Non-stick pan - how to choose the right one

A frying pan is a required kitchen attribute. Especially housewives appreciate non-stick pans - it’s more convenient to cook on them and it’s easier to wash such dishes. We will figure out how to choose a high-quality frying pan with non-stick coating and what criteria to follow when choosing.

Pros and cons of materials for making pans

Modern pans are made of various materials:

• aluminum;
• cast iron;
• stainless steel.

Each metal has its own characteristics, disadvantages and advantages.

Aluminum pans

Aluminum is considered the most durable material for making dishes. Its longevity is difficult to challenge. Modern manufacturers prefer stainless steel, but aluminum is still in use.

Pros of aluminum pans:

• if such dishes are made by stamping, then it is quite light and easy to use;
• low cost;
• cast pan will keep heat for a long time and warms up quickly;

Minuses:

• burning during cooking;
• The best option is a gas stove. An electric stove will cause deformation of the bottom;
• fairly light weight compared to others.

Cast Iron Pans

It is believed that cast-iron dishes have long become obsolete and out of fashion. But you can find a cast-iron pan in the kitchen of a good housewife. Such "old-fashioned" material has many advantages.

Pros:

• cast iron is not harmful to health;
• universality: it does not matter which stove to use for frying, cast iron will not deteriorate in any case;
• durability.

Minuses:

• the material may rust. But proper care will extend the lifespan;
• storing food in such dishes is not recommended, as it can not only change the taste, but also gain a dark shade;
• a lot of weight.

Stainless steel pans

Stainless steel is a relatively new material for making dishes.

Pros:

• stainless steel cookware does not rust for a long time, longer service life;
• not harmful to health.

Minuses:

• requires more thorough and careful care;
• it cannot be heated without food.

Aluminum pans and non-stick coating

Aluminum pans have their own characteristics. There are several types of coatings:

• ceramic;
• titanium;
• diamond;
• teflon;
• marble.

Modern production methods and materials for coating pans provide them with some features:

1. The coating makes the pan more heat resistant.
2. A quality choice will be environmentally friendly.
3. Alkalis, acids and other chemicals will not spoil the quality and surface, will not affect the service life of a high-quality coating of dishes with non-stick coating.

When choosing, you need to take into account the thickness of the non-stick layer. If the manufacturer has not stinted on Teflon or titanium, you can be sure of the long life of the pot. The aluminum pan with a titanium-ceramic protective layer is of particular quality.

Non-stick Cast Iron Pans

Cast iron cookware differs not only in weight, but also in quality. The material from which it is made allows food not to burn during cooking. Therefore, the non-stick layer rather serves not for this. Cast iron rusts over time. You can slow down this process, but you will have to wipe the pan immediately after washing. An additional coating will simplify the maintenance of dishes and slow down the oxidation. The disadvantage of this choice is only in the high price.

Properties of non-stick stainless steel pan

Stainless steel itself calls its main advantage: almost zero risk of corrosion is a big plus of the material. But when buying and choosing, there is no need to skimp. The fact is that non-stick coating is vulnerable. If the wall thickness is decent, he will be able to save. Such a choice would be expensive. But the purchase will last a long time due to its properties and quality.

Types of non-stick coatings and their properties

Teflon

Teflon coating pan

The Teflon layer has a more complex name - polytetrafluoroethylene. In fact, only one manufacturer named the word “teflon”. In other countries, you can find other names for Teflon.

Most often treated with Teflon aluminum pans. The coating allows you to use less vegetable or animal fat for frying. Caring for damage will not be difficult.

However, it is worth remembering that caution when working with Teflon is first and foremost. Sharp objects will shorten its life by causing scratches.

Do not heat Teflon pan above 200 degrees, otherwise the material will be hazardous to health. The toxic gases that Teflon is capable of emitting at high temperatures are a significant minus.

Ceramic coating

Ceramic protection

The ceramic coating contains sand microparticles, and its main part is a nanocomposite polymer.

Ceramic coating at any temperature will not be environmentally harmful. And also perfect for those who exclude fats from their diet. It is completely optional to add oil during frying, and this will not affect the quality of cooking and the further taste of the dish.

You only need to wash such a pan with your hands: the dishwasher is capable of spoiling the vulnerable protection. Like Teflon, ceramics will not tolerate scratches and other damage with forks, knives and other devices.

Marble coating

Adding Marble Crumbs

This coating consists of Teflon, but has its own differences and advantages. Adding crumbs of marble allows the pan to better maintain temperature and heat up faster. Unlike other non-stick coatings, marble is easier to tolerate scratches, temperature differences. And that means it will last longer.

The pricing policy of manufacturers will not please. Of course, you can buy an inexpensive option. But after a short period of time you have to overpay, buying a new kitchen accessory. If the coating is thick enough (more than 8 layers), then the price will be fully justified by the good service life in the kitchen.

With careful care, the pan will last about 20-25 years.

Diamond non-stick coating

Adding Diamond Dust

The name of such a coating sounds beautiful and very attractive. Manufacturers use diamond dust not so long ago. In fact, diamond is far from the basis of such a coating for a pan. The main part of the covering layer is the same Teflon. The addition of diamond dust is not used for non-stick effect, but only in order to increase the strength of such a product.

A diamond coated frying pan will delight you with its durability for many years. And the manufacturer promises that such a new method of making frying pans is more environmentally friendly.

Wonderful dishes are heated in a couple of minutes, and they keep warm for a very long time. Despite the fact that the production uses expensive material, it easily transfers the washing in the car.

The only negative in high cost.Obviously, diamond spraying is not cheap, but the price is justified by convenience and durability.

Titanium coating

Titanium coating

The titanium coating has one distinguishing feature: never before covered with pure titanium. It is only an additional element for improving the durability of the layer. You can freely say that the pan with a titanium coating is a relative of the cast iron. However, it costs an order of magnitude more expensive.

Its main advantage is resistance to damage, scratches. Do not be afraid of knives, metal blades and forks, they will not spoil such a coating.

How to choose a non-stick pan

When choosing, you should consider several nuances:

• type of stove;
• price level;
• the possibility of careful use.

If the kitchen is equipped with an electric stove, any pan you like is suitable, but a gas stove can harm some materials. Typically, the manufacturer indicates on which stove you can use the pan. Not all coatings will remain unharmed after exposure to fire.

A pen and a lid are an equally important nuance. Many do not pay attention to details, but the quality and material of the pen is very important. Now there is the opportunity to purchase a pan with a removable handle - this is very convenient. But more important is the material and the reliability of the handle.

The choice of a frying pan is when size matters. If possible, it is better to take several pans for different purposes. For example, a thick bottom and a high board are not suitable for making pancakes. But a thin bottom can ruin stews or meat. A large skillet will be very convenient for stewing. But then for pancakes and pancakes, you should purchase a separate thin dish.

The most popular brands of non-stick pans

European manufacturers have taken care of the quality of their products. But the rating of the best pans includes Russian brands:

1. Tefal - France;
2. "Neva-metal dishes" - Russia;
3. Biol - Ukraine;
4. Rondell - China;
5. Kukmara - Russia;
6. TVS - Italy;
7. Swiss Diamond - Switzerland;
8. Ballirini - Italy.

Tefal is the most popular manufacturer of non-stick pans at the moment. All models of this manufacturer have a non-stick coating. Materials for production are used very high quality. Despite this, there are budget options. This product has received awards more than once.

The manufacturer provided the buyer with a wide selection: aluminum, cast, stainless pans.

"Neva-metal" - products of the St. Petersburg plant, which produces cast dishes with non-stick coating. Buyers have a choice between coatings such as ceramics, titanium, metal polymers. Domestic products are popular because of the low price. It is noted that the coating may wear off within a year, but food will not stick to the bottom.

Biol is a Ukrainian company that has received many awards for its short existence. The main advantage of the products is environmentally friendly materials for manufacturing. On the shelves you can see aluminum and cast iron pans.

Rondell

The company was founded in Germany, however, it opened production in China, while, according to customer reviews, the quality has decreased. At the same time, a distinctive feature of Rondell pans is a guarantee of up to 25 years. Also among the obvious advantages is a triple fused bottom, which improves thermal conductivity. Buyers argue that the price of this brand's frying pans is not justifiably high.

Kukmara

This domestic manufacturer is popular in the CIS countries. The buyer is presented with a wide range: cast, ceramic, aluminum pans with non-stick surface. The production uses safe materials.

Tvs

The quality of the dishes of this brand is appreciated all over the world. The brand produces a variety of pans: non-stick, ceramic, granite, titanium coated. It is possible to purchase a pan with a removable handle.

Swiss diamond

The Swiss manufacturer boasts the addition of diamond coatings to the material. This ensures the durability and environmental safety of the dishes. The high price is justified by quality.

Ballarini

Basically, the Italian company entered European markets and found its buyer there. Pans with a titanium and granite inner surface have excellent quality. Buyers noted the reliability and safety of materials.