The Right Pans To Use On Your Stove
Gas or electric? Depending on what type of stove you use, you could be struggling when shopping for that right type of cookware to cook up a storm. Whilst both gas & electric stoves each have their benefits, there are some pots & pans that are better than others for each.
1. Glass-Ceramic/Electric Stoves
Glass-Ceramic & Electric stoves are easy to clean, easy to use & easy on the eyes all due to their sleek design. However, due to the structure of their design, glass-ceramic stoves can be easily scratched, cracked or broken if the wrong pans are used.
An important fact to bare in mind about glass-ceramic stoves is that only pots and pans with flat surfaces will work effectively. This is due to the flat surface of the electric burner zones on the stoves only being able to distribute heat evenly to cookware that’s also flat. Any cookware used with a curved or dented surface will not cook food evenly or properly. The diameter of the pot or pan used must not exceed that of the burner zone either for the same reason.
Among the material options available when shopping for pots & pans that will go with your glass-ceramic stove, the best would be titanium & stainless steel. Being lightweight, durable, nonporous & nonreactive, titanium cookware heats up quickly, is scratch resistant & won’t dent or warp. The only draw back is the high price tags due to its high quality composition. With the long lasting quality you’ll get from it though, it’s truly worth it.
Stainless steel is the more universally loved option due to its ability to maintain shine & durability whilst still being moderately priced. Although you may find a heating issue, due to steels lower conductivity to heat, some manufacturers have been able to resolve the issue. By adding an aluminium or copper cores into the bottom of cookware, it can become easier to conduct heat in steel pots & pans.
2.Gas Stoves
Being durable with it’s traditional structure, the hobs on gas stoves are compatible with most types or cookware. Even though they’re less prone to breakage than glass-ceramic stoves, they’re a bit more difficult to clean. On the other hand, the flame has a slightly higher reach to distribute heat evenly in a pot or pan thus known to being more flexible. Nevertheless, certain types of cookware will still be more effective than others.
Cast-iron (or black iron) cookware is an example of highly suitable cookware for gas stoves due to it’s capabilities for slow & even heating that works best over a low flame. Iron woks for example, work amazingly over a flame thanks to it’s reach hitting raised surfaces of the pan whilst still evenly cooking the food within to a gorgeous sizzle.
Unless you buy enamelled cast-iron, you’ll have to use a layer of oil to create a non-stick coating. Those who are looking to use less oil in their pots & pans may find a much better cooking experience with non-stick cookware. As long as it’s kept on a low to medium heat, cast-iron, copper or even aluminium cookware with non-stick coating will make more fragile foods like fried eggs or pancakes easier to manage. It’s easier to clean too. Be sure to use plastic or wooden utensils though as metal can scratch it easily.
Still unsure about which type of material or brand is the best for you? Our full range of cookware is available at Alliance Online to meet all of your kitchen’s needs.