Different kinds of kitchen cookware explained

The differences between copper cookware, non-stick cookware, stainless steel cookware, and waterless cookware

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Kitchen cookware

If you are not familiar with the world of cookware then trying to purchase a new set of pots and pans can be very stressful. You have to think about size, weight, material, lifespan, finish, and much more. 

The size of your kitchen, your budget, and what kind of food you like to cook can also have a big impact on the type of cookware you need to purchase. 

Today, we are going to break down the different types of materials cookware comes in, and look at which type of cookware is right for you. 

Copper Cookware 

Copper is possibly the oldest type of cookware in the world. Archaeologists have found evidence that copper pots were used for cooking as early as 9000 BCE. Copper is still used all over the world today. 

Copper’s biggest benefit is that it heats up and cools down quickly. It’s perfect for searing meat and copper cookware is also incredibly popular with artisan chocolatiers and fudge makers. 

Because Copper cookware is so popular, it can also be on the more expensive side. 

If you are interested in fast, high-end cooking then a set of non-stick copper cookware will be a fantastic investment for you. 

Waterless Cookware 

Waterless cooking involves cooking with as little fat and water as physically possible. It is a great way to cook healthier foods with more flavor. However, you can’t do waterless cooking without the right type of cookware. 

The most important feature of a Waterless Cookware piece is that it has a thick base that heats up evenly and completely surrounds the food with heat. 

The good news is that you can find waterless cookware for any budget. If you are looking for a healthier way to cook, then you may want to consider treating yourself to a set of non-stick Waterless Cookware. 

Stainless Steel Cookware 

If you are a meat eater then you should seriously consider picking yourself up a set of stainless steel cookware. It isn’t as good at searing meat as copper is, but it is superior in every other way of cooking meat. It’s a particularly good choice if you like to slowly cook your meat. 

Stainless Steel cookware is also a great choice for first-time buyers or people on a budget. If looked after correctly, even a cheap set of Stainless Steel Cookware will last for years. 

Compared to the other materials on this list, stainless steel is by far the most affordable. 

Cast Iron Cookware 

If you’re looking for a set of cookware that is going to last you a lifetime then you should consider investing in Cast Iron Cookware. These cookware sets can be expensive, but they’ll last you for so long you’ll have to put them in your will. 

If you are a fan of roasting, stews, and slow cooking then a set of Cast Iron Cookware is going to make your life easier. This type of cookware is amazing at retaining heat and really brings out the flavor in your food. 

You can also get involved in the age-old argument about whether cast iron pans should be cleaned.  

Ceramic Cookware 

The popularity of Ceramic Cookware in the 21st century has a lot to do with traditional French and Italian cooking. These pots are perfect for slow roasting juicy cuts of meat or making sumptuous vegetarian meals. They can also be used to roast meat and bake fish.  

In the last decade, we have seen big Ceramic Cookware companies start to release cookware colorways to appeal to Gen X and Millennials. Which only makes these amazing sets of cookware harder to resist. 

The one downside of Ceramic Cookware is the price. 

Non-Stick Cookware 

In 1938, Roy Plunkett invented polytetrafluoroethylene (which we now know as Teflon), the material that was soon used by cookware companies to create non-stick pans. 

Teflon is a silicone-like substance that is spread across the bottom of the pan. The Teflon prevents any of the food from sticking to the bottom of the pan. This helps to prevent food from getting burnt onto the bottom of the cookware and it makes cleaning the cookware a lot easier. 

Metal can scrape the Teflon layer away, so you should only use plastic or wood implements when cooking with non-stick cookware. 

Non-Stick Cookware comes in many forms and can be made from any of the above materials. Waterless Cookware particularly benefits from being non-stick.