Purchasing some cookware set is not a walk in the park, especially with the high number of options that are available in the market.
Most of you will definitely narrow down their options to either stainless steel or hard anodized. Both of them are considered great cookware and this is why I want to compare them side by side.
Of course, each one of them has their strengths and weak points. I believe this write up will answer your questions and help you choose the right one.
Hard Anodized Cookware
Hard anodized aluminum is the new trend in cookware. Basically, the term anodized means that the material in the cookware has been subjected to an electrolytic process.
The process involves immersing the material in a chemical bath and applying an electrical current into the bath. This process produces oxide that in turn hardens the aluminum and makes it resistant to corrosion.
This I why hard anodized cookware has a hard, smooth surface that does not react with acidic food.
Benefits
Hard anodized cookware is quite popular because it has some special features that make it easy to use. Below are some of the noticeable benefits of this type of cookware:
Durability
Hard anodized cookware has incredible strength and durability. These aspects make it possible to use any kind of utensils in it.
Besides, the strength makes it possible to cook easily and faster. The other good thing about this robust cookware is that it is more stable than its competitors.
Nonstick
Hard anodized cookware comes with a smooth and non-stick surface that makes it easier to cook and wash. Luckily, the smooth surface is achieved through the electro-chemical anodized process. At least, PFOA is not used to produce the non-stick surface.
Non-Reactive
Unlike other typical cookware, this particular model features a non-porous coat that helps in preventing aluminum leaching when cooking acidic food.
Incredible Cooking Performance
I am pretty sure everyone would prefer to purchase cookware that does a great job. This is exactly what you get when using hard anodized cookware.
This is true because it’s construction allows heat to be conducted evenly and fast. At least you won’t have to deal with hot spots when cooking.
Cons
Although hard anodized cookware has a lot of benefits, it also comes with a fair share of disadvantages. Below are some that you should know beforehand:
Expensive Than Conventional Nonstick
It is no secret that you have to pay some extra bucks to get your hands on hard anodized cookware. Its pricey nature can be attributed to durability, top-notch quality, and long warranty as well.
Avoid High Heat
As I’ve mentioned in the pros section, this cookware is able to absorb heat pretty fast. As much as it is an advantage it is also a disadvantage in the sense that you should not use it in high heat.
Cleaning difficulties
one of the problems that you are likely to encounter when using hard anodized cookware is the inability to clean it well.
This is especially true when you cook heavy food as it might stick on the cookware. Unlike heavy food, liquid and movable food do not cause any cleaning difficulties.
Hand Wash
the other drawback of using hard anodized cookware is the fact that you can’t clean them in a dishwasher. You have to wash them by hand.
Besides, you are not supposed to use abrasive and scratchy sponges as you might interfere with the nonstick layer.
If you are looking for Hard-Anodized cookware the ones I recommend T-fal E765SH Ultimate Hard Anodized Nonstick 17 Piece Cookware Set (See the current price on Amazon)
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Stainless steel cookware
Stainless steel is probably the best metal when it comes to making cookware. Lots of households and professional chefs rely on stainless steel for their daily cooking.
Other than its shiny look, there are plenty of reasons why people love using this type of cookware. Of course, we are going to look at the advantages and disadvantages so that you can make an informed decision.
Advantages
Durability
One of the great features of stainless steel cookware is durability. You don’t have to worry about coatings chipping as it happens to non-stick cookware.
As long as your cookware has been made from high-quality stainless steel then you can be sure that it will last to serve your next generation.
Flavor preservation
Well, you are probably thinking about how this is possible. The explanation to this is stainless steel cookware does not leach off any of its metallic properties when cooking food. At least this cookware will not affect the flavor quality of your food.
Impressive heat transferability
with stainless steel cookware, it is quite easy to cook food evenly. This is true especially when your cookware has a layer of aluminum or copper sandwiched in between the exterior and interior of your pot or pan.
Corrosion and rust-resistant
stainless steel cookware is well known for its ability to resist corrosion and rusting. Although this is its natural character, you will find that some of the added metals help to increase the resistance power.
Easy to clean and handle
If there is one thing that households and chefs like about stainless steel is the fact that it requires little to no maintenance. There is no limitation on how to clean stainless steel cookware and this is a huge advantage.
Disadvantages
Poor heat conductivity
Stainless steel is quite slow when it comes to heat conductivity and that is the reason why it has to be paired with either copper or aluminum in order to enhance the heat transferability. Any stainless steel cookware that does not have either of the metals mentioned above will definitely be slow to cook.
Potential heavy metal poisoning
I am pretty sure this is confusing for you guys as I mentioned that stainless steel does not leach off into food. This is still true but sometimes companies do add heavy metals such as chromium and nickel.
These metals might start leaching off once the cookware gets a damaged spot or a scratch.
No zero-fat cooking
When using stainless steel cookware, you have to use butter or oil otherwise the food might stick to the cookware.
if you prefer stainless steel cookware their ones I recommend Cuisinart MCP-12N Multiclad Pro Stainless Steel 12-Piece Cookware Set (See what other people are saying on Amazon)
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Conclusion
Now that you know what each of the cookware has to offer, it will be easy for you to make a decision. It is also good to try each cookware before you decide on buying an entire set.