Within this article you will find information about non-stick cookware, including types of non-stick cookware and details about each type. This information should provide a strong basis for deciding if non-stick cookware is a good choice for you and what type has the qualities you are most interested in.

Although there are several types of non-stick cookware they all share some common characteristics that make this style of cookware very popular. Some cooks like non-stick cookware for it’s easy cleanup. The non-stick coating means that foods aren’t stuck to the cookware after you are done cooking which in turn means you won’t need to wear out your elbow scrubbing away stuck on food. Another trait that makes the non-stick style of cookware popular is its capability of cooking non-fat meals. Foods don’t stick to the surface of non-stick cookware so there isn’t a need to use high fat coatings like butter, grease or oil in the preparation.

Non-stick cookware varies by type of coating used and amount of layers the coating is applied in. Some materials that are used for non-stick coatings include Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) and Enamel. These materials are usually applied in 1 to 3 layers. The more layers applied the better the quality of the cookware. A cookware set with 3 layers will be less porous and smoother to the touch, this will help keep foods from sticking to the surface. Hard-Anodized cookware is another type of non-stick cookware, however it does not have a coating.

PTFE is also know as Teflon a Dupont brand name. Teflon was introduced in 1949 and despite recent controversies it is still one of the most popular non-stick coatings available. Teflon cookware can be highly non-stick and is found on the low end of the price spectrum.

Among controversies surrounding teflon are concerns of toxic gases and known carcinogens being release into the air when the teflon is heated to certain temperatures. Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) also known as C8 is used to bond teflon to the cookware’s surface and is an example of one of the carcinogens said to be released when Teflon reaches high temperatures. The temperature range for most teflon cookware is said to be 500 degrees. Teflon cookware is also known to peel over time and with misuse, However Teflon is used in the medical field and is said to not be harmful if ingested . Although it may create a higher price tag, a higher amount of coating layers used on the cookware can help prevent the Teflon from peeling.

Hard-Anodized cookware is created by causing accelerated oxidation to take place by submerging aluminum in an acid bath and applying electrical charges. Oxidation is a natural process and is found in nature however in this situation it is forced to happen more quickly. Hard-Anodized cookware is virtually non-porous which is what makes it “non-stick”. Hard-anodized cookware is one the most durable cookwares you can buy. This type of cookware surface resists scratching and corrosion so you don’t have to worry about peeling or flaking, even when using metal utensils. Unlike, other non-stick cookware hard-anodized cookware can withstand very high heats that range up to 1,200 degrees. The price tag attached to this type of cookware may be a little more expensive than Teflon but it is still pretty reasonably priced.

Enameled cookware is made by coating metals such as cast iron or steel with a layer of porcelain. This coating is non-porous which makes this type of cookware non-stick. Just like teflon the quality of enameled cookware is dependent on how many layers were used to coat the cookware. While the enameled cookware with more layers will stand up to everyday abuse and last a long time, the lower end enameled cookware can chip and scratch. The max suggested temperature for this type of cookware is similar to teflon at around 500 degrees. The price range for enamel cookware can get a little steep however it can last a long time if take care of properly.

The two main advantages of non-stick cookware are obviously the ease of clean up and the fact that food doesn’t stick while you are cooking. This type of cookware can be wonderful to have in a kitchen for these reasons however, no matter what type or quality you buy be sure to follow the manufacturers care instructions. If these instructions are followed your cookware should provide you with a much lower hassle way or preparing meals.

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