Every cookware type serves a different purpose, and also requires different care and cleaning. Here is some essential info on the quality of materials, including cast iron, enamel cast iron, carbon steel, stainless steels, and more, and when to use and how to clean these different materials and finishes. 

First up, can your cookware handle the heat?

For cooks of all skill levels, heat conduction matters because it determines how evenly and efficiently a pan distributes heat, which often determines cooking control, consistency, and food quality. Based on the cookware material you’re using, it’s helpful to understand when to use low heat or high heat. 

NONSTICK:

With nonstick coatings, consumers have long been instructed to avoid high heat due to noxious fumes being released. First thing first, it’s wise to invest in a trusted brand for your nonstick cookware and check their statement on chemicals used in manufacturing and lab tests if applicable. With less quality materials, the finish can wear off or the pan can warp and crack the finish during sudden temperature shifts. But modern nonstick technology has come a long way, and no longer is nonstick synonymous with unhealthy. For instance, GreenPan ceramic nonstick cookware is designed for high-heat cooking and searing without releasing toxic fumes, as their Thermolon coating is PFAS-free. 

Yet still, while safe for high heat, it is generally recommended to use low-to-medium heat for daily cooking to protect the coating's longevity. Reserve your high heat usage for tasks like boiling or searing.

STAINLESS & CARBON STEEL:

Perfect for browning and searing, stainless steel and carbon steel pans not only withstand high heat well, they thrive in this environment. With Hestan’s innovative cookware technology, NanoBond Molecular Titanium Stainless Steel, they bond thousands of titanium nano-layers to the 18/10 stainless steel construction, creating a resilient cooking surface harder than typical stainless steel, making it resistant to scratching, staining, and salt pitting. 

CAST IRON:

With a melting point of 2000 degrees, you can be sure that your Cast Iron will withstand nearly anything. From the stove and oven to direct on the fire at your next camping trip, cast iron from Lodge and Smithey are known for their durability. 

ENAMELED CAST IRON:

With enameled cast iron, like the iconic Dutch Ovens from Le Creuset, you can bring your dutch oven from stove to oven easily, but it’s not designed to go through thermal shock or unregulated heat like a campfire as it can damage the finish or crack the vessel. If you store your leftovers in the fridge still in your cookware, let it come to room temperature before putting back on the heat. In recent years, Le Creuset debuted their Alpine outdoor cooking collection specifically for those wanting to cook outdoors directly in the fire or on the grill. This line is crafted from enameled cast iron and specifically designed for cooking over an open flame. 

CLAY:

Clay is known for retaining heat well, but you want to let it heat up slow and steady over a low-medium heat. While you can store your leftovers in a Chamba soup pot in the fridge, you do want to let it come back to room temperature before putting it on the stove, oven, or microwave to heat up. While your clay saute pan won’t necessarily get a good sear on a steak, it will cook that meat until it’s tender, juicy, and flavorful.

While this is relative to the individual, non-stick cookware is a clear winner in ease of cleanup. With the BIX Series from Evaco/Cast, their fry pans are even designed to prevent warping and withstand the thermal shock of cleaning them hot off the stove, which is the optimal time to remove any food particles. 

Carbon steel that is seasoned over time becomes very easy to clean up. Same goes for stainless steel, though consumers report that stubborn burnt on food to either use Bar Keepers Friend for a reliable clean, or boil a 50/50 mix of water and white vinegar for 5-10 minutes and then scrub with a non-abrasive sponge. 

Cleaning a cast iron pan has a reputation for being very complicated, but consumers who use cast iron exclusively report that it is generally easy and only takes a minute or two, involving scrubbing with hot water or a little soap, thorough drying on the stovetop, and a light oiling to maintain the non-stick seasoning. The key is to clean the pan immediately after use while it's still warm and to avoid soaking it or using a dishwasher to prevent rust and protect the seasoning. If you’ve ever watched a YouTube video of restoring cast iron pans, you’ll understand how ageless these cooking vessels are — they have survived decades of heavy use and neglect, and with some elbow grease come out like new. 

Does my cookware have non-stick properties?

Many products have a phrase that can be confusing: “Naturally nonstick.” What that means is that over time, with skill, maintenance, and regular seasoning, your pan can develop a patina that provides a nearly nonstick cooking surface. Those that cook with stainless steel or cast iron primarily will often laud these pans for their ability to easily fry an egg, whereas newbies will struggle to get it right. But we’re positive that with time and a little effort, you can master any material in the kitchen!

Does the cost and value align? 

Let’s define value by the quality of materials, attention to manufacturing, and ability to get the job done with efficiency and easy clean up. As home chefs, we see the value in best made products and stock Toque Blanche with reputable brands from around the world. Le Creuset has a documented 100 year history of quality, Hestan Cookware is lauded by Michelin-star chefs, Smithey is Made in America using time-honored blacksmith traditions with a focus on high-quality. These cooking vessels are crafted with care, and their quality and value is apparent. 

Many cooks stand by cast iron for its versatility, or stainless steel for its durability in a busy kitchen, or ceramic non-stick for everyday one-pan meals. As a trusted resource to home chefs and cooks of all skill levels, Toque Blanche is a store designed to connect you to a curated selection of the best kitchenware and cooking tools. After all, home chefs deserve the very best!