Are you a master chef in your kitchen? If you cook well and a lot, you probably have many types of pans in your possession. But are you aware of the differences between them? Do you use them interchangeably, as the need arises?
The main distinction between them is the material used for the production and the type of coating. These factors have an influence both on the quality of your food and your health. Generally, there are two types of frying pans: metal and non-metallic. However, both of these groups consist of many subgroups.
Some of the frying pans are believed to be harmful because of Teflon, the substance found on some coatings, like steel or aluminium. It’s used mainly to minimise food sticking to the pan surface. Thanks to that, you don’t have to use so much oil, which results in a low-fat diet.
On the other hand, you must be very careful while using this type of frying pans, especially when they are overheated to the temperature above 260 °C. Then, they may lose their non-stick properties and even emit toxic fumes, dangerous to birds, and cause polymer fume fever in humans.
Now, we’ll look at different types of frying pans available on the market and their pros and cons so that you can decide which kind of frying pan better suits your needs.
Carbon Steel Frying Pans
One of the metal frying pans, which is getting more and more popular, is the carbon steel frying pan. While overlooking the carbon steel pan review on the Internet, you can find out that this type is quite similar to the cast iron pan. The main differences between these two are their weight and shape. Carbon steel is much lighter than cast iron. What’s more, carbon steel frying pans have sloped sides, rather than vertical, which makes them perfect for sautéing.
It also has better non-stick properties and is better adapted to lift and shake with one hand. Its price isn’t high, and generally, you can use it interchangeably with the cast iron pan. But you must remember that both of them are made from reactive metals and aren’t intended for cooking acidic and alkaline ingredients, such as wine or tomatoes.
However, it’s always advisable to have at least one of the carbon steel pans in your kitchen collection.
Cast Iron Frying Pans
As was mentioned above, cast iron frying pans are made from a reactive metal. That’s why they shouldn’t be used for cooking any high acid foods and, for instance, spinach, which may even turn black when prepared on bare cast iron.
These frying pans are also heavier than carbon steel and slow to heat but perfect for searing. However, they require seasoning before use since cast iron may rust very quickly and it should be protected.
Stainless Steel Frying Pans
Another metal frying pan is stainless steel, probably the most common kitchen utensil met in most households. It doesn’t react with any substances, so it’s better and safer for everyday usage. In addition, it’s more resistant to rust, scratching, and denting. The main drawback is its poor heat conductivity and the difficulty in cleaning. However, with the help of some household products, even washing won’t scare you.
Ceramic Frying Pans
Ceramic frying pans are one of the subgroups of non-metallic vessels. They are said to be the safest and the most eco-friendly cookware. They don’t interact with any food since they are free of any chemical substances. Thanks to that, every meal prepared in the ceramic frying pan will be of top quality.
Moreover, they have a smooth non-stick surface, which allows anyone to cook at the highest level. And they look very attractive since they are available in different colours, sizes, and shapes.
The things that may discourage you from purchasing this frying pan can be its price, a short lifetime and weak resistance to high heat temperature. However, considering all of the pros and cons, the benefits far outweighs its drawbacks.
Stoneware Frying Pans
The last proposition of non-metallic frying pans is these made from stone. They are the oldest but still used by many people. Hardstone makes them incredibly durable and practical. Moreover, they reach a high temperature very quickly, allowing you to cook fast.
What’s also unique about these pans is the fact that you can freely put them to the freezer, dishwasher, and microwave. But be careful while using a cheaper version of these pans as they may contain lead. So avoid putting it in contact with cold water after use as it might trigger the diffusion of lead particles.
Summing up, as you can observe, the choice of the best frying pan isn’t so easy. There are so many options to choose from that can leave you feeling overwhelmed. It is also important to note that the facts presented in this article are not the only ones.
Generally, before buying another pan to your kitchen, think about its quality and its application. Which may prompt the realization that you possess only one particular type of frying pans, and you need something new and different in your kitchen.
