Types of Skillets

There are many different types of skillets, each with a different cooking purpose and different advantages. Cost, practicality and maintenance are the three main items to consider when choosing your perfect skillet. It is important to ask yourself how much you are willing to spend for your cookware and how hard you are willing to work for it.

Aluminum

Aluminum skillets are very popular because they are generally inexpensive. They heat quickly and evenly and are perfect for various cooking techniques such as frying and braising. However, aluminum can react with acidic food to form toxic aluminum salts. Manufacturers cover the pan in non-stick coating or harden the pan to make it nontoxic. Always buy nonstick or anodized aluminum. This will help ensure the surface does not become scratched or dented.

Teflon

Teflon skillets have become very popular lately because they are completely nonstick. They are perfect for low-fat cooking as no extra butter or oil is needed to keep food from sticking to the pan. They are inexpensive and easy to clean. However, they are also easily scratched and overheated. This is dangerous because scratched Teflon can leak toxic chemicals into food, and overheated Teflon leaks toxic fumes into the area. The fumes can cause flulike symptoms and may even be fatal to birds.

Cast Iron

Cast iron skillets are incredibly durable and long lasting. In fact, a cast iron skillet, if properly cared for, could last you your entire lifetime. They are perfect for searing, blackening and frying meats, and the iron in the pan can double the iron in your diet. It heats evenly, can be used on the stovetop or the oven, and is naturally nonstick. However, cast iron skillets must be maintained. They must be hand-washed and dried immediately after use and seasoned yearly. They also retain food flavors and bacteria.

Stainless Steel

Stainless steel skillets are resistant to corrosion, nonstick, inexpensive and very easy to maintain. They are best for sauteing vegetables and typically do not scratch and dent. However, they have very poor heat properties. Also, if the surface of the pan should become scratched, the metal may leak into food and cause adverse health effects.

Copper

Copper skillets are one of the most beautiful types of skillets available. They heat incredibly well and are perfect for any type of cooking. However, while copper skillets may be incredibly beautiful, they are also incredibly expensive. They also need occasional polishing and retinning to keep them looking their best. If the coating on the pan should become scratched, the copper will leak into food causing adverse health effects.

References

• Healthy Cookware
• Cookware Pros and Cons
• A Guide to Skillets