There are thousands of different cookware sets on the market today, all claiming to have the best technology and design. Since when did cooking become so high tech, you might be wondering. Well, I’m going to give you a quick course on what to look for in a nonstick cookware set and what all that fancy terminology actually means. Check back as I continue to add content to the site. In keeping with the general theme of the site the first area I’m going to cover is non-stick cookware sets.
Nonstick Cookware Set:
Ok well, this may seem fairly self-explanatory. Nonstick obviously means that your food won’t stick to the pot or pan you’re using, not rocket science, hey? There are, however, different nonstick coatings, and different brands may use different types.
The advantages of non-stick coatings are that they are usually easier to clean and you don’t usually need any oil or fats to cook your food in. On the downside non-stick coatings tend to degrade over time, so you have to be careful not to use abrasive sponges or cleaning agents, and follow care instructions.
Low-priced models of cookware tend to use a single layer of coating, which is thinner and tends to scratch and wear away more easily. Higher quality cookware may have dual or triple layers. Dual-layer non-stick coating has a sealer after the non-stick layer that helps to adhere and protect it. A dual-layer nonstick cookware set is less likely to get scratched and peel than a single layer and should last you longer too.
What you really want to look for if you’re after a higher quality nonstick cookware set is a triple or quadruple layer nonstick coating. It is by far more durable and scratch-resistant than single- or double-layer nonstick coatings. It should last you longer last, with proper care. As the number of layers goes up, so too does the price. So, depending on your budget double layer might be just fine, or you might want to pay the extra for a triple, it’s really up to you.
Lastly, it’s important to note that nonstick coatings are potentially carcinogenic, as deemed by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). While not in use the layer is fine, it’s when the surface heats up that nonstick cookware can produce toxic gas. This has been known to be fatal to pets and birds and can cause flu-like symptoms in humans. To prevent the release of harmful gas you should cook on low to medium heat and avoid letting the pot or pan heat up too quickly or to too high a temperature.
One alternative you can use is nonstick cookware with a porcelain or enamel coating. Baked enamel cookware does not produce carcinogenic gases at any temperature, and will not scratch or peel. It is heavier than most other cookware and can be applied to materials such as cast iron. So, if you intend cooking over high heat then nonstick cookware set with one of these alternative coatings may be a good option for you.
