A comic compliment to the hostess, sounding like “Your soup is so delicious! You probably have a good pot! ”As practice shows, it is not without common sense, because improperly selected dishes carry the danger of, at a minimum, burnt soup or side dish.
Which pot to choose
Soviet-made hits - aluminum and enamel pots, more reminiscent of tanks - are confidently replaced by stainless steel pots and ceramic coating. To understand the variety of dishes for cooking hot dishes and be able to choose the best, you need to have some information, which will be discussed below.
Pots in stores differ in size and materials of manufacture. As for the size, here you need to proceed only from the characteristics of your diet and the number of family members.
For an average family of 4-5 people, a set of two liter pots for boiling eggs and a side dish for a couple of servings, one two- and three-liter pot for a side dish for the whole family or soup for one day, and one or two five-liter pots for compotes and soups for a few days ahead.
As for the materials of manufacture, on this basis, the pots can be divided into 3 groups:
- Unpopular with the consumer due to rapid wear and / or insecurity.
These include Teflon pans, which deteriorate from one scratch and cease to be usable, as well as aluminum pans, which are not much, not a little dangerous to health due to the fact that aluminum is a very malleable material, easily peels off and ends up in food, and also enters into chemical reactions with food, which is undoubtedly harmful to health.
Aluminum was obtained at the beginning of the 19th century and for some time won a rather honorable place. It is a well-known fact that Napoleon preferred aluminum appliances for himself and special guests, and gold and silver for everyone else at the meal. At the moment, despite the proven facts about the dangers of aluminum in contact with food, cutlery from this material continues to be used in some catering establishments of a lesser order.
- Not in great demand due to the specificity of the dishes for which they are intended.
These include cast iron ducklings and cauldrons, as well as refractory glass and clay pots, which are most often used for baking in the oven and have a lot of conditions for long-term operation.
- A popular product that is very popular with customers.
These include enameled pans, stainless steel and ceramic coated, among which the modern consumer most often chooses. We will dwell on this category of dishes in more detail.
Enameled pots
Enameled utensils - one of the attributes of Soviet cuisine, served as a good and sometimes very beautiful alternative to aluminum tanks.
It is made of cast iron or glands but, they cover the top with two or three layers of enamel - it turns out pretty cute and inexpensive, but such dishes have a number of significant drawbacks:
- Food in an enamel pan, whether it be soup or, moreover, milk porridge, burns very quickly without continuous stirring and, accordingly, loses its pleasant taste.
- Enameled pot, painted in bright hues, heats up for a long time, so experienced housewives know that it is better not to wash the smoked bottom of such dishes.
- Enamel starts to chip off pretty soon due to scratches or tapping, as well as from accidental drops. In this case, the pan immediately loses its presentation, the metal begins to rust and the dishes can no longer be used for cooking.
Against the background of all these obvious disadvantages, enamel pots There is one significant advantage - this is their price. Such dishes are really inexpensive, but they look almost like a doll because of the color and pattern, so as a decoration and with careful infrequent use, they may well come in handy.
Stainless steel pans
Pans made of an alloy of nickel and chromium, according to some housewives, lose aesthetically because of their cold metallic luster, and also because of the considerable price tag.
But in fact, stainless steel pots have no drawbacks, but their cost is justified by trouble-free operation for many years.
- In such pans you can cook absolutely any food, it does not burn and does not react with metal.
- The stainless steel pan heats up quickly and evenly, keeps the temperature perfectly, keeping dinner warm for a long time.
- You can store cooked soup or other dish in it without fear that the food or the pan will go bad.
- The dishes retain their literally shiny appearance without special efforts mistresses and special means for cleansing.
Having opted for a stainless steel pan, regardless of its cost (at a suspiciously low price, most likely you have a fake in front of you), you will definitely not regret it.
Ceramic pots
Ceramic tableware combines the delicate beauty of enameled, adding sophistication and sophistication, and the environmental friendliness of stainless steel, because food in ceramic dishes also does not enter into any reactions, retaining taste and temperature for a long time y.
In addition, ceramic dishes have a high thermal conductivity, that is, they heat up quite quickly on any, and also have a very reasonable price. The only and very significant disadvantage of such a pan is its extraordinary fragility. It will naturally break when dropped, but also if it is lightly hit on the edge or put hot on cold or vice versa.
Otherwise, such dishes, placed in the center of the table, will create a special atmosphere and mood, as well as an excellent reputation for the culinary talents of the hostess because of the ability to preserve the best in food.
Choose from three types pans, indeed, is not easy - each has its own advantages and disadvantages. It is much easier and more interesting to have a copy of each of them in your kitchen and use it from time to time and on occasion: enameled for compote on a hot day, ceramic for a festive stew, and leave a stainless steel pan for every day.
How to choose a pot
enamelled
Knowing a few secrets before going to the store, you can choose the best enamel pot for yours.
- In the case of enamelware, you should stop your choice on domestic manufacturer, because in our country, in the old fashioned way, the workpiece is dipped into enamel, while abroad they use the spraying method. The latter is less reliable than the traditional one.
- Gotta choose dishes with the thickest possible walls- at least 3 mm, and preferably all 4-5 mm.
- Be sure to check whether the products comply with GOST, as an unscrupulous manufacturer may use enamel with additives and impurities that are unacceptable for contact with food.
- Enamel, of course, must be applied in an even, integral layer without bubbles and damage, and it must also not be oily and which indicate a violation of the firing technology.
- Ideal is enamelware with a dark, preferably black, bottom - such a pan will heat up faster and distribute heat.
stainless steel
Stainless steel pans look almost the same and even have about the same price, but in order to choose the really “right” one, you need:
- The first step is to turn the pan over to find the marking 18/10. If these numbers are available, they are always noticeable and mean that the pan is made of a good alloy, the so-called "medical steel". If there is no marking, then it is better not to buy a pan, no matter how much you like it in other respects.
- After inspecting the pot inside and out, you should be satisfied with a smooth surface without dents or scratches.
- On the brochure accompanying the dishes, pay attention to the composition of the capsule bottom - an invariable attribute of modern high-quality dishes.
The capsule bottom consists of three layers: between two stainless steel layers of aluminum (not less than 3 mm, preferably 4-5 mm) or a layer of copper (not less than 1.5 mm). If the thickness of the intermediate layers is significantly less, then such a pan will heat up worse and yield to analogues with a better bottom.
from ceramics
The choice of a ceramic pan can be safely entrusted to a woman who pays the most attention to color and ornament and, as a rule, forgets to read the accompanying booklet or check the markings on the bottom of the dish. The fact is that all ceramics are approximately in the same price category, they are high-quality dishes (provided that you are not in front of an outright fake), and the service life and preservation of the original characteristics depends only on accuracy in operation. When buying, you should pay attention to whether there are any chips, cracks and scratches in the pan you like in appearance and size, and feel free to take it.
So, going to the store for a new pan:
- you need to clearly know what exactly is not worth wasting time on (aluminum and teflon pans);
- which pans you do not need due to their specifics (cast-iron ducklings and others);
- and choose from enameled, stainless and ceramic, based on financial capabilities and aesthetic preferences.
The quality of food depends on the products and on the dishes in which it was cooked. Today manufacturers kitchen utensils has become hundreds of times more than a few decades ago, so choosing a really good stainless steel pan is not so easy. What popular manufacturers and importers are in the top of the best?
A bountiful harvest
Pots are designed specifically for housewives who enjoy spending time in the kitchen and canning food. The set includes 5 positions, volumes 4, 5; 5.5; eight; 12; 10 liters. Each container is equipped with a heat-resistant glass lid with a built-in steam vent and a comfortable, non-heating handle. The bottom is slightly thicker than usual, which allows you to distribute heat evenly. Made from high quality material, it is easy to care for and looks great for years to come.
Gourmet
Crockery "Gourmet" is combined with any type of plates. Suitable for washing in the dishwasher, can be put in the refrigerator. It is made of pure steel marking 18/10. Anti-corrosion properties make it possible to safely store food for a long time. Gourmet Profi - stainless steel utensils, with a polished matte finish on the inside, and on the outside there is a shiny polished strip. Products in it retain their natural taste, do not oxidize.
Katyusha
Pots of the brand "Katyusha" made of stainless steel made in Russia are popular among our compatriots. And there are a number of reasons for this: enamel coating, steel handles do not heat up. They are very convenient to use. Enamelled steel lids with Bakelite handle. The thickness of the metal is 0.8 millimeters. Suitable for any type of hob. The taste of food is not distorted, the walls of dishes do not absorb odors.
All-clad
A brand with a rich history that produces high-quality dishes. Stainless steel pans with a thick bottom, they are compact and convenient. All-Clad dishes are bought for the kitchen by one of the best chefs in America, Thomas Keller, because of their small volumes and High Quality utensils. Pots are produced in limited quantities.
BergHOFF
The Belgian brand that won the hearts of Russians. Pots that are able to meet the needs and demands of anyone: high-quality, durable, with an unrivaled design. Made of 304 AISI steel, at the bottom there is a decorative copper plate located in the center. Available in volumes 3.9; 4.5; 2.7; 1.3 liters. Designed for electric and induction cookers. The pan is endowed with a system from overheating of the handles, has a "sandwich" bottom, outer coating, mirror polished. The manufacturer provides a 12-month warranty on the product.
Blaumann
High quality tableware affordable price came to us from Belgium. This brand has firmly established itself due to the aesthetics, functionality and high quality of its products. Thick-bottomed, solid-walled stainless steel pots help cook food without sticking. The tight-fitting lid keeps cooked food out of the way as much as possible. harmful substances from the outside. Cookware can be used on electric, gas and ceramic plates. Blaumann - time-tested quality.
Crsitel
Pots from premium French manufacturers occupy one of the leading places. Crsitel are equipped with removable or fixed handles. They have excellent thermal conductivity, strength and durability. Cookware can be used on all types of stoves, including induction. They are easy to wash and clean, they are thought out to the smallest detail. Despite their incredible simplicity, they have excellent technical specifications. It is made of a three-layer alloy of stainless steel and aluminum. The heat is evenly distributed over the surface and side walls of the cookware, so it is easy to cook food in it, without the risk of burning.
Hoffmann
Pans Hoffmann - a trendy design and high quality. The ware differs in durability, durability and simplicity in leaving. At correct operation pans for a long time are not deformed and do not rust. The internal non-stick coating allows you to cook food at any temperature. The lid is made of heat-resistant glass, which allows the hostess to control the cooking process without lifting the lid. There is a steam outlet. The pot can be washed in the dishwasher. Available in volume 1.8; 2.7; 3.64 5.4 liters.
Fissler
Pots made of stainless steel made in Germany will take their rightful place in the kitchen. All utensils are made of high quality material, so when proper care it will sparkle even if you cook in it every day. Made from stainless steel, has glass lid. The three-layer heat-distributing bottom will not allow food to burn. Suitable for all types of plates. Fissler combines modern design and best technology production.
Maestro
High quality utensils suitable for any manipulations in the kitchen. It is made of harmless metal, resistant to high temperatures and suitable for any type of stove. Maestro pots are easy to use and easy to care for. Main Feature Maestro brand is the presence of dishes of different colors. Available in volume 1.5; 3; 5 liters. The lid of the pan is glass, ergonomic. Handles are made in the form of semirings (soldered). The advantage of pots is a measuring mark with inside which allows pouring required amount water. Easy to care for.
Philipia Milano
Philipiak Milano pots are safe and reliable. The ware is made of noble steel which is not subject to corrosion and mechanical deformations. Italian style, modern design have become a guarantor of the quality of this manufacturer. The thick accuthermal bottom heats up in a matter of seconds, accumulates heat and transfers it throughout the volume. The lid has a specially shaped edge that creates a ring between the pot and the lid itself, ensuring a tight seal. Food is cooked faster and without loss of useful properties.
Röndell
Practicality, volume marks, non-heating handles, a triple bottom - all these are Röndell pans. Modern design to the liking of any hostess. From the outside, the dishes have a matte polish with a mirror rim. Looks very nice. Spouts provided on both sides for draining are convenient. The lid is made of heat-resistant glass with a wide rim, which has holes of different diameters. Comfortable handles are supplemented with silicone inserts, there is no need to use pot holders. At the bottom, the manufacturer's marking flaunts. Röndell - stainless steel pans with a thick bottom.
Sartenes
The stainless steel pot has an aluminum core that allows you to heat up faster and distribute heat over the entire area of the dish. The steel is high quality. The lid is made of glass, very convenient, allows you to control the cooking process. The handles are resistant to high temperature indicators, this allows you to cook in the oven. The saucepan resembles a deep frying pan in shape, so it is convenient to cook, stew and bake in it.
Solingen
The classic stainless steel kitchen utensils are represented by the Solingen brand. High-quality German pans are composed of nickel and chromium alloys. That is why they are so strong, stable and splendidly shiny. Volumes are different: from a liter to nine. Pots can be washed in two ways: by hand and by machine. On the walls there is a measuring scale and a condensate-plus function. And the combination of a mirror and matte finish makes the dishes not only functional, but also practical. Thermal conductivity guarantees a three-layer encapsulated bottom.
Tefal
The dishes of this manufacturer attract attention with a lid that has a glass top and steel sidewalls, where holes are made to drain the water. The bottom of the pan has its own special design and company logo. The advantages include: good quality on average cost, design, non-stick coating line, durability. Easy to clean and polish. Suitable for all types of plates. The surface is made of brushed steel.
Tescoma
Pros: stainless steel, glass lid with steel edging, thick walls, easy maintenance. The thick accuthermal bottom heats up quickly, accumulates heat and transfers it throughout the entire volume of the pan. Can be applied on all stoves, suitable for dishwashers. heat resistant plastic handles very comfortable, do not melt and have a company logo. Sandwich bottom, measuring scale and many interesting additions make the model indispensable in the household.
Tramontina
The cookware is made of 304 stainless steel with a three-layer bottom of 8.5 millimeters, in which an aluminum disc is mounted for better heat distribution. The thickness of the walls of the pans is 0.7 millimeters, they are made of heat-resistant steel. The handles are silicone coated to prevent burns while cooking. The handles are attached by welding, which ensures ease of washing, and food does not accumulate, as with the option of rivets and hats. The lids are polished, have a handle that fits snugly to it.
Vinzer
The first advantage of the pan is the molded handles. In total, there are three holders on the dishes, two on the sides and one on the lid. The inserted silicone pads make the handles safe, so you can safely carry the dishes and open them without potholders at the time of cooking. They are fastened with reliable rivets that do not loosen or unwind during operation. The lid is made of thermo glass and has a steam outlet. Inside there is a measuring scale. The bottom is made of food grade steel and has bottom attachment technology. Suitable for all types of plates.
Zwilling J.A. Henckels
A saucepan with a comfortable handle, which is soldered to the walls of the dish. It does not heat up, does not slip, and is conveniently hung up if necessary. Brand Zwilling J.A. Henckels has been making utensils for 270 years and hallmark are embossed little men on the body. Manufactured from stainless steel by cold hardening. The result is a strong and durable product. The bottom is made using a special SIGMABOND technology. Suitable for all types of plates. The pan is quite weighty, since the bottom has a thickness of 1 centimeter.
The quality of cooked food depends on the dishes in which it is cooked. A good pot to distribute the heat evenly. This will prevent the food from burning.
High-quality stainless steel utensils are presented on the website www.berghoff.in.ua/kastryuli. Also here you can choose cutlery, tea and coffee makers, and much more.
Pots made from this material are extraordinarily beautiful. They attract with their mirror shine.
In addition, they have other advantages:
- glossy surface does not allow dirt to accumulate. Stainless steel is easy to clean, such dishes are easy to clean;
- the medical steel used for the manufacture of dishes is completely neutral. It does not affect the taste of the dish in any way. In addition, it is resistant to impact, so any food can be cooked in such pans;
- Most stainless steel pots have clear lids. They allow you to control the processes occurring inside;
- high quality cookware is made with a thick multi-layered bottom. It is able to accumulate and evenly redistribute heat. This feature of the cookware allows you to reduce the cost of gas or electricity. Since after heating the stove can be turned off and further cooking will occur due to the accumulated heat in the bottom of the dish.
As a rule, such dishes are quite expensive. But it can last for decades.
What dishes to choose
Today there is a large selection of dishes from different materials. There are companies that specialize in the production of stainless steel cookware. The Belgian company BergHOFF is the leader in the production of pots and other stainless steel kitchen utensils. This company has been on the market for about 20 years, but has already firmly won the love of housewives all over the world. This brand of cookware is excellent value for money.
There are companies that produce more expensive kitchen utensils. But why pay more when BergHOFF pots are as good as they are?
Beware of buying cheap imitations. Such dishes are made of low-quality metal, which can be harmful to your health. When manufacturing, the necessary technological processes are often not observed, which leads to a quick failure.
To choose a quality pan, you need:
- to hold it in your hands, a high-quality pan should have a three-layer bottom with an insert made of copper and aluminum, as well as walls with a thickness of 0.5 to 0.8 mm. As a rule, such pans are quite heavy;
- inspect the handles, they must be securely fastened.
If you provide your dishes necessary care it will serve you for many years!
Test purchase (stainless steel cookware):
The need to replace pans can be caused by the acquisition of modern kitchen equipment, the end of the service life metal products. The range of offered dishes is so diverse that in order to make a decision, it is necessary to carefully weigh the pros and cons. A significant argument is the high price of kitchen appliances. It is not an easy task to correlate the quality, price of purchased pans and your own financial capabilities. But what set of enameled pots with lids exists and what parameters should be used to select them, is indicated in this
Pros and cons of enamel pans
Enameled pots are a traditional attribute of Russian cuisine.
Products with enamel coating are produced from carbon steel, stainless steel. Enameled cast iron pans are not uncommon.
Enamel can be applied on the inner and outer surfaces of the dishes or on one side (for cast iron pans).
On the video - which pans are better to choose:
Advantages of enamel products:
- Enamel protects metal from corrosion.
- The inner surface does not absorb odors.
- The finished product can be stored for a long time without changing its taste.
- Can be cooked in all types hobs. Exception - induction surfaces. For cooking on such appliances, the pan must have a special multi-layered bottom.
- Suitable for cooking all dishes: first, second, third.
- Elegant design, which is selected according to your taste.
- Can be washed by hand.
- Use dishwasher.
You may also be interested in information about the use
Cons of pots enamel coated with constant use:
- Destruction of the surface layer due to impact, abrasive action.
- As a result - the appearance of cracks, chips. Rust on the inner walls means that the utensils cannot be used for cooking. Damage to the outer walls spoils appearance products.
- strong flame gas burner causes smoke on the bottom and side walls.
- Thin walls quickly and unevenly warm up. Sticking of products occurs during heat treatment, which is reflected in palatability ready meal and difficult to wash off.
But what are the best stainless steel pots and which manufacturers offer the best products, can be read
On the video - the advantages of enameled pans:
Enamelled cast iron pans have excellent performance from carbon and stainless steel cookware.
Thickening of the bottom up to 5-6 mm reduces burn-on, brings enameled cookware closer in quality to cast iron.
On the video - comparison of pans:
Special conditions of use:
- Using induction hobs:
- stainless - in the presence of a multilayer bottom;
- enameled - in the presence of a ferromagnetic disk or a 3-layer bottom.
Significant disadvantages:
- For stainless cookware:
- covers;
- pens;
- raw material.
- For enamel pots:
- coating.
The qualitative characteristics of kitchen utensils should be compared with the prices offered by manufacturers.
Price limits for dishes depend on the brand and reputation of the manufacturer.
The cost of well-known brands of world leaders Teskoma, Gipfel, Fissler, ZwillingJ. Henkels are much higher than the models offered by Chinese, Russian, Belarusian manufacturers.
But what is a cauldron for induction cooker and how to use it
For comparison, the price of stainless steel pans with a volume of 2 liters from different manufacturers:
The cost of premium class dishes can reach 10,000 rubles. The cheapest options are offered by Chinese manufacturers.
Enamelware in the affordable segment is the Belarusian brand Omella: from 400 to 1000 rubles. Well-known manufacturers Wellberg, Vincent offer products from 400 to 700 rubles. Chinese products can be purchased for 200 rubles.
You may also be interested in information about whether it exists and whether it can be used often.
The manufacturer offers sufficiently high-quality dishes for little money.
What is the best choice for home
Decision-making is primarily influenced by financial possibilities. A coincidence of needs and capabilities is possible, given the information about the manufacturer. Do not forget that a cheap price for a branded item means only one thing - it is a fake. High-quality beautiful dishes are produced not only by European manufacturers. Buying an enameled or stainless steel pot is a matter of taste, fashion, and money.
You may also be interested in information about which one is best to choose.
What pot would you call a good one? It should be not only beautiful, but also comfortable and durable. And, preferably, universal. In this article, we have collected ten manufacturers of pots that we consider the best for home use in Russia in 2017.
What material is a good pot made of?
Perhaps the most popular material for pots (judging by the range of stores) - stainless steel. And this is not surprising:
- stainless steel is easy to care for
- in the cooking process, you can use any spoons and spatulas, including metal ones - unlike non-stick coating,
- you can cook dishes with vinegar and other acids (which you can’t do in an aluminum pan),
- a stainless steel pan looks beautiful, and this beauty lasts for a long time - the pieces do not break off, it is not afraid of temperature changes,
- in modern pans with a multilayer thick bottom and walls, food does not burn (if the bottom of the pan is thin, it can even burn).
Almost all major manufacturers of cookware offer us stainless steel pans: foreign ones - Rondell, TalleR, Regent Inox, Gipfel, Tefal, Nadoba, Vitesse, Mayer & Boch, Tescoma, domestic ones - Amet, Kukmara, Gurman (from VSMPO-Dishes). In stores you will also find a large selection of cheap thin-walled pots (Indian, Chinese, etc.) that also say stainless steel 18/10... A good steel pan can't be cheap! The low price should immediately sow doubt.
The second most popular material that was once the first - aluminum. Aluminum pans light, inexpensive (extruded aluminum is lighter and cheaper, cast aluminum is heavier, stronger and more expensive). At correct use absolutely safe! Water boils quickly in them. Boiling eggs or jacket potatoes in such a saucepan is a sweet thing. Especially for those who grew up in the USSR. In a modern aluminum pan with non-stick coating can and sauerkraut put out, and cook some compote, because there is no direct contact of acid and aluminum here. Aluminum pans are produced by TalleR, Rondell, Vitesse, Tefal and our Kukmara, Jarko, Vari, Kalitva.
For some dishes, only a thick-walled, heavy pan made of cast iron. Good cast iron pots can be found at Vitesse, TalleR, Rondell, Fissman.
Pots stand out fire-resistant, impact-resistant glass. In such a saucepan, you can cook a dish, put it in the refrigerator, beautifully serve it on the table. The only thing you can't do is use it on the stove. Only oven or microwave. Glass pans are produced by Unit, Simax, Pyrex, Supra.
Ceramics- the most ancient material for the manufacture of pans. Ceramic pan does not interact with food, keeps heat for a long time. It can be used on the stovetop. Dishes cooked in ceramic dishes have a special taste. Ceramic pots are expensive. And very fragile, this must be taken into account. Ceramic pots are produced by Bekker, Delimano, Frybest.
To compare the price level, we chose a pot with a volume of 2-2.5 liters. Meet the top ten (according to customer and expert reviews) pot manufacturers!