When it comes to cooking, having the right utensils is essential. Not only do they need to be able to withstand the heat of the stovetop, but they also need to be able to evenly distribute heat and not react with acidic foods. To ensure that you have the best utensils for your cooking needs, there are a few qualities you should look for. The first quality to consider is low thermal conductivity.
This means that the utensil won't easily transfer heat to all parts of it, making it easier to handle while cooking. Good heat conductors, such as copper and aluminum, will respond quickly to temperature changes. Another important quality is that the pan coating should not be reactive when cooking acidic foods, such as tomato sauces, wine sauces, and fruit fillings. Having a few well-chosen pieces of cookware will give you the flexibility to cook whatever you want and the performance you need to cook it better.
Heat flows more easily through a good heat conductor, ensuring rapid temperature equalization on the cooking surface. This is especially important when you have a frying pan full of chicken breasts resting on the sides of the pan. You'll want them to cook quickly and evenly, so the heat that comes from the sides of the pan matters. Finally, for slow and prolonged cooking like broths and stews, having a tight, closed cooking chamber with uniform heat is ideal.
This will ensure that the heat radiates down the sides for really good browning. By keeping these qualities in mind when shopping for utensils, you can ensure that you have the best cookware for your needs.
