The hostesses stand at the stove every day to please their family with yummy. But how to make delicious food so that cooking itself is a pleasure? To do this, it is necessary that, firstly, there was something to cook from, and, secondly, on what!
What to choose - cast iron or steel?
Below you can see the difference between the two materials and determine the best for yourself.
If you choose a cast iron skillet, know that you are cooking on a piece of molten iron poured into a mold. If you prefer a steel pan, then it is made by rolling a sheet, which then takes the desired shape.
One of the varieties is a carbon steel product. This is a fairly new invention of the XVIII-XIX centuries, the discovery of which took place on a par with stainless steel and aluminum. A very malleable material that can be easily cast and forged.
Cast iron is used in the manufacture of braziers, grill pans, cauldrons. Steel is more suitable in the manufacture of stewpans, ladles, universal pans andother utensils.
Did you choose cast iron? Then you should know that a frying pan with a diameter of about 30 centimeters weighs within 4 kg, a steel frying pan will be a couple of kg lighter.
One more thing is the degree of heating. If you have cast iron in your hands, then you will wait longer for the pan to heat up, but it will retain heat for a long time. Steel, on the other hand, will heat up quickly, but it will be difficult for it to keep warm for a long time.
If, after reading all this, your heart is more in the steel pan, then this article is for you! Next, we will analyze the types, shapes, brands and various nuances of cooking on such products.
The most popular steel pans are stainless steel. Stainless steel is a fairly modern material that received its calling in the 20th century. The main advantage of the alloy is that it does not chemically react with other substances. However, you need to remember about the poor heat capacity and non-stick properties. But manufacturers are "not asleep" and improve their product by building up a multi-layered bottom and using aluminum.
Types of pans
- Universal uncoated steel pan. The whole meaning lies in its name. Universal - that is, with the help of this dish you can cook any dish, from frying pancakes to stew with vegetables. That is why, when choosing this type of product, special attention should be paid to their quality.
- Brazier. Steel pan with a thick bottom and side handles. If you are a fan of pilaf or baked chicken with potatoes,this choice is for you.
- Pancake pan. Everything is clear from the name - a frying pan with low sides, which ensures easy turning of pancakes, fritters, tributaries and cheesecakes.
- Saucepan. This pan is very similar to a saucepan due to the high sides. It has a long handle and lid. Great for making sauces, sautéing vegetables, and making creamy soups.
- Frying pan with ribbed bottom for grilling. This type of product is rather the most favorite for men. After all, they know how to cook meat so tasty! Due to the ribbed bottom, excess fat flows into the grooves in the pan, and the crust acquires a beautiful golden color.
- Deep steel wok. A product resembling a bowler hat with beveled corners. Ideal for stewing vegetables.
These are the main types of frying pans, having which in the kitchen, you can easily prepare any dish for your family.
Today you can buy a steel pan with a non-stick coating. The service life of thin inexpensive products is on average 3-4 years. A steel frying pan with a honeycomb coating will last an average of 5-6 years. The most durable are products with a rough thickened Teflon coating. They will last up to 10 years.
User Benefits and Reviews
Now let's talk about the positive and negative properties of such products. In general, steel pans received good reviews.
To the positive aspects of suchproducts, the owners attributed the following qualities:
- The look and shine of stainless steel is a must-have for any kitchen.
- Compared to pans made of other materials, a steel pan is an order of magnitude lighter, which cannot but please the weaker half.
- The product is unpretentious in use, i.e., it is easy to take care of it. In addition, such a pan can be installed on any surface. The only exception is the microwave.
- Moisture resistant. Stainless steel resists rust and oxidation.
- Maximum care will be taken to preserve the taste and smell of products. Steel products are non-toxic, no harmful substances.
Flaws
The main disadvantage noted by the owners of such products is deformation during high heat, as well as darkening of the surface. In addition, if you do not want to eat burners, you need to constantly stir the food you are cooking.
How to choose the right steel frying pan?
Today there is a huge selection of different dishes. Coming to the store for a purchase, we meet with different manufacturers, different price categories and different quality of dishes. How not to get lost in this whirlpool of information and make the right choice? Here are some tips to help you avoid mistakes.
Tip 1
Don't be tempted to buy kits as you probably won't need all the pans available inkit. Better spend your money on what you really need.
Tip 2
The manufacturer must be familiar, otherwise you are not protected from fake and poor quality.
Tip 3
Remember the lid. The ideal option would be to purchase a cover in the kit. Otherwise, you will have to select it separately, given that the lid tightly closes the pan and fits perfectly in diameter. Well, in the end, this is an additional cost that does not please anyone.
Tip 4
When choosing a frying pan, be sure to inspect it. The bottom should be smooth and even, without chips and scratches, without roughness, the sides of the pan without dents.
Tip 5
The most convenient is a frying pan with a removable handle. You can always put such a product in the oven and not be afraid to burn yourself. However, molded handles are more durable.
Tip 6
If you want your pan to heat evenly and keep warm for a long time, you need to opt for a thicker bottom and sides, and also pay attention to its weight. The heavier the better.
Tip 7
If you are for quality, then do not forget to clarify the certification of products. In addition, a good frying pan costs around 1200-1800 rubles, so there is no need to rejoice at the price tag of 300-500 rubles. – most likely, the pan will not last long.
Tip 8
What size pan should I stop at? It's simple, it depends on the composition of the family. There is an opinion that a diameter of 22 centimeters is suitable for a family of two, 24 centimeters for a family of three.a person, and a frying pan with a diameter of 28 centimeters will be a good helper in a family of 4 to 8 people.
Meet the manufacturers
Today there is a fairly large offer of dishes from various manufacturers on the market. Let's take a closer look at the best of them.
- MACO. Chinese production. The company uses an alloy of three materials: nickel, chromium, titanium. It has a heat-resistant glass lid, walls 0.8 cm thick, a handle with a mount. This brand manufactures professional cookware. The diameter of the pans is 30-36 cm. Due to the use of aluminum, the pan keeps heat for a long time and heats up quickly. The average price tag is 1200 rubles.
- DE BUYER. Made in France. The steel utensils of this brand are in great demand in the market, because the manufacturer puts quality and stylish design in the first place. A frying pan with a riveted handle. The average diameter is 20-28 centimeters. Premium pans with price variations from 2000 to 5000 rubles.
- PINTINOX. This is a European manufacturer. Affordable with a wide range of products. It has a thick bottom, but at the same time it is light enough. Stylish and simple design, as well as reasonable price make this brand one of the most attractive. Prices for PINTINOX pans range from 2000 to 3000 rubles.
Ranking of the best stainless steel pans
- The FISKARS Essential pan is made of durable steel and has a non-stick coating. All this allows you to operate it for10 years. Another important point is the presence of a cool handle.
- Frying pan BergHOFF Ron 3900035 is made of solid steel - a monolith. Light enough cookware for true professionals.
- Silampos Europa 22 features a 6mm multilayer bottom and a handle that stays cool even on high heat.
Caring for a stainless steel pan
Stainless steel does not oxidize, which is why you can cook spicy and sour dishes on it, but be careful with s alt. In no case do not pour it to the bottom.
How to clean a steel pan? To get rid of dark spots, you need to go over them with a fabric base moistened with lemon juice or vinegar.
Don't start washing a pan you just took off the heat.
When washing, use warm water and dishwashing liquid. But remember that stainless steel does not like chlorine and ammonia.
After washing the pan, it must be wiped dry and put in its place.
Conclusion
Choosing a frying pan sounds simple, but how many nuances must be taken into account to make cooking really a pleasure. By following our recommendations, you will definitely make the right choice!
