How to choose the best cookware for your kitchen?

A healthy lifestyle involves not only the use of foods rich in nutrients, but also the observance of all the rules of their thermal processing during cooking. For this, it is important to purchase high-quality cookware. Today it is presented on the market in a huge assortment and differs both in the material of manufacture and in design and price.

Utensils for the kitchen are an important accessory that no cooking can do without. It is made from different materials, each of which can have both advantages and disadvantages. Most often, utensils from several traditional materials are purchased for cooking.

It is characterized by low practicality, but it is resistant to sudden changes in temperature and does not burn. In addition, aluminum cookware is lightweight and can be washed by any method. However, at the moment on the market you can come across low-quality products that are cheap, but they cannot be used for cooking. Since such utensils are produced mainly from secondary aluminum alloys containing arsenic, lead and other elements, they are unhealthy. It is forbidden to cook vegetables and fruits in such containers; under the influence of organic acids and table salt, they release substances hazardous to human health.

It is not recommended to use products made of sheet aluminum for the preparation of compotes, salty foods, marinades, cabbage soup and dairy products. It is also not suitable for storing ready-made pickles. As a rule, aluminum products are used for cooking pasta, potatoes, various cereals and boiling water.If the choice still fell on this type of tableware, then you need to check with the seller for the availability of certificates. This will help protect you from purchasing a cheap fake, which will not only last little, but also harm your health.

Cookware made of this material is considered the most versatile and practical to use, since absolutely everything can be cooked in it. Stainless steel products can be heated to any temperature and can be cleaned with any detergent. Safe and recommended for the kitchen utensils should consist of "ordinary" stainless steel, that is, include an alloy of chromium (18%), nickel (10%). It is marked "18/10" on the bottom.

Despite the fact that these dishes are good, their glaze coating can contain harmful elements, the most dangerous of which is lead. Therefore, if you plan to cook healthy food, it is better to refuse this type of product. And the price for them can be quite high, it all depends on the size and design.

This material is able to keep warm for a long time, food does not burn. Cast iron pans are ideal for pancakes, pancakes, vegetables, stews and vegetarian pilaf. The main advantage of cast iron is that it heats up evenly (albeit slowly). But this type of kitchenware is unsuitable for everyday use: after damage to the black protective film that covers its surface, food begins to acquire a metallic taste during cooking and is colored with dark specks.

It is distinguished by its aesthetic appearance, food neutrality, retains heat for a long time and warms up quickly. As for the service life, such dishes are short-lived. During frying, it just "strives" to burst, quickly burns. Besides, heat-resistant glass products are afraid of sudden temperature changes - If you immediately pour cold tap water on a frying pan that is hot on a fire, it will simply burst.

If the appearance of the dishes is important for the hostess, and she prefers glass products, it is necessary to pay attention to their consumer properties: they should not have scratches, air bubbles inside and chips.

Unlike steel and glass, this material is much more expensive. In addition, experts believe that the most delicious and healthy food is that cooked in copper dishes. The copper surface heats up quickly, so the cooking time in these pans and pans is shortened.

The main advantage of copper is that it does not oxidize., therefore it is perfect for cooking marmalades, jams and preserves. It is also recommended to buy copper cookware for induction cookers, while it is not the most expensive.

A huge role in the choice of kitchen utensils is played not only by the material of its manufacture, but also by the coating. Now on the market you can find a huge assortment of products that differ in the type of coating, each of which has its own performance characteristics. Here are the most common types of coatings.

Resistant to corrosion, which usually occurs under the influence of chemical detergents, salty and acidic products. It is safe to cook any food in Teflon cookware. In addition, the coating is reliable and durable; manufacturers, using modern technologies, have ensured that Teflon is protected from scratches. Despite this, the service life of such dishes does not exceed three years (subject to respect).

Modern types of enamel are characterized by increased resistance to acids, salts, they are non-toxic, which allows not only cooking in dishes with such a coating, but also storing dishes in the refrigerator (including salted vegetables and marinades). Ideal for cooking stewed vegetables, soups, not recommended for cooking rice, cereals and pilaf. The advantages of the enamel coating include durability and safety of operation, an affordable price. As for the disadvantages, if the dishes are improperly handled, chips may appear on its surface, which are dangerous to health (there is a risk of swallowing food along with particles of enamel). Do not wash enamelled products in the dishwasher or by hand using abrasive detergents.

It is characterized by antibacterial properties, aesthetics and environmental friendliness. Dishes with this coating are used not only at home, but also in the dining room. The main disadvantage of products is considered fragility and instability to sudden changes in temperature - if you take a dish out of the refrigerator in a ceramic pan and immediately put it on a hot stove, then you can throw the product into the trash. Ceramic is also afraid of mechanical damage, quickly and easily absorbs oil, after which it is difficult to wash it off. As for the advantages, everyone can afford to purchase utensils with such a coating.

Kitchenware can differ not only in design, material of manufacture, price, but also in brand. The rating of manufacturers that produce high quality products was headed by several companies.

This is the most famous French company that introduced to the world market cookware not only with the classic Teflon coating, but also with such coatings as Titanium Excellence, Power Glide, Prometal Pro, Titanium Pro. All products from this brand are characterized by resistance to temperature extremes and shock. In addition, Tefal pans can be used to cook food without the use of oils and fat. Products with a non-stick coating are easy to clean and last a long time. The advantages of products from this brand also include the presence of temperature indication, ensuring uniform heating of products, and the disadvantages - on models with a glossy coating, the paint quickly fades.

This brand is originally from Kazan, therefore its name is closely related to the name of the area where many pots, pans and cauldrons are produced. All products from this brand are characterized by excellent performance and affordable prices. In addition, the advantages of products include a variety of sizes and models. As for the shortcomings, the coating of dishes (any kind) requires careful handling.

Under this brand, the domestic manufacturer has been producing cast iron and aluminum cookware with various types of coating for more than 10 years. Deep saucepans, pancakes and cast braziers are very popular with hostesses. Pans from this manufacturer are equipped with wooden or silicone handles with removable fasteners, which allows them to be stored compactly and used in an oven. The advantages of products include low cost, thickened bottom, beautiful design. As for the disadvantages, a thin ceramic layer applied in the form of spraying quickly loses its properties and becomes thinner.

Many chefs have appreciated the products from this German brand. The best professional frying pans in the world are produced under this trademark. There are other types of products on sale that are made of aluminum, steel, and have a non-stick coating. The advantages of Rondell cookware include the presence of a three-layer bottom, resistance to sticking, a variety of models and shapes. The disadvantage is the overpriced.

Under this brand, cast, durable cookware with a good coating is produced. Frying pans are distinguished by a thick bottom and walls, so they do not wear out for a long time and are subject to deformation. The series "Almaz" and "Titan" deserve special attention; the manufacturer gives a guarantee for them up to three years. The advantages of the dishes are environmentally friendly for human health, high quality, abrasion-resistant coatings, the disadvantages are the limited choice of models.

Products from this brand are of high quality and have many positive reviews, although they are expensive. For each frying pan, the manufacturer issues a passport and a guarantee of up to five years. The advantages of cookware include safety and environmental friendliness, modern design, a huge range of models. At the same time, kitchen accessories have one drawback - the high price.

The dishes produced under this brand are distinguished by their budgetary price, so they can be found in almost every hardware store. The products are mainly represented by ceramic-coated aluminum pans. There are also exclusive products made of cast iron and stainless steel. Such utensils are ideal for cooking any kind of food, as they have a non-stick coating. The advantages of the products include the presence of convenient (removable) handles, a huge selection of designs, and safety for health.

In order for the purchased kitchen utensils to serve for a long time and be convenient in cooking, you need to pay attention to many details before buying. The recommendations of experts will help you choose the right products.

• Quality cookware usually has a thick bottom and walls, which should be at least 2 mm thick. At the same time, one-piece models with welded handles have proven themselves well.
• Pots and pans with embossed bottom will burn less food. It is advisable to give preference to models with a convenient lid with a small hole for steam outlet.
• Each housewife should have a minimum set of pots of different sizes. It is very important that one large container is always at hand on the farm.
• Before buying utensils, you need to know on which stove you plan to use them.
• It is also important to pay attention to the appearance of the products; it should be in harmony with the overall style of the kitchen.

For information on how to choose the best utensils for the kitchen, see the next video.