Stainless Steel Pots Vs. Cast Aluminium

Pots and pans can be used in the oven and on the stovetop.

Stainless steel and cast aluminum pots are two of the more popular and economical cookware choices on the market. Both of these types of pots have benefits and drawbacks, and are suited for certain applications. Although stainless steel pots are generally regarded as the better choice, cast aluminum pots do have a role in many kitchens.

Cookware

Stainless steel and cast aluminum pots are designed to cook food on the stovetop and in the oven. Consumers can also use cast iron, copper or hard-anodized aluminum pans. Some stainless steel or cast aluminum pots come with copper inserts to increase conductivity.

Stainless Steel

Stainless steel cookware is popular in professional kitchens and home kitchens. This type of cookware is durable, affordable and easy to find. It is also a shiny and attractive-looking cookware. Stainless steel pots are known for their searing capability, which can add texture and flavor to meats.

Cast Aluminum

Cast aluminum cookware tends to be cheap and light along with being able to heat up quickly. It is, however, unable to hold onto heat once a cold item is placed in the pot. Once food is added, the pan cools down significantly and must be reheated. Cast aluminum cookware also tends to warp and is reactive to certain foods.

Potential Health Hazards

Stainless steel pots are non-reactive pans and pose no serious health effects other than burning the cook with a hot handle. Cast aluminum pots are reactive and can pose health hazards to the people who consume the food cooked in the pot. Acidic foods such as tomatoes and citrus fruits can have a chemical reaction with the pot, which can result in aluminum leaching into the food.

Price and Availability

Stainless steel and cast aluminum pots are widely available. Stainless steel might be a bit more expensive but is much more durable. Both styles of pots can be found at big box stores and kitchen stores as well as online. Both types of pots are also available in a variety of brands and levels of quality.

References

• "I'm Just Here for the Food"; Alton Brown; 2006