Articles in the Buying Guide Category
Posted in Buying Guide on 2 February 2012
Club Aluminum cookware and other products of the Club Aluminum Company were sold before on a door-to-door basis. The assigned salesmen would encourage women in their respective homes to host a house party using Club Aluminum cookware, and then would hold the bill for the event as a path for the customers to try it. Unluckily, this kind of business scheme proved to require large expenditures enterprises that did not stand when the strike of the Great Depression happened. After few years, the company owner turned over the control of the whole company to a new leader, Herbert John Taylor. He left his previous job as the vice president of Jewel Tea Company and chose to be the president of the staggering Club Aluminum Company.
The recently acquired president appointed a code of ethics that soon became popularly known as The Four Way Test. The Four Way Test consists of four queries:
- Is it the truth?
- Is it fair to all concerned?
- Will it build goodwill and better friendships?
- Will it be beneficial to all concerned?
These 24 words were the codes which fixed the problems of Club Aluminum Company. As may other say, the Four Way Test could change every one’s lives. The test was also adopted by other business organizations all over the world.
Today, citizens could still purchase Club Aluminum cookware through bargainers on the internet, or find some in hand-me-down stores. Many pans and pots are still in good repair, which could still be used today in daily cooking. Meanwhile, the modern Club Aluminum cookware has midst, even bottoms that are non-stick finish on the inside part of the products.
This cookware that had gone through a lot and also has varieties of styles and colors is undoubtedly a legacy. Even the original unused ones could not be purchased anywhere; collectors still continue searching for some to add up in their collections of cookware.
Posted in Buying Guide on 31 January 2012
Are you someone who is planning to have a big party soon? Just moved to your new apartment? Or are you someone who is in dire need of an overhaul with their outdated kitchenware. These people have the same problem that is how to stock up on practical cookware. Understand that stocking one’s kitchen is not an easy task. We have to consider a lot of things like what sizes to buy, which styles to stick to, what kind of cookware and how much we plan to spend for them. People cannot help but be confused over these things because cookware is expensive. We know that we are not just going to use a piece for our kitchen so we really have to be wise in deciding which to buy first.
The problem is solved with discount cookware. There are pieces that may not be as trendy or not the latest and greatest thing from the market but they work perfectly fine. Discount cookware is the option for the people who need it now but are willing to settle for a piece that isn’t ideal. If you still do not know what theme your kitchen would be but just cannot live on Chinese food takeout, then you have to settle for something cheaper.
People who suddenly have to throw a party but do not typically enjoy entertaining still have to buy their wares. Is it practical to spend so much for something that you would use once or twice in your lifetime? If your answer is no, then discount cookware is for you. People usually stay away from discounts thinking that they would not have a lot of choice. But it is entirely the opposite, there are a wide-variety of alternatives for that pot or pan you fancy but works just as fine. It is best to be practical these days and being one is not synonymous to being stingy. There are times that we want to be indulgent, but it is better to be practical than to be regretful.
Posted in Buying Guide, Professional, Specialty on 29 January 2012
Food is indeed a very important substance that all kinds of creatures are obligated to have. In the real world, where people are the main consumers of various meals, the chefs that cook those meals are also obligated to choose what kind of cookware should be used for their job.
Another recently fantastic series of cookware that is named after a talented chef is the Mario Batali cookware. Several kinds of outstanding pieces are what this accumulation of cooking pieces is made up. Mario Batali is famously known for his original creative mouth watering dishes, so it is unquestionably natural for him to produce such wondrous cookwares, which are truly appreciated by those people who love to hangout in the kitchen.
One of the front-runners of Mario Batali cookware is the Extra-Deep Lasagna Pan, made from preseason cast iron and porcelain hard protective coating. These cookware sets are dishwasher safe, but hand washing is bucked up.
Other several awesome pieces from Mario Batali cookware are the Mario Batali Panini Grill with Press, which is really trendy and already purchased by many, and the Mario Batali Risotto and Saucier Pot, which is one of the most adorable pieces and specially made for delicious risottos and epicure sauce dishes.
Before purchasing this wonderful cookware, be sure to check and see if you have the enough dough for the reason that it is a little pricey. On the other hand, you would surely never regret buying this expensive cookware because it would give you satisfying results for a very long time.
Posted in Buying Guide, Le Creuset, Rachael Ray, Specialty on 27 January 2012
Whether the cooking would take place inside or outside our houses, there is always the Dutch oven cookware that could always do the job. As for other citizenships, they refer the Dutch oven cookware as cocotte in French, as casserole dish in British English, and as camp oven in Australian bush. Dutch ovens are usually used for slow cooking, such as in roasting, casseroling, and stewing. Aside from being so utile, many families also do not ever forget to carry their own Dutch oven in their outings and campfires. But in order for these families to have it every moment they want, it is better to know some things before purchasing a Dutch oven cookware. And what are they?
- Is the large pot you see in shops is really a Dutch oven? People usually see these huge pots somewhat similar in Dutch ovens, so they ended up buying one.
- In canvassing for Dutch ovens, you should know if it is suitable for campfires or just mainly in fireplaces.
- Not all Dutch ovens have a lid included so better read the description of the item.
- Is it already used or new? Of course, not all shops would honestly tell you if it is new or used already. Be patient enough to inspect every aspect of the oven.
- These ovens are not just made from cast iron, which is the usual material. Others are also made from different kinds of materials like aluminum.
These are some of the important things you should know before buying these ovens. Other details you are also obligated to know is how the shipment is done and how much is it.
Be on the lookout for the new lines of Dutch oven cookware. By that time, you already know what stuff is to be checked and to be considered.
Posted in Buying Guide, Rachael Ray on 25 January 2012
Cookware is commonly used in the kitchen, and it comprises of cooking vessels such as, frying pans and saucepans. It is intended for use on a range top or stove in preparing the food or for cooking purposes. Many variations have been developed as people tend to discover various other vessels for cooking.
During the civilizations of Stone Age, it was believed that the first techniques of using cooking vessels have been used. Among this, there were the improvements to basic roasting, and the use of clay or large leaves in order to preserve the moisture of the cooked food.
In Asia, bamboo tubes can be a used as a container, while in other places, the shells of turtles or large mollusks are being used as a waterproof cooking vessel. As early as 7000 BC, the inhabitants of the Tehaucan Valley began carving large stone bowls. Pottery developments allowed the creation of different shapes and sizes for fireproof cooking vessels. Subsequent to this, the porous container was then converted in order to produce ceramic glazes. Aside from this, bronze and iron metalworking skills were allowed in making cookware.
By the 17th century, the Westerner’s kitchens began to use kettles, baking pans, skillets and pots. These were commonly produced by a local blacksmith in American colonies. The material was derived from iron, while brass or copper were common in Europe and Asia.
Cookwares are made from different materials, such as:
Metals
? Aluminum – a very good thermal conductivity that does not rust. It is lightweight, and resistant to many forms of corrosion. However, it can react with some acidic foods and changes its taste.
Hence, non-anodized (has no layer of aluminum oxide) aluminum may cause oxidation to some of the foods like sauces that contains egg yolks, or vegetables such as asparagus or artichokes. Aluminum is commonly used for pie plates, cake or muffin pans, baking sheets and even pasta pots, steamers, skillets and stockpots.
? Copper – is good for thermal conductivity, it provides most of the heating aspect. Copper tends to be heavy and requires occasional re-tinting. It is also expensive. So far, they are considered as the best for fast cooking and sautéing due to such high heat.
? Cast Iron – a reactive material that can withstand very high temperatures. Cast iron is a porous material that easily rusts and requires seasoning before usage.
? Stainless Steel – is a relatively poor heat conductor. It is commonly used for kitchen equipment that contains a minimum of 11.5% chromium. Stainless steel is an iron alloy that also blends containing 18% chromium with either 8% nickel, called 18/8, or with 10% nickel, called 18/10. It reacts with either alkaline or acidic foods. Thus, they do not easily dent.
? Carbon Steel – maintains high strength and heat resistance when rolled into very thin sheets of material. Carbon Steel may be an advantage for woks and paella pans, but it does not conduct any heat. A process of rubbing fat on the surface can be done as its recommended usage in cooking.
There are also composite and coated cookwares such as:
? Enamel casted iron – made of cast iron which covers the surface with porcelain. It is has the properties that combines cast iron with a non-reactive and low stick surface. Thus, this creates a piece that has retention and heat distribution.
? Enamel over steel – this technique creates a piece that has a non-reactive, heat distribution of carbon steel and a low stick surface. Enamel over steel is ideal for large pans that are used mostly in water based cooking. Thus, it is a popular piece of cookware for camping instances because of its lightweight feature.
? Clad aluminum or copper – a technique with a layer of heat conducting material that can fabricate pans, such as aluminum and copper. Both its inner and the outer portion of a pot made of aluminum are typically clad. This way, it provides stainless surfaces for cooking and a contact cook top. Plus, the interior surface of copper is typically clad which leaves more attractive copper for exposure to the outer side of the pan.
? Teflon coated frying pan (Non-stick) – Teflon (polytetrafluoroethylene) minimizes the possibility of food sticking to the pan’s surface. Using Teflon is much easier because it is effortless to clean it as compared to other pots. Aside from this, there are no frequent results of having foods burned in its usage. It is important that while cooking, never use metal implements on the pan. This requires cautious care and attention.
Non-metallic
Non-metallic cookware can be used in microwave ovens but cannot be used on the stovetop. Such examples are as follows:
? Ceramics – provides a nonstick cooking surface such as glazed ceramics like porcelain. Terra Cotta (unglazed ceramics) has a porous surface. During the cooking process, its surface can hold water and other liquids. Hence, some glazes used on ceramic have a highly contained level of lead that can be a risk to our health.
? Glass – Borosilicate glass is oven safe and allows the food to be seen with its clear glass.
? Glass-ceramic – this ceramic is used in making different products that has the best properties of both glass and ceramic cookware. It is immune to thermal shock because of it’s near-zero co-efficiency to thermal expansion.
? Silicone – able to withstand maintained temperatures of 675°F (360°C). It is light and flexible. The advantage of removing baked goods from the pan is its own flexibility.
Cooking vessels such as pots and pans have different variations and types. Such are:
? Braising pans and roasting pans – also known as roasters and braisers. It provides space for cooking chicken, pork or beef. It is also a shallow, large and wide pan, usually made of heavy gauge metal for safety usage on cook tops. Thus, it typically has a cover and two loops or handles.
? Casserole pans – can be used on the stovetop and in the oven. It is commonly made from glazed ceramic. A casserole is similar to having a roaster and a Dutch oven that can be used interchangeably.
? Dutch ovens – used for stews, soups, braised meats and a variety of large dishes, for slow low heat cooking. It is made from cast iron. Generally it is made into a deep pot with a heavy lid, for the purpose of re-creating oven conditions on the stovetop.
? Frying Pans or Skillets – sometimes called omellette pans. Frypans provide shallow sides, a large flat heating surface, and it measures 20-30 cm in diameter. Thus, it is best for frying food.
? Griddles – used for grilling, making pan breads such as pancakes and crepes, and frying. It is a flat circular plate metal with a semicircular hoop that is attached to the sides. It has a measurement of about 20 up to 30 cm in diameter. There are also rectangular and square griddles like grill pans, which enables its content to define a pattern similar to a waffle maker.
? Saucepans – used for boiling or simmering. It has one long handle unlike sauce-pots that possesses two handles, for easy lifting with both hands. Usually 1-8 liters, saucepans are measured by volume.
? Sauté pans – like a fry pan, it is used for sautéing. Sauté pans have vertical sides and a large area surface in order to prevent food during cooking from escaping.
? Stockpots – allows stock to simmer for a period of time. It is a large pot that comes in different sizes in order to meet the needs of a family who wants to prepare the food for a banquet.
? Woks – typically used for stir-frying, but can be used also for steaming and deep frying. It has a rough bowl shape that is wide and has one or two handles near the rim.
Here are the lists of most common cookware sets being introduced in the market today.
1. Berndes 674103 – Tradition 10-Piece Set (MPN 674103)
The Berndes 674103 has a 2 layer interior nonstick and 3 layer exterior surfaces that protects the food from burning and sticking. It is a 10 piece set with vacuum-pressure cast aluminum. Its price ranges from $369.99 to $399.99.
2. Calphalon Tri-Ply Stainless 13 Piece Set (MPN: LS13)
The Calphalon Tri-Ply set is a stainless steel cookware with a combination performance with aluminum. Its aluminum core responds to quick temperature changes so as to continually spread the heat evenly. Its cool V design provides balance, allowing the heat to vent away from its long handles. This keeps it cool to touch. It is 100% dishwasher safe and designed ergonomically to provide an easy grip. Its price ranges from $356.29 to $399.95.
3. Edge Cookware 17-Piece Set with Silicone Handles (UPC: 00803659001097)
Edge Cookware is made from stainless steel and consists of: 3 interchangeable lids, 8- and 10-inch skillets, 5 utensils, 2, 4, 6-1/2-quart saucepans and measuring spoons, along with a Tri-ply 18/10 stainless steel with aluminum core. Its estimated price is $121.91.
4. Heuck 33002 Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron (MPN: 33002)
The Heuck 33002 is about 6, 8 and 10 inches for its varieties of 3 piece skillet. Aside from being safe and easy to use, it is capable of superior heat retention which will last for generations. Its price ranges from $17.99 to $19.99.
5. KitchenAid 15150 Gourmet Essentials Hard-Base Porcelain Aluminum (MPN: 15150)
The KitchenAid 15150 Gourmet Essentials is a 10-pc non-stick red cookware that includes: 8 Open French Skillet, 11 4.25 Qt. Covered Sauté, 1 Qt. Covered Saucepan, 8 Qt. covered Stockpan, 2 Qt. Covered Saucepan and a 10 Open French Skillet. Its price ranges from $139.00 to $149.99. Plus a $5.00 available bonus.
6. Rachael Ray Hard Anodized (UPC: 00051153806551)
Rachael Ray product is a 10-pc. Non-stick cookware with orange handles. The set contains: 10-inch French skillets, Hard-anodized aluminum construction, 1-1/2- and 3-quart covered saucepans; Soft-grip bright orange silicone (handles are oven-safe to 400 degrees F), 3-quart/10-inch cover, and a 6-quart covered stockpot. One can avail this for prices that would range from $157.88 to $179.99.
7. The Cuisinart Stowaway Cookware Set
The Cuisinart Stowaway Cookware set is a solid type of cookware that is advisable for apartment dwellers, campers or boaters and college students. It has a storage bag that makes it easily to transport this 8-piece stainless set.
The set includes: Canvas storage bag, 1 multi-cover for sauce pan and 8″ sauté pan, 2 Qt. sauce pan, 2 removable universal handles, 10″ sauté pan, 1 cover for stock pot and 10″ sauté pan, 6 Qt. stock pot, and a 8″ sauté pan. It price is estimated at $99.95.
Thus, household moms can bring their homes great cookware that can last a family. Collecting valuable cookware has become a family tradition, usually handed from one generation to another. This will go with the special recipes handed down as well.
Nowadays, interesting designs have set forth in the market. There are affordable prices that can guarantee durability. There are those that are pricey but are definitely worth it. Buying these can save you more because you will not be buying replacements for a very long time. Before buying cookware, you need to assess the type of cookware you need for everyday usage. It is also best to keep cookware you can use fro special occasions, especially if it involves catering to a number of people. Thus, knowing the right material used in cookware sets sold these days will help you with regards to your budget and with the comfort of knowing your cookware is something you can even hand down to your children..
By: David H. Urmann
About the Author:
Posted in All Clad, Buying Guide, Professional on 23 January 2012
Having a hard time cooking because of not having a set of durable and a long-lasting cookware? No need for worries now because there are lots of various kinds of cookware sets out there that are not just capable of withstanding but also are made to ensure even and good cooking.
One of the cookware sets that are primarily designed to meet the requirement of expert chefs are the All Clad cookware sets. All Clad cookware sets are produced by All Clad Metalcrafters, Inc., an American cookware company that is known for fabricating their line of cookware made from the raw materials from their own rolling mill. All Clad cookware set has many lines, such as the All Clad LTD, All Clad Cop-R-Chef cookware, All Clad Copper Core, All Clad Stainless cookware, and All Clad MC2. Each of those offers different exteriors of the pans. Some have rugged anodized exterior, stainless steel exterior with a core, or some just have stainless steel exterior alone.
But why have professional cooks, home chefs, and future brides purchased a All Clad cookware set? Being used by top chefs in four-star hotels all over the world, this cookware set may be a bit expensive. Well, being at the top of the expert’s rating over the years, why would companies let there cookware sets be on the cheaper end, right? But even though, still, large numbers of people who are into cooking manage to buy All Clad cookware sets for the reason that they know that these sets are worth buying and their money would not just be spent frivolously.
Posted in Buying Guide, Le Creuset, Specialty on 17 January 2012
It is not just hard to decide what to cook for the day, but deciding what cookware to use is just as difficult. For meticulous hygiene-conscious chefs, using the right and appropriate cooking vessels is a must. It should always be clean, easy to use, and somehow, a little beauty should be found in it.
Le Creuset cookware is considered a pioneer in creating enameled cookware since 1925. They have been honing the art of producing the cookware for how many decades up to now, so it is not a question why French people like them so much. And chefs also like it for the reason that it is non-reactive to the foods, it means that the cookware has no fault if the food tastes weird, the thing is it would not even have any chemical reaction to your foods. In addition to that, any food would not stick in the pan if enough oil is used.
However, the prices of Le Creuset cookware are pretty scary. Even though, citizens still try to manage to buy their own Le Creuset cookware for the reason that it is used by the top chefs, talk about being convinced by the popular and smart ones. Moreover, people also tend to feel a little pleasure when using Le Crueset cookware, like when sautéing typical meats and veggies and boiling milk for yogurts, it may be for the reason that their bucks are paid off by goodness of the cookware, or by just merely by its high price.
Posted in Buying Guide, Professional on 15 January 2012
To get a larger number of people to get fascinated in cooking is what Jamie Oliver’s goal is. Moreover, by that goal, he produced lots of series of Jamie Oliver cookware, such as Jamie Oliver The Italian Series, the Jamie Oliver stainless Steel Professional Series, and the Jamie Oliver Hard Anodized Professional Series. But, who is Jamie Oliver?
Popular for being a British chef and as an interesting television personality, for his television show “The Naked Chef,” Jamie Oliver is really a big influence to the home cook. Aside from having dazzling good looks, he is also an organic food advocate. He hurled a campaign promoting various nutritious and healthy lunch meals for the British children.
After the vigorous things The Naked Chef had done, he teamed up with T-Fal, popular for producing non-stick cookware, to make or create various Jamie Oliver cookwares such as what have been mentioned earlier.
Jamie Oliver cookware also offers the modern high technology handles that when used, are fixed to the body of the cookware making it more long-lasting. It features silicone soft-touch inserts that makes the cookware itself easier to conduct and at the same time, staying cool.
In searching for unique cooking tools for your kitchen, do not forget to consider Jamie Oliver cookware, an undeniably a must have in every kitchen for cooking. Though it may be an expensive choice, your bucks are surely worth it when you start using this cookware. When high quality and wondrous cookware are in the conversation, a hundred percent sure that it refers to Jamie Oliver cookware.
Posted in Buying Guide on 11 January 2012
A lot of people recommend uncoated cookware like stainless steel and cast iron pots and pans but a lot of people still prefer non-stick pans. This is because Teflon cookware is very versatile. This type of coating has non-stick properties that do not result to forming fond. It also slows down the heat conduction that it takes a longer time before the food being fried begins to brown. Unlike other pots and pans, Teflon cookware does not require a lot of fat for cooking because it already has non-stick qualities on its own.
This coating is sturdier than what people may think as long as people know how to take care of it. Aside from keeping the heat below 500 degrees in Fahrenheit, people should refrain from scratching the coat with materials with abrasive qualities. A lot of options are available that are suited for Teflon cookware cooking.
Teflon is particularly a consumer’s favorite because of the convenience it brings. Not everyone is a chef but items from Teflon cookware guarantee that there would be less cooking catastrophes. The cleaning process is another one of its advantages. Because of the non-stick qualities, fond would never form, which is almost always the worst in washing pots and pans. It is really the non-stick quality that sets it apart from other cookware. This feature is not only advantageous during the cooking part but for the cleaning part as well. Why struggle with scrubbing in your kitchen sink for a long time after the breakfast when you can simply wipe and wash it off? This is what most people love about it. It makes life simpler.
Posted in Buying Guide, Stainless Steel on 9 January 2012
Whether you are one of the top professional chefs all over the world or just a house wife who loves preparing delicious foods for your husband and kids, everyone deserves to have very good and pleasing cookware.
One of the most commonly seen in every house is the stainless steel cookware sets. Stainless steel cookware sets are made up from minerals, such as nickel, chromium, and iron. These cookware sets are capable of handling high temperatures, has the ability of offsetting corrosion, undeniably high quality cookware, easy to clean up, and lots of other advantages. Somehow, though having lots of the good side, it is a weak heat conductor. It requires a layer of aluminum or a layer of copper to pour out heat and remove hot spots.
Overall, when experts are asked, they would advise you to have a stainless steel cookware set because it is not just dishwater safe, but it could be also easier to the pockets of the citizens.
For your beloved stainless steel cookware sets to last-long, it should have the proper loving care. One way of taking care of it is by polishing. Here are the procedures how to polish your cookware:
1) First, wash the cookware in warm water and soap. After that, using a scrubber, eliminate recent food accretions.
2) While scrubbing it, pour powdered cleanser. This is added to remove the light staining and some food residues.
3) Scrub the bottom of the cookware, the deeply pasted stains, and the lids.
4) Use all-purpose cleanser to scrub the glass parts of the lids and to remove some gunk.
5) Finally, finish the work by putting stainless steel polish or copper polish. Rinse it and dry.
These procedures are just some of the ways on how to take good care of your stainless steel cookware sets. Do not just ignore your anti-hygienic cookware, but rather do something about it.
