What to Look for When Investing in Quality Cookware

One of the most important things to have in the kitchen is a good quality set of pans. High quality cookware is of course more expensive, but you will also have cookware that lasts you many years, if not a lifetime, so it really is a good investment. As well as this, you tend to have a much better cooking experience when you use good quality cookware, and you will ultimately get a better meal when you are using good tools to cook with.

If you want to invest in some good cookware but are unsure where to start, here are some of the things to consider when making your choice…

Type of Hob – The type of hob that you have might affect what sort of pan you want to buy. Halogen hobs for example, aren’t suitable to use with a copper pan, whereas with a gas hob you can use any type of pan that you like, so it is important to be aware of the hob type that you have and factor it into your decision making. If you have something like a Rayburn, it is always best to check, as it tends to be better to go for a heavier type of pan for these hobs.

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Materials – There are many types of materials that are used for making pans and all have certain qualities, as well as ways of caring for them to ensure that they stand the test of time. Copper pans for example are excellent at conducting heat, but you must make sure to use the correct materials when cleaning them. Cast iron and stainless steel are more robust but can be at the more expensive end of the market.

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Pan Features and Coatings – Coatings on pans like this PTFE coating or enamel are designed to make sure that the pan is non-stick, so that food doesn’t get burned onto the pan. This not only improves the food but also makes the pan itself easier to clean. When looking at features, look at the handles, and test them out to see how easy they are to hold. Holes in them are useful if you want to hang them up when not in use. For saucepans, check the fit of the lids too, as these should be secure.