Things to Keep in Mind When Shopping for Cookware
Today with a wide variety in induction cookware set, microwave cookware set, nonstick cookware sets and steel cookware sets, many people choose to buy a whole set rather than single pieces. While this works well for those setting up a new kitchen, it can be an expensive waste for those who already have a few basic utensils and want to just buy add-ons that add more functionality and practicality to their kitchen. However, while it is very important to ascertain exactly what cookware you need and how many pieces, it is also very important to understand what cookware is right for the needs of your family and which ones are best for cooking what specific food groups. Some metals can react badly with food and result in a toxic mix, so let's discuss what cookwares are best avoided and which ones are most ideal for your cooking needs.
Cookware recommended for gas stove cooking:
There is a variety of cookware to choose from for your every day cooking needs. Stainless steel cookware is by far the most common and also the best choice. It is a stable metal and is not prone to leaching and the food cooked in steel cookware will not react with even acidic foods like tomato gravies. In retrospect, copper and aluminium are far riskier since the minerals in these utensils combine with some acidic food ingredients and can pose potential health risks. However, even in good steel cookware where a plate of aluminium or copper is used to conduct heat evenly, the layer is sandwiched between layers of steel and hence doesn't come in contact with food at all. Cast iron cookware sets are also great for everyday Indian cooking and in fact, are quite healthy since iron is an important supplement.
Cooking recommended for healthy cooking:
If you are watching your waistline and want to invest in cookware that requires lesser oil for cooking, non-stick cookware sets are best. You can find non stick cookware in almost all styles - saucepans, puts, pressure cookers, girdles, skillets, kadais, flat tawas and much more. These have a special coating that reduces the need for oil, cook food evenly, are far easier to maintain and clean and are also quite attractive to look at. You can even find non stick induction cookware set that are multi-purpose and can be used both on a regular gas stove as well as on the induction stove. In case you do a lot of microwave cooking, you can choose from ceramic cookware, glass cookware and even plastic microwave cookware set that contain 3, 5 or 7 containers in varying size that fit in to each other for easy storage. They have a perforated cover that let steam pass through and are quite perfect.
Cookware best avoided:
When looking for microwave cookware set, avoid cheap coloured plastic. Low grade plastic will melt inside the microwave and sometimes, the harmful plastic ingredients will also mix in to the food slowly at a time till the cookware starts to look worn out. This can be a potential danger for your health. Also, cheap quality glass microwave and oven cookware are also best avoided as they can crack when exposed to high temperatures. Copper and aluminium are also best avoided if you care about food quality.
Cookware recommended for gas stove cooking:
There is a variety of cookware to choose from for your every day cooking needs. Stainless steel cookware is by far the most common and also the best choice. It is a stable metal and is not prone to leaching and the food cooked in steel cookware will not react with even acidic foods like tomato gravies. In retrospect, copper and aluminium are far riskier since the minerals in these utensils combine with some acidic food ingredients and can pose potential health risks. However, even in good steel cookware where a plate of aluminium or copper is used to conduct heat evenly, the layer is sandwiched between layers of steel and hence doesn't come in contact with food at all. Cast iron cookware sets are also great for everyday Indian cooking and in fact, are quite healthy since iron is an important supplement.
Cooking recommended for healthy cooking:
If you are watching your waistline and want to invest in cookware that requires lesser oil for cooking, non-stick cookware sets are best. You can find non stick cookware in almost all styles - saucepans, puts, pressure cookers, girdles, skillets, kadais, flat tawas and much more. These have a special coating that reduces the need for oil, cook food evenly, are far easier to maintain and clean and are also quite attractive to look at. You can even find non stick induction cookware set that are multi-purpose and can be used both on a regular gas stove as well as on the induction stove. In case you do a lot of microwave cooking, you can choose from ceramic cookware, glass cookware and even plastic microwave cookware set that contain 3, 5 or 7 containers in varying size that fit in to each other for easy storage. They have a perforated cover that let steam pass through and are quite perfect.
Cookware best avoided:
When looking for microwave cookware set, avoid cheap coloured plastic. Low grade plastic will melt inside the microwave and sometimes, the harmful plastic ingredients will also mix in to the food slowly at a time till the cookware starts to look worn out. This can be a potential danger for your health. Also, cheap quality glass microwave and oven cookware are also best avoided as they can crack when exposed to high temperatures. Copper and aluminium are also best avoided if you care about food quality.
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