Everything about cookware - Best Types of cookware

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Life at home does not stop for a minute. Everything should be at hand, from gardening tools to kitchen utensils. Whether you live in the country all year round, move for the summer or go away for the weekend, you can’t do without cooking and your favorite foods for the winter. Therefore, it is very important to properly equip the kitchen and provide it with a sufficient arsenal of dishes.

Conventional and practical cookware

Many people wonder what is the difference between ordinary and functional dishes in the city and in the countryside.

Practical dishes are the same pots, forks, spoons, and pans… However, there are nuances. First of all, the dishes should be functional. Therefore, it is made of lightweight but durable eco-friendly materials.

Practical tableware differs from the usual design. It is more bright, attractive, can be made of” exotic ” materials for an ordinary person and have fancy shapes. All the decorations “revolve” around the theme of nature: flowers, vegetables, fruits, sometimes even small landscapes. What about wooden dishes?! It is unlikely that people in the city will drink juice or coffee from wooden cups. Pepper shakers, salt shakers and containers for seasonings in the festive version in the form of houses, mills, vegetables.

So in general, practical dishes are properly assembled “ammunition” that has everything you need and is suitable for living in the country, without turning the cooking process into a big problem.

What is practical kitchen utensils?

In order not to lose sight of anything, it is better to think about everything (the number of people in the family, possible arrival, what and how often it is prepared, whether you will collect pickles and jams, fry shish kebab ) and make a list. This will save the cabinets from cluttering, and the owner – from unsuccessful searches.

Tableware

The number of forks, tablespoons, and teaspoons is the number of family members plus a reserve in case guests arrive. Same with kitchen knives. It also happens that the owners do not use cutlery and knives, but for guests you need a few pieces.

Knives for cutting food (kitchen knives). You may need at least two of them: one for the meat and one for everything else, not counting the knife for peeling potatoes. It is much easier to have a separate knife for meat and poultry, another for fish, a long knife for cutting vegetables, fruits and bread.

This is a basic set, in which, if desired, you can add a cutter for pizza, dough or cakes, a knife with an original cutting pattern for slicing tomatoes, or a tool for removing the core from apples or lemon zest.

You can not do without vegetable peeler knives . With their help, you can quickly and safely remove the skin from any vegetables and fruits. Familiar to everyone from childhood (remember how she helped her mother peel potatoes?) the potato peeler has improved a bit today. At the discretion of the hostess, the choice is left to the blade — straight or serrated, with one-sided or two-sided sharpening.

A modern vegetable peeler blade can be floating. There are models with a rotating cutting element. For convenience, you can purchase two different models. For example, one with a side floating blade, and the other with a rotating one. The price of the question ranges from 2 to 15 dollars for each.

There is also a more economical model-universal. Also quite suitable for home use. It has a blade for cleaning vegetables and fruits, a sharp tip for removing stains and “sores” from fruits and teeth for removing scales from fish. Very practical and profitable option. The average price is $ 12.

Kitchen plates

The dishes in the house should be completely different. When buying them, you can stop at the same ornament, but you can also choose different colors — who likes what. Ideally, have another set that will decorate a festive table or friendly gatherings.

As a rule, everyone uses deep soup plates with a diameter of 24 cm (9.4 in) and flat plates “for the second”. You will rarely meet a person who uses something else.

Those who like to eat soup from a pot can buy saucepan plates (rather non-standard, but interesting design), so as not to change their habits.

Flat plates with a diameter of just under 20 cm (7.9 in).

A variety of saucers can also be used in the house. Not only as coasters for glasses or cups. You can put a sponge cake or a fragrant bun in them, pour a handful of berries to the baby, they can be used to cover uneaten food before going to the refrigerator.

Saucers usually go with the cups. But you can buy several pieces separately.

It is necessary in the house and a deep bowl (salad bowl), and it is better to have two — a large and smaller.

Pots
The presence of kitchen pots is not even discussed. Preference is given to pots of different sizes to feed family members in one day, for example, and a hearty soup, and mashed potatoes, and a vitamin drink. This will require as many as 3 pans. Here it is-the optimal number. Let one be 1 liter (0.26 US gal), the second — 2-2.5 liters (0.52-0.66 US gal),and the third-4.5 liters (1.18 US gal). In the latter, it will be convenient to cook jam.

When choosing pots, the deciding factor is not the price, not the manufacturer or the appearance, but the material and the presence of the lid. The materials will be discussed later, and the cover just needs to be there. This will protect the stove and the wall from splashes, stains and subsequent washing off by the owner of all this ugliness. So a tight-fitting lid is half the deal. The lid can be made of glass, or it can be made of the same material as the pan itself. It is best to use a lid with a hole for steam to escape.

Frying pan

They are different. The most common option is a universal pan . On which you can fry and simmer over low heat. The diameter and height of the walls are standard. It is often sold with a lid. If it is not available, you can easily choose any suitable diameter.

To surprise everyone with delicious branded cheesecakes, pancakes or cupcakes, you will need a pancake pan.

Shallow, almost without walls and with a thin bottom.

A frying pan with high walls will be needed for stewing, frying, and light frying.

The following options are not too common. But in vain! With their help, you can experiment with new dishes, try new recipes and techniques. Suitable for this purpose:

Wok frying pan

It allows you to quickly and easily fry food, while maintaining a maximum of vitamins. It can be stewed and steamed. Kitchen appliances suitable for this type of pot are related to cooking with constant stirring. Only all products should be cut into small pieces.

Grill pan

Suitable for cooking fish, meat and vegetables in a large amount of oil. It has a characteristic ribbed bottom with a pattern, which then remains on the dishes if it is on the grid.

Frying pan for fish

Designed so that the fish can be fried whole. In all other respects, it is no different from the usual one.

Cauldron

The cauldron is associated with soup, but it can be used in many more ways than it seems. In the cauldron, you can cook vegetables and meat, cook soups and porridges. Thanks to the thick walls, the ingredients do not burn and remain hot. In the cauldron, you can cook both on the stove and on the fire.

Paella frying pan

Lovers of Italian and Spanish cuisine can not do without it. This pot has a slightly convex bottom and two handles. It is very convenient to prepare not only paella, but also to present it to guests.

Pan-Tapa

A gift from Sunny Georgia. That’s where she came from. A very heavy option compared to the universal frying pan, which we use most often. Made of cast iron, with a raised bottom and a heavy lid. Great for cooking chicken.

Tagine

Quite an exotic option. A native of Africa. The design consists of a base and a cover in the form of a cone. Because of the shape of the lid, the dish becomes soft and tender. The steam penetrates the food. In tagine, meat is prepared with various spices and herbs.

Cutting boards

It is better to have three: for fish, meat and vegetables. The most popular materials for boards are wood, plastic and glass. For a cottage, it is better to choose a wooden or plastic one. Glass cutting board — very “for the amateur”. Constantly making it uncomfortable to use: she quickly blunts the knives.

For those who can’t decide whether it’s plastic or wood, you can invest in both. It is believed that plastic boards are easier to clean, as dirt and germs are simply washed off under hot water and dish detergent. Wood also has the ability to absorb odors.

Mugs, glasses, cups

It goes without saying, it is included in the list of what you need in the kitchen. For those who can not imagine the morning, afternoon and evening without tea or coffee, a favorite mug is a kind of ritual object. It should be chosen in a good mood. For a practical option, you can use any round or square bottom, in the shape of a flower or fruit, with a modern ornament or in red polka dots on a white background. Here you have complete freedom of choice.

The situation is similar with glasses . Water, juice or lemonade perfectly fits in glasses with a stem (no more than 200 ml/7 fl. oz) or without a stem.

As a general rule, mugs are often used in the home, rather than cups or teacups. But do not skimp, it is still worth buying a few pairs or an elegant tea cup. If the opportunity presents itself or there is a mood, they will take their place on the table and will certainly decorate the tea party on the summer terrace.

As for the glasses : they should be. What for? It depends on the preferences of the owners and guests. To show off homemade wine, wine glasses, liqueurs or glasses are suitable. Cocktail lovers are better off using cocktail glasses, champagne lovers will have to choose tall, thin flute glasses.

Storage tanks

Near the shelves with these items, time stops. You can endlessly choose cans with or without lids, metal or plastic, transparent or colored. In order to save space, time and money, it is better to calculate how much grain, sugar and salt will be stored in banks. So it is much easier to choose several items that match the desired style and color.

Don’t forget about the bread box. It can be plastic or wood. The latter is more colorful. In any case, it should perform its function-to keep the bread fresh.

Thus, all household utensils are divided into:

food utensils (plates, bowls, cups, cutlery, etc.))
cooking utensils (pots, kitchen knives, pans, etc.)
storage containers (cans, bread boxes, salt shakers, etc.).

What materials can be used to make dishes

It is not so easy to choose dishes that will last a long time and will be environmentally friendly. Somewhere you will be pleased with the price, desire, quality and appearance. For high-quality material and attractive design, you will have to pay extra. But I don’t want to pay too much! What can you do to get high-quality and pleasant dishes for your wallet?

Cast iron cookware
Many of you may remember the giant black pots, which are not something to move, remove from the heat is already a problem. Despite its weight, cast iron cookware is one of the most durable and safe.

Yes, cast iron heats up slowly. But it cools down slowly. That counts as a plus. Therefore, the food will stay warm longer without additional heating. Cast-iron pots and pans are ideal for cooking stews, various soups, porridges and pilaf. Also, in such a pan, the food almost does not stick.

If someone is concerned about its appearance, then cast-iron dishes are enameled and non-enameled. Dishes without enamel coating are old — fashioned. Before selling, its technical coating is coated with a special oil to protect it from rust. The oil you want to remove. The more you use cast-iron cookware, the better it creates a “non-stick coating” effect. Cast iron is a porous material. Fat clogs these pores. Over time, a film forms on the surface to prevent overcooking.

Enameled cast iron cookware is distinguished by the fact that the outer side is covered with a matte or glossy enamel. At the same time, the natural properties of cast iron are not lost. The enamel just gives it a more presentable look and protects it from rust.

Important:

Cast-iron dishes should not be left wet, otherwise they will rust.
You can not leave the products in it for a long time, if it is not covered with a special matte enamel inside.
If dropped, the cast iron may crack.
Do not wash cast-iron dishes in the dishwasher.

Enameled tableware

Another well-known option. Enameled dishes are ideal for making porridges, soups, compotes and purees. One side of the vegetables and meat in it often burn. It is usually made of metal that is enameled to protect against corrosion. Cooking in such a pot is easy and simple.

However, it has a bad feature: the enamel easily chips off. If this has affected the surface of the pan, then first the broken enamel can get into the food. Second, the food will burn as soon as the coating is damaged. And, finally, the most important thing: the place where the crack begins to come into contact with the water. The metal then appears to rust, and heavy metal salts can get into the food. Deformed enamel dishes are better to throw away or come up with some other use.

Important:

Do not place hot dishes in the cold to avoid chipping.
It is better to use pans with dark enamel or blackened bottoms to increase the conductivity of heat.

Aluminum cookware

A few decades ago, aluminum cookware was a hit among suburban residents. It is cheap, heats up quickly. What else do you need for happiness?! But after it was officially proved that aluminum oxidizes and releases toxic substances when heated, dishes made of this material began to be treated with suspicion. To return her old interest, not so long ago, a line for the production of dishes made of aluminum alloy with other metals was launched. The products are more attractive and durable.

Ordinary aluminum cookware is easily deformed, can even bend and break at the point of bending. Food often burns, so it is better to cook cereals in an aluminum pan, but not vegetables or soups.

Important:

Do not clean aluminum cookware with a hard metal brush or sponge, or with abrasives.
You can’t store food in it. Cooked in an aluminum pan should be immediately poured into another container.

Stainless Steel Cookware

It appeared relatively recently. Stainless steel is one of the safest materials. Its design is attractive and modern. You can choose a matte or glossy version.

Stainless steel cookware is lightweight, durable, and does not require special care. Food burns because it is very hard and the bottom is heated evenly. It keeps the heat well. Almost every model has a lid with a hole for removing steam (the lid can be glass) and comfortable handles (sometimes with an anti-slip coating).

Adherents of healthy food for the soul will like the fact that it can be cooked with a minimum amount of oil.

Important:

Do not heat stainless steel dishes in the oven.
If you cook in it on a gas stove, the fire should not go beyond the bottom. Otherwise, the handle will heat up and deform.

Glass cookware

Glass is still not relevant. If previously produced mainly glasses, shot glasses, cups, now there is a fire-resistant glass. It is suitable for making plates, baking pans and small bowls that can be heated in the microwave, in the oven and on the stove. It is quite suitable for a festive version. You can cook anything you want in it.

Ceramic cookware

Ceramic dishes are not placed behind the glass positions. The dishes are very tender and soft. This is due to the uniform heating of products that are not fried, but slowly stewed.

Ceramics retain heat and moisture well. Ideal for cooking vegetable stews and meat dishes (meat casserole in it turns out just delicious!).

Important: ceramics are very fragile. Such cookware should be treated carefully.

Plastic Kitchen Accessories

It’s disposable. I really like lazy vacationers: I ate out of it and threw it away. No need to wash, wipe, clean. Of course, this option must be present in the case of a picnic. After all, it is not very convenient to drag glass plates and mugs.

Convenient, disposable dishes, and in case one of the guests did not have enough plates or cutlery. But eating from it every day is not very aesthetic, and it is harmful. By itself, plastic tableware is very fragile, so for strength, stabilizers are added to it. It becomes stronger, but more poisonous. Once in a person’s body, it harms them.

Important: proper use of plastic tableware. The label should say what not to do: heat, wash, etc.

Wooden dishes

A real salvation for those who adhere to a healthy lifestyle and prefer everything natural. Ideal for home use because of its durability. Wooden dishes are very difficult to break. Some will say that plates made of linden or cedar are not particularly beautiful. Yes, they are simple, but this is their advantage. The advantage of natural beauty. The wood has a pleasant unobtrusive color and aroma. Any food from wooden plates or wooden mugs with tea will be much tastier.

Important:

Before the first use, lubricate the dishes with odorless vegetable oil.
Then place in a preheated 200 °C (392°F) oven and leave it to cool. This will make the dishes sparkle and increase the service life.
Do not dry wooden dishes near an open fire.

Decor from broken dishes

Did your favorite plate or mug break? This is not a reason to immediately send it to the trash. These things can find a second life in the form of a mosaic.

To create a mosaic, you can use old broken plates or cups, unnecessary vases. If the product is broken, just passed into the category of garbage, it must be carefully split with a hammer into pieces of a suitable size. To avoid injury, the dishes should first be wrapped in a cloth (an old towel or pillowcase).

How to create a mosaic decor

Decorate vases, jewelry boxes, and flower pots with broken pottery shards. If you want and have patience, you can start decorating walls, countertops, cabinets, chairs, birdhouses, sinks, and garden furniture.
Choose any image you like. The simplest option is to cover the working surface of the workpieces, collecting them into a single picture. Accordingly, the size of the pieces of the mosaic may differ, as well as the color of the drawing.
Prepare the work surface. Degrease and clean it from dust. Any bulge on the work surface will have an effect while the drawing is being displayed.
Apply glue or liquid nails in the right amount so that the level is the same everywhere. It’s okay if there’s a little more in some places.
Lay out the mosaic itself. If the mosaic consists of a drawing and a background, the main shapes are laid out first, and the background is applied last.
Start calculating the picture from the center.
After laying out the mosaic, apply the grout. Before applying, remove any excess glue. Grout is best applied in parts. To process in parts, wait 10 minutes and remove any excess with a damp cloth or sponge.

Special attention is paid to the decor of broken cups, teapots and lids. You can make very beautiful and unique things out of them. Teapot lids would make a great hanger for aprons, oven gloves, and kitchen towels. The lid can be covered with a special glass paint and firmly glued to the wall. Decorated with mosaics, a broken or slightly chipped cup turns into a stand for toothbrushes or combs. You just need to show imagination.

Significant efforts in the process of applying some mosaic will not be required, but a bright and colorful thing will appear in the house, and you will get an unspeakable pleasure. It can only be compared with the first puzzle collected in childhood. If you have a lot of unnecessary kitchen utensils, you may need ideas for original crafts from cutlery. You can find them on our website in quite a large number.

Some useful tips

If you use the “delicious” colors of plates and mugs, they will increase your appetite and set the mood.
If you are not going to make a mosaic, do not save up broken or chipped dishes.
Dishes should help in the kitchen, and not dust in the closet. If there is no moral readiness to use a grill pan or tagine, they are not worth buying.
Be sure to pay attention to the material of the product.
Carefully read the manufacturer’s recommendations for the care of dishes. This will extend its service life and preserve its appearance and functionality.

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