How to choose a frying pan?

A frying pan is considered an integral attribute of the kitchen. Thrifty housewives acquire dishes of different sizes in order to have time to prepare the intended meals for the family. To choose environmentally friendly, durable cookware that will last for many years, take into account the criteria and functions of kitchen utensils.

Which frying pan should I buy?

Every housewife definitely buys a pancake maker. This is a flat dish with low sides. Also in the drawer there is always a round frying pan and a medium size. It prepares products for further processing and preparation of complex dishes. For those who like to cook pilaf and stew, a wok is suitable. A modern option for delicious dishes is the grill. Many people definitely buy it for themselves.

There is no universal frying pan in which everything can be cooked at once. You will have to purchase several products of a suitable shape.

Features of the material

The choice of utensils based on the type of alloy from which they are made is huge. Many factors depend on this criterion: weight of the product, thermal conductivity, heating rate, possibility of burning, and more. We will consider only popular types that are most often used in the kitchen.

1. Cast iron. A material that housewives love. With proper storage and processing, food does not burn on it, and the food heats up evenly. In addition, such dishes are strong and durable and will last for many years.Can be used on any stove, open fire and oven. At the same time, kitchen utensils are not very presentable, have a lot of weight and are expensive.
2. Steel frying pan. Visual appeal and good performance. This pan will cook food evenly. To avoid damage, burning and deformation, it is better not to overheat them, do not use them at high temperatures or on an open fire.
3. Aluminum cookware. Inexpensive material that is lightweight. Disadvantages include fragility and the ability to deform, especially when working at high temperatures. Food may burn if the pan is not equipped with an additional coating.
4. Copper products. Such utensils are rarely used in the kitchen at home. This is explained by its high cost. However, professional chefs prefer copper cookware, as it allows them to control the degree of heating of food.
5. Stainless steel. Durable, non-deformable steel, attractive in appearance and extremely practical. You can’t ruin it with metal spatulas and hard sponges when washing. However, it is better to mix the products thoroughly during cooking. Otherwise they will burn.

There are also combined models that combine the advantages of all available materials. For example, an aluminum frying pan coated with a thin layer of copper. It allows you to create culinary masterpieces, while the food is evenly heated and does not burn.

Stove compatibility

The type of stove installed in the kitchen plays a huge role. For example, almost all types of utensils are suitable for gas ones. The main condition is that the bottom thickness must be at least 5 mm.Otherwise, the cookware may become deformed when heated.

For induction, purchase a special frying pan, marked accordingly.

Pans made of any material with a flat bottom are perfect for electric stoves. The only exceptions are aluminum ones, which are easily deformed when heated.

Purpose

Another important criterion. Decide why you need a new frying pan. This will be a universal utensil for frying and preparing breakfasts. Or your kitchen needs a pancake maker, grill and other types of utensils.

Dimensions

This parameter directly depends on the size of the family living in the apartment. If this is a married couple of two people, a medium-sized frying pan with a diameter of 18-20 cm is suitable. For large companies, models of 24, 26 and 28 cm are available.

Select the lid around the circumference so that it fits snugly around the edges.

Coating

Often dishes are supplemented with special coatings so that food does not burn and the service life is as long as possible. On certain types, cooking is carried out without oil.

1. Ceramic coating. Suitable for cast iron, aluminum and steel cookware. Food does not burn in such a frying pan. However, she is afraid of hard brushes, sudden heat or cold water immediately after cooking, as well as the aggressive effects of washing products.
2. Diamond sputtering. The only negative is that the cost is too high. It is usually applied to aluminum cookware to allow the use of metal spatulas and spoons, as well as to make fragile kitchen utensils wear-resistant.
3. Marble chips. A strong coating that is used on aluminum pans. Thanks to this, they can be washed in dishwashers.The blades are only soft; sudden temperature changes are not allowed.
4. Tin film. Designed for copper cookware, but is more often used in pans. Does not recognize temperature changes.
5. Steel bottom. Used over copper to prevent oxidation. Perfect for the frying process.
6. Teflon. Apply to utensils made of steel and aluminum. Designed for heating up to 200⁰С. At higher temperatures it can release chemicals harmful to the body. At the same time, you can cook without oil, the food does not burn.
7. Titanium coating. Expensive dishes that are not afraid of the abrasive effects of brushes and hard metal spatulas. It will last a long time and is not afraid of strong heat.
8. Enameled cookware. It is applied to cast iron. It prevents corrosion and is not afraid of temperature changes. You can wash it in the dishwasher and put the dishes in the refrigerator.

Most modern products are produced with additional coating. But even so, they need to be carefully monitored and thrown away at the slightest chips or cracks.

Choosing a frying pan is not an easy task. If this is done correctly, the dishes will last for many years, helping to prepare delicious dishes and delight the family.