Shiny appeal or rustic charm: which one do you choose?
No matter what you are cooking- a simple or an extravagant meal- every meal fills us with different nutrients while also satiating our cravings. A health conscious often gives emphasis to the ingredients, however, we can’t ignore the fact that cookware also plays an integral role on the result of your food. It won’t be wrong to say that your cookware can actually make or break a dish. Your cookware is largely responsible for a perfectly cooked omelette or a messy piece of salmon with a few missing chunks.
Your pans have the potential to not only alter the flavour of your food but also affect its nutrients. Today, we are comparing the two best cookware in India- cast iron and stainless steel and helping you discover which one is best for you.
Cast Iron | Stainless Steel | |
About Materials | Cast iron is an iron alloy with at least 2-4% carbon content that is poured into a mould and allowed to cool down and then shaped into a desired pot or pan shape. | Steel is also an iron alloy, but with less than 2% carbon. It has at least 10.5% chromium to make it rust and corrosion resistant. |
Thermal conductivity | The thermal conductivity of cast iron is 52 W/(mK). | Stainless steel shows a low thermal conductivity of 15 W/(mK). |
Preheating | Cast iron cookware needs to be preheated— adding food to cold cast iron will cause the food to stick to the surface. When cooking, it’s best to start at medium-low heat then increase it gradually | Though not as mandatory as it is with a cast iron cookware, preheating a stainless steel cookware will prevent food from sticking to the surface. |
Cooking comfort | it’s reactive to acidic food, takes some time to heat up, and is relatively heavier. | They heat quickly, distribute heat evenly, and can be used to cook any ingredient in your pantry. It is not reactive. |
Seasoning | Seasoning gives a non-stick-like cooking surface. | Seasoning doesn’t make much difference. |
Cleaning | It requires a tad bit more maintenance. You need to season it regularly to keep the rust away and also ensure that there is no trace of moisture in the cookware. | Cleaning is comparatively easier. |
Weight | Cast iron pans are heavy. | Stainless steel pans are light. |
Cast iron and stainless steel cookware both are amazing and score great in terms of durability, versatility and searing. While a cast iron cookware boasts of a rustic, charming dark look, a stainless steel glows with its classic, silvery appearance. Both of these cookware can be used to sear, sauté, poach, caramelise, fry, and more. So, if you are looking for a sturdy, durable and toxin-free cooking material, you can choose any!
Explore the best Cast Iron and Stainless Steel Cookware cookware in India here:
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