A healthy lifestyle involves not only eating foods rich in nutrients, but also observing all the rules of their heat treatment during cooking. To do this, it is important to purchase high-quality dishes. To date, it is represented on the market in a huge range and differs in both the material of manufacture, and design, price.
What material is better?
Cookware for the kitchen is an important accessory, without which no cooking can do. It is made from a different material, each of which can have both advantages and disadvantages. Most often for cooking they buy dishes from several traditional materials.
Aluminum
It is characterized by low practicality, but is resistant to sudden changes in temperature and does not burn. In addition, aluminum dishes are light in weight and can be washed by any method. However, at the moment on the market you can encounter low-quality products that are cheap, but cannot be used for cooking. Since such dishes are produced mainly from secondary aluminum alloys containing arsenic, lead and other elements, it is harmful to health. In such containers it is forbidden to cook vegetables and fruits, they emit substances hazardous to human health under the influence of organic acids and table salt.
It is not recommended to use products made of aluminum sheet for cooking compotes, salty foods, pickles, cabbage soup and dairy products. It is not suitable for storing ready-made pickles. As a rule, aluminum products are used for cooking pasta, potatoes, various cereals and boiling water. If the choice still fell on this type of cookware, then you need to check with the seller about the availability of certificates. This will help protect you from acquiring a cheap fake, which not only will last a little, but also harm your health.
Stainless steel
Cookware from this material is considered the most versatile and practical to use, since it is possible to cook everything. Stainless steel products can be heated to any temperature and cleaned with any detergent. Safe and recommended for kitchen utensils should consist of "ordinary" stainless steel, that is, include an alloy of chrome (18%), nickel (10%). It is marked “18/10” at the bottom.
As for the minuses, the stainless steel quickly burns, and thick-walled pots from it are very heavy and expensive.
Porcelain and faience
Despite the fact that this dish is good, its coating in the form of a glaze may contain harmful elements, the most dangerous of which is lead. Therefore, if you plan to cook healthy food, it is better to refuse this type of product. And the price of them can be quite high, it all depends on the size and design.
Cast iron
This material is able to keep warm for a long time, the food does not burn. In cast iron pans, pancakes, pancakes, vegetables, stews and vegetarian pilaf can be ideal. The main advantage of cast iron is that it warms up evenly (though slowly). But this type of kitchenware is not suitable for everyday use: after damaging the black protective film that covers its surface, the food begins to acquire a metallic aftertaste and turns to dark spots.
Cast iron products are brittle, heavy, and cannot be washed with modern detergents.After washing, this dish can not be simply taken and put in the dryer, it must be wiped dry (otherwise it will rust).
Heat resistant glass
Differs in aesthetic appearance, neutrality to food, retains heat for a long time and warms up quickly. As for the service life, such dishes are short-lived. During frying, it also “strives” to burst, it burns quickly. Besides, products made of heat-resistant glass are afraid of sudden temperature changes - If a griddle heated on a fire is immediately poured with cold tap water, it will simply burst.
If the appearance of dishes is important for the housewife, and she prefers glass products, it is necessary to pay attention to their consumer properties: they should not have scratches, air bubbles inside and chips.
Copper
Unlike steel and glass, this material is much more expensive. In addition, experts believe that the most delicious and healthy food is the one that is cooked in a copper bowl. The copper surface heats up quickly, so the cooking time of food in such pans and pans is reduced.
The main advantage of copper is that it does not oxidize.therefore it is perfect for cooking marmalades, jams and preserves. It is recommended to buy copper dishes also for induction cookers, while it is not the most expensive.
What you need to know about coatings?
A huge role in the selection of kitchen utensils plays not only the material of its manufacture, but also the coating. Now on the market you can find a huge range of products that differ in the type of coating, each of which has its own operational characteristics. We give the most common types of coatings.
Teflon
It is resistant to corrosion, which usually appears under the influence of chemical detergents, salty and acidic products. In the "Teflon" dishes safely cook any food. In addition, the coating is reliable and durable, manufacturers, using modern technology, have ensured that Teflon was protected from scratches. In spite of this, the service life of such dishes does not exceed three years (subject to careful treatment).
If you forget the dishes on the hot plate (overheat the pan or pan), the integrity of the coating may be compromised.
Enameled
Modern types of enamel are characterized by increased resistance to acids, salts, they are non-toxic, which allows not only to cook in dishes with such a coating, but also to store dishes in the refrigerator (including salted vegetables and pickles). Ideal for cooking stewed vegetables, soups, not recommended for cooking rice, porridge and pilau. The advantages of the enamelled coating include durability and safety of operation, reasonable price. As for the minuses, if handled incorrectly with the dishes, chips may appear on its surface, which are dangerous to health (there is a risk to swallow food with enamel particles). Do not wash enameled products in the dishwasher and by hand using abrasive detergents.
Ceramic
It is characterized by antibacterial properties, aesthetics and environmental friendliness. Dishes with this coating are used not only at home, but also in the dining room. The main drawback of the products is considered to be fragility and instability to sudden temperature fluctuations - if you take a dish from a refrigerator in a ceramic saucepan and immediately put it on a hot plate, then you can throw the product into the trash. Ceramics are also afraid of mechanical damage, quickly and easily absorb oil, after which it is difficult to wash it. As for the benefits, the purchase of dishes with such a coating can afford anyone.
Top popular brands
Kitchen utensils can differ not only in design, material of manufacture, price, but also in the brand. Rating of manufacturers who produce high quality products, led by several companies.
Tefal
This is the most famous French company that presented to the world market dishes not only with classic Teflon coating, but also with such coatings as Titanium Excellence, Power Glide, Prometal Pro, Titanium Pro. All products from this brand are characterized by resistance to temperature extremes and impacts. In addition, Tefal pans can be prepared without the use of oils and fat. Products with non-stick coating are excellent wash and serve a long time. The advantages of products from this brand also include the presence of temperature indication, ensuring uniform heating of products, to the minuses - on models with a glossy finish, the paint quickly burns out.
Kukmara
This brand is originally from Kazan, so its name is closely related to the name of the area where they produce a lot of pots, pans and cauldrons. All products from this brand are characterized by excellent performance and reasonable price. In addition, the advantages of products include a variety of sizes and models. As for the shortcomings, coating dishes (any kind) requires careful handling.
"Biol"
Under this brand, the domestic manufacturer has been producing cast-iron and aluminum cookware with various types of coating for more than 10 years. Deep stewpans, crepe makers and cast braziers are very popular among hostesses. Pans from this manufacturer are equipped with wooden or silicone handles with a removable mount.that allows them to be compactly stored and used in the oven. The advantages of products include low cost, thickened bottom, beautiful design. As for the minuses, a thin ceramic layer deposited in the form of spraying quickly loses its properties and becomes thinner.
Rondell
Many chefs have appreciated the products from this German brand. Under this brand produce the best professional pans in the world. In the sale and other types of products that are made from aluminum, steel, and have a non-stick coating. The advantages of Rondell cookware include the presence of a three-layer bottom, resistance to burning, a variety of models and shapes. The disadvantage is overpriced.
"Neva Metal"
Under this brand produce cast durable dishes with good coating. Pans have a thick bottom and walls, so they do not wear out for a long time and are subject to deformation. Separate attention deserve the series "Diamond" and "Titan", they are the manufacturer gives a guarantee of up to three years. The advantages of dishes are environmentally safe for human health, high-quality, abrasion resistant coatings, cons - a limited selection of models.
Fissler
Products from this brand is characterized by high quality and has many positive reviews, although it is expensive. For each frying pan, the manufacturer issues a passport and a warranty of up to five years. The advantages of dishes include safety and environmental friendliness, modern design, a huge range of models. At the same time, kitchen accessories have one drawback - the high price.
Vitesse
Dishes manufactured under this brand differ in their budget price, so it can be found in almost every hardware store. Products are mainly represented by aluminum pans with ceramic coating. There are also exclusive products made of cast iron and stainless steel. Such dishes are ideal for cooking any dishes, as it has a non-stick coating. The advantages of products include the presence of convenient (removable) handles, a huge selection of design, safety for health.
The only thing that such dishes require careful cleaning and operation.
What else to consider when choosing?
In order for purchased kitchenware to last a long time and be convenient in cooking, you need to pay attention to many details before you buy. Choose the right products will help the recommendations of experts.
- Quality dishes usually have a thick bottom and walls, which should be at least 2 mm. In this case, well-proven solid models with welded handles.
- In pots and pans with a relief bottom products will be less stinging. It is advisable to give preference to models with a convenient lid that has a small opening for the release of steam.
- Each hostess should have a minimum set consisting of pots of different sizes. It is very important that there is always one large container on hand at the farm.
- Before buying dishes you need to know on which plate it is planned to use it.
- It is also important to pay attention to the appearance of the products, it should be in harmony with the overall style of the kitchen.
In addition, if you plan to buy dishes for everyday use, it should also be convenient. This will allow the hostess to turn the usual cooking process into culinary art.
How to choose the best dishes for the kitchen, see the following video.