Should you go for Hard Anodized Cookware?

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I ll shortlist both the advantages and disadvantages of hard anodized cookware to make your decision easy.

Pros of anodized cookware:

Extra Hard – One thing that people love about anodized cookware is that they are very durable. These types of cookware do not scratch and do not also peel or chip easily. Do you think that alloy stainless steel cookware is strong? Well, anodized cookware is two times harder. However, what actually determines the hardness level of any anodized cookware is the process it underwent. It means that various anodized cookware may vary in hardness from another, but they are still very hard when compared to other cookware.

Non-toxic and nonstick –Anodized cookware is not like Teflon. Its smooth surface comes from electro-chemical that has undergone an anodized process. This is what results in the layers of non-toxic and nonstick texture of anodized cookware. PFOA is not used in producing such cookware.

Oven and broiler safe – Not all cookware can be safely used for broiling or in the oven. Skillets that are anodized come with durable metal handles that can be safely used in the over or for broiling. No need to transport your meal from the anodized cookware to an oven safe container when you can easily continue the cooking with the anodized cookware.

Stress-free cleaning – There is a reason people love nonstick cookware. One major reason is that they are easy to clean. Hard-anodized cookware is not just easy but stress-free when it’s time to clean.

Super cooking performance – Anodized cookware has been tested and proven to conduct heat evenly and very fast and thereby take lesser time in cooking a meal. This is an advantage it has as a result of its whole aluminum buildup. Pure aluminum is usually not able to conduct heat in such manner.  

Non-reactive – There is a warning about the possibility of leaching when using aluminum and other metallic products, especially when making acidic juices like lemon and acidic meals such as tomato sauces. With anodized cookware, you do not have to worry about this due to its non-porous coat which ensures that the aluminum inside is locked in and prevented from leaching.You may check Cirulon infinite cookware set,which ticks most of the criteria described above.

Cons of anodized cookware:

Hates high heat – anodized cookware does not do well on high heat because it heats up pretty quickly. It will not do well for a recipe that demands that you cook on high heat. This cookware prefers medium temperature.

More expensive than other nonstick cookware – anodized cookware is not the only nonstick cookware out there, so why is it more expensive than other conventional nonstick cookware? Because they are durable. However, not everyone can afford anodized cookware.You can check some good alternatives here.

Heavy to lift – aluminum cookware is known to be lightweight, however, anodized cookware comes with chemical coating and this makes them much heavier than conventional aluminum cookware.

Allergic to detergents – detergents and dishwashing soaps most times contain chemicals that can spoil the coatings on anodized cookware. You can only use warm water, mild soap and soft sponge to clean this cookware unlike other cookware that does not require such.

May not be dishwasher friendly – nonstick cookware and anodized cookware do not do well in the dishwasher. This means that you must clean the cookware with your hands. But there are some products that the manufacturers labeled as dishwasher-safe. But to avoid limiting the lifespan of your anodized cookware, you are advised to wash by hand.

Cannot be used to store food – many cookwares are designed to serve as cooking pots as well as for storing leftovers in the fridge. Anodized cookware cannot serve the second purpose because the lid does not cover the pot tightly. This means that you have to transfer your meal to another container if you do not want the food to go bad.

Now you know both pros and cons,you can make your shopping decision based on your preference.