Culinary/Cooking/Equipment/Pots and Pans: Difference between revisions
(Created page with "=== Materials === ==== Stainless Steel ==== Pros: Durable, resistant to rust and corrosion, and does not react with acidic foods. Cons: Conducts heat less efficiently than some other materials. ==== Aluminum ==== Pros: Lightweight, heats up quickly, and is often more affordable. Cons: May react with acidic foods, can warp over time. ==== Copper ==== Pros: Excellent heat conductivity, precise temperature control. Cons: Requires maintenance to prevent tarnishing, can...") |
No edit summary |
||
| Line 25: | Line 25: | ||
Pros: Excellent heat retention and even distribution, versatile. | Pros: Excellent heat retention and even distribution, versatile. | ||
Cons: Requires seasoning, can be heavy. | Cons: Requires seasoning, can be heavy. | ||
=== Types === | === Types === | ||
| Line 55: | Line 56: | ||
Essential for stir-frying, with sloping sides that make tossing and stirring ingredients easy. | Essential for stir-frying, with sloping sides that make tossing and stirring ingredients easy. | ||
=== Considerations When Choosing === | === Considerations When Choosing === | ||
| Line 73: | Line 75: | ||
Ensure that your cookware is compatible with your cooking surface, whether gas, electric, induction, or glass. | Ensure that your cookware is compatible with your cooking surface, whether gas, electric, induction, or glass. | ||
=== Caring for Pots and Pans === | === Caring for Pots and Pans === | ||
| Line 91: | Line 94: | ||
Gradual temperature changes prevent warping and maintain the integrity of the cookware. | Gradual temperature changes prevent warping and maintain the integrity of the cookware. | ||
=== Recommended pots and pans === | |||
==== Carbon steel ==== | |||
[https://www.amazon.co.uk/s?k=carbon+steel+de+buyer&_encoding=UTF8&camp=1634&creative=6738&crid=1YHDF2MDKSYPA&linkCode=ur2&linkId=b75ef7b256ecadfa658616413e7ec971&sprefix=carbon+steel+de+buyer%252Caps%252C67&tag=wikiknowledge-21&ref=nb_sb_noss_1 De Buyer] - Excellent quality French made pans | |||
[https://www.amazon.co.uk/s?k=carbon+steel+matfer&_encoding=UTF8&camp=1634&creative=6738&crid=3PFHFDAT1EGKZ&linkCode=ur2&linkId=9e44a2a7faf7cda452ac80b5e0a0674a&sprefix=carbon+steel+matfer%252Caps%252C64&tag=wikiknowledge-21&ref=nb_sb_noss_2 Matfer] - High end French made pans | |||
[https://www.amazon.co.uk/s?k=merten+%2526+storck+carbon+steel&_encoding=UTF8&camp=1634&creative=6738&crid=30P5A9XRKZY29&linkCode=ur2&linkId=662c714aa587608d625d790bceb52bd6&sprefix=carbon+steel+mer%252Caps%252C78&tag=wikiknowledge-21&ref=nb_sb_ss_ts-doa-p_1_16 Merten & Stork] - High quality pre-seasoned offering | |||
=== Stainless Steel === | |||
[https://www.amazon.co.uk/s?k=mauviel+stainless+steel&crid=1WKR7BZWZMKE0&sprefix=mauviel+stain%252Caps%252C69&ref=nb_sb_ss_ts-doa-p_1_13&_encoding=UTF8&tag=wikiknowledge-21&linkCode=ur2&linkId=6667ac3f6b4df3b8cb0ca0d4bedc8bb9&camp=1634&creative=6738 Mauviel] - Very prestigious brand offering superior heat conductivity with the multi ply range. | |||
[https://www.amazon.co.uk/s?k=stainless+steel+all+clad&crid=LI268GIO29J2&sprefix=stainless+steel+all%252Caps%252C69&ref=nb_sb_ss_ts-doa-p_1_19&_encoding=UTF8&tag=wikiknowledge-21&linkCode=ur2&linkId=130ca96484c224204409b498da69541b&camp=1634&creative=6738 All Clad] - Known for their multi ply stainless steel offering. | |||
=== Dutch ovens === | |||
[https://www.amazon.co.uk/s?k=le+creuset+dutch+oven&crid=3SV207GAIVPEJ&sprefix=le+creuset+%252Caps%252C77&ref=nb_sb_ss_ts-doa-p_6_11&_encoding=UTF8&tag=wikiknowledge-21&linkCode=ur2&linkId=0e0b7b7f56e1dd693c41855bf431987f&camp=1634&creative=6738 Le Creuset] - Classic and prestigious French made dutch ovens with a lifetime warranty | |||
[https://www.amazon.co.uk/s?k=staub+dutch+oven&crid=CX6G1Q6A5GKE&sprefix=staub+dutch+oven%252Caps%252C64&ref=nb_sb_noss_1&_encoding=UTF8&tag=wikiknowledge-21&linkCode=ur2&linkId=e8ca7aa183f7a4f579504948ed4e52e6&camp=1634&creative=6738 Staub] - Quality French made dutch ovens | |||
Revision as of 23:35, 14 November 2023
Materials
Stainless Steel
Pros: Durable, resistant to rust and corrosion, and does not react with acidic foods. Cons: Conducts heat less efficiently than some other materials.
Aluminum
Pros: Lightweight, heats up quickly, and is often more affordable. Cons: May react with acidic foods, can warp over time.
Copper
Pros: Excellent heat conductivity, precise temperature control. Cons: Requires maintenance to prevent tarnishing, can react with certain foods.
Nonstick Coated
Pros: Ideal for low-fat cooking, easy to clean. Cons: Will wear out over time, not to be used with high-heat.
Cast Iron
Pros: Excellent heat retention and even distribution, versatile. Cons: Requires seasoning, can be heavy.
Types
Saucepan
Perfect for simmering sauces, boiling water, or reheating leftovers.
Skillet/Frying Pan
Essential for frying, sautéing, and pan-searing.
Dutch Oven
A heavy, versatile pot ideal for slow-cooking, braising, and making stews. Often oven-safe.
Stockpot
Designed for making large batches of broth, soup, or chili. Features tall sides and a wide base.
Saute Pan
Similar to a skillet but with higher sides, perfect for tossing ingredients while cooking.
Grill Pan
Features ridges to simulate outdoor grilling, creating attractive grill marks on food.
Wok
Essential for stir-frying, with sloping sides that make tossing and stirring ingredients easy.
Considerations When Choosing
Heat Conductivity
Some materials, like copper and aluminium, offer superior heat conductivity, ensuring even cooking.
Durability
Consider the longevity of the material, as well as its resistance to scratching, warping, and rusting.
Maintenance
Different materials require various levels of maintenance, from regular seasoning (cast iron and carbon steel) to avoiding abrasive cleaners (nonstick).
Compatibility
Ensure that your cookware is compatible with your cooking surface, whether gas, electric, induction, or glass.
Caring for Pots and Pans
Seasoning Cast Iron / Carbon Steel
Apply a very thin layer of oil, wipe away any excess and bake in the oven or on the stove to maintain its non-stick surface.
Avoid Metal Utensils with non-stick surfaces
Use wooden or silicone utensils to prevent scratching nonstick surfaces.
Hand Wash or Dishwasher
Follow the manufacturer's recommendations for cleaning, as some materials are not dishwasher safe. Cast iron or carbon steel should be dried on the stove immediately to prevent rust forming.
Avoid Extreme Temperature Changes
Gradual temperature changes prevent warping and maintain the integrity of the cookware.
Recommended pots and pans
Carbon steel
De Buyer - Excellent quality French made pans
Matfer - High end French made pans
Merten & Stork - High quality pre-seasoned offering
Stainless Steel
Mauviel - Very prestigious brand offering superior heat conductivity with the multi ply range.
All Clad - Known for their multi ply stainless steel offering.
Dutch ovens
Le Creuset - Classic and prestigious French made dutch ovens with a lifetime warranty
Staub - Quality French made dutch ovens
