| Types of Stove Top Cookware |
| 01.29.10 | |
Traditional cookware that is designed for oven and stovetop use is constructed using a single type or combination of metals. This article will focus on a number of different metals and their respective advantages and disadvantages when used in the construction of cookware.
A number of the larger cookware companies incorporate aluminium into at least one of their leading ranges of cookware. Circulon Infinite, for instance, is well known for being the first ever induction compatible, dishwasher safe, anodised aluminium range of cookware. All-Clad LTD, on the other hand, is made from an alloy containing aluminium and stainless steel. Scanpan, GreenPan and Calphalon are also leading manufacturers of aluminium-infused cookware. Aluminium is well regarded for its heat conductivity and rust-free surface. However, it has been known to alter the taste of foods high in acid.
Although carbon steel’s popularity is dwindling, it has long been used in cookware that requires certain parts of the pan to remain at a different temperature from the rest. It has a lower conductivity than aluminium and therefore part of the pan can be kept at a lower temperature.
The big drawback: cast iron is heavy. It also rusts easily, reacts to acidic foods and heats slowly. So what good is it? It provides even heating and withstands very high temperatures, making it great for searing and giving your steaks and fish the tell-tale flavour-rich crusts from a grill pan. Old materials have their place after all. Used with things like terrines, tagines and especially French ovens, cast iron produces deep, rich, flavoursome dishes. Some companies have created outstanding reputations though the use of cast iron in such items: Le Creuset, Le Chasseur and Staub. Lodge makes a good, old-fashioned seasoned frypan out of cast iron and it won’t cost you an arm and a leg.
While cookware can be made from a vast number of different metals, aluminium, stainless, copper and cast iron remain the most preferred. As was touched upon in the above, linings and bases are often used to counteract the limitations of the chief construction material.
