Cookware -- From Stainless Steel Pans to Cast Iron and Anodiz

Cookware runs the gamut -- from stainless steel to cast iron to anodized aluminum, copper and coated cast iron -- and many more.

Rita's got some favorite cookware that she recommends. Her enamel coated cookware, the 100 year old cast iron skillet handed down from her mother and the new anodized aluminum pans.

Cookware sets will be big gifts this Christmas and all year long for birthdays and other occasions. What's the difference between professional sets and affordable discount sets? In this video Rita tells you what to look for when shopping for pots and pans.

Category:

Howto & Style

Tags:

• stainless
• steel
• cookware
• cast
• iron
• sets
• pots
• discount
• pans
• professional
• coated
• enamel
• anodized

[RecipeCook]

Check the manufacturer's recommendation on which pans to use. I use both but some stainless steel won't work on induction - again, check the manufacturer's rec, or take a magnet along and if it sticks to the bottom of the pan, you can use it on induction. Cast iron heats up slower than SS for the most part, and retains heat longer.

[RecipeCook]

I just found an old cast iron pan, a Wagner Ware, made in the USA, at a second hand store. Anytime any of you find an older or vintage American made, cast iron pan, even if it looks bad, get it because it can usually be restored. My friend bought a Lodge pre-seasoned cast iron pan, and it's a wonderful pan.

Any of you ever put your cast iron pans in the oven on the cleaning cycle to clean? I've heard of it, but have never tried it, as I'm not sure if that extremely high heat would damage it.

[walterncool]

You didn't talk about the one thing I was interested in, which was how to cook in stainless steel cookware and avoid sticking. Do you season it? If not, what do you do? Everything sticks, when I use my ss saute pans.

[RecipeCook]

@walterncool First, you have to have a high quality SS pan. Some need a light seasoning of oil, some don't. The key: get the pan and the fat hot, put your food in, and let it be. You don't always need high heat, either. Depends what you're cooking. Don't scoot the food around the pan. Take chicken breasts. They'll let you know when they're ready to be turned - they'll lift up easily. Try it too soon, you'll leave part of the meat in the the pan. Patience is the key here. Rita AboutEating. com

[babyqueen1223]

great video! I am in the market for a new set (hopefully the last) and I've been mulling over all of these comparison questions myself.

[RecipeCook]

@babyqueen1223 Glad I could help. Good quality cookware will last a lifetime.

Rita

[BartImpson]

You forgot to mention that Hard Anodized Aluminum is also twice as hard as stainless steel after the hard anodizing process. And near the end you said to wash cast iron with hot soapy water. The soap/dish detergent actually strips the seasoning off, so only hot water is needed for washing cast iron, or carbon steel.

[thomask812]

i think she meant cooking materials. who uses a gold pan?

[1955JAFO]

cooking with s/steel

heat the pan first

add the oil - food won't stick

[GhostPirate6]

@210482fmj Cast iron can't be hard anodized, because hard anodizing is basically oxidizing the metal so that means the cast iron would be rusted. Did you mean enameled cast iron or hard anodized aluminum?

[210482fmj]

how do anodized cast iron pans compare to normal cast iron pans that are not anodized.  DO the anodized stick more than non anodized cast iron pans

[callahan9119]

You don't wash cast iron in hot soapy water, that's idiotic. Mine just needs a quick scrub with a plastic brush after anything. I put them on a medium heat burner to dry and when it smokes I apply peanut oil and remove from heat.

Mine is as black as the void and is as non stick as anything you would pay a hundred bucks for...and a lodge cast iron costs like 12 bucks.

[solowinterwolf]

@RecipeCook Thanks most kindly.

[crystalwilds07]

@walterncool curtis stone gives a good explanation on SS pans...

[werewasyo]

i bought a 600 dollar all-clad jumbo cooker but the bottom warped after a month so i threw it away

[ix54021]

Great

[citic101]

why is she speaking sooooooo slowly ?

[heartlessvietboy]

Here is how to live a simple life. Buy three types of paper plates. One paper. The other plastic. One microwaveable. All recyclable. Buy one paper bowl. One plastic bowl. The other microwaveable. Buy small medium and large cups. Plastic spoons, forks, knives etc. Buy Microwaveable oven foods. Keep it simple and clean. When done throw them away and recycle. Done deal.

No need to wash dishes.

Leave Dishes etc for real dinner.