{"id":386256,"date":"2019-02-27T15:58:01","date_gmt":"2019-02-27T21:58:01","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/?p=386256"},"modified":"2024-12-16T12:19:38","modified_gmt":"2024-12-16T18:19:38","slug":"whats-the-best-cookware-cast-iron-or-ceramic-stainless-or-nonstick","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/article\/whats-the-best-cookware-cast-iron-or-ceramic-stainless-or-nonstick\/","title":{"rendered":"What’s the Best Cookware for Your Kitchen?"},"content":{"rendered":"A good cookware set<\/a> can be the difference between making a killer meal and having it fall flat. A stainless steel skillet should be your kitchen workhorse, while that nonstick pan is essential for making perfect eggs. And a cast-iron skillet<\/a> is so useful; I'm definitely taking it to the desert island with me!\u00a0But what is the best cookware, and when should you use it?\r\n

Our Guide to the Best Cookware<\/h2>\r\n

Stainless Steel<\/strong><\/h3>\r\nStainless steel pans are classic, and they last forever. They're super durable, lightweight and some brands are even magnetic (making them compatible for induction cooking methods). Unlike copper or aluminum, they don't react with any foods, so stainless steel is my go-to for cooking anything and everything.\r\n\r\nHere's how to deal with discoloration of stainless steel due to heat<\/a>.\r\n\r\nWhen to use it<\/strong>: Boiling pasta, browning butter or making pan sauces\u2014it's perfect. I often use my stainless steel skillet interchangeably with my seasoned cast-iron skillet when searing meats and vegetables. Just don't make any of these stainless steel cookware mistakes<\/a>!\r\n\r\n[embed_section]\r\n

Recommended Stainless Steel Cookware<\/h4>\r\n[embed-content imageid=\"1437573\" title=\"Calphalon Stainless Steel Set\" buybutton=\"Shop Now\" linkurl=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/dp\/B00HSBKH70\/?tag=tohmke-20\" newtab=\"true\" product_name=\"Calphalon Classic Stainless Steel Cookware, Fry Pan, 2-piece\" product_price=\"79.99\" product_category=\"Kitchen\" product_retailer=\"Auralware LLC ( We record Serial Number)\" content_rating=\"\" \/]\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\n[embed-content imageid=\"1437575\" title=\"Cuisinart Stainless Steel Set\" buybutton=\"Shop Now\" linkurl=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/dp\/B01LHG4EES\/?tag=tohmke-20\" newtab=\"true\" product_name=\"Cuisinart 77-17N 17 Piece Chef's Classic Set, Stainless Steel\" product_price=\"239.99\" product_category=\"Kitchen\" product_retailer=\"Electronic Express\" content_rating=\"\" \/]\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\n[embed-content imageid=\"1437576\" title=\"All-Clad Stainless Steel Soup Pot\" buybutton=\"Shop Now\" linkurl=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/dp\/B00EEDN8RG\/?tag=tohmke-20\" newtab=\"true\" product_name=\"All-Clad BD552043 D5 Brushed 18\/10 Stainless Steel 5-Ply Bonded Dishwasher Safe Soup Pot with Lid Cookware, 4-Quart, Silver\" product_price=\"199.95\" product_category=\"Kitchen\" product_retailer=\"Amazon.com\" content_rating=\"\" \/]\r\n\r\n[\/embed_section]\r\n\r\n

Nonstick<\/strong><\/h3>\r\nTeflon and other nonstick coatings have chemicals like PTFE and PFOA that have raised health concerns. They've given nonstick cookware a bad rap over the years, but nonstick pans have gotten safer as technology has improved. A good nonstick pan is definitely a kitchen essential, because its slippery surface doesn't require any oil at all. Your food won't stick (which makes it super easy to clean, too).\r\n\r\nWhen to use it<\/strong>: Nonstick is my first choice for making eggs, whether fried, scrambled or over easy. I also like a nonstick pan for making pancakes or crepes, and if I'm trying to cook low-fat or nonfat without oil, I choose the nonstick without a doubt. By the way, here's how to clean a nonstick pan.<\/a>\r\n\r\n[embed_section]\r\n

Recommended Nonstick Cookware<\/h4>\r\n[embed-content imageid=\"1437583\" title=\"Taste Recipes Nonstick Set\" buybutton=\"Shop Now\" linkurl=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/Taste-Home-Premier-Cookware-Bundle\/dp\/B0D1GZ567N?tag=tohmke-20\" newtab=\"true\" \/]\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\n[embed-content imageid=\"1437584\" title=\"T-fal Nonstick Frying Pan\" buybutton=\"Shop Now\" linkurl=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/dp\/B01ER18KUE\/?tag=tohmke-20\" newtab=\"true\" product_name=\"T-fal C51702 ProGrade Titanium Nonstick Thermo-Spot Dishwasher Safe PFOA Free with Induction Base Fry Pan Cookware, 7.5-Inch, Black -\" product_price=\"37.34\" product_category=\"Kitchen\" product_retailer=\"Amazon.com\" content_rating=\"\" \/]\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\n[embed-content imageid=\"1437585\" title=\"GreenLife Nonstick Pans\" buybutton=\"Shop Now\" linkurl=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/dp\/B07VT1G2P5\/?tag=tohmke-20\" newtab=\"true\" product_name=\"GreenLife Soft Grip Healthy Ceramic Nonstick, Saucepan Set with Lids, 1QT and 2QT, Turquoise\" product_price=\"34.99\" product_category=\"Kitchen\" product_retailer=\"Amazon.com\" content_rating=\"\" \/]\r\n\r\n[\/embed_section]\r\n\r\n

Ceramic<\/strong><\/h3>\r\nNewer to the nonstick cookware scene is ceramic coating. It's a more environmentally friendly option, and it's free of worrisome chemicals. But ceramic cookware isn't built for prolonged exposure to high heat, so just make sure you only use your ceramic pans for low-heat cooking.\r\n\r\nWhen to use it<\/strong>: Use it anytime you would use a nonstick pan if you're worried about chemical coatings.\r\n\r\n[embed_section]\r\n

Recommended Ceramic Cookware<\/h4>\r\n \r\n\r\n[embed-content imageid=\"1438100\" title=\"WaxonWare Ceramic Dutch Oven\" buybutton=\"Shop Now\" linkurl=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/dp\/B01GUHVLDG\/?tag=tohmke-20\" newtab=\"true\" product_name=\"5.25 Quart Ceramic Nonstick Casserole Stockpot, Anti-Warp Non Toxic PTFE APEO PFOA Free Nonstick Pot With Lid, Induction Compatible (WaxonWare Stonetec Series)\" product_price=\"\" product_category=\"Kitchen\" product_retailer=\"\" content_rating=\"\" \/]\r\n\r\n[\/embed_section]\r\n\r\n

Uncoated Cast Iron<\/strong><\/h3>\r\nUncoated cast iron is that classic black, heavy cast iron that your grandmother used. When seasoned<\/a>, it makes a great alternative to nonstick cookware. I wouldn't cook eggs in it, but I use cast iron to cook just about every other substance that I don't want to stick. Cast iron rivals my stainless steel skillet for the most-used cookware in my house.\r\n\r\nWhen to use it<\/strong>: Use it for almost anything! I always choose cast iron for cornbread and breakfast hash. It's also great for any dishes that start on the stovetop and finish in the oven. Worried about cleaning cast-iron pans? Here's how to properly clean a cast-iron skillet<\/a>.\r\n\r\n[embed_section]\r\n

Recommended Uncoated Cast Iron Cookware<\/h4>\r\n[embed-content imageid=\"1438104\" title=\"Lodge Cast-Iron Skillet\" buybutton=\"Shop Now\" linkurl=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/dp\/B00006JSUA\/?tag=tohmke-20\" newtab=\"true\" product_name=\"Lodge L8SK3 10-1\/4-Inch Pre-Seasoned Skillet\" product_price=\"17.9\" product_category=\"Kitchen\" product_retailer=\"Amazon.com\" content_rating=\"\" \/]\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\n[embed-content imageid=\"1438108\" title=\"Lodge Mini Cast-Iron Skillet Set\" buybutton=\"Shop Now\" linkurl=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/dp\/B00OBUW4TU\/?tag=tohmke-20\" newtab=\"true\" product_name=\"Lodge Pre-Seasoned 3.5-Inch Cast Iron Skillet Set for Side Dishes or Desserts (Set of 4)\" product_price=\"38.7\" product_category=\"Kitchen\" product_retailer=\"MaxWarehouse\" content_rating=\"\" \/]\r\n\r\n[\/embed_section]\r\n\r\n

Enameled Cast Iron<\/strong><\/h3>\r\nThis type of coated cast-iron cookware was made famous by the beautiful colors of Le Creuset and Staub. They don't have to be seasoned like uncoated cast iron, which makes them a bit easier to clean.\r\n\r\nWhen to use it<\/strong>: Braising, stewing, or making soups and stocks\u2014porcelain-enameled cookware will do it all, and look good doing it. I also love my enameled Dutch oven for deep frying.\r\n\r\n[embed_section]\r\n

Recommended Enameled Cast-Iron Cookware<\/h4>\r\n[embed-content imageid=\"1438135\" title=\"Cuisinart Enameled Cast-Iron Fry Pan\" buybutton=\"Shop Now\" linkurl=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/dp\/B0018ACXGA\/?tag=tohmke-20\" newtab=\"true\" product_name=\"Cuisinart Chef's Classic Enameled Cast Iron 10-Inch Round Fry Pan, Cardinal Red\" product_price=\"\" product_category=\"Kitchen\" product_retailer=\"\" content_rating=\"\" \/]\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\n[embed-content imageid=\"1438136\" title=\"Le Creuset Enameled Cast-Iron Braiser\" buybutton=\"Shop Now\" linkurl=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/dp\/B00YUZ18V6\/\/?tag=tohmke-20\" newtab=\"true\" product_name=\"Le Creuset Enameled Cast Iron Signature Braiser, 2.25 qt., Caribbean\" product_price=\"249.95\" product_category=\"Kitchen\" product_retailer=\"Amazon.com\" content_rating=\"\" \/]\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\n[embed-content imageid=\"1438137\" title=\"Taste Recipes Enameled Cast-Iron Dutch Oven\" buybutton=\"Shop Now\" linkurl=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/2GPwx8n\" newtab=\"true\" \/]\r\n\r\n[\/embed_section]\r\n\r\n

Carbon Steel<\/h3>\r\nCarbon steel cookware is up for even the hottest cooking jobs. It performs beautifully when exposed to high temperatures, and it works just as well in your kitchen as it does on the campground.\r\n\r\nWhen to use it<\/strong>: Paella<\/a>, anyone? This cookware is the perfect vessel for hearty, big-batch recipes. But, like cast iron, you can use it for pretty much anything.\r\n\r\n[embed_section]\r\n

Recommended Carbon Steel Cookware<\/h4>\r\n[embed-content imageid=\"1438142\" title=\"Lodge Carbon Steel Skillet\" buybutton=\"Shop Now\" linkurl=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/dp\/B009418TN6\/?tag=tohmke-20\" newtab=\"true\" product_name=\"Lodge Carbon Steel Skillet, Pre-Seasoned, 15-inch,Black\" product_price=\"79.9\" product_category=\"Kitchen\" product_retailer=\"Amazon.com\" content_rating=\"\" \/]\r\n\r\n[embed-content imageid=\"1438151\" title=\"Mineral B Carbon Steel Frying Pan\" buybutton=\"Shop Now\" linkurl=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/dp\/B00462QP1Q\/?tag=tohmke-20\" newtab=\"true\" product_name=\"de Buyer - Mineral B Frying Pan - Nonstick Pan - Carbon and Stainless Steel - Induction-ready - 14"\" product_price=\"109.99\" product_category=\"Kitchen\" product_retailer=\"Angel Seller\" content_rating=\"\" \/]\r\n\r\n[embed-content imageid=\"1438152\" title=\"Craft Wok Carbon Steel Wok\" buybutton=\"Shop Now\" linkurl=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/dp\/B00PUZT9MU\/?tag=tohmke-20\" newtab=\"true\" product_name=\"Craft Wok Traditional Hand Hammered Carbon Steel Pow Wok with Wooden and Steel Helper Handle (14 Inch, Round Bottom) \/ 731W88\" product_price=\"59.75\" product_category=\"Kitchen\" product_retailer=\"Craft Wok\" content_rating=\"\" \/]\r\n\r\n[\/embed_section]\r\n\r\n\t\t\t
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