Nonstick Cookware
Nonstick cookware is a popular choice because it allows you to create delicious, healthy meals with little to no oil. The nonstick coating means food will easily release from the pans, allowing for quick cleanup. Nonstick pans evenly distribute heat but, due to the coating, they can take longer to warm up.
There are a couple of considerations with nonstick pans. They can scratch easily, so you should use silicone utensils when cooking. They can also get damaged in the dishwasher, so you should hand wash them. Look for cooking pots, pans, skillets and griddles with a nonstick coating.
Induction Cookware
If you have an induction cooktop, then you should also use induction cookware. An ordinary pot or pan won’t work because an induction cooktop uses magnetic currents to heat the cookware. Induction cookware lets that magnetic field pass through, creating an electric current that allows you to cook. The benefits of induction cookware include quick, even heating and easy cleanup. Induction cooktops are glass, so you’ll need to be careful with the pots and pans to avoid scratching the cooktop. You should wash induction cookware by hand.
Other types of induction-safe cookware include stainless steel, aluminum and ceramic. To ensure you can use your cookware on an induction cooktop, look for an induction symbol or hold a magnet to the bottom of the pot or pan. If the magnet sticks, you can use the cookware on the induction cooktop.
Stainless Steel Cookware
If you’re looking for affordable and durable cookware, stainless steel pots and pans are a good choice. Stainless steel cookware is nontoxic, cooks food evenly and retains heat. It’s also stain- and rust-resistant. Most stainless steel cookware is safe to clean in the dishwasher and use in the oven. Some pots and pans are nonstick and compatible with induction cooktops, but it’s important to check the description when purchasing.
If you prefer to put your cookware in the dishwasher, look for an engraved symbol or text on the pots and pans indicating they’re dishwasher-safe.
Ceramic Cookware
Ceramic cookware is safe to clean in the dishwasher and use in the oven, and you can use the majority of ceramic cookware on induction cooktops. The most notable benefit of ceramic cookware is that its nontoxic coating doesn’t contain a group of chemicals known as PFAS, which are potentially harmful. The coating is also free from lead or cadmium. The nonstick coating allows food to easily release, making cleanup a breeze. For those that are design focused, ceramic cookware comes in a variety of fashionable and modern colors including mint green, black, navy, light blue, white and more.
Ceramic cookware has a coating that may degrade over time, so you may have to replace ceramic sooner than other materials. But its affordability, nontoxic coating and other benefits often outweigh this consideration.
Cast Iron Cookware
Cast iron cookware has been around for a very long time — and for good reason. You can use cast iron on your cooktop, in your oven and even over a campfire. Cast iron cookware is versatile and often seasoned, helping you create delicious dishes that your friends and family will love. Skillets, cooking pans and griddles are the most popular items. Due to its durability and great heat retention, cast iron is ideal for baking, braising and roasting. You shouldn’t put cast iron cookware in the dishwasher. To clean it, simply wipe it down with a paper towel. Then use a nonabrasive sponge or brush and clean it with hot water. Avoid soaking because it can cause rust.
Aluminum Cookware
Aluminum is one of the most popular cookware materials on the market. Aluminum cookware provides fast, even heating and is affordable. For durability, select hard-anodized aluminum. Most of this cookware offers a nonstick coating that’s great for stir-frying vegetables, cooking eggs or making pancakes. If you need to cook something at a high temperature, it’s best to select another type of cookware, such as cast iron or stainless steel. Aluminum cookware is often dishwasher-safe, but check the label to make sure.