The hostesses stand by the stove every day to please their family with yummy. But how to make delicious food so that the cooking itself is fun? For this, it is necessary that, firstly, there is something to cook from, and, secondly, 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 frying pan, you should know that you are cooking on a piece of molten iron poured into a mold. If you prefer a steel pan, then it is produced by rolling a sheet, which subsequently 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 occurred on a par with stainless steel and aluminum. Very malleable material that is easy to cast and forge.
Cast iron is used in the manufacture of braziers, grill pans, cauldrons. Steel is more suitable in the manufacture of stewpans, ladles, universal pans and other utensils.
Your choice fell on cast iron? Then you should know that a pan with a diameter of about 30 centimeters weighs within 4 kg, a steel pan will be a couple kg lighter.
Another point is the degree of heating. If you have cast iron in your hands, then you will wait longer for the pan to warm up, but it will retain heat for a long time. Steel, on the contrary, will quickly heat up, but it will be difficult for her to keep warm for a long time.
If after everything you read, your heart lies more in a steel pan, then this article is for you! Next, we will analyze the types, forms, brands and various nuances of cooking on such products.
The most popular steel pans are stainless steel products . Stainless steel is a fairly modern material, which got its calling in the 20th century. The main advantage of the alloy is that it does not chemically react to other substances. However, you need to remember about the poor heat capacity and non-stick properties. But manufacturers "do not sleep" and improve their goods by building up a multilayer bottom and the use of aluminum.
Types of pans
- Universal steel pan without coating. In its name lies the whole point. Wagon - 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 lover of pilaf or baked chicken with potatoes, this is the choice for you.
- Pancake pan. Everything is clear from the name here - a frying pan with low sides, due to which easy turning of pancakes, pancakes, tributaries and syrniki is ensured.
- Stewpan. This pan is very similar to a pan due to its high sides. It has a long handle and a lid. It is very convenient when preparing sauces, stewing vegetables, preparing cream soups.
- Frying pan with a ribbed bottom for grilling. This type of product is probably the most beloved for men. After all, they are the ones who can cook meat so deliciously! Due to the ribbed bottom, excess fat drains into the grooves in the pan, and the crust acquires a beautiful golden color.
- Deep steel wok pan. The product resembles a bowler with a beveled corners. Ideal for stewing vegetables.
These are the main types of pans, having which in the kitchen, you can easily cook any dish for your family.
Today you can buy a steel pan with non-stick coating. The service life of thin inexpensive products is on average 3-4 years. A steel pan coated with a honeycomb 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.
Benefits and user reviews
Now let's talk about the positive and negative properties of such products. Mostly, steel pans reviews received good.
The owners attributed the following qualities to the positive aspects of such products:
- The appearance and brilliance of stainless steel is an indispensable decoration of any kitchen.
- Compared to pans made from other materials, a steel pan is an order of magnitude lighter, which cannot but please the weak half.
- The product is unpretentious in use, i.e., caring for it is easier than ever. In addition, such a pan can be installed on any surface. The only exception is the microwave.
- Moisture resistant. Stainless steel is not susceptible to rust and oxidation.
- As much as possible takes care of preservation of taste and smell of products. Steel products are non-toxic, without harmful substances.
disadvantages
The main disadvantage that the owners of such products noted is the deformation during strong heating, as well as the darkening of the surface. In addition, if you do not want to eat burners, you need to constantly stir the cooked food.
How to choose a pan from steel?
Today there is a huge selection of different dishes. Arriving at the store for a purchase, we meet with various manufacturers, different price categories and different quality dishes. How not to get lost in this whirlpool of information and make the right choice? Here are some tips to help you make the right choice.
Tip number 1
Do not try to buy sets, because, most likely, you may not need all kinds of pans that are offered in the kit. Better spend the money on what you really need.
Council number 2
The manufacturer must be familiar, otherwise you are not protected from fake and poor quality.
Council number 3
Remember the cover. 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 covers the pan and fits perfectly in diameter. Well, and ultimately these are additional costs that do not please anyone.
Tip number 4
When choosing a 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 number 5
The most convenient is a pan with a removable handle. You can always put such a product in the oven and not be afraid to burn yourself. However, cast handles are more durable.
Tip number 6
If you want your pan to heat evenly and keep heat for a long time, you need to choose a thicker bottom and sides, as well as pay attention to its weight. The harder the better.
Tip number 7
If you are for quality, then do not forget to clarify on product certification. In addition, a good frying pan costs around 1200-1800 rubles. Therefore, you do not need to rejoice at a price tag of 300-500 rubles. - most likely, the pan will not serve you for a long time.
Council number 8
What size pan do you want to stop? It's simple, it depends on the composition of the family. It is believed that a diameter of 22 centimeters is suitable for a family of two, 24 centimeters is suitable for a family of three, 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 on the market there is a fairly large offer of dishes from various manufacturers. 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 cover, 0.8 cm thick walls, a handle with a mount. This brand makes professional dishes. The diameter of the pans is 30-36 cm. Due to the use of aluminum, the pan holds heat for a long time and quickly heats up. The average price tag is 1200 rubles.
- DE BUYER. Made in France. Steel dishes of this brand are very popular in the market, because the manufacturer puts quality and stylish design in the first place. Frying pan with a handle on rivets. The average diameter is 20-28 centimeters. Frying pans of a premium class with a price variation from 2000 to 5000 rubles.
- PINTINOX. This is a European manufacturer. Available at a price with a wide assortment line. It features a thick bottom, but at the same time sufficient lightness. Stylish and simple design, as well as an affordable price, make this brand one of the most attractive. Prices for pans brand PINTINOX range from 2,000 to 3,000 rubles.
Rating of the best stainless steel pans
- The FISKARS Essential frying pan is made of durable steel and has a non-stick coating. All this allows you to operate it for 10 years. Another important point is the presence of a non-heating handle.
- The pan BergHOFF Ron 3900035 is made of durable steel - monolith. Lightweight enough for true professionals.
- Silampos Europa 22 has a multi-layer bottom with a thickness of 6 millimeters, as well as a handle that does not heat up even over high heat.
Stainless Steel Pan Care
Stainless steel does not oxidize, which is why sharp and acidic dishes can be cooked on it, but be careful with salt. 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 walk on them with a fabric base moistened with lemon juice or vinegar.
Do not start washing the pan that you just removed from 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, wipe it dry and put it back in its place.
Conclusion
The choice of a frying pan sounds a bit simple, but how many nuances you need to consider to make cooking really enjoyable. Adhering to our recommendations, you will certainly make the right choice!