Choosing the best cookware for your home

Whether you're upgrading your kitchenware, trying new cuisines, or preparing for the cooking, finding the right cookware is crucial. However, with cookware technology evolving and many brands coming up every day, choosing pans and pots that suit your kitchen and cooking style can be challenging, even for professional chefs.

It’s an important investment that you want to get right. Knowing your cooking needs is the best way to begin your search for the perfect cookware. How often do you cook? We've created this handy guide to help you find the perfect cookware for your home.

What material should you choose for your cookware?

The first thing that comes to mind when shopping for cookware is material. Choosing a material for your cookware is one of the most important decisions you'll need to make. Below, we look at the materials you can choose for your pans and pots.

Stainless steel

Impervious to stain and resistant to stains and corrosion, stainless steel is one of the most popular materials for cookware. Stainless steel is not a good conductor of heat by itself, but it can be combined with other materials to improve conductivity.

An important feature to always look out for is whether the cookware has an encapsulated base. Encapsulated stainless is not only cost-effective but also conducts heat much better. Stainless steel can also be combined with other materials like aluminium and copper to improve heat distribution and conductivity.

In addition, stainless steel doesn’t require the regular oiling required by other cookware. It’s the perfect choice for anyone looking for quality cookware that doesn’t require tedious maintenance.

Cast iron

Nothing beats the versatility of cast iron cookware. It can be used in an oven, stovetop, or open fire. This thick metal has a sturdy crystalline structure which gives it immense durability. Cast iron also does a better job of retaining heat compared to other materials. This material will hold and maintain food, whether it's slow cooking or fast searing.

The main downside of cast iron is that it chips and rusts in the long run. However, rubbing with oil followed by some heat creates a layer of protection that keeps the cookware in good condition. If well taken care of, cast iron cookware can provide many years of trouble-free cooking.

Since cast iron is prone to rust, it's recommended not to keep liquids in the pan for longer periods. It's also a good idea to wipe clean cast iron cookware after cooking, and only hand wash if necessary.

Aluminium

Cookware made from aluminium is not only lightweight but also a good conductor of heat. Aluminium is also inexpensive and requires little maintenance. However, it’s prone to warping and denting as it is a lightweight material.

It’s recommended to avoid preparing acidic or alkaline foods on aluminium cookware as these will react with aluminium. Also, remove food immediately after cooking to prevent it from absorbing metal.

What to look out for when selecting cookware

Now that you know the most common materials you can choose, the next step is knowing what features to look for when buying cookware.

Conductivity of heat

Not all metals are good conductors of heat. Cast iron, for example, is a good heat conductor, but stainless steel is not. Cookware that has better conductivity will ensure your food is evenly cooked. It will also react quickly to temperature changes when you reduce or increase the heat.

Reactivity

Regardless of the type of cookware you want to choose, your health comes first. Some cookware reacts with food and can cause serious health issues. For example, aluminium reacts with acidic foods like tomatoes. So, if you cook such foods on an aluminium pan or pot, you'll ingest the metal. Always keep your eye out for reactivity when choosing the cookware.

Durability

Some cookware will remain in top condition for years, no matter how often you use them. One such great type of cookware is stainless steel.

Maintenance

You also need to take into account the amount of care cookware needs to keep in top condition. If you don’t like having to shine your cookware every night before going to bed, you would be better off with options that require little maintenance, like cast iron.

Care advice for cookware

The most important thing to keep in mind when caring for cookware is the material used in its construction. Some materials require more care than others.

• Cast iron requires little maintenance. Seasoning, a process where oil is repeatedly applied on the cookware's surface and heated, will keep this cookware in good condition for many years. Also, clean minimally after use.

• Stainless steel is the easiest material to maintain. You simply need to hand wash with a piece of cloth and soapy water after use. Don't use any scouring pads that will scratch or scrape the material.

• Aluminium is prone to discoloration. You can protect your aluminium cookware from discoloration by soaking it in soapy water for extended periods. You can also use a steel-wool soap pad to eliminate burned-on food.

Browse our extensive collection to find the perfect cookware for your home.