Over the years, I’ve had my fair share of disappointments when it comes to choosing cookware. Many pots and pans that I thought would be great turned out to be one-time uses, gathering dust in my kitchen. But after two decades of trial and error, I’ve finally honed in on the best and worst options out there.
These lessons have not only saved me money but have also improved the quality of my cooking. I’d like to share these insights with you.
“The Top 6 to Buy”
– Cast Iron Pots and Pans
Cast iron cookware is one of the most versatile options out there. With its simple and unassuming design, cast iron can be used for a variety of cooking techniques like frying and sautéing. One of its standout features is its ability to heat up quickly and distribute heat evenly, ensuring your food cooks uniformly and retains its flavor.
You don’t have to break the bank to get a good cast iron pot or pan. Instead, look for durable and affordable options. Over time, you’ll find that cooking with cast iron becomes easier as the pan seasons and develops a natural non-stick surface. A good cast iron pot or pan can last you a lifetime with proper care.
– Non-Stick Frying Pans
Non-stick frying pans are a staple in many households. Compared to cast iron, non-stick pans excel in their ability to prevent food from sticking and their lightweight construction, making cooking a breeze. They are perfect for preparing dishes like eggs, fried dumplings, steaks, pancakes, and more without the hassle of food sticking to the pan.
Additionally, non-stick pans save time and effort when it comes to cleanup. However, their non-stick coating may degrade over time, rendering the pan useless. Fortunately, many brands now use advanced coatings like medical stone, titanium, and metal to enhance durability and non-stick properties.
– Electric Pressure Cookers
Pressure cookers have revolutionized home cooking, especially when it comes to saving time. You no longer have to worry about unevenly cooked meat or beans. However, traditional pressure cookers can be risky to use if not handled properly.
Electric pressure cookers have addressed these concerns. They are multi-functional and offer various cooking modes, such as cooking rice, soup, porridge, and stewing meat. One pot can replace several others, like a soup pot, stew pot, or rice cooker, saving space in your kitchen. If you frequently make porridge, soup, or enjoy stewing meat, an electric pressure cooker is a wise investment. Simply add your ingredients, set the timer, and let the cooker do the work while you save time and effort.
– Enamel-Coated Pots
Enamel-coated pots are not just beautiful, they are also one of the best options for retaining the original flavor of your ingredients. On weekends, you can use these pots to braise meat, roast fish, fry steaks, or cook rice. Enamel-coated pots excel at retaining moisture and flavor, ensuring your dishes turn out delicious and flavorful. Another advantage is their ability to go from stovetop to oven, making them perfect for baking desserts. Your cakes and pastries will turn out moist, sweet, and never dry, providing a superior dining experience.
– Multi-Functional Cookers
If your family enjoys hot pot and barbecue, a multi-functional cooker is a must-have. These cookers typically come with cooking plates and grilling pans, allowing your family to gather around and enjoy a lengthy meal together. They also offer easy temperature control and adjustment.
This type of cooker is very popular online, and for good reason. While the market offers a range of brands and prices, it’s best to opt for reputable kitchenware manufacturers. Some newer brands may lack the expertise in kitchenware production, so buyer beware.
When choosing a multi-functional cooker, pay attention to features like heat dissipation and anti-scalding properties to ensure safety and efficiency during use.
– Small Milk Pots
Despite their small size, milk pots are incredibly useful. I use mine daily to heat milk, boil eggs in the morning, or cook instant noodles when I’m hungry. Due to their compact size, milk pots heat up quickly and bring water to a boil in no time, offering far more convenience than larger pots, especially if you’re cooking for one or preparing meals for young children.
After using a small milk pot for a while, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it. They are also quite affordable. If your budget allows, consider investing in a glass pot or snowflake pan. Each has its unique advantages, but they tend to be more expensive and may not be necessary for daily use. Choose according to your needs.
“The Bottom 2 to Avoid”
– Wrought Iron Frying Pans
Wrought iron pans are known for their exceptional cooking performance. However, their major drawback is their weight. Many homemakers struggle with the sheer heft of these pans, making it difficult to flip food or pour it onto a plate.
– Oil-Free Fryers
There are several reasons why you might want to skip buying an oil-free fryer. Firstly, they tend to be more expensive than traditional fryers. Additionally, many models are bulky and take up valuable counter space, which can be inconvenient, especially in smaller kitchens.
Oil-free fryers also have limited capacity, which can be a challenge when cooking for a large family. The cooking time may be longer than traditional frying methods, which isn’t ideal if you’re in a hurry. Furthermore, some dishes don’t taste their best when prepared in an oil-free fryer, and cleaning certain parts of the appliance can be tricky. In summary, carefully consider your cooking needs and habits before investing in an oil-free fryer.
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