Choosing the Right Cookware: A Guide for Teens

Walking into a cookware store can be overwhelming, with rows and rows of shiny pots and pans on display. But before you start browsing, it’s essential to consider what you need and want from your cookware. In this article, we’ll break down the key points to think about before making a purchase.

Assessing Your Cooking Style

Before buying cookware, it’s crucial to identify your most frequently prepared dishes. Do you love stir-fries, baking, or stews? This will help you choose the right pan types, such as a wok, roasting tin, or casserole. Consider what you cook most often and look for pans that cater to those needs.

Evaluating Your Current Cookware

Take a closer look at your existing cookware and think about what you like and dislike about it. Do your pans have wobbly handles or non-stick surfaces that don’t live up to their name? Knowing what you already have will help you make informed choices about what you want to upgrade to. Look for improvements like better non-stick surfaces or sturdier handles.

Checking Your Hob Type

It’s vital to ensure your new cookware is compatible with your stove top, whether it’s gas, electric, or induction. Specific hob types might require particular pan base thicknesses, so make sure to check before making a purchase.

5 Questions to Ask Yourself Before Buying Cookware

To make the process easier, we’ve compiled five questions to ask yourself before buying new pots and pans.

1. What Do You Cook?

Consider your bread and butter dishes – what do you cook most often? If you’re a tray-bake hero, look for a good quality roasting tin or a sauté pan that can go into the oven. If you prefer stews, build your cookware collection around a sturdy casserole or stockpot. For frying steak, a good quality frying pan with excellent heat distribution is a must.

2. What Cookware Do You Use at the Moment?

Think about what you like and dislike about your current cookware. Perhaps you’re looking to upgrade to a set that matches your kitchen or performs better. Knowing what you already have will help you make choices about what you want.

3. How Many People Do You Usually Cook For?

It’s easy to overlook this point, but it’s essential to consider how many people you usually cook for. Do you mostly cook for yourself or a family of five? This will help you decide on the right size of cookware, so you don’t end up with a stockpot that’s too large for your needs.

4. What Sort of Cooker Do You Use?

This is a vital question to consider when purchasing cookware. If you have an Aga or Rayburn, you may want to prioritize base thickness to ensure your pans don’t warp. If you have an induction hob, make sure to choose induction-suitable cookware.

5. What Type of Kitchen Do You Have?

Finally, consider the style of your kitchen. Do you have a modern, minimalist look or a traditional country kitchen? Choose cookware that not only performs well but also complements your kitchen décor.

Conclusion

Choosing the right cookware can seem daunting, but by considering these five questions, you’ll be well on your way to finding the perfect pots and pans for your needs. Remember to assess your cooking style, evaluate your current cookware, and consider your hob type, the number of people you cook for, and the style of your kitchen. With these factors in mind, you’ll be cooking up a storm in no time!