Aluminum cookware versus stainless pans and pots. Some people like Aluminum while others prefer stainless. That s why we are going to talk about the pros and cons of both, so that you can make a better decision when buying them.
Stainless Steel Pros
Stainless steel is basically iron to which up to eight alloys have been added. The more alloys, the better the quality. In order to be consider as stainless steel, the metal must have at least 11% of chromium. This reduces the effects of rust that can be caused by moisture or air. Most of the stainless cookware has 18% of chromium and until 10% of nickel.
This king of metal is very resistant and durable and resists to almost any kind of scratches. Stainless steel cookware is also easy to clean.
Cooks choose stainless steel over Aluminum cookware. The reason for this is because unlike Aluminum cookware, the stainless steel does not react to alkaline or acidic foods that are cooked in it.
Aluminum Pros
Aluminum cookware has been produced since the late 19th century, however it was only in the 20th century that it started to sell pretty well. More than half of the cookware ever sold is made of Aluminum. This is so popular due the fact of its low prices and quick heating.
There are 3 types of Aluminum cookware:
-Pressed: This is the cheapest but is also the quickest to be tossed way after some uses because of wear.
-Cast: This one is thicker and more porous than pressed but is able to retain heat better.
-Anodized: These are the best types of Aluminum cookware, but also the most expensive. They are made through a process of electro-chemical and are scratch resistant and non-stick.
Stainless Steel Cons
The main problem with stainless cookware is that it is a bad conductor of heat and does not spread the heat evenly. This is bad because we need heat to cook and that s why most of the quality stainless cookware have Aluminum or copper placed between the layers to conduct heat better. Using these metal allows people to cook efficiently with any stainless steel cookware.
One other disadvantage s that tends to discolor over high heat and its surface may pit with prolonged exposure to a salty environment.
Aluminum cons
The main problem with Aluminum is that reacts with some types of foods, especially with those with alkaline of acidic components. For example, do not cook tomato sauce in an Aluminum pot because Aluminum particles might be leached into the food.
Another con is that some people believe that using the Aluminum cause Alzheimer's disease. The FDA as well most scientists believe that there is not threat, but if you are one of those that follow the "an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure", then you should use stainless steel cookware.
How to Decide?
Choosing between Aluminum or stainless cookware it s all about the costs, quality and your cooking needs. For those who don t have much money, then Aluminum is great for you. On the other hand, if you got the money and are looking for quality cookware, you will find it in the stainless steel cookware. Cleaning is a fairly simple process, whatever you choose the Aluminum or stainless steel. They both can be washed with liquid detergent or be put in the dishwasher.
No comments:
Post a Comment