Cooking is a very personal activity and it differs from person to person. For some, it’s a means to get going. While, for others, it’s therapeutic. And then there are a few epicures who have an immense fondness for eating and cooking.
Irrespective of the kind of person you are, the right kind of cooking tools is crucial for a healthy lifestyle. It’s also a fact that cookware isn’t just an accessorial entity in your home. In fact, it’s a foundation for good health and a sustainable lifestyle.
Buying cookware is a crucial decision and calls for a proper understanding of the art of cooking. With all this in mind, how you do decide which cookware to buy? The answer is to find out what you want and the kind of cooking you’ll do. Simply put, you need to know enough about cookware to be able to make the right decision.
Here are 5 things to consider when buying cookware.
1. Budget
First and foremost, you need to figure out your budget. The rule of thumb when buying cookware is to buy the absolute best that you can afford.
Cooking tools last a long time, sometimes even lifetimes. Therefore, it’s important to see them as long-term investments rather than short-term expenses.
Cookware can be changed every few years but there are some pots and pans that become our favorites over the course of time. These earn a special place in our hearts. Since cookware has esthetic and sentimental values for us, it’s recommended that you buy cookware even if it seems a little over the budget at the time.
Expensive cookware will pay for itself in its performance and durability. Search for different brands and see customer reviews before shortlisting options.
2. The Material
Once you have planned a budget, the next important step is to consider the material of the cookware. Since there are only 4-5 options available, selecting the material isn’t very tough.
All cookware is made up of similar basic metal. This can be copper, cast iron, aluminum, or stainless steel. Select the material based on your cooking and kitchen requirements.
Of course, each material has its pros and cons. Therefore, the choice has to be made after careful consideration. For instance, stainless steel is easy to maintain and durable, it doesn’t prevent food from sticking to the surface. It’s also a poor conductor of heat as compared to other choices that are available.
3. Your Preferences
Yes, the third element to consider when buying cookware is your preferences and personality.
What degree of importance do you give to cooking on a personal level?
Do you absolutely love cooking and want to make exquisite meals or are you someone who wants to do the bare minimum?
Answering such questions will help you narrow down your options. If you’re someone who loves cooking, it’s wise to invest in cookware that looks fabulous and lasts a lifetime.
On the other hand, if you’re not fond of cooking, opt for cookware that’s easy to clean, maintain, and hassle-free. You can also pick between the two extremes and balance out your cookware choices.
4. Cooking Preferences
What kind of cuisines are you fond of?
All cuisines require different types of cookware and therefore, it’s worthwhile to consider your cooking preferences.
For instance, someone who loves oriental cuisine will need a high-quality wok to stir fry foods. On the other hand, a high-quality wok will not be required by someone who loves French cuisine.
Similarly, if you are a vegetarian, your choices will be different from someone who presets eating a lot of meat.
It’s for you to decide which cuisine you’re most comfortable cooking. There’s no use buying expensive stock pots if you’re not going to cook anything in them.
Having said that, there are a few basic tools you should have in your kitchen to get you started with cooking.
5. The Heat Source
The type of heat source you have influences the kind of cookware you need. If you do open flame cooking, there are limitations on ceramic and glass cookware. However, other kinds of cookware are suitable.
If you have an induction stovetop, you need cookware that’s magnetic and induction-friendly. This means you can’t buy cookware that’s made of ceramic, Pyrex, glass, stainless steel, or regular aluminum.
In Conclusion
As you can clearly see from the above examples, cooking is an extension of personality for some people, while for others, it’s merely a chore that needs to be performed. The type of cookware you need depends on where you place yourself between these two extremes.
What’s important is that the choice of proper cookware will enhance (or restrict) your overall cooking and dining experience. So, do spend a little more when making that selection!
Featured Image Credits: Pixabay
Shristi Patni
Content Writer
Shristi is a content writer and owner of F and B Recipes and Snazzy Women. When not writing, she can be found reading or trying new recipes.
