For over 60 years, non-stick pans have been a popular type of cookware in most households. Non-stick pans make cooking your favourite foods at home effortless, with the promise of no more scrubbing burnt remnants off your cookware after you have eaten. With that said, some people still prefer the traditional pans such as stainless steel. So, which type of pan is better?
Stainless Steel Pans
There is no denying that non-stick pans are ideal for frying the perfect egg with little other than a drop of oil. The majority of non-stick pans can then be cleaned with ease. In some cases, a paper towel will suffice. There are circumstances that you may opt for a stainless-steel pan. If you are cooking certain meats and want a golden-brown finish, or perhaps you want to caramelise your veg, stainless-steel pans would be a better option.
Ceramic Cookware
Ceramic cookware can be easy to clean, as long as it is done immediately after cooking unlike non-stick. If the food is left to harden, you are more likely to damage the ceramic surface. Ceramic coating has better heat retention than a standard pan. It also has strong heat-resistant properties which means you can cook at higher temperatures. Ceramic cookware is usually more expensive than non-stick.
Cast Iron Cookware
Cast iron skillets are perfect for cooking at high temperatures, whereas non-stick skillets are best used at medium heat. Cast iron is a poor conductor of heat. This means it actually retains heat very well, even at higher temperatures. Cast iron is great for searing meats, braising, campfire cooking and baking.
Aluminum Cookware
Aluminium cookware is a popular choice in the United States. The metal is a good heat conductor. There is minimal risk of metal getting into your food, even if you constantly scrape the bottom of the pan. One problem that can arise with aluminium pans is they can warp if subjected to rapid temperature changes.
Benefits of Non-Stick Pans
When cooking with non-stick pans, you will require far less oil or fat.
If you are health conscious, this will be a massive benefit. So, if you enjoy low-fat foods, a non-stick pan is a must-have for your kitchen.
Because food doesn’t stick to the pan, you will need less time to prepare meals and even less effort when it comes to cleaning up. All you will need is a gentle sponge and some hot, soapy water. It is always best to check the manufacture's guidelines before placing your non-stick cookware in a dishwasher.
Non-stick cookware is typically one of the most affordable options. They are durable and last a long time.
When cooking with non-stick pans, it will require less effort and attention. You won’t need to constantly stir, rotate or lift food. This is ideal if you are an inexperienced cook, or perhaps you have a busy lifestyle and can become easily distracted during cooking.
Because you are using moderate to medium temperatures, the pan keeps the heat. As long as you set the temperature correctly, your meal will cook evenly with minimal hassle.
The solid non-stick coating is scratch-resistant. However, that is only guaranteed if you use the correct utensils. It is never recommended you use metal when cooking with non-stick. You should always use non-stick spoons and spatulas.
In conclusion, every type of pan serves a different purpose. For perfect pancakes in the morning, you should always have a non-stick pan to hand. For golden-brown meat, turn to your stainless-steel collection, but your non-stick cookware will always be a favourite in the kitchen.