Category Archives: Aluminum Cookware

03/11/20

Why New Hard Anodized Cookware Is The Best Purchase

First of all, I must admit I simply adore my hard anodized cookware set. Hard anodized aluminum cookware is cookware that has very good properties for cooking and is a good heat conductor. I cook everything I can in those pots: soups, tortilla dishes, vegetable/vegetarian dishes. I will fry meat with very little oil, and none is I fry bacon. It beats every other set when it comes to frying.

I have a set with pots and pans having silicone handles to prevent those from heating up. That way you do not need a potholder, you can use your hands. I never buy cookware that doesn’t have some kind of protection on handles. You don’t want to burn your hands if you don’t need to. You can also use gloves, but why would you want to do that? It just gives you more chance to drop your pot because the grip will be bad.

It is not like this is some super special cookware set that you can only get in one place on Earth. It has become so popular in demand that almost every cookware store is going to have some kind of hard-anodized pots or pans.

Hard Anodized Cookware Properties

One good thing is that anodized aluminum cookware is very durable, and it has a film of materials making sure you can cook safely. You would have to try very hard if you want to scratch or dent such cookware. Food doesn’t stick to it, so it’s easy to clean. Although you must clean it with a rather gentle sponge and not the iron brush.

But, unlike standard non-stick cookware, you don’t have to worry about scratching it, because you simply won’t be able to do it with normal sponge cleaning. It means you can use a metal spatula or other metal utensils with it when cooking. And all that without worrying that scratching your pots and pans will get you their material in your food.

In most cases, it will look similar to cast iron cookware. But, when you take it in your hand, you will see it is nothing like that. That is because it is made from aluminum and thus much lighter. And you can buy all kinds of anodized cookware: pans, skillets, big and small pots and even cookware that can go in your oven.

Hard Anodized Cookware Set

There are numerous advantages of hard-anodizes cookware to cast iron. One is that it has cool handles. This is of course great so you don’t have to think about putting on kitchen gloves every tie you handle it. It also needs so seasoning, unlike cast iron. And most importantly for me, it is so easy to clean. Cast Iron is not non-stick and you must put some effort into cleaning it. It also might require to be soaked for hours.

But, as no cookware is perfect, there are issues with hard anodized pots as well. Unfortunately, anodized cookware is not dishwasher safe. But it is nonstick, there is not much problem cleaning it quickly and efficiently. Also got to remember that you can use aluminum on your induction stove if you own one.

Anodized Cookware Purchase

Again I have to repeat myself. Don’t worry about coating safety, it has been thoroughly tested at high temperature and it doesn’t release any toxins, as some claim. The most important thing is that you will have a lot of fun both cooking and taking care of your new pots and pans set. It is easy to cook and easy to clean – but you have to do it by hand. and that is the only problem I can think off.

So if you want a lifetime guarantee and don’t mind manual cleaning (which will be easily done), then you don’t have to look any further. Your obvious choice is this relatively new type of cookware set,

11/29/17

Reliable Lodge Cast Iron Cookware – Time To Get Is Now

The lodge cookware has been around since the late 1800s. That’s when Joseph Lodge opened his foundry in Tennessee, USA particularly at South Pittsburgh. Until then the company grew to be one of the original producers of American cookware manufacturing different cast iron pots and pans. They endured two world wars including the economically challenging times – the great depression. Today, Lodge cast iron cookware is still competing among the top producers of cookware, especially cast iron pans and cast iron pots. Continuously striving to be one of the best cookware producers, the lodge has employed modern technology in its brands. Still, it has the touch of that original archaic look that you will surely love.

Although lodge specializes in cast iron, they also offer stainless steel cookware. Their lodge enamel cookware is so enticing and captivating combining the modern design with a touch of antiquity. If you have visited lodge cook-ware websites or lodge cookware outlets.

Lodge Cast Iron Cookware Today

They are the few of the brands that still offer that old-looking yet elegantly collectible lodge dutch ovens that still possess that beautiful original look that takes you back in time. I love that original and old-style finish of lodge cast iron cookware. There is nostalgia that I cannot explain making me obsessed with lodge cookware. But of course, it is not just the appearance that I like about this cookware. The cooking performance of cast iron is superb. I still put it at the top of my list when it comes to overall performance and durability.

Safety is also a great thing about cast iron because they do not have any unhealthy or toxic chemicals to leach into your food. On the contrary, some believe that it is healthy cookware because cooking acidic foods like tomato could leach iron to the food. Iron is a mineral that boosts your health to combat anemia and other diseases.Lodge Cookware Pans

The final word on Lodge Cast Iron

Lodge cookware sets have also evolved through time. While maintaining their specialty in cast iron and seasoned steel, they have also expanded their products to stainless steel and enameled cast iron. They also provide consumers with sets in the combination of different materials. This ensures that everyone can find something for themselves easily.

For Example, a combination of triply surgical stainless steel and seasoned cast iron skillet all in the same set combined with tempered glass covers. No one has done something like this beforehand. Lodge has indeed established its name as one of the best cast iron cookware producers. Perhaps many people even consider it as an unparalleled company in the industry of cast iron production.

Either way, Lodge continues to serve today throughout its more than a century of bringing quality cookware to every household. Commercial kitchens worldwide use it, assuring us that they still have more centuries of quality service. To know more about the brand, you may visit the lodge’s official website. Or maybe try to find their outlets near you.

08/8/17

Exciting Hard Anodized Cookware For Your Best Meals

What is hard anodized cookware? Hard anodized cookware is aluminum cookware. The difference between anodized cookware and other cookware is that it goes through a process called anodizing. Anodizing is an electrochemical process that will thicken the material surface making it more durable.  Anodized is in fact bathing of metal in an acid  (sulphuric or organic).

Then it will pass through a mild electrical current to complete the finish thereby increasing the corrosion resistance and durability of the compound.  The hard anodized cookware set is one of the most durable cookware sets. Not to mention the heaviest because of the thickening effect of the aluminum adding weight to the cookware.

Anodized cookware safety

ti passes through an electrochemical process that sounds hazardous enough for health. Well, the truth is, once the process of anodizing is done it will no longer affect the foods that will be prepared in the anodized aluminum cookware. It even alleviates the performance of the cookware to give a more desirable and safe cooking outcome.

The good thing with hard anodized cookware is that it has a natural non-stick property that does not use PFOA. PFOA is a chemical al that is toxic to us but makes the surface non-stick. Another bonus of hard-anodized aluminum cookware is its durability and corrosion resistance. These features make the cookware last forever even for daily usage but of course with proper care and usage.

Hard Anodized Cookware and BakewareHard anodized cookware is one of the best cookware that one could have. It has double the benefit of aluminum cookware that most commercial chefs want to use. Now it found its way to the kitchen of almost every household. There are many popular brands that you can look for when buying this type of cookware. Calphalon cookware is one of the top brands that you can count on in looking for the best hard anodized cookware set. Other brands such as Cuisinart hard anodized cookware set, circulon hard anodized cookware, Rachael ray hard anodized cookware are as decent as calphalon hard anodized cookware

Hard anodized cookware price

The differences between these brands are the price and their ranking in hard anodized cookware reviews. However, we cannot attribute that to their performance. All mentioned brands of hard anodized cookware will have more positive responses than negative ones. Negative mostly comes from people who are too lazy to wash it by hand.

In buying this type of cookware, just keep in mind the hard anodized cookware safety instructions. You will void any warranty if you don’t and something is wrong with the anodized cookware. Do not wash your hard-anodized aluminum cookware in the dishwasher even if it says that it is dishwasher safe.

Use only mild dishwashing liquid or soap with a soft sponge. Do not use steel wool or steel brush in cleaning food residues. Always make sure to use the required temperature when cooking and do not exceed it. Some hard-anodized pots and pans are not induction compatible. Make sure you also read the label before buying one if you are using induction hobs. Hard anodized cookware is also oven safe but as I have said, always check the label and instructions.

09/20/16

Is Professional Cookware Good for Amateurs?

When you have a new kitchen or have just decided to buy cookware sets, you will realize that this is not a very easy task.  With the wide variety of available cookware sets on sale, finding the best professional cookware may prove to be challenging.

One of the most pressing issues when deciding on what cooking ware to purchase is whether to buy professional cookware or just regular cookware.  Buying a professional cookware set may be an unnecessary expense. You probably believe you will get the same results with using regular pots and pans.  In actuality, if your budget permits, buying professional cookware sets may save you more money in the long run. It will also probably make you more productive in the kitchen.

Professional Cookware For Home Kitchen

Having the best professional cookware in your kitchen gives you assurance and confidence.  It’s like going to a battle with the confidence that you have reliable weapons.  When you have reliable tools, you have one less thing to worry about.

Professional Cookware Sets

Professional stainless steel cookware gives you confidence in cooking. At the same time it inspires you to prepare sumptuous dishes and upgrade the recipes you cook.

If you are budget constraint but still want to opt for professional cookware, you may consider buying the specific cookware you need instead of a complete set.  This is especially true if you only prepare specific dishes. That means that you do not need too many varieties of cookware with your way of cooking.

When you have finally made up your mind to go for professional cooking ware, you must check out the selection of different brands. There are numerous brands, such as the Thomas professional cookware, Magnate professional cookware, or Ameriware professional cookware.  I know these brands are all reliable.  Each brand will have some stronger qualities than the others and I will leave it up to you to discover these.  Check different professional cookware reviews to find out.

Pro Cookware Brands

What I feel is more important to discuss is the type of cookware you would be most comfortable using.  Here is a brief idea of each kind of cookware you may encounter in the market:

  • Cast Iron Cookware – Probably one of the most durable types of cookware. Price is reasonable, though it is quite heavy, and needs special maintenance called seasoning.
  • Stainless Steel Cookware – One of the most popular types of cookware, reasonably priced, easy, and can be cleaned easily Except when food gets stuck on the cookware – then you have to soak it for a while then wash regularly.
  • Non-stick cookware – Also a very popular type of cookware. It’s reasonably priced and very easy to clean since food does not stick on it. With non-stick cookware, you may cook with minimal or no oil at all.
  • Ceramic cookware – Artistic and attractive cookware. Medium to high priced, claimed to be a healthier alternative to non-stick cookware. Versatile as you may use it also as a serving dish.
  • Titanium cookware – Very durable but quite expensive.  Easy for cleaning, waterless cooking is possible.

07/8/16

Kitchen Cookware: Which Is The Best For You?

As a professional chef, a lot of times people request me to recommend what kinds of kitchen cookware are preferable.  This is because there are already a lot of different types and brands of kitchen pots and pans to choose from.  Depending on your budget, you have a wild selection when it comes to the prices.

If there is no limit on your budget, you may opt for high-end brands. Or perhaps buy kitchen cookware sets instead of per piece.   If you are on a tight budget, you may opt for cheap pots and pans.   What is important to know is what and how frequently you will use your pot and pans. This will determine which cookware is best for you.

To give my personal preference on what is the best pots and pans I consider based on my experience with them. I will briefly discuss each of them below.

Cast Iron Kitchen Cookware

Cast iron cooking pots and pans are great for preparing healthy dishes. Especially with one-dish recipes, I would recommend using cast iron.  Some of the dishes you can prepare are pork chops, pasta, and frittatas.  Dishes that you should avoid preparing using cast iron cookware are dishes that have acidic recipes. These are tomato or lemon as they may react with the iron.

Kitchen Cookware TypesFor cast iron pots and pan sets to last a lifetime, maintaining their quality is important.  You must take appropriate care to achieve this.  As you may have already realized, cast iron pot pans weigh a lot compared to stainless steel pots and pans. Others made of different materials like glass or ceramic are also lighter.  One must be careful when handling it, especially when hot, as dropping it may cause irreparable damage.

Cleaning and storing cast iron pots and pan sets also involve a different process called seasoning. Seasoning is putting a sort of coating on the iron cookware by greasing it and heating it in an oven.  We will discuss the process in detail shortly.

Once you have seasoned the cast iron kitchen cookware, it is ready for use. After this, you must only treat it with warm water, and not with dishwashing soap.  The only time you may clean with dishwashing liquid is when you just bought it and took it out of its original packaging. You should do this because there may be some waxy residue that serves as a protective cover for the new cookware.  After the first wash involving dishwashing liquid, you have to season the cookware and the next washes will no longer involve dishwashing liquid.

Cookware Tips

Going back to the process of seasoning your cast iron pots and pans sets, you must first make sure it is completely dry before you apply any coating.  You must also preheat your oven to 350 degrees in preparation for cooking or seasoning your cast iron kitchen pots and pans.  Apply a thin layer of edible oil on the inner and outer part of the cookware and place this in the preheated oven, letting it stay for about 30 minutes.

The inner part of the cookware should be placed in the oven where the inner part is facing down.  It is recommended that you place a stray or foil on the under rack where the cookware is being cooked to serve as an oil drip trap.  Once this is done, your cookware is ready to use.  You may repeat this procedure from time to time but not necessarily each time you use the cookware.  This will ensure that your cookware will be passed on to the generations to come.

To get more information about other types of cookware, check out other kitchen pots and pans reviews.