One of the vital
ingredients of success is having the right tools, and this is true when it
comes to choosing new cooking pans. With the popularity of television cooking
programmes, celebrity chefs and food blogs on the rise, more Brits are whipping
up a storm at home in the kitchen. There's a dazzling array of food-related
gear on the market, but selecting a few key pieces should set you on the right
track to producing a culinary delight.
All shapes and sizes
Many cookware companies and cooking pan brands offer a variety of shapes and sizes when it comes to kitchen equipment, but choosing three or four basic pots and pans could be all you need to construct perfect cuisine. Special offers on cookware sets often arise, but home chefs can find some of the items unnecessary and it may be economically preferable to purchase a selection of key pieces. A frying or sauté pan, large stock pot and one or two different sized saucepans are usually enough to make most meals.
Tough stuff
Cooking equipment is available in many different materials, which each have their pros and cons. Most cooking pans come in either stainless steel, cast iron, copper or aluminium, with some popular, non-stick options. Copper reacts quickly to fluctuations in temperature (which is why it's often the choice for professional chefs), whilst cast iron provides strength and longevity for your pots and pans. Aluminium is often seen as the most inexpensive type of cookware but has a tendency to scratch and dent, whilst non-stick options can offer the cook convenience of cleaning, but be aware of protecting the pan's delicate surface.
Things to think about
The types of dishes that a cook makes most can also influence which kitchen equipment to buy. A thick, heavy cooking pot can hold large quantities of stews, soups and sauces, along with sizeable serves of pasta and chilli. The weight and thickness are important, with a heavy base providing durability and a thick base preventing hot spots and uneven cooking. A generously proportioned cooking pan or pot with a colander that slots inside will help with ease of draining and steaming, and glass lids can often help the cook to keep an eye on dishes without losing too much steam or heat from the food.
As with all important household purchases, buy the best cookware that you can afford, and perhaps most importantly, look after it to prolong its life.
All shapes and sizes
Many cookware companies and cooking pan brands offer a variety of shapes and sizes when it comes to kitchen equipment, but choosing three or four basic pots and pans could be all you need to construct perfect cuisine. Special offers on cookware sets often arise, but home chefs can find some of the items unnecessary and it may be economically preferable to purchase a selection of key pieces. A frying or sauté pan, large stock pot and one or two different sized saucepans are usually enough to make most meals.
Tough stuff
Cooking equipment is available in many different materials, which each have their pros and cons. Most cooking pans come in either stainless steel, cast iron, copper or aluminium, with some popular, non-stick options. Copper reacts quickly to fluctuations in temperature (which is why it's often the choice for professional chefs), whilst cast iron provides strength and longevity for your pots and pans. Aluminium is often seen as the most inexpensive type of cookware but has a tendency to scratch and dent, whilst non-stick options can offer the cook convenience of cleaning, but be aware of protecting the pan's delicate surface.
Things to think about
The types of dishes that a cook makes most can also influence which kitchen equipment to buy. A thick, heavy cooking pot can hold large quantities of stews, soups and sauces, along with sizeable serves of pasta and chilli. The weight and thickness are important, with a heavy base providing durability and a thick base preventing hot spots and uneven cooking. A generously proportioned cooking pan or pot with a colander that slots inside will help with ease of draining and steaming, and glass lids can often help the cook to keep an eye on dishes without losing too much steam or heat from the food.
As with all important household purchases, buy the best cookware that you can afford, and perhaps most importantly, look after it to prolong its life.
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