Tag Archives: copper cookware

12/17/21

What to Expect From New All-Clad Copper Core Cookware

Among all the products of All-clad cookware, All-Clad Copper core has become to be the top of the line.  It is their finest cookware and the most costly as well. To know more about this line, I am doing this All-Clad copper core cookware review. This review includes one of the most common cookware included in the cookware sets. That is the 3-quart sauté pan, perhaps the most common size. It is also applicable to the saucepan and generally to the entire line.

Copper is the major distinctive modification that differentiates the All-clad copper core collection from the more famous All-clad stainless line. The advance and superior performance of the All-clad copper core is due to the copper and aluminum that make up the pan’s core. It has admirable temperature control. That is because copper conducts heat quickly. Problems of too hot pans are gone because the pan hastily cools down when you turn off the heat. And this works vice versa. Because the copper core cookware easily conducts the heat, you must cook on a lower stove setting or lower heat.

All-Clad Copper Core 10 Piece set Looks

With regards to its appearance, I am giving it a 5-star when it was still brand new and 4 ½ stars as time passed by. Its magnificent and elegant look doesn’t change even when I don’t have much time to shine the copper band. It’s still glimmering and its lids, handle and body shapes which have an ageless look perfectly match the other All-clad pieces that I already had. To add, I am so enthralled with the pan and lid’s riveted handles.

I am rating its performance with 4 ½ stars because I am giving the 5-stars to solid copper cookware which I will discuss in another review. I am very much contented with the performance of the copper core cookware. The durability of the smooth cooking surface and the elegant stainless exterior are both finest and have the perfect look.

All-Clad Copper Core 10 Piece set

All-Clad Copper Lids

When it comes to its lids, All-Clad copper cookware’s original copper lids received various remarks. Some noted that it is tough to maintain. Good thing that the company shifted to All-clad stainless steel in their lids which is now much better in terms of maintenance. It also flawlessly matches other All-Clad cookware pieces that are available in the market. Further, the product is dishwasher-safe. This upgrade was a good move for the company.

To avoid being biased, I’m also going to talk about the drawback of the cookware line in this review. The inner copper core is exposed through the cutaway section that goes around the pan. The copper band surely adds an exquisite design to the set but it also makes it more difficult to clean in comparison to the all-stainless layer. Copper cannot maintain its polished vibrant color by itself; it naturally gets slight discoloration over time. It’s not a big deal with me though but if you want to keep it shiny you may use copper cleaners. It will help this set to shine or make it look even shinier.

All-Clad Copper Core Maintenace

It is also not safe to put it in the dishwashers. Though it is convenient to just pitch it inside the dishwasher, I chose not to. It has been my practice to safeguard my finest cookware pieces and knives by not putting them in the dishwasher. Despite its dishwasher-safe label, I believe it’s better to wash them carefully by hand. But if you would intend to put it in the dishwasher you should take proper precautions. This is due to the possibility of the tarnishing of the copper band.

In its initial design, All-clad Copper Core was a no-go with a magnetic induction stove. That wasn’t good, but fortunately, in its newest version, they solved the problem. You will know if it is induction-capable if the exterior stainless steel does not stick to a magnet. Though this is dismissible to most users it would still be better to have selections especially for people like me who occasionally uses induction stove for cooking.

Its extravagant price is also a disadvantage but it is an investment over the long haul. Customers don’t mind spending much on the products because of the satisfaction they receive from using the All-Clad Copper Core Cookware. All-Clad Copper-Core is outstanding cookware. You will get your money’s worth. It maximizes the copper’s advantages which supersedes its hitches. Its unquestionable durability and hassle-free cleaning make it a sought-after brand.

11/30/16

Stainless Steel Pots – Are The New Materials Any Better?

In this review, we shall focus on stainless steel pots and pans.  Stainless steel cookware is a very popular type of cooking ware. Its toughness and easy maintenance are synonymous with good quality.  Stainless steel pans are user-friendly as it does not require special cleaning methods. They are safer to use as this material heats slowly allowing you to avoid getting burnt.  Stainless steel cookware sets are also aesthetically pleasing to look at. So they are not only functional as cookware but also sparkly decorations in your kitchen.

Of course, other types of cookware may have comparable performance as with stainless steel pots.  Other metals for a cookware material are brass, aluminum, or carbon steel.  Each metal has different strengths and weaknesses. So today more often than before, we sue to our advantage each metal’s properties while producing cookware.

Stainless Steel Pots vs Non-Stick Cookware

Non-stick cookware has also become popular.  This type of cookware has a non-stick covering which prevents food from sticking to the pan when cooking.  This makes cleaning the cookware easier. But the downside is you need to be careful not to scratch off the non-stick coating when you cook and clean.  You should, therefore, not use metal utensils when cooking and abrasive materials when cleaning. 

Before deciding to finally buy a stainless steel cookware set, study first the factors you need to consider in cookware.  One of the important things to consider is thermal conduction.  Thermal conduction is the transfer of heat from the cookware to the food.  If your cookware has high thermal conductivity, you need less time to cook your food.  Stainless steel heats slowly and this may make you think that cooking with stainless steel is therefore no good.  However, most stainless steel pot and pan sets have aluminum or copper metal core which has good thermal conductivity, which solves the weakness of stainless steel.

Materials for pots and pans

Although a stainless steel pan is sturdy, pans made of other metals are also comparable, like cast iron.  These metals may withstand wear and tear better than cookware made of other types of metal.  Stainless steel metal is non-reactive so it is safe to cook acidic ingredients.  This is very much in contrast with aluminum metal which may seep aluminum into the food. That would make it unhealthy, especially when you consume aluminum-tainted food regularly.

Stainless Steel Pots SetAnother consideration in selecting cookware is the price.   You will use the best stainless steel cookware for a long time and even if you pay more money, it will be worth it.  If you buy cheap cookware, without carefully inspecting the quality, you might have to replace it every once in a while, making it more expensive.  The best way to choose is to find a mid-range priced cookware of good quality, especially if it is limited to home use.  Some of the expensive stainless steel cookware, like the all-clad stainless steel, are made for professional use.

A final word on Stainless Steel Pots and Pans

Stainless steel cookware is, undoubtedly, one of the best choices of cookware.  It is safe to use, easy to clean, durable and elegant to look at.  There may be a downside of stainless steel not being a good thermal conductor but it can be easily augmented with other metal materials.  The best stainless steel pots and pans usually have an aluminum or copper core infused into the cookware.

Compared to cookware made of other metals, I could say that stainless steel is the more superior choice.  If you search the market meticulously, I’m sure you would find reasonably priced stainless steel pots and pans.  Consider buying stainless steel cooking ware as an investment instead of an expense as, with proper use, these will surely last you a lifetime.

For more information on stainless steel cookware, check out other stainless steel pots and pans reviews.

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.

08/13/16

Get Non-Stick Cookware For Better Meals

Businesses related to health and well-being are now booming nowadays because people are now becoming health conscious.  The proliferation of illnesses ranging from grave ones like cancer to more common ones like diabetes and obesity are being addressed now.  People are more aware now of the saying “prevention is better than cure”. So many are changing their lifestyle to prevent getting these dreaded illnesses. Cookware manufacturers are aware of this and have since introduced non-stick cookware.

When we say lifestyle change, one of the major factors to change in one’s diet.  People now are trying to lessen eating food with high bad cholesterol food.  As we all know, pork, beef, and chicken and some of their by-products have fats that contain bad cholesterol. The dilemma, however, is how to avoid this bad cholesterol without having to sacrifice one’s taste buds?

Cooking With Non-Stick Cookware

Traditionally, when we cook, we are always smothering butter or edible oil onto our cooking pans.  Without having our meat yet, we have already placed extra cholesterol in our dish.  A single cup of oil and butter has over 1000 calories.  The question is, why do we have to put these automatically into our dish and how can we avoid it?

When we cook with even the best pots and pans manufactured the traditional way, our ingredients stick to it. It happens even if we do put loads of oil or butter.  This is what nonstick cookware sets solve.  The nonstick cookware brand that made this type of cookware popular is the Teflon pans.  Using this cookware, even minimal or without butter or oil, your ingredients will not stick to the pan thus minimizing cholesterol in your dish.  Now, you can enjoy your meat better and with less guilt.  Of course, to have energy in our body, fat intake is still necessary but it should be within healthy limits.

When you cook meat in stainless steel cookware, and no oil or butter it up before putting in the meat, it would stick onto the pan. You are left with big trouble cleaning up the cookware after use.  Unlike with a nonstick cookware set, cleaning is a breeze.  You should not use a rough cloth to clean safe nonstick cookware as it may damage the nonstick coating.

Non-Stick Cookware Materials

Having mentioned the nonstick coating, there have been claims that the original materials used as the nonstick coating hurt one’s body.But there is no scientific or medical evidence to back these claims.  However, to make consumers feel safer with the best nonstick cookware, manufacturers have developed different nonstick cooking ware made of other materials.  Examples of these are the recent releases of ceramic nonstick cookware, green nonstick cookware, and hard anodized cookware.

Non-Stick Cookware FryingTo make your nonstick cookware last for years, appropriate care and maintenance should be observed, as with all types of cookware.  A nonstick cookware safety leaflet is normally provided when you buy the cookware.  If you follow these safety precautions, cleaning, and proper usage procedures, your cookware will work for you for a long time.

If you’re up to preparing hearty but healthy dishes, you should try nonstick pots and pans.  Not only will it be beneficial for your health and your family’s, but it also lessens your burden of cleaning up giving you more time to enjoy your healthy lifestyle.

Final Word On Non-Stick Pots and Pans

If you ask what the best nonstick cookware is for you, it depends on different factors.  Check out different cookware reviews. They could guide you on which cookware is the right one for your cooking requirement.  There are a lot of different brands to choose from and different price ranges to suit your budget.  The expensive ones do not necessarily mean they are the best type.  Sometimes the expensive ones are built for restaurant cooking where the frequency of cooking is much more than in a regular household.  Some cheaper ones are also of good quality.

01/31/16

Copper Cookware: Is It The Best One For You?

One of the important considerations of a chef in choosing the cookware to use is its heating capacity.  It is also important that heat distributes evenly and consistently on the cookware.  It is for this reason that most chefs love copper cookware.

Copper pans come with various plies of different metals.  Some of the metals that could go with copper are stainless steel, aluminum, and nickel.  Both copper and aluminum are good heat conductors thus this tandem on cookware is very ideal.

To give you an idea of whether copper pots and pans should be your choice, let me discuss some of their positive and negative points.

Positive Copper Cookware Features

  • As earlier stated, most chefs prefer copper cookware set to other kinds.  This in itself is almost a guarantee that it works well with most dishes, especially those you love ordering in a restaurant.  Copper cookware sets are sturdy as the copper metal is not brittle and is almost unbreakable. It is also one of the reasons chefs love it – even if you use it day in and day out, it does not easily give in to wear and tear which makes it economical in the long run.
  • Copper Cookware

    Copper pots, a copper frying pan, and other copper cookware look classy.  When not in use, they could serve as impressive decors around the kitchen.  You could put them on display by hanging them on your kitchen walls.  There is no need to hide them inside the kitchen cabinets.

  • Copper has a reddish-brown color which looks very appealing that may exceptionally entice the cook in creating sumptuous dishes.  It is extremely common nowadays that a kitchen has a red theme color because the color red stimulates the appetite.  Now, you don’t even have to paint your kitchen r
    ed if you have a copper pan or a copper pot set as you could use these accent colors in your kitchen.

More Pros

  • Copper is a good thermal conductor.  It is known to evenly pan out heat evenly and consistently.  In this aspect, it is far superior to its other metal counterparts like aluminum.  It is also more superior to glass.
  • Since pots and pans made of copper have good thermal conductivity, it shortens the period you have to cook a dish compared to when using cookware made of other materials.  Cookware with good heating capacity emits heat faster, better, and evenly.  This also lets you avoid the common problem of having hot spots when cooking.
  • Copper cooking pots make polishing optional as copper looks good even without polishing.  Unpolished copper gives out a rustic look so if you have a knack for this vibe; you only need to do regular cleaning without having to polish now and then.  However, if you like shiny cookware, then polish away!  Copper gives you these options and a lot more.
  • The outer layer of copper pots and pans set, where the cooking happens, is layered or covered by another metal like stainless steel because copper cannot interact with food.  With a smooth stainless steel finish, cleaning the cookware becomes easier.  There are several techniques you can find on the internet on how to clean copper pots and pans.

Copper pots and pans are all these great but of course, there are a few points to watch out for before you can finally decide this is the right type of cookware for you.  These are some of the negative things I observed or experienced with copper pans and copper pots.

Negative Copper Cookware Features

  • Copper Cookware PotsCopper is almost an unbreakable metal but it is prone to become deformed as it is malleable.  This is also one of the reasons why it is bonded with other metals when creating cookware, aside from the fact that copper is toxic and cannot interact with food.
  • Copper is a heavy metal so copper cooking ware weighs more than other cookware made of other lighter metals.  You must consider this especially if you are petite.
  • Even the best copper cookware is flawed with being prone to discoloration after so many uses.  Also, if you do not clean it well, patina may develop on the exposed copper of the cookware.
  • If you are on a limited budget, one of the major turn-offs of copper cookware is its cost.  The price may almost be double of regular cookware where other types of metals were used.
  • As mentioned in the first point, copper is toxic and will react to food so it is coated with another nontoxic metal for the part where you do your cooking.  You have to take extra caution not to scrape off the nontoxic metal coating so you could still use your copper cooking ware.

Now that you know the strong and weak points of copper pots and pans set, you can more or less decide whether this is suitable cookware for you.