Hard anodized pans and pots are common today, and you may have probably heard about them from your family and friends. Today, there are brands in the market that are boasting about their superior heating properties and durability that will last for decades.
With so many cookware materials to choose from, it can quickly get confused when you’re looking for the best one for your family. It’s best to start knowing the different types of materials used in cookware and learn their pros and cons.
You can also start researching their prices, how they perform, what dish you can cook on them, and other information. You can start with the hard anodized cookware and know more about its pros and cons. In the end, you’ll be able to determine whether they are the right ones that will be right for your kitchen.
What is Hard Anodized Kitchenware?
The term hard anodized refers to the aluminum that has undergone a series of processes to make it more durable and harder. For this to be accomplished, the aluminum metal is bathed in chemicals that have an electrical current.
With the combination of the chemicals and the current, the process will produce an oxide compound that will form into a hardened layer on the pan’s exterior surface. This will make it more resilient and resistant to additional corrosion in the future.
Although the hard anodized kitchenware is often thought to have a separate distinction from the non-stick varieties, it can be noted that they also have non-stick properties. The first pans and pots made from aluminum were manufactured decades ago, but they were not added with non-stick coats. It was only in the late 1990s when the non-stick cookware became popular with many people. Essentially, the base is made with hard anodized aluminum, but the pan’s surface is made up of a non-stick material.
Advantages to Know About
A More Durable Kitchenware
As explained previously, the aluminum bathed in chemicals has developed a layer of oxide that makes it more resistant to rust. This is formed during the anodizing process. Aside from making this resistant to rust and corrosion, the metal is strengthened to make it less susceptible to warping.
You may have spent countless times replacing and repairing scratched or warped kitchenware. If so, with the hard anodized varieties, you will have a lower chance of encountering damage and rust. The corrosion often happens in aluminum that didn’t undergo any anodizing process, which you should consider replacing.
Better Heat Conduction
The cookware has a higher thermal heat conductivity, so you can be assured that the pan will evenly spread the heat. This is a feature that’s not available in other kitchenware options. When you’re cooking delicacies like a flaky fish or a steak, you’ll be able to get the doneness that you want to achieve without the rare centers but burnt crust. You’ll also get a more tender result.
With the hard anodized cookware, you’re going to spend less time waiting for boiling water. There will be no more undercooked eggs and soggy pancakes in the mornings.
Another advantage to consider is that the aluminum’s ability to have thermal conductivity makes the pans and pots more responsive. It can cool or heat quickly in just seconds. They react fast with the temperature of the stove. This is convenient if you’re cooking one-pot meals that require you to increase or decrease the heat more regularly.
Resistant to Scratches
Aside from its overall durability, know that the anodization process protects the surfaces of the pans and pots. They won’t easily get wear-and-tear from forks, ladles, spatulas, and other kitchen utensils that you use to cook.
Many people usually complain about dings and scratches that are common in consumer cookware. If you’re paying a high price, it can become very frustrating to see these slight imperfections and scratches even if you’ve just used them a few times. This will not be a problem with the hard anodized varieties, and you’re not paying a premium for them as well. They will retain a more even and smooth surface for a very long time and look like new.
The Pans and Pots are Stackable
Since the cookware is resistant to scratches, it can be stored easily in the cupboards. They can be stacked with the others, and it’s even better if you can get the same materials for your pots and pans. They can “nest” together, and you wouldn’t have to worry about any damage. In fact, several options in the market are specifically designed for stacking, and you can know more about them through reviews and feedback.
For people with space constraints, such as those living in studio-type homes or a galley-style kitchen, the ability to stack the pans can cut some of their stress, and they can quickly access their equipment whenever they want to cook.
There is no Leaching of Harmful Metals
Consumers may be worried about the possibility of aluminum leaching into their food, and they can consume them once the non-stick coating is removed. However, this is not true with the hard anodized kitchenware.
The leaching is only a concern in non-anodized aluminum because the process of anodization prevents the metal from corrosion. There will be no corrosion regardless of the presence or absence of the non-stick coat. Overall, this is safer to use, and the metal won’t find its way to your recipes. The process makes the cookware non-reactive, and any acidic ingredient like lemon juice won’t react to your pots and pans. More about the anodizing process on this site here.
Versatility
Non-stick coats made from hard anodized aluminum have versatility that enable you to cook your favorite dishes. It can handle delicate ingredients like eggs and fish, and it’s all-purpose. The coating will make it easier to clean the pans afterwards. If you’re tired of all the scrubbing, then this material is something that you’ll love. You’ll be able to cook healthier food and need less oil because the surface is non-stick.
