We've all read the headlines about various cooking tools, materials and surfaces that will eventually wreak havoc on us and the environment. What's a cook to do? We've got some answers and solutions to keep you cooking~
As of Jan 1, 2025, Minnesota has banned the sale of PFAS, which is the forever chemical used to make the nonstick pans. Here’s a complete “how-to” guide for what’s what and how to use all the latest and greatest healthy non-toxic cookware surfaces. From curious beginners to experienced chefs, we have the perfect pieces to help them succeed in the kitchen. This guide will outline all you need to know when giving customers a tour of the cookware we offer and helping them decide what will work best for them.
Quick cookware guide
Explore cookware options for every chef and kitchen:
- Stainless Steel: Durable, rust-resistant, and excellent for searing. Requires medium heat and proper cleaning to avoid discoloration or sticking.
- Copper: Best for even heat distribution. Requires care to maintain its aesthetic and must be lined for safe cooking with most foods.
- Carbon Steel: Lightweight and naturally non-stick with seasoning. Great for high-heat cooking and stir-frying, but requires upkeep to prevent rust.
- Ceramic Non-Stick: Chemical-free, easy to clean, and durable. Handles higher temperatures but avoid using metal utensils or high heat.
- Enameled Cast Iron: No seasoning needed, rust-proof, and aesthetically pleasing. Heavy but perfect for heat retention and versatile cooking.
Each surface has unique benefits, care requirements, and cooking techniques. Pick the cookware that fits your needs and enjoy successful culinary adventures!
Below are in-depth descriptions of each type of cookware surface. Each has its own unique strength.
Stainless steel cookware is a favorite among professional chefs and home cooks alike, and for good reason. It combines functionality, durability, and versatility, making it an essential part of any kitchen.
Stainless steel is created by combining iron and carbon to produce steel, then adding chromium and nickel for enhanced properties. The quality of stainless steel is determined by its nickel content—for instance, an 18/10 stainless steel contains 18 parts chromium and 10 parts nickel, offering excellent durability and resistance to corrosion.
Why Choose Stainless Steel Cookware?
Stainless steel cookware offers numerous advantages:
- Non-Reactive and Non-Toxic: Unlike some materials, stainless steel doesn’t react with acidic or alkaline foods, ensuring your meals are safe and unaltered in taste.
- Durable and Rust-Resistant: Built to last, stainless steel is resistant to rust and wear, making it a long-term investment.
- Low Maintenance: Easy to care for with basic cleaning techniques.
- Excellent Searing Power: Stainless steel excels at creating a perfect sear on meats and other foods.
- Lightweight: Easier to handle compared to heavier materials like cast iron.
- Wide Budget Range: Available in various price points to suit different budgets.
- Easy Cleanup: With the right cleaner and techniques, maintaining its shine is a breeze.
Bonus Tip: Stainless steel pans can become naturally non-stick if a good amount of fat is used and the food is allowed to form a seared crust before being moved.
Things to Keep in Mind
While stainless steel cookware has many advantages, there are a few things to consider:
- Susceptibility to Scratches: Avoid using metal utensils or abrasive scrubbers like steel wool. Instead, opt for silicone, plastic, or wooden utensils.
- Discoloration Risks: Repeated overheating can cause discoloration (blue, brown, or gray hues). This doesn’t affect performance but can be avoided with proper heat control.
- Cooking Technique: Food may stick if there’s insufficient fat or liquid, or if the temperature is too high. Cooking with medium heat is generally sufficient for most tasks.
Care and Maintenance
Proper care ensures your stainless steel cookware remains in top shape for years:
- Cool Down First: Allow the pan to cool completely before washing to prevent warping.
- Gentle Cleaning: Wash with warm water, mild soap, and a non-abrasive sponge.
- Restore Shine: If discoloration occurs, use a stainless steel cleaner like Bar Keeper’s Friend, All-Clad, or Hestan Cleaner.
- Dry Thoroughly: After washing, dry your pan immediately to prevent water spots.
Pro Tips for Cooking with Stainless Steel
- Preheat Properly: Always preheat your pan before adding oil or fat. A well-heated pan ensures even cooking and reduces sticking.
- Use Medium Heat: Stainless steel conducts heat effectively, so medium heat is often all you need.
- Let Food Release Naturally: When searing, let the food form a crust before moving it. Once it’s ready, it will release easily from the pan.
With its impressive performance and longevity, stainless steel cookware is a worthwhile addition to any kitchen. By understanding how to use and care for it, you can enjoy its benefits for years to come. Whether you’re searing a steak to perfection or crafting delicate sauces, stainless steel is a reliable and versatile choice for all your culinary adventures.
Copper
Copper cookware is celebrated for its unparalleled heat conductivity and timeless beauty, making it a prized tool in kitchens around the world.
Copper cookware is crafted from pure copper and often lined with another metal, such as stainless steel, tin, or nickel, for safety. This combination ensures superior heat conductivity while addressing the reactivity of copper with certain foods.
Why Choose Copper Cookware?
Copper cookware offers several advantages:
- Superior Heat Conductivity: Copper is the best conductor of heat among cookware materials, ensuring rapid and even heat distribution.
- Efficient Cooking: Requires only low to moderate heat for optimal results, saving energy and reducing cooking times.
- Timeless Aesthetic: Its warm, lustrous appearance adds a touch of elegance to any kitchen.
Bonus Tip: With proper technique, copper pans can perform well as a non-stick surface. Use a good amount of fat, and allow the food to form a seared crust that will release naturally when done.
Things to Keep in Mind
While copper cookware is exceptional, there are some considerations to be aware of:
- Natural Patina Formation: Copper reacts with water and oils, developing a patina or greenish film over time. This is natural and can be removed with a copper cleanser to restore its original shine.
- Lined Interiors for Safety: Unlined copper can leach small amounts into food, posing a toxicity risk. Use copper cookware with an interior lining of nickel, tin, or stainless steel for safety. (Exception: unlined copper sugar pans, which are safe for cooking sugar only.)
- Heat Conductivity Trade-Off: While stainless steel linings are safe, they are not as conductive as pure copper.
Care and Maintenance
Proper care is essential to preserve the beauty and performance of your copper cookware:
- Gentle Washing: Scrub gently with hot, soapy water after use. Avoid abrasive pads.
- Thorough Drying: Dry your cookware immediately and completely to prevent water spots.
- Restore Shine: Use a specialized copper cleaner like Red Bear or Copperbrill to maintain its luster. Alternatively, clean with a mixture of coarse salt and lemon juice or vinegar for a softer, aged appearance.
- Avoid Harsh Polishes: Some polishes are strong enough to strip the patina, which may alter the color. Choose a polish that matches your desired aesthetic—newly minted or warmly aged.
Pro Tips for Cooking with Copper
- Preheat Carefully: Copper heats quickly, so use low to moderate heat to avoid overheating.
- Use Lined Cookware: When preparing acidic or alkaline foods, always use copper pans with a lining to prevent reactions.
- Let Food Release Naturally: Similar to stainless steel, allow food to sear and form a crust before attempting to move it.
Copper cookware is a valuable addition to any kitchen, combining exceptional performance with unmatched beauty. By understanding its unique properties and proper care techniques, you can enjoy its benefits for years to come. Whether you’re preparing delicate sauces or achieving a perfect sear, copper cookware is an investment in culinary excellence.
Carbon Steel
Carbon steel cookware has earned its place in both professional kitchens and home cooking spaces. Its lightweight design, versatility, and ability to develop a natural non-stick surface over time make it an excellent choice for a wide range of cooking techniques.
Why Choose Carbon Steel Cookware?
Carbon steel cookware offers several advantages:
- Lightweight and Versatile: Much lighter than cast iron, making it easier to handle during cooking.
- Naturally Non-Stick: When properly seasoned, carbon steel develops a natural non-stick surface that improves with each use.
- Durable and Safe: Safe on all cooktops, including induction, and compatible with all kitchen utensils.
- Quick Heat Transfer: Ideal for high-heat cooking and techniques like stir-frying.
Bonus Tip: As the seasoning builds, your carbon steel pan will darken and become even more efficient as a non-stick surface.
Caring for Your Carbon Steel Cookware
- Cleaning: Always clean with hot water (no soap) and a soft sponge. Avoid harsh abrasives.
- Drying: Dry completely after washing to prevent rust.
- Seasoning Maintenance: Regular use and seasoning will maintain the pan’s non-stick surface.
Carbon steel cookware, whether in the form of a wok or a frying pan, offers exceptional performance and longevity. With proper care and seasoning, these pieces become invaluable tools in your kitchen. Whether you’re stir-frying vegetables or searing proteins, carbon steel cookware ensures top-notch results every time.
Ceramic non-stick cookware is a modern, safe, and versatile option for home kitchens. Its chemical-free composition and ease of use make it a favorite among health-conscious cooks.
Despite its name, ceramic non-stick cookware is made from metal pans with a silicon-based coating. This coating, derived from sand, creates a slick and glossy surface that mimics the properties of traditional ceramic. It’s this innovative finish that delivers its non-stick performance while maintaining a lightweight design.
Why Choose Ceramic Non-Stick Cookware?
Ceramic non-stick cookware offers several advantages:
- Chemical-Free Coating: Completely free of PFAS, PFOA, and PTFE, making it a safer choice for your kitchen.
- Scratch-Resistant Surface: Durable enough to withstand everyday use.
- Durable Construction: Crafted from cast aluminum with hard-anodized or brushed stainless steel exteriors for long-lasting performance.
- Versatile Non-Stick Surface: Excellent for searing, browning, and easy food release.
- Lightweight and Easy to Handle: Makes cooking and cleaning a breeze.
- Non-Reactive to Acidic Foods: Perfect for recipes with tomatoes, citrus, or vinegar.
- Healthier Cooking: Requires less oil or fat to achieve great results.
Bonus Tip: Ceramic non-stick cookware remains stable and safe at higher temperatures, only starting to break down around 600°F, unlike traditional non-stick options.
Caring for Ceramic Non-Stick Cookware
Proper care extends the life of your ceramic cookware:
- Use Gentle Tools: Always use silicone or wooden utensils to avoid scratches.
- Clean with Care: Wash with warm, soapy water and a non-abrasive sponge. Avoid harsh scrubs or steel wool.
- Dry Thoroughly: Ensure the cookware is completely dry before storing to maintain its integrity.
- Moderate Heat Settings: Use medium to medium-high heat for cooking—high heat is unnecessary and can degrade the coating over time.
What Makes Ceramic Non-Stick Unique?
Despite its name, ceramic non-stick cookware is made from metal pans with a silicon-based coating. This coating, derived from sand, creates a slick and glossy surface that mimics the properties of traditional ceramic. It’s this innovative finish that delivers its non-stick performance while maintaining a lightweight design.
Performance Highlights
- Heat Tolerance: Can safely withstand temperatures up to 600°F, unlike many other non-stick options.
- Easy Cleanup: The slick surface ensures that food releases easily, making washing up hassle-free.
- Healthy Cooking: Requires minimal fats or oils, supporting a balanced diet without compromising on flavor.
Ceramic non-stick cookware is a smart choice for those seeking safety, convenience, and performance in their kitchen. By following proper care instructions and using the right techniques, you can enjoy the benefits of this innovative cookware for years to come. Whether you’re frying eggs, simmering sauces, or crafting delicate dishes, ceramic non-stick cookware is a reliable and health-conscious companion.
Enameled Cast Iron
Enameled cast iron cookware combines the durability and heat retention of traditional cast iron with the convenience of a non-reactive enamel coating. Its versatility, vibrant colors, and ease of use make it a favorite in kitchens around the world.
Enameled cast iron offers several unique advantages:
- Non-Reactive Surface: The enamel coating ensures that the cookware does not react with acidic or alkaline foods, preventing pitting and preserving flavor.
- No Seasoning Required: Unlike raw cast iron, enameled versions are ready to use and easy to clean without the need for seasoning.
- Rust Protection: The enamel layer protects the cookware from rust, even in humid conditions.
- Heat Retention: Retains and distributes heat evenly for consistent cooking results.
- Aesthetic Appeal: Available in a variety of colors, it adds a stylish touch to your kitchen.
Bonus Tip: While enameled cast iron does not develop a non-stick surface over time, using adequate fats or oils can enhance its cooking performance.
Things to Keep in Mind
While enameled cast iron is an excellent choice, there are some considerations:
- Weight: These pieces are heavier than most other cookware options.
- Temperature Sensitivity: The enamel is vulnerable to damage from rapid temperature changes or accidental drops.
- Cost: Typically more expensive than raw cast iron due to the enamel coating.
- Cooking Needs: Does not naturally develop a non-stick surface, so cooking with fats, oils, or liquids is essential.
- Heat Limitations: Depending on the design (handles, knobs), enameled cast iron can withstand temperatures up to 500°F.
Care and Maintenance
Proper care is essential to maintain the longevity and beauty of your enameled cast iron cookware:
- Cleaning: Use mild soap or detergent and warm water to clean. Baking soda can be used for gentle scouring.
- Removing Stains: For tough stains, soak the pan overnight in warm water mixed with mild detergent or a small amount of baking soda.
- Tackling Stubborn Stains: Ordinary household bleach can be used to remove stains. Wash and rinse the pan thoroughly afterward.
- Avoid Abrasives: Do not use metal scouring pads or harsh cleaners that could damage the enamel.
Performance Tips
- Cooking with Fats or Liquids: Always use oil, butter, or other fats to prevent sticking and enhance cooking results.
- Searing Technique: Let ingredients form a seared crust before attempting to move them; this ensures easy release.
- Gradual Heating: Avoid rapid temperature changes to prevent damage to the enamel.
Enameled cast iron cookware is a versatile and reliable addition to any kitchen. With its exceptional heat retention, non-reactive surface, and stylish design, it’s perfect for everything from slow-cooked stews to beautifully seared proteins. By following proper care and cooking techniques, you can enjoy the benefits of enameled cast iron for years to come.
