Why Quality Matters When Choosing Your Cookware
Written by admin on August 19, 2010 – 11:16 pm -NBC San Diego Everybody knows quality cookware doesn't come cheap. As consumers we understand that better quality equals better product, but are still afraid to make the switch. Stainless steel cookware is paving the way for quality cookware that doesn't have to put a dent in your wallet. With many brands and price ranges to choose from, stainless steel is a good choice to satisfy your inner chef. Here's a few facts about why stainless steel cookware is a good option: Long lasting Stainless steel cookware can last for generations due to its inability to rust or stain. Easy to clean Whether washing by hand or in the dishwasher, stainless steel is easy to take care of. More control over temperature An aluminum core allows for even cooking and... more
Tags: All-Clad stainless cookware, best cookware, best stainless cookware
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'Queen of Housewares' talks cookware
Written by admin on January 14, 2010 – 5:41 pm -I laugh at a title jokingly given to me by customers at Macy's - "The Queen of Housewares." I not only demonstrate everything we sell but I also do the training for the region for our employees. That means I get to test all kinds of fun cookware, electrics, cutlery and gadgets. What that also means is I'm a huge advocate for good quality cookware and cutlery. Every year right after the holidays, I'm deluged with questions about cookware and knives. Checking with my other writer colleagues, I've found that these two subjects are ones that their readers have lots of inquiries about, too. I suppose it's because they're among the best selling houseware gifts and there's such a huge variety available that it can be really confusing as to what's... more
Posted in Aluminum Cookware, Anodized Cookware, Cast Iron Cookware, Copper Cookware, Non-Stick Cookware, Stainless Steel Cookware, Tips | No Comments »
EarthPan: Best Alternative nonstick cookware | earthpan cookware
Written by admin on December 18, 2009 – 2:29 am -EarthPan Hard-Anodized Cookware *Est. $180 for a 10-piece set For consumers wishing to avoid the questionable chemicals found in traditional nonstick coatings like Teflon, EarthPan is PFOA- and PTFE-free nonstick cookware that performs well in professional reviews for cooking performance and balance. The hard-anodized aluminum cookware has an eco-friendly nonstick coating that originates from sand instead of petrochemicals. Less expensive than many other brands of alternative nonstick cookware, professional reviews say EarthPan cookware has superior handles and is easier to clean. The downside? A significant percentage of owners say the coating starts to wear down within a few months, so the cookware begins to lose its nonstick properties.... more
Tags: best cookware, cookware buying guide, Non-Stick Cookware
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Stainless Steel Vs. Aluminum Cookware | stainless steel cookware
Written by admin on September 23, 2009 – 10:30 pm -Stainless steel cookware versus aluminum pots and pans. Much like fans' favorite sports teams, each has its supporters and detractors. Pros and cons can be debated with each metal's uses. Many cupboards are stocked with both aluminum and stainless steel cooking utensils. Their use may depend on the cooking technique needed. Cost and durability are also often factors in deciding which metal to purchase for the kitchen. Stainless Steel Pros Stainless steel is basically iron to which up to eight alloys have been added. The more alloys, the better the quality. To be defined as stainless steel, the metal requires a minimum of 11 percent chromium, which reduces the effects of rust caused by air and moisture. Most stainless steel cookware contains... more
Tags: cookware buying guide, Tips
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Hard-Anodized Vs. Stainless Steel Cookware
Written by admin on September 23, 2009 – 10:25 pm -Hard-anodized cookware has an almost completely nonporous, nonstick finish. Hard-anodized cookware has a surface twice as hard as steel, making it sturdy and built to last through vigorous use. Stainless steel is a more affordable yet durable alternative to hard-anodized cookware. Stainless steel alone does not conduct heat evenly and can warp with prolonged exposure to heat, so it is often bonded to metal that is a better conductor. Types of Hard-Anodized Cookware Hard-anodized cookware, which is considered nonstick because of its smoothness, can also be treated with a nonstick coating. Plain stainless steel cookware is available, but a copper or aluminum disc can be bonded to the bottom of the cookware to provide better heat conduction. Features Hard-anodization... more
Tags: best cookware, cookware buying guide, Non-Stick Cookware, Tips
Posted in Anodized Cookware, Calphalon, Calphalon, Cuisinart, Selecting Cookware, Stainless Steel Cookware, Tips | No Comments »
Cookware Selection Tips
Written by admin on September 20, 2009 – 6:16 am -Below are six of the most important considerations when shopping for cookware. • A nonreactive surface. Your best choices are stainless steel, seasoned cast iron, enamel or a quality nonstick surface. • A core or base of aluminum or copper (or cast-iron interior construction) for better heat conduction. • Handles that stay cool on the stovetop for a reasonable amount of time but are oven-safe, such as cast iron or tubular stainless steel. It's also important to select cookware with handles you find comfortable and easy to handle. You can purchase oven-safe silicone handle covers separately. • Check to see if the cookware is dishwasher safe. Hard-anodized cookware is technically dishwasher safe, but manufacturers recommend hand washing.... more
Tags: best cookware, cookware buying guide, Non-Stick Cookware, Tips
Posted in Aluminum Cookware, Anodized Cookware, Calphalon, Calphalon, Calphalon, Cast Iron Cookware, Copper Cookware, Cuisinart, Glass Cookware, Microwaveable Cookware, Non-Stick Cookware, Selecting Cookware, Stainless Steel Cookware, Tips | No Comments »
Caring for cast iron cookware
Written by admin on September 5, 2009 – 4:14 am -Cast iron pans live so long, they sometimes pass from owner to owner. I did accidentally leave one behind once when I moved, but I also found one in a different apartment, so I achieved cosmic karmic balance, pan-wise. The pan I found was in the cabinet under the kitchen sink, where it had been placed to catch a drip, possibly. It was covered with a thick layer of rust. It looked like the kind of debris you would not stop to pick up from a disaster site. It looked hopeless. But it was not. If you should encounter a "rescue pan" like this, use steel wool to scrape off the rust. Don't give in to the urge to get out your power sander, just apply some elbow grease. In the end, you'll have a smooth, light orange cooking utensil that still looks like... more
Tags: best cookware, Cooking Tips, cookware buying guide, Tips
Posted in Cast Iron Cookware, Tips | 1 Comment »
A Cookware Primer
Written by admin on August 26, 2009 – 8:05 pm -Getting started The major brands are adding more automation of various cooking chores to their microwaves. They're also increasing capacity without increasing overall size by using recessed turntables and smaller electronic components and by moving controls to the door. As you'll learn in this microwave oven guide, some manufacturers are exaggerating capacity by counting wasted space in the corners. Usable space may be 50 to 60 percent less than claimed, so bring a large platter to the store to see whether it fits inside an oven you're considering. Pick a type and size Countertop models cost the least and are best for kitchens with lots of counter space. Compact models can cost very little. Midsized and large models add capacity and features,... more
Tags: best cookware, cookware buying guide, Non-Stick Cookware, Tips
Posted in Aluminum Cookware, Anodized Cookware, Calphalon, Calphalon, Cast Iron Cookware, Cuisinart, Non-Stick Cookware, Selecting Cookware, Tips | 1 Comment »
Supplies for Cooking in a basic kitchen
Written by admin on August 19, 2009 – 1:25 pm -LA Budget Meals Examiner Andrea Mckeeby All kitchens need certain basics to be functional. Functional can mean different things to different people. To me it just means making sure I have everything on hand and my cooking experiences as enjoyable as possible. For home cooking, while certain basics are necessary, nothing is set in stone. Different cooks need different things. This is a basic outline to help you make sure you have at least the bare minimum without breaking the bank. Cookware There are many different types of cookware. This is where I do not skimp on price. Quality cookware will last a lifetime and is a worthwhile investment to make your home cooking experience enjoyable. Also, if you but the not so great quality ones you end up... more
Tags: cookware buying guide, Non-Stick Cookware
Posted in Anodized Cookware, Calphalon, Calphalon, Cuisinart, Non-Stick Cookware, Selecting Cookware, Tips | No Comments »
What Do Home Cooks Really Need?
Written by admin on August 12, 2009 – 3:46 pm -Years ago I read an article about how a famous four-star restauranteur and his wife used to throw the most sought-after, informal dinner parties in their small Manhattan apartment for what today would be called “foodies,” cooking their culinary delights in old Farberware pots on a non-descript stove. Sounds like a simpler time, and a far cry from the over the top kitchens of today that always seem to be stocked with ultra pricey equipment. What did I miss? When did having a “restaurant kitchen” become a necessity? Aren’t we more a nation of defrosters and re-heaters than cooks anyway? We’ve all seen them, kitchens so elegantly appointed they look like movie sets, filled with high-end appliances like Viking, Sub-Zero, Kitchen-Aid,... more
Tags: best cookware, cookware buying guide, Non-Stick Cookware
Posted in Anodized Cookware, Cooking Tips, Non-Stick Cookware, Selecting Cookware, Tips | No Comments »