Is Your Cookware Poisoning You?
For over 40 years scientists have known that the fumes from hot non-stick surfaces can kill birds such as canaries. So just how dangerous are they to you?
Several studies have been conducted into health concerns surrounding Teflon, the coating invented and patented by DuPont. The results have been disturbing, if somewhat inconclusive.
While the lethal effect on birds is well documented and not in dispute, much of the other evidence tends to be anecdotal at best. And some of it is downright confusing.
For example, the chemical perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) is usually cited as the villain of the piece and the root cause of the illnesses that have allegedly appeared in some users. However DuPont claims Teflon doesn't contain this chemical, although it is used in the manufacturing process.
Whatever the truth of that may be, its certainly accurate to say that there have been a number of health issues emerging in the community immediately adjacent to the DuPont factory in Parkersburg, West Virginia; more about that later.
There also seems to be some disagreement among authorities as to the temperatures at which the bird-lethal fumes are given off. These are quoted as ranging from 285F to 475 and more.
Since both these figures are well within the smoke points of edible oils such as avocado and safflower, keeping your budgie in or near the kitchen is definitely not good for his health.
But what about your health?
Human victims have complained of flu-like symptoms, some leading to respiratory complications, after using non-stick cookware. Some reactions have been reported as "severe"".
At least one report suggests that the fumes may be cancer inducing after prolonged exposure, although none suggest that Teflon itself is harmful if swallowed.
If the fumes are harmful to humans, then there is much more to consider than just kitchen items. Some brands of light bulb, portable heaters and even Gore Tex clothing are all produced using PFOA, the same reactive agent used in the case of Teflon.
Not surprisingly, DuPont denies there is any problem; but this hasn't prevented the company from paying out millions of dollars in compensation, not only to their employees but to 50,000 people living in the vicinity of the Parkersburg factory. You have to ask yourself "why?".
Complaints have included accusations of water pollution, high infant mortality rates and a greater than normal incidence of cancer among the local population. DuPont has never admitted liability in any of these cases.
While the jury still seems to be out on the safety or otherwise of Teflon in the home, even DuPont's own experts advise caution when using non-stick items, particularly with regard to high cooking temperatures.
And this is something you can rely on: when Teflon and similar coatings are heated to a certain point, fumes are given off. These fumes will kill pet birds that inhale them. Its therefore reasonable to suppose that other forms of life may also be at risk.
You can get more information on the Teflon debate from this address http://www.ewg.org/reports/toxicteflon/es.php
For a definitive article on the effects of Teflon fumes on birds, visit this site http://www.theaviary.com/teflon.shtml
Article Source:http://www.articles321.com
Michael Sheridan was formerly head chef of the Pierre Victoire restaurant in London's West End, specializing in French cuisine. An Australian, he is a published author on cooking matters and runs a free membership club and cooking course for busy home cooks at http://thecoolcook.com
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Types Of Cookware
The foundation of preparing a gourmet meal is the cookware that we use. Before you start to say that the cookware doesn't affect the quality of the food you are preparing I would like you to stop and think for a moment. Would you rather eat food that is burnt or undercooked because the heat was not distributed evenly or food that was cooked properly and evenly so that the taste of the herbs and spices came through the food?
Keep in mind, that cookware that has hot spots will cook your entire meal at a different rate. The type of cookware you prefer, whether it is stainless steel, copper, aluminum or cast iron is not as important as the quality of the cookware you are using. Quality cookware will help make sure that the heat is distributed evenly for proper cooking, and the lids to the cookware will fit appropriately to help avoid splashes and help seal in the heat.
The main concern among most people though when it comes to purchasing quality cookware has more to do with their budget then it does with the way your food will taste when you cook with it. While quality cookware does not have to cost a fortune, it also doesn't have to be a matching set. Each type of cookware has a specific enough purpose that buying individual pieces can help complete the essential quality cookware needs.
For example, copper pots and pans are the most expensive and they distribute heat the best. However they are not ideal for preparing all types of foods, they scratch and depending on what you are cooking in them, they may transfer a metallic taste you to your feast. If there is one piece of copper cookware you must have it is a copper mixing bowl. The copper mixing bowl is essential in beating egg whites; the copper lets you beat the white to their maximum volume.
Aluminum is less expensive, does not distribute heat as well as the copper and can also transfer a metallic taste to you food. If you are going to purchase aluminum then make sure that you are getting anodized pans. This will help make them last longer and decrease the reactivity with your food. Cast iron skillets are wonderful for specialized cooking and searing the best steak you will ever have. They are slightly more expensive then aluminum and they need to be kept seasoned to prevent sticking.
Stainless steel pots and pans are what I like to call the middle ground. They are in the mid price range and distribute heat better then aluminum but not as well as copper and it doesn't give you food a metallic taste. It is easy to clean and is good for everyday cooking.
Are you ready to find quality cookware? Visit Low Cost Quality Cookware Sets and Cast Iron Cookware.
Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/cooking-tips-articles/types-of-cookware-320809.html
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Magnalite Cookware - A Legacy Of Durability
The popular Magnalite cookware has been with us for more than 70 years now. These indispensable cooking tools are known for their durability, distinctive design, and patented Cast Aluminum fabrication. Magnalite cookware's durability stems from the magnesium-aluminum alloy casting process.
Its superior heat conduction is due to the casting process Magnalite cookware is known for. Its pans have varied thicknesses designed to optimize heat conductivity.
Magnalite Cookware's pans boast extremely thick bases which not only speed up cooking but also distribute the heat evenly up the sides. The vapor-tight pot and pan lids, on the other hand, lock in moisture to keep the food flavorful. And because they are vapor-tight, cooking time is also shortened.
They also have a sleek retro design, with heavy cast lids and pouring spouts for spill-free pouring. All Magnalite cookware are shiny and handsome and would look fantastic in any kitchen. Aside from these features, Magnalite cookware is also oven safe for up to 350 degrees.
One of the strange facts about the history of Magnalite cookware is that one about the dispute regarding the use of the name "Magnalite." The American Culinary Corporation claims that its President bought the Wagner and Magnalite brands plus the molds of the original Magnalite.
World Kitchen (formerly the Corningware group), on the other hand, has also been selling cookware using the Magnalite brand. This cookware look like the original Magnalite, but the cookware parts do not fit the original Magnalite cookware. These are readily available at Sam's Club, WalMart stores, and Corningstores, while Magnalite cookware from the American Culinary Corp. can sometimes be hard to find.
The authentic Magnalite Cookware comes with a 50-year warranty and the prices range from $100 for an individual piece to over $300 for a set of 13 pieces. It is still considerably cheaper than All-Clad cookware, and is a wise investment in its own right.
To read more about Magnalite Cookware's ambiguous origins, you can visit http://fantes.com/magnalite.htm. You can also browse the history of what the American Culinary Corporation claims to be the original Magnalite Cookware at http://www.wagnerware.com/about.asp?section=time.
In addition, you can find everything you want to know about Magnalite Cookware products at http://www.americanculinarycorp.com/ and see why this cookware is sought by millions of chefs and cooks the world over.
You can also find more info on Professional Cookware and All Clad Cookware. Cookware-help.com is a comprehensive resource to know about Cook Ware and its Varities Like Glass, Nonstick, and Titanium Cook Ware.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=David_Faulkner
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Things to Consider When Purchasing Microwave Safe Cookware
In this day and age, a microwave oven is a standard appliance in most kitchens. While some people simply use their microwave to re-heat food occasionally or cook a T.V. dinner, others use their microwave to cook entire meals for their family. If you are planning on doing a large amount of microwave cooking, you will need to make sure you have microwave safe cookware to cook your meals in.
When shopping for microwave safe cookware, there are a few things that you should consider. Will you be using your cookware often? If so, then you will want to put out the extra money to purchase high quality microwave safe cookware that will last a long time. While the initial investment may seem a bit much at first, purchasing high quality cookware will prevent you from having to continually keep purchasing it.
The size and shape of your microwave safe cookware should also be taken into consideration. If you have a small microwave oven, you will of course want to purchase cookware that will fit properly into your oven. If your oven has a turntable inside, purchase cookware that will be able to turn freely, without bumping the sides of the oven.
For best results when cooking, purchase microwave safe cookware that is round or oval rather than square or rectangle. Round or oval cookware tends to allow the food to cook more evenly and prevent hot spots from occurring. Furthermore, microwave cookware will work more effectively if the containers are shallow rather than deep. So if you can find round or oval shallow containers that are of high quality, you would be best off purchasing these containers.
Before purchasing any cookware to use in the microwave, be sure to thoroughly read the label and examine the container. Does the label specifically state that the container is safe for microwave use? Are there any metal parts to the container? If there are metal parts to the container, you should not purchase it. Additionally, if the label does not specifically state the product is microwave safe, you should not purchase it to use in the microwave.
Article by Camilla Bertelsen and the owner of http://microwavecookwareblog.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Camilla_Bertelsen
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Now Your Cooking: Pots And Pans
The kitchen is probably one of the most important rooms in the home. The reality of this statement is because not only is it where the meals are prepared, but can be a gathering place for the family and family get togethers.
In addition, there are many pieces of equipment and accessories that are essential for the modern day cook. Some of those items could include a dishwasher, stove, refrigerator, etc.
However, critical accessories are pots and pans. These kitchen pots and pans are essential for a number of reasons. Some of those reasons include their function, ease of use and cleanup following the meal.
Function Of Pots and Pans
Obviously, the function of pots and pans is to allow the cook to prepare food. This is accomplished by placing the raw food into the pot or pan and then cooking that food utilizing heat. The food, that is placed in the pot and pan can either be cooked on the stove top or placed in the oven.
However, another use for pots and pans is to decorate the kitchen. Specifically, there are individuals who choose to have decorative kitchens and yet working kitchens. They accomplish this look by choosing to hang their pots and pans from racks or hooks that are constructed within the kitchen.
These pots and pans are then within easy reach for the cook to utilize as well as providing a decorative flair to the kitchen. Pots and pans that are especially conducive to this look are copper pots and pans and beautiful shiny stainless steel or aluminum cookware.
Ease Of Use
In addition, when selecting kitchen pots and pans, it is important to select a set of cookware that matches the cook's style of cooking and food that is enjoyed. For example, if the family enjoys their vegetables and likes to eat stir fry, a must would be a 10 or 14 inch skillet.
Another type of cooking pot that may need to be included in a pot and pan set would be a pasta cooker. Generally these types of pots are deep and can accommodate the cooking of spaghetti.
Cleanup
Another feature that one may look for when selecting a pot and pan set is the ease of cleanup after the cooking has been done. Specifically, one may choose from a variety of non stick cooking surfaces. Two of those non stick cooking surfaces include Teflon and silicon.
Generally, these types of coating do not allow the food to stick to the surface of the utensil. This convenience allows for easy cleanup.
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My Favorite Kitchenware
I have been cooking for many years and have used a variety of kitchenware. Recently I tried some a new kind that is not only very affordable but does and outstanding job. Their products require a little bit of additional care, but if you are looking for the best kitchenware for your money than the premium quality Caphalon One Nonstick cookware.
Why Calphalon One Nonstick Is The Best Kitchenware
Calphalon One Nonstick is a revolution in nonstick durability. The inside surface features a matrix of four interlocking nonstick layers, each of which contributes to the kitchenware’s long-lasting performance. Calphalon One Nonstick delivers perfect food release with even the stickiest foods. There is no need to use added fats when cooking with Calphalon One Nonstick and low-fat cooking is a breeze. By means of an exclusive anodization process the exterior surface of Caphalon One Nonstick cookware is infused with an advanced polymer that prevents staining so that clean-up is effortless, both inside and out. These pans have been my go to kitchenware set ever since I got a set last year.
The only difficult thing with them is that you can not use a dishwasher to clean. Just soap and hot water should get the trick done. In addition you must wait until the pans are cool before attempting to clean them. Cleaning them while they are hot can ruin the finish, so wait until they cool down. At first I thought this was going to be a real problem, but the surface on the Caphalon pans is so well designed that they literally take seconds to clean. I know it may seem to be a chore to hand clean these, but think of all the room you will save in your dishwasher. In fact because of this you probably will end up actually saving time.
The best thing about these pans is how little oil it takes to cook in them. This not only helps to keep your diet low fat, but keeps your kitchen appliances clean as well. I have never been able to cook an egg as well as I can with my Caphalon pans. Eggs come out absolutely perfect every time.
If you still are convinced enough to even take a look at a Caphalon set, the last point is how relatively inexpensive they are. You can get a full set of ten pans for a couple hundred dollars. While this is not cheap if taken care of this should be the last set of pots and pans you will ever need. Hopefully you take my advice and take a look at a set today.
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The Ultimate In Kitchen Accessories
There are many kitchen accessories that you can get. The key to getting great kitchen accessories is finding a good place to purchase them from. I have had to purchase many a kitchen gadget, spatula, and other things you need to use for cooking. I have tried retail stores, online websites, and while some have been great for the most part it has been hit or miss. I thought my search for the ultimate kitchen accessories store would never end, and then I found kitchensource.com and knew my search ended.
The Best Place For All Your Kitchen Accessories
At kitchen source you can find virtually anything that you need. In addition to that their prices are nearly unbeatable. From countertops to knives this store has it all. With easy shipping and easy to add on extended coverage this website has it all.
One of my favorite things to shop for is the kitchen carts and islands. They have a wide selection that not only inspires but guides me through any kitchen remodel. One of my current favorites is the Powell kitchen cart. It has a rich brown mindy wood finish for a nice unique dark look. In addition to that the frame is made from solid rubber wood that is guaranteed to last for years to come. The solid black granite top is perfect for cutting and preparing food or just general work. This kitchen cart goes beyond the average everyday kitchen accessories. It also has a rack in the middle to hold up to 10 wine bottles. In addition to that there are two drawers for storing wine openers, charms, knives or whatever other kitchen accessories you need stored. One the sides are four pegs for towels and other items.
This cart can be shipped directly to you overnight and in addition can be shipped for free if you opt to have it shipped that way. This cart is just one of many that you can get from kitchen source. All of their carts are of the highest quality and will add that classy finished touch to your kitchen.
The carts are really just the tip of the iceberg at this website as there are many other items to choose from. If you get a chance you should go there and just browse through the many different things you can get for your kitchen. Perhaps you will be inspired like I was. You will never know what you are missing until you go there.
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The Coolest Kitchen Gadgets Of The New Year
The Three Best Kitchen Gadgets Of The Year
First up is the Two Liter Bottle Pour Thing. You just invited your friends over, the pizza is out, and you are ready for a night of gaming when you go and dump the soda bottle all over the place. Not only have you ruined the game, but you now have no soda as well. Before this most wonderful of kitchen gadgets you had no solution to this problem. This gadget makes it so that you will never have a spill again. Just place the bottle in the Thing and use two fingers to pour the soda. This will save your carpet from being by your kids and friends alike.
Next up is the Trapdoor Toaster. Now I must have at least half a dozen toasters in my home, each one better than the one that came before it. How hard can it be to brown bread and while all the gadgets? Well this one gets it right every single time, on top of that there is no digging around to get the toast out or trying to moon shot it up in the air and catch it before it drops back in. When the toast is ready it slides out ready for you to apply butter, absolutely awesome.
Last on my list is not really a member of the kitchen gadgets family really, but it is cool and I guess it could be called a gadget even though it does not really “do” anything. The gadget is the Gin and Titonic. An ice tray for all occasions, if those occasions call for a gin and tonic that mocks one of the worst ship disasters in history. But hey, that happened in 1912 and if you cannot laugh about it now when can you? This amazing tray features iceberg and Titanic shaped cubes that you can ram into each other at your leisure. A perfect ice breaker for any party.
Well there you have it, my three must have kitchen gadgets for this year, enjoy!
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Finding The Best Kitchen Cutlery
Why Are Cutco Knives The Best Kitchen Cutlery Available?
There are many kitchen supplies that you can choose out there, but when it comes to knives Cutco stands alone. They have been manifesting the highest quality knives for over 60 years. In order to truly appreciate how great their kitchen cutlery is you need to have a bit of background on the company.
Cutco can trace the roots of its company back to the famous skilled craftsman of England’s Sheffield cutlery industry in the late 1800s. These craftsmen immigrated to Western New York and Northern Pennsylvania. Cutco was founded in 1948 as a new product for Wear Ever Aluminum which was a subsidiary of Alcoa. The name of the new kitchen cutlery was derived from the Cooking Utensil Company, or CUTCO. This company was started with input from the finest craftsman in the United States. Case Cutlery was commissioned to manufacture a new cutlery line. The first set of kitchen cutlery was completed in 1949, and the rest as they say is history.
One of the hallmarks of the Cutco set of kitchen cutlery is the craftsmanship of the knives. They are hand made by skilled craftsman, many of whom were trained by the original craftsman years ago. Each of the knives goes through a multi step process and is checked and rechecked for any imperfections along the way. This ensures that the knife is of the highest quality when it leaves the factory. What this means is that the knives are the best possible tool you can have to work you craft.
The best thing is that you do not have to be a professional to purchase this wonderful kitchen cutlery. It is definitely not on the inexpensive side, but if you are looking to purchase a set of knives to last you a lifetime or maybe even more than these are the knives for you. I have tried everything, and I now bring these knives with me to whatever job I am working at. Get one today and see what a truly great knife can do.
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The Pinnacle In Kitchen Supplies
The Greatest Place For All Kitchen Supplies
At kitchen stuff you can find virtually anything that you need. In addition to that their prices are nearly unbeatable. From towels to knives this store has it all. With easy shipping and easy to add on extended coverage this website has it all.
One of my favorite things to shop for is the kitchen carts and islands. They have a wide selection that not only inspires but guides me through any kitchen remodel. One of my current favorites is the Jumangi kitchen cart. It has a rich gold oak wood finish for a nice unique light look. In addition to that the frame is made from solid rubber wood that is guaranteed to last for years to come. The solid marble granite top is perfect for cutting and preparing food or just general work. This kitchen cart goes beyond your average everyday kitchen supplies. It also has a rack in the middle to hold up to 10 wine bottles. In addition to that there are two drawers for storing wine openers, charms, knives or whatever other kitchen supplies you need stored. One the sides are four pegs for towels and other items.
This cart can be shipped directly to you overnight and in addition can be shipped for free if you opt to have it shipped that way. This cart is just one of many that you can get from kitchen source. All of their carts are of the highest quality and will add that classy finished touch to your kitchen.
The carts are really just the tip of the iceberg at this website as there are many other items to choose from. If you get a chance you should go there and just browse through the many different things you can get for your kitchen. Perhaps you will be inspired like I was. You will never know what you are missing until you go there.
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Finding Inexpensive Kitchen Equipment
How To Find Quality Kitchen equipment
The best and most affordable quality equipment to be had can be found on the used market. If you do a little searching you can probably find a dealer locally that you can go look at used kitchen equipment. Many times these dealers will offer a warranty with the stove or other kitchen appliance so that you can buy with confidence knowing your investment is protected. I have purchased kitchen equipment this way and I highly recommend getting the insurance plan, especially on anything electronics.
Dishwashers, stoves, microwaves, and all sorts of kitchen appliance are usually available for very cheap on the used market. A lot of people are leery of purchasing used products, but in fact while they have been used longer, at least you know that they are able to function. Sometimes even the new machines will not work right out of the box. With a used machine you can be assured that it has been broken in a bit and whatever was defective right out of the box probably has already gone wrong. In any event I recommend getting the extended warranty to cover the unit from damage down the road.
Another reason why getting used appliances is a good idea is that you can usually resell them for almost what you paid. Used products lose a lot less resale value than newer ones simply because they are already used when you get them. As long as you take care of them and treat them well you should be able to get good money for your kitchen equipment down the road.
There you have it, several reasons why looking at used kitchen equipment is a good idea. Now all you have to do is find a local dealer so that you can find and chose the right appliance for you.
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Why Choosing The Right Cookware Is Important
Temperature Control
Choosing the right type of cookware set for your cooking needs is very important because the right items can control the temperature that the food is being cooked at. For most types of cooking, keeping the food cooking at a consistent temperature is very important to the quality of the meal because it ensures that the food is cooked thoroughly and does not burn due to overheating. Certain types of cookware conduct heat differently so different pots and pans may be used to create different types of dishes.
Some of the less expensive types of cookware are made from thin metal sheets that are not very effective at controlling the temperature of the food cooking within them. This can cause items to become dried out, burnt, undercooked, or tough because the cook cannot control how the food is cooking. Many cases of bacterial and viral intestinal conditions are cause by food being improperly cooked.
Ease Of Cleaning
Some types of cookware are much easier to clean than others, so if doing the dishes for hours to scrub food out of pots is not your thing, then you may want to consider purchasing a type of cookware that is simple and quick to clean. Many different types of cookware are touted as non-stick but the consumer must be careful to choose a type where the non-stick coating does not start to flake off after several uses. It is also important to choose a type of cookware that has a thick enough coating of the non-stick surface to actually be effective.
Many of the more expensive types of cookware come with a warranty period where the items will be replaced if they become damaged within the specified time period. Each of these warranties comes with conditions that could void the warranty if the cookware is considered to have been misused. This typically includes placing the cookware in the dishwasher or scrubbing the item with an abrasive cleaning agent or steel wool pad.
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What Type Of Cookware Set Is Best For You?
Price
There are a number of different price ranges that a cookware set can fall into on the retail market. Some high caliber cookware items, such as a stainless steel cookware set, are much more expensive to purchase than simple cookware items made from a less expensive material. Many people make the decision of which cookware set is best for their needs based on the price of the set and how often the set will be used in the home.
It is possible to find some deals on the price of the cookware set you have chosen. Many stores that sell cookware items will have regular sales on certain items and sets that they have in stock and some stores that sell overstock items will have a great cookware set available as well. In some cases, the manufacturer of the cookware will have deals for certain items listed on their website to entice more consumers to purchase their products.
Ease Of Cleaning
Many people are concerned about the amount of effort that it would take to clean their cookware set after use and look for the items that would be easiest to clean. Most types of cookware created today are coated with a non-stick surface that prevents the food from adhering to the item, making it much easier to clean after cooking. Consumers must be careful about the non-stick cookware set that is chosen because some of the less expensive varieties have a non-stick coating that can flake off with continued use.
Amount Of Items In Set
Another choice that will have to be made is how many items should be included in the cookware set that is chosen. Some sets will only contain several pots and pans while others will contain a wide range of pots in different sizes with matching lids along with several pans that can be used for cooking other items. It is not uncommon to find a cookware set containing as many as 30 different pieces or as few as 4 pieces.
Making a choice of what cookware set is best for your needs can be a difficult decision, but if each of these criteria is carefully considered, you will be able to find the cookware set that is right for you.
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The Benefits Of A Stainless Steel Cookware Set
Longevity
A stainless steel cookware set is long lasting and can remain in good condition for a number of years if taken care of properly. Many of these cookware sets come with warranties from the manufacturers that state that any item that becomes damaged during normal use will be replaced at no cost to the consumer. There are a number of things that could void the warranty on the stainless steel cookware set though, such as using an abrasive material on the surface of the cookware or placing the item into a dishwasher.
Temperature Control
A good stainless steel cookware set, such as an all clad cookware set, could actually make a person a better cook by carefully regulating the distribution of heat over the bottom and sides of the cookware. Regulating the cooking temperature properly is a key component to cooking food properly because temperature fluctuations can cause undercooked or burnt food no matter how carefully the food is watched and turned. With the temperature properly regulated, the cook will know that the food will turn out correctly each time the stainless steel cookware set is used and they will be able to concentrate on seasoning and spicing the food properly.
Price Of The Set
A stainless steel cookware set can be found in a wide range of different prices, making them affordable for a number of different households. The price of the stainless steel cookware set can be affected by many different factors, such as the thickness of the stainless steel, the quality of the items, how many items are included in the package, and the reputation of the manufacturer. The price of the sets can range between $100 and $500 in most retail locations and can be higher if the person chooses to go to a specialty retailer.
The price of the stainless steel cookware set will greatly depend on the number of items that are included in the set. Some sets may only have two pots and three pans while other sets may include as many as thirty pieces. The type of stainless steel cookware set that is chosen should fit both your budget and your culinary needs.
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Interested In An All Clad Cookware Set?
How The Sets Are Created
An all clad cookware set is created by layering different types of metals together for the best cooking effect. The individuals that create the cookware items train for years in the techniques used to create the items properly so that each piece is manufactured to exacting standards. The sets are designed to distribute the heat of the burner below over the entire surface of the cookware evenly so that the food placed inside will cook evenly.
Each item of the all clad cookware set has a heat resistant handle so that the cook will not have to use a pot holder to remove the pots and pans from the stove. This is especially helpful for long cooking sessions or when the cook is using multiple burners on the surface of the stove. The handles are created from stainless steel and are ergonomically designed to be handled comfortably.
Each individual piece of the all clad cookware set is hand inspected to be sure that everything is placed properly and manufactured correctly before being shipped out to the customer. Even the rivets that hold the handles to the nonstick cookware set are inspected to remove every trace of milling and sealed to ensure that they will not rust. The detailed inspection ensures that there will be no issues with the all clad cookware set once it has been shipped to the customer and that the quality of the cookware will remain the same over the life span of the all clad cookware set.
Many people that cook on a regular basis prefer an all clad cookware set because of the quality of the set. The pieces of cookware that make up the set are crafted beautifully and are easy to use to create a great meal in any kitchen. An all clad cookware set can also make a great gift to a person that loves to cook because it gives them some of the best cookware on the planet to practice their passion.
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Why People Prefer A Nonstick Cookware Set
Health Benefits
Using a nonstick cookware set can actually help a person live a healthier life. Food that is cooked in nonstick cookware requires much less oil, butter, or lard to keep the food from sticking to the bottom of the pan. In some cases, the person can use water or broth to cook meat in the pan and the oils that are cooked out of the meat will be enough to keep the food from adhering to the pan surface.
Using a nonstick cookware set distributes the heat of cooking evenly along the bottom of the pan and makes the food items easier to turn. This ensures that the food is cooked thoroughly and no area of the cooked item is subjected to more heat than every other part. Most intestinal illnesses, such as salmonella and e. coli, are the result of undercooked foods, which makes cooking food thoroughly very important for the health of the entire family.
Cleaning With Ease
The ease of cleaning a nonstick cookware set is another reason why this type of cookware is so popular. Not only does the nonstick surface prevent food from sticking during the cooking process, it also makes it very easy to wash off any food residues without the use of scrubbers or harsh chemical detergents. In many cases, the nonstick cookware set can be cleaned completely with some hot soapy water and a dishcloth or sponge.
Although the nonstick cookware set may be comprised of many different sizes of pots, pans, and lids, all of the items can be carefully cleaned in the same way. It is not recommended to place a nonstick cookware set into the dishwasher because the force of the water and the type of soap used in the dishwasher can harm the nonstick finish of the cookware. In fact, most warranties for cookware products are voided if the cookware has ever been placed inside the dishwasher for washing.
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The Rare Copper Cookware Set
A copper cookware set can be created by number of different manufactures, but are found in very few retail outlets. This is because the expense of the metal used to create the cookware items and the manufacturing cost of the cookware can make the price of a copper cookware set more expensive than some other types of cookware sets. Many people choose to order their cookware set directly from a manufacturer instead of attempting to find it located with a retailer nearby.
Cooking With A Copper Cookware Set
Many of the people that have purchased a copper cookware set are very pleased with the way that they work. The copper bottoms of the pots and pans are conductive to heat, allowing the entire bottom of the cookware to heat evenly and consistently. These cookware items are also coated with a nonstick coating to allow food to be removed easily from the cookware and allowing the cookware to be cleaned easily with a simple solution of soap and water.
In order for the copper cookware set to remain looking like new, some basic maintenance will need to be performed on a regular basis. When cooking with a copper cookware set, it is not recommended to use metal utensils within the cookware because the metal utensils can scratch or gouge the interior of the cookware. It is also not recommended to put copper cookware in the dishwasher to be washed because the chemicals in the detergent used in the dishwasher could harm the finish of the cookware.
Decorating With A Copper Cookware Set
Because a copper cookware set has such a lovely appearance and a beautiful color, many people leave their copper cookware exposed on the wall or on a rack for a decorators touch in the kitchen area. Unlike a microwave cookware set, which is clear or clouded white with a colored lid, a copper cookware set has a burnished, golden glow which adds warmth and a sense of luxury to what ever room they are placed in. Many consumers are now choosing to pair their copper cookware set with a copper countertop and some beautiful stained wooden cabinets for a very sophisticated and modern look for their kitchen.
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The Ease Of Using A Microwave Cookware Set
What Is A Microwave Cookware Set Made Of?
Unlike some of the more popular types of cookware, such as cast iron cookware, a microwave cookware set will not be made out of metal. This is because metal can do great damage when placed inside of a microwave and could even destroy its functioning capabilities, turning the microwave into a pile of scrap. A microwave cookware set is generally made out of sturdy plastic or glass to ensure that the composition of the cookware will not interfere with the functioning of the microwave.
A microwave cookware set made out of plastic is the least expensive and the most common. Many manufacturers have created plastic cookware items that are microwave safe and some product are specifically intended for use in the microwave to cook certain items. These plastic items are designed to withstand the high temperatures reached when food is microwaved, but are also designed to cool down fast to reduce the risk of the cook harming themselves on the hot cookware.
A microwave cookware set made out of glass may be more expensive but it will last longer than the cookware made out of plastic and many people believe that glass items are safer to be cooking food in. In some cases, the edges of the glass cookware is scalloped or imbedded with a fanciful design to make the cookware item an appropriate serving dish as well. The glass microwave cookware set will not cool down as quickly as the plastic cookware items will, so it is very important that pot holders or oven mitts are used to remove the cookware items from the microwave.
One of the biggest benefits to purchasing a microwave cookware set is that there is often a microwave cookbook included with the set. These cookbooks contain recipes for everything from chocolate cake to whole chickens and provide a reference material for instructions on any other item that you may be considering cooking in a microwave. A microwave cookware set can be very versatile and an entire meal can be made in the microwave in a fraction of the time it would take to cook the meal on the stove or in the oven.
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Seasoning And Cleaning Cast Iron Cookware
Seasoning
If you receive cast iron cookware that is currently being used as cookware and has already been seasoned, then you can skip seasoning for now. However, if your food sticks like glue to your pans, then you know that you have to reseason. It can't hurt to at least be familiar with seasoning cast iron cookware.
If the cast iron cookware is brand, spanking new, then it has a protective coating on it that needs to be washed away before you can season. You have to do this, preferably with just hot mildly hot soapy water and steel wool. At this stage, a little water is not going to harm the cast iron cookware. But don’t let the soapy water soak in the pots and pans!
Then, you pour some vegetable oil into the clean cookware. (Originally, you used lard, but that's hard to come by and not an option for vegetarians!) It's best to use a paper towel in order to spread the oil evenly over the interior of the pans. Then, you need to turn your oven on to 250° F. Keep the lid off. Stick the oiled cask iron cookware in the oven for two hours. Use when cooled off.
Cleaning
Cast iron cookware should be cleaned with a damp towel or cloth. If you have to wash, use only a mild dish detergent and NEVER use a scrubbing pad. It's best to let dry by sticking it on a warm burner. Another way to clean tough, stuck on food is to add a cup of water to the cast iron cookware, boil it for three minutes, dump the water (and, hopefully, the stuck on food), then let cool a bit and wipe with a thick cloth.
Yet another people like to clean their cast iron cookware is by adding a little salt to the pots, then wiping with a cloth or paper towel. The salt acts as an abrasive powder. Afterwards, more oil needs to be added. Store with the lids off. This is why it's best to hang these pots and pans up.
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Using A Cast Iron Griddle To Tell The Future
Scrying
Being able to glimpse the future through use of a tool is called "scrying". Although tea leaves, Tarot cards and crystal balls are perhaps the most infamous of scrying tools, you can also use an inky black object like a cast iron griddle, particularly if it is used regularly for cooking and not just wall decoration. A seasoned cast iron griddle has even coloring that can help your subconscious awaken after gazing at it a while.
The main gist of scrying with a tool like a cast iron griddle is to relax your conscious, logical mind and let your intuitive, imaginative mind take charge. If you've ever seen shapes in the clouds or in a campfire, then you already know the kind of skills you need to tell the future by gazing at the back or the inside of a cast iron griddle.
Empty Or Full?
There isn’t any one correct way to tell the future with enamel cast iron cookware. Some people like to hang a pan or griddle on the wall and stare at it. Some prefer to fill the cast iron pot with water and gaze. Some like to heat up their cast iron griddle and splash some water inside, watching the shapes that arise from the bouncing drops and the steam. Try many different ways to see what method really clicks with you.
Preparation
Scrying takes a surprising amount of energy for many people. Some people can see the future effortlessly, but for most of us it takes a bit of work. It's best to look at the future of other people and not yourself, because you will be too worried about your own future to see anything accurately.
Many people like to pray or wear a protective charm when they scry with a cast iron skillet. You might just like to imagine a shielding white light around you. Even if you don’t believe in God, it's good to pray that what you see is accurate and not more than you can handle.
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What You Need To Know About Enamel Cast-Iron Cookware
What Is The Coating Stuff?
Enamel cast-iron cookware is basically bare-cast iron cookware with a protective glaze of vitreous enamel (also called porcelain enamel). It's cooked right on to the metal pots and pans. This procedure began in the 1800's and is still used by cooks and chefs today. Cleaning is much easier than with bare-cast cookware because you can use regular soap and water and do not worry about the seasoning process.
Even though enamel cast-iron cookware is still called that, there's not a lot of actual iron in the pots and pans anymore. Other combinations of metal alloys are used. This is partially because of health concerns, but also this is to make a lighter and more portable pot. Although a little bit of iron is necessary in the human diet in order to be healthy, if you get too much iron, you can get sick. Many believe that enamel cast-iron cookware can leech more iron into food than bare cast-iron cookware.
It Costs What?
Another main point about enamel cast-iron cookware that you must always keep in mind is that it is about the most expensive cookware on the face of the planet. The process of making the enamel cookware is a lot more complicated than making many other kinds of cookware.
If you are interested in getting enamel cast-iron cookware, you might be better off getting one piece at a time rather than a whole set. You would have to contend with the potential for the cookware not to match. You can get bargains on auction websites like eBay, until you look at how much you have to pay for shipping. Although not as heavy as brae cast-iron, it's still plenty heavy.
With proper care, enamel cast-iron cookware can last for decades. You need to let the pots and pans cool off completely before washing them, otherwise the clashing temperatures may wind up warping the cookware. It's best to use soft sponges or washcloths rather than anything harsh.
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Collecting Antique Cast-Iron Cookware
They fall in love with a particular item and then become collectors, turning their homes into museums. Often these collectors become valuable sources of information about the very things they collect. We might not know much about what a cast-iron cookware set in the past looked like if not for antique cast-iron cookware collectors.
The Thrill Of The Hunt
Part of the thrill of antique cast-iron cookware collecting is finding the pieces. Actually owning the piece can often seem anti-climactic after the thrill of discovery. Antique cast-iron cookware is not just valuable – it's also still useable, beautiful and tells more about our past than our grandparent's stories often can. Many collectors prefer going physically to the seller's homes, auction houses or flea markets rather than just cruise eBay.
Just how old does antique cast-iron cookware have to be before it is considered antique? This is a topic of some debate among collectors, historians and antique dealers. Usually, an item has to be over 100 years old before it can officially be called an "antique". But, when you go into an antique shop, many things there are a lot younger than a century.
The word "antique" on an item for sale needs to be taken with a large grain of salt. Many sellers were use the word without realizing what it means. Many more ethical sellers and antique dealers will instead use word like "valuable", "vintage" or "collectable" as a more accurate way of describing their wares.
Treasures Galore
Unlike Van Gogh's or Faberge eggs, there is an awful lot of antique cast-iron cookware still in existence, so there is a very good chance of finding a rare, old or particularly beautiful item. You don’t have to be collecting all your life to make a particularly significant find. Collectors of antique cast-iron cookware prefer the naked metal, as opposed to items that have been painted or super-glued together.
But the main thing about any collection, particular something as large and heavy as an antique cast-iron cookware collection, is that you personally like it and find it somehow pleasing. It doesn’t matter how much money you could get for selling the piece – it's how much it makes you feel that is the real value of a collectable or antique.
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Other Uses For a Cast-Iron Cookware Set
Weight Training
Although modern enameled cast-iron cookware sets are lighter than their all-iron ancestors, they still can pack a wallop when you want to pick them up – particularly if they are full of homemade chicken soup. Why invest in expensive weights for your workouts and basic body building when you can just lift a cast iron cookware set multiple times? If you really want to feel the burn, bench press a Dutch oven with the chicken soup still in it.
Hammer
Every now and then, you just need to pound something into the dirt (literally and figuratively). Perhaps you need to hammer in tent pegs or garden stakes. But you have forgetting you hammer – or, your hammer's handle has a crack in it, making it too dangerous for use. Never fear. Just pick up a piece from your cast-iron cookware set (preferably a frying pan) and WHAM, your problems are solves.
Recipe Book Holder
The problem with a lot of recipe books is that they are in books. Books are great – but not when in traditional binding. Unless the cookbook is spiral, bound, it will not lay flat. So, you have to either write the entire recipe out by hand in order to use it or you could lay a piece from a cast-iron cookware set in order to keep the book from springing shut. They also don’t move when you create a breeze racing into the kitchen to put out a fire or handle some other cooking misadventure.
Self Defense
This is actually the best reason to get cast-iron cookware sets. It's not for cooking – it's for down intruders, ex-boyfriends and, quite possibly, marauding black bears. In the case of the latter, just give the bear all of the food inside of the pot and he'll eat happily and then go away. But with people, you need to slam them in the head first and then ask questions later. Not that they can reply, but that's not the point.
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Porcelain Cast-Iron Cookware: Not An Oxymoron
Enameled Utensils
Porcelain cast-iron cookware is the offspring of metal alloy utensils and a porcelain glaze (also called a vitreous glaze). The resulting glaze give the sturdiness of bare cast-iron cookware, but without the complicated seasoning and cleaning process required to keep the pans from rusting away. There are even cooking grills made of porcelain cast-iron.
Modern porcelain cast-iron cookware can be used on any range and can even be cleaned in dishwashers instead of always by hand. Unlike bare cast-iron, porcelain cast-iron cookware can come in many colors other than black. You do need to be sure you don’t scrub porcelain cast-iron cookware with scratchy or harsh scrubbers, else they will chip or peel. Once they chip or peel, you really should throw them out.
What About Iron Poisoning?
There's been a lot of fuss made about aluminum cookware being partially responsible for Alzheimer's Disease. However, this has never been proven. But, it is this reason that a lot of people are looking at replacing all of their aluminum pots and pans with porcelain cast-iron cookware. And then people get scared hearing about the risks of iron poisoning with porcelain cast-iron cookware.
Not being able to eat or being able to eat properly cooked foods will certainly hurt you a lot faster than some iron leeching into your food. Again, it hasn’t been proven that you can get iron poisoning from porcelain cast-iron cookware that is NOT cracked or peeling. However, you need to eat a LOT of iron before your body starts showing signs of iron poisoning.
Signs of iron poisoning include bloody vomit or stool (never a good sign), abdominal pain, sudden lethargy and disorientation from dehydration. This means that they have ingested a large chunk of iron up to 6 hours previously. If any of these sign occur, don’t ignore it. Call an ambulance immediately. Usually, people who get iron poisoning have taken too many iron ferrous supplements as opposed to using porcelain cast-iron cookware.
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