I tested 2 Major Cookware Pans, And This Is The Most Worthwhile Pan In my Kitchen
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Recommended Cookware For Home Cooks
A Ceramic Nonstick Covered Sauté Pan: GreenPan Rio 5 quart Ceramic NonStick Pan With Lid
A Durable Ceramic Nonstick Cookware Set: GreenPan Cookware Set
Inevitably, cookware gets the most wear and tear in your kitchen. I use two sauté pans. So, I've browned butter, sautéd onions, and cooked sauce in pans from two different brands. However, I prefer one over the other. I own GreenPan's ceramic sauté pan and several attributes make it a valuable tool in the kitchen. The lid fits well, preventing leaks. GreenPan is a great alternative to stainless steel pans.
I'm always reaching for this pan when cooking. The handle does not hold heat, which prevents you from burning yourself. By far, the greatest benefit of this sauté pan is that it can sear, simmer, and boil - all the essential tasks needed when cooking dinner on my stovetop.
My Calphalon sauté pan is my go-to for small batch cooking. I have used this pan far less than my ceramic pan. The lid has warped over the years, which causes the liquid to spill over once it reaches a rolling boil. I love using it to brown butter or sear chicken or beef. However, the downside is that the nonstick coating is not as good as GreenPan. The reason for this issue is that the pan is made with Teflon or PTFE - PTFE belongs to a category of chemicals called per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances. You may recognize them as “forever chemicals”. These chemicals provide nonstick properties but are not biodegradable and are found in the environment and bloodstream of humans and animals. — Ayn-Monique Klahre and Andrea Rivera Wawrzyn, “The Kitchn”
Sure, Calphalon pans are more affordable, but you must avoid using metal utensils, placing them under the broiler, and preheating the pan with fats like oil or butter to maintain its condition. In addition, follow the manufacturer's guidance for best practices to get the best use of your cookware.
Aside from forever chemicals and microplastics, there is an additional side effect that may arise when using a Calphalon pot. If you notice a white substance or layer around your pots and pans don’t be alarmed. Pasta releases starch while it’s cooking. After you empty the water from the pot, there is a build-up of starch remaining that looks like a plastic film coating the pot. As a result, this is a sign that you have enough starch in your pasta water. This should not be mistaken for degrading cookware.
Acknowledging the pros and cons of these cookware pieces leads us to the conclusion that GreenPan is ideal for home cooks. I love that the cookware is easy to clean and perfect for one-pot meals. This is not the cheapest option, but it’s durable and there are deals you can take advantage of. World Market and other off-priced retailers are the best places to go if you need to replace 1 piece of cookware. You can also find a discount on the GreenPan collection. Costco has several deals on cookware sets. Some offers are online only. If you can acquire GreenPan cookware, you’ll have an impressive addition to your kitchen.