Choosing a new kitchen pan set is not an easy task – with so many types and materials on the market all vying for our attention, there are lots of good quality kitchen pans to choose from and it is hard to know which ones to go for. Even if you are a professional chef, making the right choice for your pans can be hard.
Kitchen pans are something that you will be using regularly, if not daily so you want something that you like and enjoy using. Investing money into a good pan set could mean that if you take care of them, they last you a lifetime. So how do you know which type to choose? Here is a guide to some popular pans that might help you…
Copper – This is a popular type of pan as copper is well known for its excellent heat conductive properties, and a good quality copper pan will last you decades when well looked after. Modern copper pans will usually have a steel lining, as copper can have a reaction with some foods. It is important to learn to care for these pans properly and use a polish that is designed for copper to keep them looking good. Before you go for a copper pan it is a good idea to familiarise yourself with the correct way to care for them to ensure that it lasts.
Non-Stick – Pans that are coated with non-stick treatment like PTFE coating are so much easier to use and also means that cleaning is easier too. In order to keep the coating on the pan you must ensure that you are not scrubbing at it with anything too abrasive, however. Metal cooking utensils can also cause damage to the pan, so make sure that you look at the care instructions before you buy. Some pans are coated in enamel, which is another non-stick coating, but the care of this will differ and they do prevent spitting when cooking, but also can chip or crack.
Stainless Steel – These are robust and tough and a good choice if you want a long lasting pan. However, they tend to be on the more expensive side so do factor that in if this is the pan that you want. Another good thing about stainless steel, is that unlike many other materials it can be put in the dishwasher.