01/17/17

Choosing The Best Frying Pan

Fry pans are very handy tools in preparing dishes that require searing and frying. We mostly see them in the morning for preparing omelets and bacon served as breakfast. But the frying pan has more uses than just frying eggs and bacon. Grilling, sautéing, and browning food are some other implementations. Choosing the best frying pan would mean you’ll get the most useful cooking material for your daily use. A day without frying pans is like a day without a healthy and delicious breakfast so choosing wisely is very necessary.

Let’s continue our discussion and talk about the best fry pan brands and materials available in the market. There are different types like cast iron fry pans, electric frypans, stainless steel fry pans, or ceramic frying pans. It is important to know about different types of pans when it comes to cooking performance and cookware care instructions. For the different brands of frying pans, quality depends on your preference and convenience.

Most reputable brands like All-Clad, Cuisinart, Calphalon are just a few names that produce the best frying pans. When it comes to quality, performance, and popularity these are very popular. But numerous brands also produce good quality products. And it’s just a matter of personal and budgetary preference.

All-Clad Frying Pan

Green Frying PanFor the different types of frying pans, let’s start with the non-stick features. Stainless steel frying pans are elegant looking and are durable, it is also corrosion-free and it’s easy to maintain and clean. However, on its non-stick feature, it is not as great as to cast iron frying pan. You can season it with oil well and have one of the best non-stick pans that you could ever have.

Nevertheless, hard anodized cookware is usually my choice if I have to pick a go-to pan for frying. I like the durability of hard anodized cookware, as well as its non-stick coating. Electric frying pans are also handy, they come in different sizes, shapes. And most of them have a non-stick coating. The deep frying pan is a good choice for frying foods that require deep frying like fried chicken, and potato fries. Other makes of frying pans are ceramic and even glass frying pans but needed to be preheated and liberally seasoned with oil before cooking.

When choosing frying pans, make sure that you choose pans that do not contain PFOA, this is a toxic chemical and that is found in studies to be a contributory factor to thyroid disease. To make sure that the pan that you are going to buy is free from this chemical always try to seek opinions from other users by looking for frying pans reviews online or in magazines and always read the label of the product before buying. Remember, choosing wisely before buying is the best practice for you to have your desired frying cookware that you will be using for the coming years.

12/20/16

New Titanium Cookware For The Best Food

Cookware materials range from stainless steel to glass.  Each metal has its character which makes one better than the other in different aspects.  Some of the most popular types of cookware are stainless steel cookware, copper cookware, and ceramic cookware.  One type of cookware that is less mainstream is titanium cookware, probably because it is very expensive.

Titanium cookware sets are of very high quality. Titanium is one of the sturdiest metals.  What’s more is that it does not weigh a lot, especially compared to other sturdy metals, like cast iron.  Although titanium cooking pans are just recently introduced, it is gaining market as there are many professionals and home cooks who are gearing towards titanium-made cookware.  Let’s discuss further why this is happening.

How To Buy Titanium Cookware?

When selecting cookware, the first to come to mind would probably be regular stainless steel cookware sets. That is because it is popular for its durability and easiness of use.  You don’t need to do any special cleaning, that is if the food does not stick onto the cookware.  Another that would come to mind would be non-stick cookware. It provides the convenience of not having food stuck on to the cookware while cooking.

It is easier to clean and food is healthier as you can only put a small amount of cooking oil to cook your meal.  However, special utensils and cleaning are required for nonstick cookware as the nonstick coating should not be scratched off.  Now, let’s consider the titanium cookware set.   It combines the strong points of stainless steel and nonstick cookware and takes away their weaknesses.  Titanium cookware is certainly durable, lightweight so it is easy to use, nonstick, and can withstand abrasive cleaning materials and utensils!  Is there anything else you can ask for?

Titanium Cookware Cooks Without Water

But there’s more!  Have you heard of waterless cookware?  Titanium cooking pots are waterless cookware.  Because of its superb heating capacity, you can cook food naturally without adding water or cooking oil as it will use the juice of the ingredients.  You would be able to cook healthier meals with nutrients intact.Titanium Cookwar Set

Another selling point of titanium cooking ware is that it does not react with your ingredients because it is nonporous.  This makes it safe that you eliminate the possibility of ingesting harmful metal materials and it does not alter the taste and flavor of your dishes.  Provided with a cover made of glass that can withstand high temperatures, this allows you to look at the dish you are preparing without taking off the cover.

Worth mentioning again is the weight of titanium cookware.  For its durability, you may think that it should be heavy like the copper pots and pans, but it is very light.  This is a big advantage to petite-sized cooks who may have a hard time with heavy cookware and convenient when transferring the cookware or bringing it along to cookouts.

Are All Features Positive?

The titanium cookware is also compatible with most cooktops, including induction cookware and it is safe to wash in automatic dishwashers.  This makes it suitable for our today’s busy lifestyle.

There are many brands to choose from if you are considering this type of cookware.  The best cookware brands include woll titanium cookware, all clad and Wolfgang puck cookware, among others.

How does titanium cookware compare to either copper or brass? They are also good and tested cookware materials. The experience would tell you that these materials run the risk of corroding. That either would make you buy a new one or risk your health with contaminants.

Having discussed the benefits and advantages of titanium cooking ware, it’s probably time you give it a try.  Investing in good cookware will give you a better cooking experience. and that is something you can pass on to the next generation.  You’d leave a legacy with your cooking!

For more information, you may check out other cookware reviews available on the internet.

11/9/16

How to Choose Better Stainless Steel Cookware Set

You are conscious of your health? You are looking for the best cookware set to compliment your healthy dishes? Then you must try stainless steel cookware set.  Not only are stainless steel pots and pans considered healthy cookware, but it is also easy to clean. It is safe to use, very sturdy and remains to have a good appearance even after long years of usage.

Buying Stainless Steel Cookware Set

When you have already decided to buy a stainless steel cookware set, keep in mind what you intend to do with it.  What degree of cooking and what type of dishes would you normally prepare on your stainless steel pans and stainless steel pots?  Don’t let price be your sole consideration when choosing your stainless steel cookware.

Sometimes, if you buy the cheaper cookware, you end up replacing it after a short period of usage and it would cost you more to get another one, than just getting the right one to start with.  On the other hand, some may buy very expensive relating it to quality, not considering that those are rather expensive because they were built for heavy cooking or professional cooking for restaurants.

To guide you on how to select what is the best stainless steel cookware set to suit your needs, it would be best to read through stainless steel cookware sets reviews. You can also browse the different cookware lines through each brand’s websites.

What To Look Out For?

To give you a brief guide on what to look out for, here are some of the things you may want to consider:

  1. What are the top brands of stainless steel cookware sets?  You would easily know this by reading stainless steel cookware reviews, as previously suggested.
  2. How much cooking would I do?  This is important so you would know whether to buy professional cookware, which may be more expensive or just regular but good quality cookware.
  3. How does the cookware perform when used?  Does it have a good heat conductor which is evenly distributed?
  4. Stainless Steel Cookware SetsIs it easy to clean?  Does it require special cleaning?  Is it dishwasher safe?  More importantly, are you willing to do the required level of cleaning?
  5. Is it built sturdily?  Is it a single-ply or has multiple plies to reinforce the metals used?  Check out all clad stainless steel cookware to give you an idea on tri-ply to 5-ply cooking wares.
  6. Does the cookware have safety features to minimize injuries and accidents during usage?  Some have handles that remain cool even while cooking.  Some have anti-slip features.
  7. What are the different types of lids which can be used for a stainless steel pan and pot?  What are the advantages of using a glass lid over other types?
  8. Is the cookware multifunctional? The more multifunctional your cookware is, the more you get your money’s worth.
  9. Is the cookware compatible with your cooktop?  This should be obvious but many forget to check, especially those who have just changed from gas stove to induction or ceramic.

Stainless Steel Cookware Set For Life

Be wise and discerning when selecting your cookware to give you a pleasant cooking experience.  Don’t be shy to ask around for recommendations.  After all, good cookware could be a lifetime kitchen partner.

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.