Thinking of buying a new kitchen set? Pots and pans are a great investment in your future and will give you years and years of great-tasting food if you choose well.
By reading this article, you are already showing the signs of a smart shopper. Smart shoppers start by doing their research to determine which kitchen set is the best choice.
What kind of cook are you?
First, ask yourself what kind of cooking you do.
• Do you like to make sauces from scratch?
• Do you prefer to cook at high temperatures?
• Are you guilty of using an abrasive fork to stir instead of finding a safe metal or rubber cookware?
Think honestly about the type of cooking you do and keep that in mind as you research.
What are kitchen utensils made of?
There are many types of cookware and the material plays a crucial role in how it works. Types of cookware include:
• Aluminum
• Hard anodized
• Non-stick
• Stainless steel
• Terracotta
aluminum cookware
Aluminum cookware is lightweight, inexpensive, and simple. These kitchen sets are perfect for someone who doesn’t cook often and doesn’t want to spend on expensive cookware. Look to aluminum nonstick cookware for added convenience!
Non-stick cookware
Nonstick cookware is perfect for the casual cook who just wants to get the job done, but be careful. Nonstick cookware cannot get too hot without melting the Teflon coating. Nonstick cookware is also easy to scratch if not treated with proper care.
Stainless steel cookware
Stainless steel cookware is a safe choice that cooks evenly and stands up to harsh use. Go to a store and hold a couple of stainless steel kitchen sets first to determine if the weight will work for you. Note what the handle is made of. Stainless steel cookware gets very hot, so having a handle that stays fairly cool is very important.
terracotta cookware
Terracotta cookware is the perfect choice for someone concerned about how their food cooks. Terracotta cookware is made from clay and contains no metals or toxic materials. Not only do these earthy kitchen sets look adorable on glass-front cabinets, they’re also dishwasher safe.
Hard Anodized Cookware
If you enjoy the durability of stainless steel cookware, but can’t handle the weight, hard anodized cookware may be right for you. Hard anodized cookware sets can withstand scratches and rough use and are just as lightweight as their aluminum cousins.
How many pieces do you need?
Cookware sets come in different sizes for different types of cooks. Think about how often you cook and what size pots and pans you prefer to use. Consider big events like Thanksgiving and Christmas. Kitchen sets generally come in sets of eight, ten, 12, and 24.
Happy shopping!
