You may have heard of anodized cookware or seen it on display at a local department store. However, you may not know what it is, what its benefits are, or what type of care it requires.
If you are unfamiliar with anodized cookware, it is cookware that has undergone anodization-the process of putting aluminum or aluminum alloy through a chemical electrolyte bath. After placing the metal in the bath, a flow of electricity is generated in the bath. As a result, the cookware will now have a protective coating that is corrosion resistant and that will endure for an extended time period. Plain aluminum usually has a thin protective layer which occurs from air touching the metal. This natural layer prevents the cookware from corroding, pitting, or rusting. Nonetheless, as time passes, the coating will start to weaken which will lead to pitting in the cookware making it useless. Furthermore, the natural protective coating found on alloy cookware is weaker. If you want a high quality anodized cookware set, you have to go with hard anodized which is two times as durable as steel.
Hard Anodized
Because of the anodization procedure, aluminum cookware contains a shiny, non-adhesive surface and a solid inner layer. The non-stick exterior will not cause food cooked in it to have a strange flavor. It also does not lose its color easily. In addition to these advantages are: won't easily dent, heat retention, easy to use, scratch resistant, food won't burn, and its easy to clean. The non-stick coating makes this cookware healthier for you by requiring less cooking fat when formulating a meal. These functional benefits are why many cooks choose to cook with anodized equipment.
When it comes to buying anodized cookware, you should look for two identifying features: a dark grey finish and lighter in weight than other sets. You should also look for some popular brands like Kitchenaid Commercial, Cuisinart, Emeril, and Calphalon One Infused brand.
There are a few key recommendations when it comes to caring for your cookware. First, it is best to use butter or oil instead of cooking sprays to keep your food moist while cooking. Cooking sprays have a tendency to build up at the bottom of the pan which can be quite a challenge to remove. Secondly, it is best to hand wash this cookware with a mild soap. Dishwasher detergents can discolor your cookware. If you find that food is stuck to the pan, let it soak for a while in warm soapy water and then proceed with washing it.
What is Anodized Cookware?