You're in the market for a new set of pots and pans, but with all the options, how do you know where to start looking? By reading this, you've landed in just the right place to begin your search, so you're already a step closer to finding the best cookware.
In this guide, we'll discuss five types of cookware in five categories of features to guide you in making an informed decision. We'll also look at markers of quality, FDA regulations, design considerations, and we've included a special bonus section on the benefits of cooking at home.
As you read this guide, keep this mind: the better you buy now, the less surprises you'll have later on. And when we say surprises, we mean the not-so-good kind!
Use the following list to jump to a specific section, or start from the beginning and work your way through one section at a time to get the most benefit (recommended).
Contents
What is Safe Cookware?
Safe cookware contains constituents that pose the least amount of danger to human and environmental health. Essentially, we're looking for materials and manufacturing processes that don't create a huge impact on the natural environment.
Durability is an important factor in environmental health too: the longer and harder wearing a set of pots and pans is, the less frequently it will need to be replaced. The old cliche "they don't make things like they used to" is close to true, but doesn't apply to cookware such as cast iron pans.
Markers of Quality
"Best" considers all factors and features to single out the greatest value, all things considered. Brand is often an important marker here, and we may need to look beyond obvious product characteristics to more nuanced indicators of quality. For example, how does the brand support their customer? What is their return or customer satisfaction policy? How long have they been in business and do they sell unrelated items or hone in on a specific product? What are their customer reviews and how do they respond to them?
We analyzed the features of five types of cookware according to five categories:
|
COOKWARE TYPE |
CATEGORIES |
|
Stainless Steel |
Eco-friendly / Non-toxic |
|
Cast Iron |
Conductivity |
|
Aluminum |
Durability |
|
Ceramic |
Price |
|
Copper |
Maintenance |
Before we jump in, we've defined these category terms to enable a clearer, more straightforward review.
Cookware Features
Eco-friendly / Non-toxic
Eco-friendly, or sustainable, is closely related to non-toxic. Eco-friendly, also known as "green" cookware simply means that its manufacture and use isn't harmful to the environment. But does that mean it's also non-toxic? Essentially, any product that is eco-friendly implies that it's also non-toxic.
The term non-toxic is as equally "buzzy" as eco-conscious. But what does it actually mean? To simplify matters, we sourced the following definition:
"According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), a substance is considered toxic if it can cause injury or illness to a human when it's ingested, inhaled, or absorbed through the skin… If a product causes death in more than 50% of animal test subjects within 14 days, it's classified as highly toxic. Beyond that, there exists little to no regulation as to what can be considered toxic… Beyond that simple definition from the CPSC, there is no regulation that controls whether a product can be labeled as non-toxic or toxin-free" (1).
All cookware is believed to be non-toxic, and we can assume that it's rigorously tested for levels of toxicity before being sold to the public. However, it's impossible to know the long-term side-effects of all metallurgical combinations, given that there are many ways of combining materials in the making of new and cheaper products.
Is Cookware FDA Regulated?
"The US FDA regulates food contact surfaces. Cookware and utensils fall under this category. The FDA does not require approval for every piece of cookware or utensil before it hits the market, but the materials from which it is constructed must be "generally regarded as safe" (GRAS) and it must be free of hazardous defects and design flaws to be in compliance with the FD&C act. Examples of GRAS materials are stainless steel or Teflon pan coating. Examples of defects or design flaws include leakage (burn hazard), breakage, handle temperature, handle strength, lid fit, etc." (Godfrey Leistenschneider, Consumer Safety Officer at US FDA, 2017).
Conductivity
Conductivity refers to how a particular material reacts to temperature changes based on the heat transfer rate across the material. Some materials heat up more quickly but they don't hold heat as well as other materials. Conversely, some pans are slow to heat but they retain heat well for a long time. Your choice really depends on the type of cooking you do.
Durability
Although material and manufacture affects durability, your cookware will last longer if it's well-maintained according to the proprietor's instructions. For example, some cookware, like cast iron, must be seasoned to ensure its longevity and non-stick quality. Others must be soaked or washed immediately after use to avoid stains or discoloration. Further, some materials are reactive, making acidic foods a no-no.
Price
Every type of cookware has a price range, from low to very high and dependent on brand and quality. So, how much you want to spend on a new cookware set has a lot to do with the features you're looking for. The best way to determine value is by comparing similar products. For example, compare prices on different stainless steel cookware brands, rather than comparing the price of ceramic to stainless steel. While you may define your choice of material by price, you'd be wise to clarify the type of cookware you want first, then compare by price.
Maintenance
How much TLC are you willing to give your cookware? Many of us lead busy lives and cooking at home is a matter of sustenance and economic necessity. However, we know many people also make cooking a priority and thus want good-quality cookware that supports their efforts. While we may or may not have oodles of time to invest in the kitchen, some types of cookware are more easily maintained than others, but this may serve to compromise other important features. Thus, it's important to weigh all factors in your decision.
Design Considerations
A number of features are at play here. Do you prefer one long stick handle or two handles? Glass lids or ones made of the same material as the pot or pan? Big or small? Do you want to buy your cookware as a set or by piece?
It's not essential that you know exactly what you're looking for right at the start as far as design goes. We recommend deciding on the type of material you want first, then defining what design features will best suit your lifestyle.
The Benefits of Home Cooking
Cost
Why cook at home? For one, it's the most economical choice. Dining out in restaurants, while a popular activity for socializing, is an expensive one in North America. Especially now, many of us are forced to save such experiences for special occasions.
By the time you add alcoholic drinks, an appetizer, and dessert into a meal for two, you're looking at well over $100 for a mid-range restaurant. Even a fast food meal, considered cheap once upon a time, can ballpark around $20. Consider the collective cost of a package of chicken thighs, a collection of produce, and a stick of baguette. It's far less expensive than a restaurant meal and will feed more people.
Health & Nutrition
But aside from price, cooking at home is usually a healthier option, depending on what you cook, of course. If you're in the habit of zapping frozen pizzas and other packaged, processed foods, then perhaps not. But if you prepare fresh meals from wholesome ingredients, the nutrient score and health factor goes up significantly.
Preference
You can also choose what goes into your meals. In restaurants and in packaged foods, there are often a lot of "bad guys" hiding out: hydrogenated oils, added sodium, unnatural flavors, and bulking agents. We have far more control over ingredients when we select our meals part by part.
Indeed, that also gives us the freedom to determine flavor and texture too. Not everyone likes their broccoli or pasta al dente, for example. The beauty of cooking your own food is that you're in the driver's seat, so you can cook to your unique taste preferences (and your family's of course!).
Portion Control
Last, but perhaps most important for a society in which obesity is an epidemic, is portion control. Many North American restaurants serve up huge platters, far more than our fist-sized stomachs can handle in one sitting. If it doesn't get stuffed in beyond our capacity, then it either gets packaged in single use plastic containers, or thrown out. Home cooking allows for bulk cooking, so you can freeze extra portions, or make meals small enough for one or two people.
Best Types of Cookware by Category
Stainless Steel
Our #1 choice for price, durability, and maintenance.
Steel is an alloy consisting of iron and carbon. Stainless steel has the addition of 10.5% chromium and may also contain nickel, molybdenum, titanium, niobium, and manganese. These additional elements are what give stainless steel its "stainless" stamp. It's highly practical, sustainable, and durable, making it one of the most popular choices for cookware.
Price Range: $30 - $300
Eco Factor
Stainless steel has an unlimited and complete recycling capacity, doesn't leach compounds, and poses no threat to the health of the natural environment, animals, people, or water quality. It's a more sustainable material too, given its durability and longevity, so it contributes to reducing carbon emissions.
Conductivity
Although pure stainless steel doesn't have high heat conductivity, it's usually embedded with a copper or aluminum core, making stainless steel fully clad. Both these metals have a high heat conductivity so the combination enables much better heat absorption than pure stainless steel. If your cookware is pure stainless steel, you're better off using it for slow cooking than for quick fry-ups.
Durability
This is one of the primary reasons many people opt for stainless steel over any other type of cookware. It's rust resistant and non-porous and will last a long time if properly maintained.
Maintenance
Stainless steel is easy to maintain, if you care for it properly, that is. We recommend soaking it immediately after use to prevent stuck, dried food on its surface, which would make cleaning more labor-intensive. However, use hot water to avoid extreme temperature changes that may cause warping. Use soap, water, and a brush or scouring pad to clean it, and dry it immediately to prevent water spots. It requires easy seasoning and is compatible with all types of cooking utensils.
Cast Iron
Our #1 choice for environmental health.
Do you have an heirloom cast iron pan from a great-great grandparent? You wouldn't be the only one. This stuff can last generations! It's considered the original non-stick pan, and regular maintenance (see below) is quick and easy.
Price Range: $20 – $200
Eco Factor
Because cast iron can last lifetimes, it's generally considered one of the more sustainable options. It's naturally non-stick, meaning it doesn't require any polishes or coatings that may contain toxic chemicals. Washing it requires no more than hot water and a brush, so detergents and cleaning agents are unnecessary.
Conductivity
It takes a while to heat, but once it's hot, cast iron will retain heat for a long time and distribute the heat evenly. This results in less energy usage.
Durability
Cast iron is nearly impossible to damage. It won't scratch, chip, rust, or break, and if you regularly season it, it will maintain its natural non-stick surface its entire life.
Maintenance
Cast iron has a porous surface, so it requires seasoning to smooth its surface and make it non-stick. Remove any dirt or dust, wash it with soap and water (this will be the only time it requires soap), coat it with vegetable oil, then bake it in your oven for about an hour. To wash it after use, use hot water and a stiff brush.
Aluminum
Our #1 choice for price.
Aluminum is one of the least expensive, lightweight cookware options available. It's a cheap metal but may come with a higher price tag if it is anodized or coated with non-stick enamel.
Price Range: Average of $100 for a complete set
Eco Factor
Aluminum is easy to recycle, but therein lies a problem. It carries some risk of leaching poisonous chemicals into your food, especially if it doesn't contain a coating or is made from recycled material.
Conductivity
Aluminum conducts heat well, which means it's an excellent option if you want quick cooking. However, things can get hot fast so you'll want to keep a close eye on that stove! Aluminum is reactive with acidic foods, so you'll want to avoid using it to cook foods that contain tomatoes, vinegar, or citrus, for example, unless it has been treated with a non-stick surface. The reactivity can change the food's flavor and appearance and cause a pitted surface in the pan.
Durability
Unfortunately, aluminum cookware is less durable than its cookware counterparts, especially if it has been treated with a non-stick coating. It will be more prone to scratching and corrosion. Make sure you use wood or plastic cooking utensils to avoid damaging the surface.
Maintenance
Although aluminum likely won't last as long as stainless steel, and definitely not as long as cast iron, it's super easy to clean –– hot water, soap, and a brush does it. It also doesn't require any seasoning, but be wary of the health factor here as you'll likely need to cook with oil to prevent stuck food.
Ceramic
Our #1 choice for aesthetic appeal.
Ceramic cookware is made from organic materials, so it's generally considered one of the safest types of cookware. Ceramic coated cookware contains enamel over top stainless steel or aluminum. 100% Ceramic is made entirely from baked clay, making it completely non-reactive with food but also prone to breakage. Ceramic is non-stick, non-reactive, non-toxic, and easy to clean. It's durable, enables even heat transfer –– and thus, even cooking –– and it has a clear aesthetic quality.
Price Range: $60 – $300
Eco Factor
Ceramic is made with natural, renewable materials, making it generally free of the toxins that other materials may harbor. However, its polished coating may contain harmful chemicals.
Conductivity
Ceramic has low heat conductivity, making it better for slower cooking at low temperatures. But it's a winner when it comes to even heat transfer.
Durability
Ceramic is highly durable, unless it breaks! Because most ceramic cookware is fully heated clay, it can break easily, so it must be handled with care. It's also not compatible with a lot of cooking utensils. Use plastic or wooden instruments to keep its surface scratch-free, maintain it properly, and your ceramic cookware should last three to five years.
Maintenance
Ceramic cookware is easy to clean because of its non-stick surface. Wash with warm, soapy water, rinse, and wipe dry. Dishwasher cleaning isn't recommended as many detergents are too abrasive for its polished surface. To safely store ceramic, place a paper towel sheet on its surface before stacking anything on top of it.
Copper
We named ceramic #1 for aesthetic value, but copper is where real timeless beauty is at. Indeed, its rich golden hue is why so many cooks love it. We all have a little stovetop vanity after all! But copper is far more than just its good looks. It's low-stick, non-reactive, and conducts heat well, making it a fully functional addition to your cookware collection. But bear in mind, it's not cheap! If you find an inexpensive copper cookware set, be wary. Proper copper should contain at least 90% copper. Some rip-offs are aluminum with a filmy copper coating that doesn't contain any of the practical characteristics of original copper.
Our #1 choice for conductivity & beauty.
Price Range: $250 - $300 for one pot
Eco Factor
Copper is an eco-warrior, almost. It ranks as third among the least harmful cookware materials, after cast iron and stainless steel. It's also highly recyclable, depending on composition, as many are copper hybrids. Ensure you're choosing a trustworthy brand and cookware that is manufactured in North America.
Conductivity
Copper is the best heat conductor out of all the other materials used to make cookware. It conducts heat quickly, so you can get your stir fry on pronto, and it loses its heat quickly so you can easily control temperature and allow food to cool in the pan.
Durability
Copper must be lined with another metal, either stainless steel or tin, so its durability is largely dependent on that material. Generally, copper pots plated with stainless steel are more hard-wearing than those plated with tin.
Maintenance
You don't want to use any abrasive cleaners on copper, so best to keep it out of the dishwasher and use a gentle brush for hand scrubbing. Over time, copper loses its patina, so if you're investing in copper cookware, ensure you pick up a cleaner for regular polishing.
Making the Right Choice...
There really is no wrong choice; it all depends on your cooking style and what features lend themselves best to that. Practicality should be a priority, and if you can get all the features you love in a set of practical cookware, you're winning.
We hope this guide has brought light to some of your questions and raised some points you may not have otherwise considered. Whatever type of cookware you choose, we hope it ignites newfound joy and creativity in your kitchen and your cooking!
We hope you enjoyed this free guide from Priority Chef. If you have questions, comments, or other feedback, please feel free to contact us, or sign up for our monthly newsletter.
Are you on Facebook? We are too! Follow us here. And if you know someone who would also find this guide useful, feel free to pass it on.
Priority Chef: Quality You Can Trust
At Priority Chef, we think that food prep and cooking should be a fun and rewarding endeavor, but that's only possible with the right tools. That's why we're focused on creating functional, high-quality kitchenware that you and your family will rely on for years.
We design, source, craft, and rigorously test each of our products to ensure the highest quality and convenience. From our family to yours, enjoy convenience and novelty in the kitchen, always at your fingertips!
References
