, it is advisable to opt for PFOA-FREE coatings. But above all, do not hesitate to throw away pots and pans when the coating is worn or damaged. It is mainly scratches and abrasions of the non-stick surface that would be associated with a greater risk of migration of harmful substances from the pan to food.

Handles

Calphalon 10-Piece Pots and Pans Set, Nonstick Kitchen Cookwareq

The material of the handles of pots and pans would also deserve not to be overlooked when buying. Where possible, it is better to focus on steel, aluminum, or wood specially treated to be handled safely. You should pay attention to the quality and resistance of the coating. If necessary, there are also practical interchangeable anti-scald silicone coatings on the market.