Thinking of buying a new kitchen set? Pots and pans are a great investment in your future and will provide you with years and years of great-tasting food if you choose well.
By reading this article, you are already showing the signs of a smart shopper. Smart shoppers start by researching to determine which kitchen set is the best choice.
What kind of cook are you?
First, ask yourself what kind of cooking you do.
• Do you like to make sauces from scratch?
• Do you prefer to cook at high temperatures?
• Are you guilty of using an abrasive fork to stir instead of looking for a safe metal or rubber cookware?
Think honestly about the type of cooking you do and keep that in mind as you do your research.
What are kitchen utensils made of?
There are many types of cookware and the material plays a crucial role in how they work. Types of cookware include:
• Aluminum
• Hard anodized
• Non-stick
• Stainless steel
• Terracotta
Aluminum cookware
Aluminum cookware is lightweight, inexpensive, and simple. These kitchen sets are perfect for someone who doesn’t cook often and doesn’t want to shell out expensive kitchen utensils. Look for aluminum non-stick cookware for convenience!
Non-stick cookware
Nonstick cookware is perfect for the casual cook who just wants to get the job done, but be careful. Nonstick cookware cannot get too hot without melting the Teflon coating. Nonstick cookware also scratches easily if not treated with proper care.
Stainless steel cookware
Stainless steel cookware is a safe option that cooks evenly and withstands aggressive use. Go to a store and hold up a couple of stainless steel kitchen sets first to determine if the weight will work for you. Note what the handle is made of. Stainless steel cookware gets very hot, so having a handle that stays fairly cool is very important.
Terracotta kitchen utensils
Terracotta cookware is the perfect choice for someone concerned about how their food is cooked. Terracotta cookware is made of clay and contains no metals or toxic materials. Not only do these earthy kitchen sets look adorable on glass cabinets, they are dishwasher safe too.
Hard Anodized Cookware
If you enjoy the durability of stainless steel cookware, but can’t bear the weight, hard anodized cookware may be right for you. Hard anodized kitchen sets can withstand scratches and harsh use and are just as lightweight as their aluminum cousins.
How many pieces do you need?
Cookware sets come in different sizes for different types of cooks. Think about how often you cook and the size of pots and pans you prefer to use. Be aware of big events like Thanksgiving and Christmas. Cooking sets generally come in sets of eight, ten, 12, and 24.
Happy shopping!