Archive for the ‘cookware’ Category

cuisinart stainless steel cookware set

Thursday, February 25th, 2010

Although cuisinart stainless steel cookware set has been considered a safe alternative, it does have one drawback. Stainless steel cookware is made with a combination of stainless steel, chromium and nickel. None of these are harmful in small doses, but many people are allergic to nickel. If you are allergic to nickel, you should refrain from using stainless steel cookware.

Another concern that many people are not aware of is that some glazes used on crock pots have small amount of lead. The recommendation is to use terra cotta crock pots without the lead glaze.

The best cookware which is healthy and non toxic is anodized aluminum cookware. The process used in making the hard anodized aluminum seals the aluminum with an extremely hard surface coating which is non-reactive and prevents any aluminum from leaching into the food we are cooking.

The following three companies have excellent hard anodized aluminum cookware sets that are healthy and non toxic:

Calphalon is the leading manufacturer but many other companies are now producing cookware sets made with the hard anodized aluminum. Calphalon cookware cooks evenly on lower heat and is stick-resistant. They have stainless steel handles which will stay cool during stovetop cooking. The pans and lids can be used in the oven and broiler.

Cuisinart has introduced a line of non-stick cookware called Cuisinart Green Gourmet Hard Anodized Cookware. They work just like the Teflon cookware, except they don’t emit any of the toxic fumes that Teflon pans do. Just like the Teflon pans, they allow you to cook with less oil and they are also energy efficient and eco-friendly. This Green Gourmet cookware set is oven and broiler safe.

KitchenAid has their own set of non-stick anodized aluminum cookware called KitchenAid Gourmet Essentials. This cookware set features stainless steel handles coated with silicone grips. The lids are break resistant glass which makes it nice to see what you are cooking. These pots and pans are oven safe up to 400 degrees.

All three of these companies cookware sets are highly recommended healthy non toxic sets. I use the Kitchen Aid Gourmet Essentials cookware in my kitchen. It is the best value out of the three.

thesolarhome

What type of cookware is best for gas stoves?

Wednesday, February 17th, 2010

I’ve recently switched to gas and my cookware gets really gummy at the bottom of my skillets and really burned. I’m not sure why this is happening. I didnt have the problem with electric, but I hate electric stoves.

What is the best cookware for gas. Mainly I have these problems with my wok and skillets. I already have T-fal and Faberware. Any suggestions would be great.

I love cast iron. Add some to your collection. They are great and not that hard to keep up.

Pros and Cons of Using Copper Cookware

Wednesday, February 17th, 2010

Copper cookware is basically made with copper, usually being combined with stainless steel. It has the best conductivity which most professional cooks are really impressed about. Having copper cookware entails some pros and cons due to its structure and functionality.

Copper cookware is widely used by most professional cooks, especially with regards to heat conductivity. It is usually in line with nickel, tin, stainless steel or a combination of these three metals.

Copper is used on the outside and stainless steel is on the cooking surface. To distinguish its effectiveness in kitchen cooking, below are some pros and cons of having copper cookware:
Pros
It is widely used by certain industries. Copper is malleable and ductile. This is the reason why many companies chose copper to be used in kitchen wares.

It is popular among chefs and culinary experts. Copper cookware has gained popularity amongst professionals because of its stylish look. Pots and pans have a distinct appeal of elegance.

Its silvery white and pinkish luster enhances the cooking experience of most cooks in various parts of the world. Most French use copper cookware in their traditional French cuisine.

Excellent heat conductivity. Copper distributes heat better than aluminum. Its conductivity is ten times higher than glass or stainless steel. It quickly responds to temperature changes as compared to other metals.

The heat and cooking time is being reduced when using copper cookware. From this, copper cookware prevents burnt spots which show that the cooking equipments are sub standardized.

Saves on polishing. There are models that come up with a brushed texture. Cooper cookware does not need to be shiny. Some prefer their cookware to be bruised or scratched. It gives an antique and classy look. However, shining may prevent a copper cookware from developing a patina or green look.

Easy to clean and maintain. The smooth structure of a copper cookware helps easily remove small pieces of food from the pan’s surface.

It is in lined with other metals for protection. High quality copper cookware is usually in line with other metals like stainless steel. The lining protects the food, avoiding copper to react with it. The combination also allows precise cooking time for food to become cooked evenly.

Thus, copper cookware also has its downside. Some features may not be adequate enough for most cooks, in which, manufacturers tend to get up with a solution for these shortcomings. Here are some of the cons of copper cookware:

Cons
Easily scratched and is naturally soft. Copper, when combined with other metals, make it more durable. Its sandwich layers of metals such as tin and nickel are not as strong as stainless steel. Nickel may be reactive because it is hard and ductile, while Tin may become unstable at 45 degrees Fahrenheit or more.

Heavy. Copper cookware possesses the heaviest metal among all cook wares. It is more prone to dents.

Changes in color and appearance. A copper cookware may change its color, especially when cooking in deep pink, orange or purple colors. Hence, heat and humidity can alter the appearance of copper cookware, especially when it is not cleaned properly.

Prone to tarnishing. Acidic foods may lead to the tarnishing of copper. The metal may leach into foods and can cause illnesses.

More cost. Copper is much more expensive as compared to other metals. Copper cookware collections cost several hundreds of dollars per piece.

Used with thorough care. Copper is sensitive to acidic foods. The pan cannot be used again when foods are cooked on the surface or the tin on the top has worn-out through the mentioned copper base. It can lead to toxicities.

There are people who can fix the polishing and even repair worn out copper cookware. A copper cookware requires proper maintenance in order to keep it looking like brand new.

Despite a copper cooker’s downsides, most gourmet chefs still prefer this kind of cookware. This is due to their great features such as its heat distribution system that are unmatched. Aside from this, copper cookware is an investment, offering very effective functionality for kitchen owners.

David H. Urmann
http://www.articlesbase.com/cooking-tips-articles/pros-and-cons-of-using-copper-cookware-670825.html

What type of cookware should I purchase?

Wednesday, February 17th, 2010

I am looking to buy some cookware. I want it to be long-lasting and great quality, but I am not sure where to start. I heard that Kitchen Aid, T-Fal, and Faberware has great cookware but even if this is so, I am not sure rather I should get stainless steel, copper, hard anodized, cast iron, or whatever else is availble. Does anyone have any recommendations?
I heard that caphalon was decent too. I need something that is dishwasher safe.

I would go with a kitchenAid. its great, long lasting and does a great job on all your foods. I’ve never used Farberware, but T-Fal I dont like because it does poor jobs on almost everything

Cooking: Why Some Cooks Receive Various Cookware as Gifts?

Wednesday, February 17th, 2010

There is usually a special reason behind why some cooks receive various cookwares as gifts. The specialty cookware choices might mean that cooks love cooking Chinese foods and require pans styled to accommodate this cooking style. For more detail go to:www.dishadvice.com.Other cooks are terrible when preparing foods for evening meals and the specialty cookware choices will often lend gift givers to buying indestructible pans that are equipped with non-stick surfaces.

Specialty cookware choices might blend in with a home chefs cooking style. If the cook wants to prepare food in the least amount of time, then friends might select specialty cookware that assures that all foods placed inside will cook extremely fast. Microwave ovens and pressure cookers are specialty cookware choices for cooks that have no tolerance to adhering to cooking times or bearing up to high kitchen temperatures for an excessive amount of time.

Some cooks have a passion for cooking foods from all over the world. The specialty cookware choices might lead them to buy a French crepe pan on one weekend out shopping with friends, and a set of stockpots on another buying trip. The soups and seafood fests that are sure to follow will be memorable ones because the home chef is well known around the neighborhood for receiving ribbons at the local fair.

Some French styled specialty cookware choices will match the coffeemakers placed on the kitchen counter. Others might be designer styled to create a color coordinated look in kitchens across America. Some cooks prefer this method of matching cookware styles and will buy more on every occasion they can.

Even special occasions at home will warrant the purchase of specialty cookware. The choices for entertaining at home might rely on several fondue sets that are filled with flavorful dips and cheese sauces that are the home chef’s personal creations. For more detail go to:www.cat-head-biscuit.com.Some home chefs get so inspired by the kudos received at these parties that they will turn their culinary interests into making jellies and jams and giving them to friends during the holiday season.

Some specialty cookware choices will keep foods warm throughout the evening at a party and make a surprising addition to tabletop decorations. Some of the specialty cookware is brightly colored and this simple addition to cookware choices will make even the simplest snacks seem very festive. Electric cookers can be placed safely on tabletops to keep miniature sausages and biscuits warm throughout the evening. Some guests might enjoy a cup of gumbo before dinner and serving guests using these specialty cookware choices is always more thrilling.

Most specialty cooks rely on specialty cookware to produce foods that are moist, and visually pleasing. When tasked with preparing meals with other cookware while visiting friends, some home chefs will feel out of their element when holding other types of cookware in their hands. They will remember that moment when they get home and every time they prepare a meal. They know how special the cookware that they use each day is and will continue to be pleasured each time they prepare meals with it.

SMITH BLINT
http://www.articlesbase.com/recipes-articles/cooking-why-some-cooks-receive-various-cookware-as-gifts-695350.html