(MS) - From the moment you're engaged, there appears to be an endless number of decisions to be made - from setting a wedding date to picking bridal gift registry items that are just right for your home. Choosing cookware - a must-have for the newlywed kitchen - can be especially stressful with so many different kinds of pots and pans available. Given today's dizzying array of options in materials and styles, it's a good idea to understand the differences between them before visiting stores. That way, you and your beloved can make the best decision about what cookware will best suit your needs.
In considering cookware, it's helpful to keep in mind that 85 percent of the world's cookware sales come from three types of materials: stainless steel, aluminum and hard-anodized aluminum. Within those materials, there are other features that differentiate cookware. It is important to compare like materials to like materials as they each have their own unique properties.
Hard-Anodized Aluminum
Hard-anodized aluminum cookware is one of the most popular types of material, even though many people don't quite understand the construction. Hard-anodized aluminum is plain aluminum that has been processed in a series of chemical baths charged with an electric current. The result is a material that has the same superior heat conductivity as aluminum but is non-reactive with acidic foods, such as tomatoes, and twice as hard as stainless steel. Two drawbacks to hard-anodized cookware are that it is not dishwasher-safe and, because it is not magnetic, it will not work with induction range tops.
Recently, there have been advancements in the design of hard-anodized cookware. Infinite Circulon Cookware is the first cookware that marries the superior performance and ease-of-use of non-stick, hard-anodized aluminum cookware with two key features - the ability to be used with all types of ranges, including induction, and the added convenience of being the only hard anodized cookware that is completely dishwasher-safe.
Infinite Circulon
incorporates a cookware base clad in 18/0 stainless steel, making the bottom magnetic with the ability to work on all types of stovetops, including induction. The pans feature a durable nonstick surface both inside and out, making it easy to clean by hand or in the dishwasher. The interior cooking surface incorporates Circulon's signature nonstick system, designed with circular grooves that take the abuse of utensils, while leaving the low lying areas on the pan untouched. The pans are finished with comfortable, hollow-core stainless steel handles that stay cool during stovetop cooking and make the pans oven safe to 500 degrees.
Nonstick Cookware
Nonstick cookware has made dramatic improvements in quality and durability since it was introduced more than 30 years ago. Nonstick cookware is a natural fit for health-conscious eaters looking for ways to prepare low-fat meals with the convenience of easy clean-up. With more than 80 percent of all cookware sold being nonstick, there are many choices. There are a few things to consider when shopping for nonstick cookware. Look first at the type of pan surface on which the coating is applied. Because they are harder and more durable, hard-anodized aluminum nonstick pans will last longer than plain aluminum nonstick pans. Second, look at the thickness of the pan. The thicker the pan, the better the heat distribution, which will, over time, protect the nonstick coating.
One excellent non-stick cookware option is Anolon Advanced, which features hard-anodized construction, durable nonstick inside and out and tempered glass stainless steel rimmed lids, which seal in flavors while allowing for monitoring of the cooking process without having to lift the lid. The pan's handles are made of stainless steel and silicone rubber for a soft, cool, secure, grip.
Stainless Steel
Stainless steel is a versatile cookware option that's highly durable and looks great. It is heavy-duty, resistant to dents and dings, non-reactive with acidic foods and dishwasher safe. Unfortunately, stainless steel by itself is not a good heat conductor. In order to make a stainless steel pan conduct heat evenly, it is combined with another conductive metal like copper or aluminum. This is done by attaching a disc to the bottom of the pan or by combining layers of stainless steel with a conductive metal to make a clad pan. If choosing a pan with a disc bottom, look for a thick disc that spreads to the edges of the pan. This will prevent a ring of burnt food around the edge of the cooking surface, as well as eliminate hot spots and improve heat distribution.
KitchenAid's® Gourmet Essentials Brushed Stainless Steel Cookware is an ideal option for cooking couples. Each piece features an aluminum disc base for fast, even heat distribution. The base is fully encapsulated in stainless steel to resist staining and prevent marks on ceramic tiles or sinks. The brushed stainless steel exterior provides long-lasting beauty while the gleaming, polished stainless steel interior is ideal for a variety of food preparations - from searing and sautéing to frying and boiling. CoolGrip handles, made of stainless steel encased in soft silicone rubber, provide a firm yet comfortable grip.
Aluminum
Aluminum is a terrific heat conductor that heats evenly across the bottom and up the walls of the cookware. Generally, the thicker the aluminum cookware, the better the heat distribution and cooking performance. A good quality aluminum pan will give excellent cooking performance at a moderate price.
Farberware Affiniti - a collection of fashion-forward, nonstick aluminum cookware crafted in six luminescent metallic hues, including Cardinal, Black, Copper, Bronze, Amethyst, and Pewter - offers convenience without compromising on good looks. Farberware Affiniti Cookware features even-heating aluminum construction and a nonstick cooking surface that makes it possible to prepare dishes with little or no added fat for healthier eating. The new cookware's dazzling exterior is crafted with a highly reflective, metallic design in a rainbow of vibrant hues to match any kitchen décor. Ergonomic stainless steel and silicone handles, riveted to the pan for long-term stability, provide a soft, cool, confident grip. Break-resistant tempered glass, dome-shaped lids allow for constant monitoring of the cooking process without loss of heat, flavors or nutrients. Perfect for recipes that require oven cooking, Farberware Affiniti Cookware is safe to 400°F.
Unlike your partner, you're not marrying one type or style of cookware. You can even mix and match cookware to suit your particular culinary needs. In fact most food professionals work with a variety of cookware materials, depending on the type of cooking they're doing. Fortified with basic cookware knowledge, you'll be well prepared to select cookware for your bridal registry that will add years of delight and success in the kitchen.
Additional Wedding Reading
http://merrybrides.blog.com
http://http://funweddings.blog.com
http://windsor.weddingwindow.com
http://weddingsbyashlee.blogspot.com
In considering cookware, it's helpful to keep in mind that 85 percent of the world's cookware sales come from three types of materials: stainless steel, aluminum and hard-anodized aluminum. Within those materials, there are other features that differentiate cookware. It is important to compare like materials to like materials as they each have their own unique properties.
Hard-Anodized Aluminum
Hard-anodized aluminum cookware is one of the most popular types of material, even though many people don't quite understand the construction. Hard-anodized aluminum is plain aluminum that has been processed in a series of chemical baths charged with an electric current. The result is a material that has the same superior heat conductivity as aluminum but is non-reactive with acidic foods, such as tomatoes, and twice as hard as stainless steel. Two drawbacks to hard-anodized cookware are that it is not dishwasher-safe and, because it is not magnetic, it will not work with induction range tops.
Recently, there have been advancements in the design of hard-anodized cookware. Infinite Circulon Cookware is the first cookware that marries the superior performance and ease-of-use of non-stick, hard-anodized aluminum cookware with two key features - the ability to be used with all types of ranges, including induction, and the added convenience of being the only hard anodized cookware that is completely dishwasher-safe.
Infinite Circulon
incorporates a cookware base clad in 18/0 stainless steel, making the bottom magnetic with the ability to work on all types of stovetops, including induction. The pans feature a durable nonstick surface both inside and out, making it easy to clean by hand or in the dishwasher. The interior cooking surface incorporates Circulon's signature nonstick system, designed with circular grooves that take the abuse of utensils, while leaving the low lying areas on the pan untouched. The pans are finished with comfortable, hollow-core stainless steel handles that stay cool during stovetop cooking and make the pans oven safe to 500 degrees.Nonstick Cookware
Nonstick cookware has made dramatic improvements in quality and durability since it was introduced more than 30 years ago. Nonstick cookware is a natural fit for health-conscious eaters looking for ways to prepare low-fat meals with the convenience of easy clean-up. With more than 80 percent of all cookware sold being nonstick, there are many choices. There are a few things to consider when shopping for nonstick cookware. Look first at the type of pan surface on which the coating is applied. Because they are harder and more durable, hard-anodized aluminum nonstick pans will last longer than plain aluminum nonstick pans. Second, look at the thickness of the pan. The thicker the pan, the better the heat distribution, which will, over time, protect the nonstick coating.
One excellent non-stick cookware option is Anolon Advanced, which features hard-anodized construction, durable nonstick inside and out and tempered glass stainless steel rimmed lids, which seal in flavors while allowing for monitoring of the cooking process without having to lift the lid. The pan's handles are made of stainless steel and silicone rubber for a soft, cool, secure, grip.
Stainless Steel
Stainless steel is a versatile cookware option that's highly durable and looks great. It is heavy-duty, resistant to dents and dings, non-reactive with acidic foods and dishwasher safe. Unfortunately, stainless steel by itself is not a good heat conductor. In order to make a stainless steel pan conduct heat evenly, it is combined with another conductive metal like copper or aluminum. This is done by attaching a disc to the bottom of the pan or by combining layers of stainless steel with a conductive metal to make a clad pan. If choosing a pan with a disc bottom, look for a thick disc that spreads to the edges of the pan. This will prevent a ring of burnt food around the edge of the cooking surface, as well as eliminate hot spots and improve heat distribution.
KitchenAid's® Gourmet Essentials
Brushed Stainless Steel Cookware is an ideal option for cooking couples. Each piece features an aluminum disc base for fast, even heat distribution. The base is fully encapsulated in stainless steel to resist staining and prevent marks on ceramic tiles or sinks. The brushed stainless steel exterior provides long-lasting beauty while the gleaming, polished stainless steel interior is ideal for a variety of food preparations - from searing and sautéing to frying and boiling. CoolGrip handles, made of stainless steel encased in soft silicone rubber, provide a firm yet comfortable grip.Aluminum
Aluminum is a terrific heat conductor that heats evenly across the bottom and up the walls of the cookware. Generally, the thicker the aluminum cookware, the better the heat distribution and cooking performance. A good quality aluminum pan will give excellent cooking performance at a moderate price.
Farberware Affiniti
- a collection of fashion-forward, nonstick aluminum cookware crafted in six luminescent metallic hues, including Cardinal, Black, Copper, Bronze, Amethyst, and Pewter - offers convenience without compromising on good looks. Farberware Affiniti Cookware features even-heating aluminum construction and a nonstick cooking surface that makes it possible to prepare dishes with little or no added fat for healthier eating. The new cookware's dazzling exterior is crafted with a highly reflective, metallic design in a rainbow of vibrant hues to match any kitchen décor. Ergonomic stainless steel and silicone handles, riveted to the pan for long-term stability, provide a soft, cool, confident grip. Break-resistant tempered glass, dome-shaped lids allow for constant monitoring of the cooking process without loss of heat, flavors or nutrients. Perfect for recipes that require oven cooking, Farberware Affiniti Cookware is safe to 400°F.Unlike your partner, you're not marrying one type or style of cookware. You can even mix and match cookware to suit your particular culinary needs. In fact most food professionals work with a variety of cookware materials, depending on the type of cooking they're doing. Fortified with basic cookware knowledge, you'll be well prepared to select cookware for your bridal registry that will add years of delight and success in the kitchen.
Recommended Products
Additional Wedding Reading
http://merrybrides.blog.com
http://http://funweddings.blog.com
http://windsor.weddingwindow.com
http://weddingsbyashlee.blogspot.com
