- 1). Determine how much you are willing to spend for your cookware set. The better cookware sets will cost more. However, they will also last longer. Four popular types of cookware sets are copper, stainless steel, aluminum and cast iron. Copper is the most expensive of the types. The other three are relatively inexpensive.
- 2). Choose cookware that is made of copper or aluminum if you want to experience shorter cooking times. The copper and aluminum cookware does not take long to heat up. Copper and aluminum will also allow your foods to cook evenly because the heat is equally distributed.
- 3). Choose stainless steel cookware if you are more concerned with easy maintenance rather than fast cooking. The stainless steel cookware cleans up easily, whereas copper requires regular polishing, cast iron requires regular seasoning (oiling and baking) and aluminum cookware is prone to scratches and dents.
- 4). Avoid purchasing aluminum cookware unless it is “anodized.” This is because the metal in the cookware tends to react with acidic foods. This reaction causes your food to absorb the metal, leaving the foods with a metallic flavor. If the cookware has been anodized, it has been chemically treated to prevent a food reaction from taking place. Copper cookware, as opposed to unlined copper ware for sauces or whipping eggs, should be lined with tin or nickel to prevent a chemical reaction.
- 5). Choose nonstick cookware if you want to limit the use of fats. Because of the nonstick coating that is applied to the cookware, you won't have to coat the cookware with oils or shortening when you are cooking. Nonstick cookware is also easy to clean and maintain.
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