Cookware Reviews

Healthy Gourmet Cookware - How to Choose the Right Healthy Cookware For Your Kitchen

noreply@blogger.com (Bob) — Sat, 28 Feb 2009 17:26:00 +0000

When people think of healthy gourmet cookware the first thing that comes to mine is it has to be nonstick, which does drastically cut down on the amount of oil and fat that you need to use when cooking.

But how the food is being cooked is only one aspect of what is classified as healthy cookware. Other factors that need to be considered that are also within your control is the quality of the pots and pans you choose.

Also choosing the right cookware for the job is important to. For instance a cast iron skillet is a great choice when browning meats, but is a poor choice when cooking with acidic foods like tomatoes. Cast iron and also carbon steel will react to these types of acidic foods and will definitely alter the taste of the food you are preparing.

This does not mean that other types of cookware could not be classified as healthy cookware. Some good choices to consider would be stainless steel, glass and even enamel coated cast iron. Healthy Gourmet Cookware is made to be durable. It is constructed out of the finest materials. You don't need to spend a lot of money when looking for this type of cookware.

However what makes it healthy is not necessarily just the cookware you chose but also the cooking process and controlling the amount of fat that goes into the dish.

So if you want to prepare healthy meals for yourself and family it really comes down to two important points to remember. Choosing the right type of cookware and controlling the quality of ingredients and amount of fat.

You will find more information about the healthy gourmet cookware here. Or visit cookware.resourcesandinfo.net a web site dedicated to all types of cookware.

What is the Best Cookware to Buy For Your Kitchen?

noreply@blogger.com (Bob) — Mon, 29 Dec 2008 15:34:00 +0000

By Bob Cummins

What is the best cookware for your kitchen and what should you consider when buying it for your kitchen? When shopping for pots, pans and other cookware some people are only concerned about the aesthetic and whether or not it is the color to match the rest of their kitchen décor and there is absolutely nothing wrong with that approach.

However if you take your cooking seriously you will most likely want to take a more functionally approach when choosing the best type of cookware for your kitchen.

One of the key things to consider when choosing pots, pans, or any type of cookware set is the material that it is made from.

Some of the best rated cookware for heat conduction is copper but it is expensive and is reactive to certain acidic foods.

Copper, to some degree cast iron and aluminum react to certain acidic foods like tomato sauce which may change the flavor or color of the food you are preparing. The one exception to this would be anodized aluminum, which does not react to acidic foods.

So what would be the best cookware to buy for your kitchen? In my opinion the most versatile cookware for the kitchen is made of stainless steel. It will not pit or corrode and doesn't react with acid.

However it does not conduct heat efficiently so in the higher quality pots and pans some manufacturers will sandwich aluminum between the internal and external layer of the stainless steel. This greatly increases heat conduction and efficiency of the stainless steel cookware.

In my opinion I think the best cookware sets are ones that offer basic shapes and sizes and the handles and lids are all metal. The reason why I prefer all metal handles and lids is because you can start your cooking process on the stove top like searing or sautéing and then finish the cooking process in the oven or under the broiler all in one pot or pan.

Also it has been my experience that even after you have purchased the best type of cookware for you cooking needs, there will always be a few specialty pieces that you may need to purchase in order to supplement your set.

You will find more information about what is the best cookware to buy here. Or visit http://cookware.resourcesandinfo.net a
web site dedicated to all types of cookware including gourmet cookware.

Nonstick Cookware Sets - Tips on How to Protect Them From Being Damaged

noreply@blogger.com (Bob) — Sun, 07 Dec 2008 13:53:00 +0000

By Bob_Cummins
There is nothing like having at least one good nonstick pan in your kitchen. However if you don't take proper care of your nonstick cookware they basically could become useless to you in a very short time. The most common problem is that they get scratched or the non-stick coating begins to peel off the pan.

There are some simple guidelines you can follow to insure that your nonstick cookware set stays in good working condition for a long time. Exposing your pans to high heat can damage the nonstick coating causing it to peel or vaporize and degrade.

Some of today's nonstick coatings can withstand high heat but if you're not sure whether you have this newer coating on your pans a good rule of thumb is never use them on high heat and never use them above medium high heat.

Another good tip is to add just a little oil to the cookware before putting it on the heat. This will help you to judge whether the pan might be getting too hot. Once the oil begins to smoke the pan or pot is getting to hot.

Always use the right utensils when cooking with nonstick cookware. Heatproof utensils like nylon spatulas, wooden, or silicone coated utensils are perfect for nonstick surfaces and will not harm them.

When washing your nonstick pots and pans never use anything abrasive just use a soft sponge. If you stack your nonstick cookware when storing them you should place a paper towel between each pot or pan. This will help to prevent the surfaces from getting scratched.

You will find more free information about nonstick cookware sets here. Or visit http://cookware.resourcesandinfo.net a web site dedicated to all types of cookware including gourmet cookware.

Silicone Cooking Utensils - Why Are They a Good Choice for Your Kitchen

noreply@blogger.com (Bob) — Fri, 21 Nov 2008 12:59:00 +0000

By Bob Cummins
Silicone cooking utensils are becoming more and more popular these days. I was in my favorite gourmet cookware store and they had a pretty good display of silicone cookware and utensils.

It just so happens that I was looking to replace an old basting brush that I had. I have never had any luck with basting brushes no matter what they were made of. I have used natural bristle brushes and nylon, they never seem to hold up well or last very long.

I decided to pick up a silicone basting brush while I was there. One of the advantages that I immediately picked up on about this cooking utensil is it appeared to be quite flexible and there is no need to worry about bristles shedding or fraying. Also they work well with non-stick cookware because they are soft and flexible and will not damage the non-stick surface. They will work well with traditional cookware sets also.

The next day I threw some ribs on the grill and decided to try out this new silicone brush. Well let me tell you, this basting brush really worked well. It held the BBQ sauce that I was using to baste the ribs better than any other traditional brush I have ever used. It is also dishwasher safe and cleaned up well in the dishwasher.

This gourmet cookware store also had a pretty good selection of silicon bakeware and other cookware. Now I don't know if this type of cookware is right for all kitchen uses but it is definitely worth looking at and evaluating it on a case by case basis.
Since I was pleased at the way this simple basting brush worked I will definitly be looking at other silicone utensils like spatulas spoons and other cookware.

What I have learned about silicone cookware is that it is not totally a non stick cookware. Some manufacturers of this type of cookware and bakeware still recommend that you grease or lightly flour it before using it.

Some advantages of silicon cookware,bakware and utensils are that they are stain resistant, dishwasher safe, will not retain odors or flavors and cools down quickly.
You can find out more about silicon cookware, bakeware and silicon cooking utensils here. Or visit http://cookware.resourcesandinfo.net/Articles/Cookware.php a web site dedicated to all types of cookware including gourmet cookware.

Titanium Cookware - Does it Have Enough Advantages to Justify the Price Tag?

noreply@blogger.com (Bob) — Sat, 15 Nov 2008 16:51:00 +0000

By Bob_Cummins

Does titanium cookware have enough advantages to really justify the big price tag that comes with it? Well one of the biggest advantages of titanium pots and pans is their durability.

Titanium is an extremely strong material and it won't dent, warp or scratch similar to what you would expect from cast iron or stainless steel but very light weight. With this kind of toughness and durability you most likely will never buy another cookware set again because they will last you a lifetime.

Most ultralight titanium cookware usually has a non-stick surface which is great for people who are watching their weight and counting calories when cooking, which makes it a much healthier cookware to use in your kitchen. Some people have also claimed that the food is actually more flavorful when prepared in this type of cookware.

It heats up very quickly and can reduce your cooking time but some lower quality pans my develop hot spots which could cause your food to burn. So when shopping for this type of cookware you want one that has a nice thick cooking surface to reduce the likelihood of this occurring.

One of the best features of these pots and pans is how easy they clean up. There is no need to scrub these pots or pans with abrasive cleansers. One of the nicest features of titanium nonstick cookware is that you can just wipe clean with a simple dish cloth. There is no need to supplement your collection of cookware with other non-stick pots or pans.

You will find more information and reviews about titanium cookware here. Or visit http://cookware.resourcesandinfo.net a web site dedicated to all types of cookware including gourmet cookware.

What is the Best Cookware Set For the Kitchen

noreply@blogger.com (Bob) — Fri, 17 Oct 2008 22:37:00 +0000

By Bob Cummins

People want to know whats the best cookware set for the kitchen? It is true that you can find really good deals on complete cookware sets but it is no bargain if you end up with pieces that you will never use when preparing meals.

Before buying any cookware try and define what it is you are trying to accomplish with your cookware. This will help to in determining whats the best cookware set to buy for your kitchen.

I prefer cookware that is more functional and can perform more than one cooking task when preparing a meal. Things like browning or searing meat on the stovetop and then finishing the cooking process in the oven all in same piece of cookware. To be able to do this style of cooking I would find cookware that is oven safe and can withstand high temperatures including the handles and lids.

Other examples of cookware that can perform many tasks is enameled cast iron cookware. This type of cookware is good for performing many tasks as simple as preparing sauces like spaghetti sauce on the stovetop or cooking a roast in the oven.

Another mutitasker to consider would be a stainless steel stockpot with basket insert. You could use this pot for making homemade soups, and with the basket inserted make your favorite pastas and can also be used as a steamer for steaming vegetables and seafoods.

This method of cooking will also cut down on clean up time because you are minimizing the amount of cookware you will be using when preparing meals.

One other piece of cookware I keep on hand is at least one good nonstick skillet. Although this may not fit into the category as a multitasker it is one that is great to use when making eggs and is idea for preparing things that maybe messy and sticky. Also great if your're on a diet and want to prepare low fat meals.

Also one thing to consider if being able wash your pots and pans in the dishwasher is a priority then plain cast iron and anodized aluminum is not a good choice. You then might want to consider stainless steel pots and pans.

I have many pots and pans but when I finally adopted this method of cooking I typically only use a few pieces of cookware when preparing meals in the kitchen. I also take this same approach when looking for cooking utensils. This is just my personal choice and approach when I am looking for the best cookware for the kitchen.

To find out more about cookware, visit http://cookware.resourcesandinfo.net/Articles/Cookware.php where you will find everything you need to know about what is the best cookware.

What is the Best Microwave Cookware For the Kitchen

noreply@blogger.com (Bob) — Fri, 10 Oct 2008 21:46:00 +0000

By Bob Cummins

In today's environment almost every kitchen has a microwave oven and when looking for microwave cookware there is a ton to choose from. When looking for cookware I think the best microwave cookware is the kind that can be used in your conventional oven as well as in your microwave. However depending on the preferred cooking process there might be certain types of microwave cookware that are only used for microwave cooking.

I usually use the microwave oven in one of two ways. I either use it as a tool during the cooking process or use it solely as the main cooking process. An example of using it as a tool would be to thaw something and then finish the cooking process either on the stove top or in a conventional oven. That's one reason why looking for cookware that can be used both in a regular oven and a microwave is a good idea.

However there are some cooking processes that do quite well in the microwave because it is either faster or the food comes out as good as or better than preparing it in a convention oven or stove top. In these cases you would want cookware that would only be used for the microwave oven. Some examples of this would be preparing bacon, steaming vegetables, or making baked potatoes.

Another example is a microwave pasta cooker. This cooking process is so much faster and the pasta comes out as good as if you prepared it the conventional way. The conventional way you would have to bring to a boil several quarts of water then add the pasta this whole process could take 20-30 minutes. Using a microwave pasta cooker it takes 15 minutes or less from start to finish. The great part about this is your not waiting for a big pot of water to boil.

In summary when possible the best microwave cookware is cookware that can be used in either cooking processes but there are a few exceptions were cookware that can only be used in the microwave is the right choice.

You will find more information about the best microwave cookware here. Or visit http://cookware.resourcesandinfo.net a web site dedicated to all types of cookware including gourmet cookware.

Cookware Cooking Utensils That Do Double the Work

noreply@blogger.com (Bob) — Sat, 04 Oct 2008 11:44:00 +0000

By Bob Cummins

There are many different types of cookware cooking utensils on the market. There are so many cooking utensils to choose from that it can cause many a dispute between couples as far as which one they prefer.

There is a feeling that cooking utensils for the kitchen should match the pans needs, plastic for nonstick and metal for others. Well some of that is changing because there are some manufacturers of non stick cookware claiming that you can cook with them using metal utensils. If you do have cookware that can stand up to metal utensils then I would try to find cookware tools that can do double duty. So what do I mean when I say double duty?

Most people have kitchen utensils used solely for cooking in the kitchen and they have another set cooking tools made specifically for outdoor grilling. Well, I like to try and find cookware cooking utensils that can be used and work well whether your cooking on the grill outside or in the kitchen. Plastic type utensils are not strong enough and will not withstand the high temperatures that outdoor grills can produce.

So what would I look for in a new pair of cooking tongs or spatulas for example? Try finding one that has a longer handle than a standard kitchen utensil does and is made of a good quality metal like stainless steel. The utensil has to be strong enough to be able to use it for outdoor grilling but not so awkward or bulky that it can't be used in the kitchen. You might pay a little more money for this type of cookware but you have eliminated the need for different types of grilling tools.

You may not completely eliminate the need for other tools like plastic or wooden utensils in your kitchen but when you're looking at kitchen cooking utensils like tongs, spatulas or even a meat thermometer try to find one that is robust enough to perform double duty for the kitchen and when cooking outdoors.

To find out more about cookware cooking utensils, visit http://cookware.resourcesandinfo.net/Articles/The_Best_Cookware_Cooking_Utensils.php where you will find everything you need to know about the cookware cooking utensils.

The Best Cast Iron Cookware

noreply@blogger.com (Bob) — Sat, 27 Sep 2008 16:44:00 +0000

By Bob Cummins

In previous years the best cast iron cookware was the old traditional cookware that provided for long lasting pots and pans and with the proper care became family heirlooms. Cast iron cookware is not designed to be nonstick so you need to season it first before you begin to use it. They typically need to be seasoned with an oil baked at a low temperature.

This helps to ensure that the pan has oil deep inside the pores and therefore is less likely to have food stick. Some of the better cast iron cookware already comes pre-seasoned so they are ready to use right out of the box. The seasoning process tends to last for quite a while but needs to be repeated every so often.

However some things have changed since the old traditional cast iron cookware was introduced. Today some of the best cast iron cookware comes with an enamel coated surface. Many manufacturers of cast iron cookware offer them with a an enamel coating and in a variety of color choices.

Other advantages to the enameled versus uncoated cast iron is that the enamel coating makes cleaning easier and you do not have to perform the re-seasoning that you must continue to do for the uncoated cast iron. Also, unlike traditional cast iron, the enamel coating is a non-reactive surface so you can cook tomatoes, add vinegar and other acidic ingredients without worry and if nothing else the enamel coated cookware will not rust.

Another reason why this is the best cast iron cookware on the market today is that it is usually available in a variety of color choices for today's design-conscious kitchen. You can take this stylish enamel cookware right from the stove or oven and directly to the kitchen table or dining room because it is a great show piece, unlike traditional cast iron cookware which has a more rustic appearance to it.

To find out more about cookware, visit http://cookware.resourcesandinfo.net/Articles/Cookware.php where you will find everything you need to know about the best cast iron cookware.

Microwave Cookware For Cooking Pasta - Do They Really Work?

noreply@blogger.com (Bob) — Sat, 20 Sep 2008 17:37:00 +0000

By Bob Cummins

Almost every home today has a microwave oven and some kind of microwave cookware that they use to cook with. When preparing some foods I prefer the microwave; it saves time and when its done it comes out as good as if you prepared the conventional way like on the stove top or in a traditional oven. Things like steaming vegetables, steaming clams or mussels, and making baked potatoes. Recently I started cooking pasta in the microwave.

When I first heard about this method of preparing pasta I was a little leery about the whole idea. I am not one to jump at every kitchen gadget that is out there but I recently came across a microwave pasta cooker and decided to try this new way of cooking pasta.

Well I was quite surprised at the end results after using this microwave pasta cooker. Not only could I not tell the difference in the way the pasta tasted but it actually took less time to cook. When using this method for cooking pasta the whole cooking process took only 15 minutes from beginning to end.

There is no need to bring a big pot of water to boil and then adding your pasta. The traditional way of making pasta on the stove could take anywhere from 30 to 40 minutes, start to finish.

After having very good results with this microwave cooking method I basically see this as the preferred way of making all my pasta dishes. So if you feel like trying a new method of cooking your pasta dishes try this method and I think you will be quite surprised at the end result.

You will find more information about the microwave cookware for cooking pasta here. Or visit http://cookware.resourcesandinfo.net a web site dedicated to all types of cookware including gourmet cookware.

Best Stainless Steel Cookware Sets - What To Look For When Buying

noreply@blogger.com (Bob) — Sun, 14 Sep 2008 11:47:00 +0000

By Bob Cummins

The best stainless steel cookware is more than just stainless steel; it also has aluminum for conductivity and some also have non-stick coatings for easy food handling. Such pieces of culinary perfection can be pricey, but they do provide some excellent opportunities.

Many stainless steel pans have some aluminum in them. This is to help conduct heat from the flame to the food. Some of the cheaper stainless steel pans have the aluminum at the bottom of the pan and no where else. While this is great for helping to heat the bottom of the pan and the bottom of the food, it does not help with the over all heating of the pan. Higher quality pans will have aluminum on the sides of the pan as well as on the bottom this makes for much better heating and cooking overall.

Pans that have the aluminum sandwiched between heavy gauge stainless steel makes for the best stainless steel cookware on the market. You will also pay a premium for this high quality cookware. This is because of the specialized manufacturing process that bonds the aluminum and stainless steel together for optimum heat conductivity in the pan.

Some of the best stainless steel cookware will even use magnetic stainless steel, which makes it ideal cookware for people who have the latest induction cooktops.

Durability is important for those who spend a lot of money on a single pan, and even more on whole sets of the best stainless steel cookware. This durability extends to the handles, lids, and the pan itself.

Another important feature that appears in some of the best stainless steel cookware is a high quality non-stick surface. By having a good non-stick quality on the pan you will use less oil in your cooking process and this will also make clean up a breeze. Some of the newer non-stick surfaces will also allow you to cook with metal cooking utensils.

To find out more about cookware, visit http://cookware.resourcesandinfo.net where you will find everything you need to know about the best stainless steel cookware and other gourmet cookware.

Cookware Sets - What Is The Best Type Of Cookware And How To Choose It?

noreply@blogger.com (Bob) — Sat, 13 Sep 2008 16:07:00 +0000

By Bob_Cummins

There are many types of cookware sets to choose from. There are all kinds of gourmet cookware sets hard anodized, stainless steel, enamel, non stick and cast iron just to name a few. The selection is so large that it could be overwhelming.

I consider myself somewhat of an amateur chef. I learned alot by watching many of the gourmet cooking shows that are on television. I also subscribe to several gourmet-cooking magazines. Plus it also helps when your bother in-law is professional chef.

I purchased my first gourmet cookware set many years ago. I bought this set because it was one of the most highly rated sets and very popular at that time. I also could use the cooking utensils that I already had. I didn’t have to worry about scratching it like you do with a non stick set. I figured this would be the only cookware I would ever need and I would just add to it as needed. However, over time, I found this not to be the case and this would not be the only set I would ever have.

I found that the best cookware to choose really depends on the dish or meal that you are going to prepare.
As an example, if you’re preparing a low fat meal you would most likely use a non stick skillet to cut down on the amount of fat in the dishes you prepare. If you were making meals that started off with sautéing or browning first and then finished the cooking in the oven, I would use cookware that was oven safe and could go from the cooktop burner right into the oven. This also saves time on clean up because you’re using less pots and pans when you cook this way.

When grilling or preparing meals outdoors I prefer something very durable like cast iron. It is also my skillet of choice when making fried chicken. A lot of people would shy away from cast iron because it had to be pre-seasoned before you could being cooking with it. However nowadays many manufacturers of cast iron cookware sell it already pre-seasoned and ready to use. Cast iron is probably one of the oldest cookware sets around. Many grandmothers and great grandmothers had this type of cookware for a lifetime.

In Summary: After many years, it has been my experience that there really is no one “do all” set of cookware. In my opinion it really depends on the type of meal you are preparing and the type of cooking you are doing.

For more information on cookware sets or visit http://cookware.resourcesandinfo.net a web site dedicated to all types of cookware including gourmet cookware.