Different types of pots and pans

Pots and pans are staples for the average kitchen, but before you buy, you may want to consider all the options you have to choose the best ones for you and your kitchen. Pots and pans come in different materials like aluminum, anodized aluminum, cast iron, copper, nonstick, and stainless steel.

Aluminum

Aluminum pots and pans are usually cheaper than most other types of cookware. Aluminum is lightweight but quite durable and can withstand high temperatures. One drawback is that it reacts with acidic and alkaline foods altering the flavor, you can still use aluminum and avoid this problem by using anodized aluminum.

Anodized aluminum

This type of aluminum cookware has a special coating to prevent the aluminum from reacting with certain foods. It’s a great option for cooking, but the coating can be sensitive. To avoid damaging the coating, do not cook highly acidic and alkaline foods in them, also, wash these pans by hand in warm, soapy water rather than putting them in a dishwasher with harsh soaps.

Molten iron

Cast iron skillets are also fairly inexpensive, but can be a bit more than aluminum. This type of cookware takes longer to heat up, but once heated, it holds heat well. This makes it ideal for slow cooking and frying. The drawbacks are that it is very sensitive and easily oxidizes, stains, and chips. To best care for your cast iron, do not wash it with soap, but run a damp paper towel over it after cooking to wipe off excess food.

Copper Lined

Copper pans are more expensive than most, but they conduct heat extremely well. They heat up fast when on the burner and cool down quickly when removed from the heat. Copper pans must be lined with another material, otherwise copper reacts badly with food making it poisonous and altering the taste. For this reason, copper should be gently hand washed and re-plated every few years.

nonstick

These simple pots and pans have a special coating that prevents food from sticking. These should not be washed in the dishwasher or with abrasive scouring pads, but should be washed gently in warm, soapy water.

stainless steel

This moderately priced material is highly durable, but by itself it does not conduct heat well. For this reason, when shopping for stainless steel, look for pots and pans with a thick layer of copper or aluminum on the bottom for better heat conduction. They are best washed in warm soapy water, and they can hold up against nylon scouring pads.

These are the main materials that pots and pans come in. And for the adventurous cook, there are other wonderful and exciting types of pots to choose from such as slow cookers, stockpots, casseroles, and crab pots to name a few.