Investing in good quality kitchen equipment is key to pleasant cooking experiences. You’d want to avoid incidents like sauce or rice sticking to the bottom of your saucepan, or soup that keeps bubbling over your pot. Fret not – read on for some handy tips on how to choose the perfect kitchen cookware for you!
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When it comes to stocking your kitchen, from your major appliances to your smaller bits and pieces, there’s no denying that a solid collection of cookware is a must.
Top-quality cookware can come with a hefty price tag, but it’s an investment worth making, says Lisa Higginbottom, lead brand manager at Meyer Cookware Australia. “Your $10 pan might seem to do the job, but you would be surprised at how much better food tastes, and how much easier it is to cook and clean up afterwards, if you have great cookware.”
Melissa Hansen, cookware buyer at Peter’s of Kensington, lists the basic pieces needed for most kitchens:
- 1x 16cm saucepan
- 1x 20cm saucepan with steamer insert to fit
- 1x 26cm/5-6L cast-iron casserole pot
- 1x 7L or 1x 9L stockpot
- 2x frypans (one large, one small)
- 1x 26cm cast-iron griddle
- 1x 32-36cm wok
COST
A decent, average-sized saucepan costs $70-$130.
Cookware has undergone a serious makeover in recent years. A quick browse of any department store will reveal a bevy of bold paintbox hues as well as the classic stainless steel, copper and cast-iron designs.
- “It’s time to ditch the non-stick – nonstick, turns out, has some serious ‘sticking’ power. Whilst you might enjoy that slippery surface for a year or two, the synthetic chemicals commonly used in nonstick cookware have lingering and wide-reaching effects in our bodies and our environment. Look for a saucepan that is non-toxic, healthy and sustainable.”
- “Looks aside, you want to be purchasing cookware that’s versatile. Choose a pan that can be used across all heat sources including induction, gas, electric, oven and fire, that also boasts a clever design. Our Solidteknics pans feature lids that can be used as skillets – which we added as just another versatile element!”
- “When selecting a saucepan, you want to make sure you’re choosing quality. Look for a design that looks sturdy – make sure you check the joins between the handle and pan, as well as the pot lid.”
Stainless Steel
Hard-Anodised Aluminium
Non-Stick
Cast-Iron
Copper
Ferritic Non-Nickel Stainless Steel
Suzanne Murphy, chief marketing executive at Meyer Cookware Australia, offers these tips for keeping cookware in great shape:
- Read the care instructions and register the product with the manufacturer so you can easily claim on the warranty.
- Check for dishwasher safety, oven-safe temperatures, and whether it’s alright to use metal utensils.
- Avoid overheating. For non-stick pans, start on high for one to two minutes and then turn down to medium.
- Never use knives or cut food in your cookware.
- Wash your cookware thoroughly with a brush or non-stick cleaning pad after each use. It might seem that the food just wipes away from non-stick pans, but without a thorough cleaning, the oils and fats will build up and burn onto the surface over time.
- To remove baked-on food, bring a little vinegar to the boil in the pan before washing.
Text: Homes to Love