A wedding is a beautiful thing. Whether it’s traditional, new-aged, modern, classic, chic, or anything in between, it is, at its core, a celebration of love. The bridging of two souls who have found companionship, life, and support in one another. All of that said, the process of getting to that picture-book wedding-day can be a bit of a nightmare, or at the very least cause some headaches along the way. From picking out dinner menus to accommodating out of town travel-plans and getting the guest-list finalized, the to-do-list for the perfect day is typically extensive. Creating a wedding website & choosing what belongs on the wedding-registry, though, is one of the more fun activities in which fiances get to indulge.
While there may be any number of items that a couple would like to put on their registry, a new set of modern cookware is often at the top of the list. That’s not only because high-quality cookware can be expensive, but also because it adds so much to the heart of a home, no matter who’s doing the cooking and no matter what level of cooking experience they’re bringing to the stove. Besides, learning how to cook together can be a great adventure for newlyweds to take together. Before throwing any random set of steel pans on your registry though, it helps to know a little bit about what you’ll be getting with different types of cookware sets.
What to Know About Modern Cookware
Cookware has evolved significantly over the years. As with almost every field, new technology comes in and sometimes revolutionizes the industry entirely. Pots and pans may not be quite as sophisticated as a smartphone, or a laptop, but the technology being utilized in the design and manufacturing of modern pots and pans is leaps and bounds beyond what it was prior.
Non-stick material, for instance, came out of the gate as a relatively eye-catching technology. However, it quickly gained a bad reputation when the public realized that the main chemical in the non-stick surface was essentially Teflon. That, in concert with poor durability made non-stick pots and pans unattractive to a wide portion of consumers.
This, in turn, though, fueled innovation, forward thinking, and industry-pivots. Rather than continuing to push products with poor manufacturing and design processes, the industry responded to consumer feedback and came up with innovative solutions. Ultimately, this resulted in the creation of new-aged non-stick pans that are free of toxic chemicals. This new version of non-stick can also be combined with other staple cookware materials creating a whole new line of hybrid cookware that fits any consumer’s kitchen.
Considering Materials
The material of the pots and pans is what it’s all about when it comes to new-age cookware. What you’re cooking on will dictate where you’re able to cook, what dishes cook best, and even which cooking techniques will be most effective given your specific cookware. These are all important variables to consider when looking to cook up tasty meal after tasty meal that keeps bringing you and your partner back to the kitchen table till-death-do-you-part.
There are really four main materials that pots and pans are made of; aluminum, cast iron, ceramic, and copper. All four of these have different attributes that create different cooking experiences.
Cast-iron can withstand incredibly high heat and is perfectly suited to cook with direct flame. However it has a tendency to heat unevenly at times.
Copper and aluminum are similar, though copper is a better conductor which gives the chef more control over the cooking process and temperature. Either aluminum or copper is also at the heart of stainless steel pots and pans, as stainless steel itself does a poor job with heat conduction.
Finally, ceramic lined pots and pans are made with a manufacturing process that’s totally safe and leaves no chance for any leftover chemicals. They also offer a unique and modern look that adds a little personality to any kitchen.
Thinking About Maintenance
No one wants to spend too much time thinking about clean up and storage when it comes to their new pots and pans. The fun is in the cooking and the eating. Everyone can agree there. That’s why it can be helpful to know the different care-requirements when it comes to various cookware materials as well.
Cast-iron pots and pans are notoriously difficult to maintain as they need to be seasoned before every use. Not only that, but they can be a bit tricky to clean; and despite what you hear, you don’t want to use steel-wool. Copper cookware requires a good amount of regular polishing, and certain other pots and pans aren’t dish-washer safe.
New aged hybrid pots and pans that are made with a combination of stainless steel, aluminum, and non-stick technology offer an elegant cooking experience, easy maintenance by being dishwasher-safe, and are totally teflon-free.
Picking The Perfect Set for Newlyweds
The only better feeling than coming home to your own bed as a newlywed after the honeymoon will be knowing that you’ve got a brand new set of pots and pans waiting for you to break-in.
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