Cookers. Which are suitable in the end?
September 19, 2020
There are many choices of cooking utensils that we can use daily to prepare our meals. Most of us, however, no longer know that they are the most suitable to have a healthy, quality and safe food. Below we will develop the advantages and disadvantages for the most popular choices of kitchen utensils that can be found in the trade.
Non-stick utensils:
Very popular utensils, as they are easy to use and clean. You do not need much oil or butter to prepare food in non-stick cookware, which helps us reduce the calories and fat in our dishes.
Of course, there are some studies that have found a link between the non-stick pan and an increased risk of certain types of cancer. This bond comes from the chemical contained in non-stick cookware - PFOA, which can be released if the temperatures that develop are too high (260 ° C or above). PFOA has also been linked to an increased risk of cholesterol levels and infertility.
Another problem with these utensils is that the non-stick coating can wear out with great and systematic use and begin to peel. So some pieces can be passed on to our food. Of course, it is worth noting that the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) concluded that neither the stems nor the smoke released at high temperatures pose a health risk.
Copper utensils:
Copper pots and pans are a very good conductor of heat and are ideal for various cooking (eg sauces, soup heating). Many cooks prefer copper cookware, but they are expensive and require frequent polishing. The most modern copper cookware is usually lined with tin or stainless steel. The FDA warns not to use uncoated copper utensils because the metal can easily escape into acidic foods, causing toxicity.
Aluminum Utensils:
Aluminum utensils are made of cast aluminum. They are cheap utensils and do not rust or corrode. Of course aluminum can be easily scratched and beaten as well as reacts with acidic foods, so it is not highly recommended.
Anodizing aluminum is a method that hardens the surface of the utensil, makes it non-stick and scratch resistant, does not corrode when exposed to the atmosphere and thus protects the aluminum. These are also preferred in cooking. It also "seals" the aluminum, so that it does not escape into food or react with acidic foods. However, it should be noted that there is some concern when the surface is worn, because aluminum can then escape into food.
Stainless steel utensils (steel):
Stainless steel is a combination of iron and other metals. They are utensils that are economical, resistant to rust and corrosion, they are not easily scratched and for these reasons they are quite popular with consumers. Stainless steel does not conduct heat well unless an aluminum or copper core is used in its construction. You should follow the manufacturer's instructions when cleaning it to avoid abrasions.
Cast iron:
These utensils have been used for many years. Their advantage is their high thermal conductivity and durability. They are economical utensils for the consumer and may be preferred for more frequent use by people with iron deficiency anemia. They are usually used when high temperatures are required for foods such as frying, quick cooking and sautéing vegetables. Their disadvantage is the weight of these utensils, which makes them impractical. Special care is also required to prevent rust that can easily occur.
Enamel - ceramics:
Enamel is a utensil whose surface is covered with a glassy substance to enhance durability. They can invest in ceramics and even metal utensils. They heat and cool slowly and distribute the heat evenly in the food being cooked.
Earthenware
From the first ingredients used in cooking. They are quite healthy to use in cooking, but need care due to their weight. Their main disadvantage is that it takes time to cook because these utensils are slow to heat.
Boron glass (Pyrex):
Particularly convenient utensil mainly for baked goods. The characteristic of these utensils is their resistance to temperature changes. This is due to the presence of boron in the glass. They are heavy utensils and need a little care.
Pressure cookers:
Very famous utensil in our time mainly because it greatly reduces cooking time. Although high temperatures develop, there are fewer losses in sensitive minerals and vitamins, compared to cooking in an open pot, due to the reduced cooking time of the food.
Ecological Utensils
We meet them in recent years and they are essentially non-stick utensils, but with a difference from the conventional ones in the type of coating. Their coating is a ceramic thermolon non-stick coating that is free of hazardous substances PTFE and PFOA. It withstands high temperatures, does not release toxic gases when overheated and is abrasion resistant.
Steam cookers
Use minimal water, while low cooking temperatures make steaming one of the healthiest ways to prepare food. The temperature used is enough to destroy the germs of the raw materials but does not affect most nutrients, such as vitamins, metals and trace elements. It is a very healthy and easy way to cook.
Microwave
It is believed that cooking in microwave ovens is unhealthy, due to the process of heating food. Foods need to be cut into equal pieces and placed evenly and in a suitable utensil, as not all utensils are suitable for use in a microwave oven. Therefore it is better to limit its use for heating food and to limit the time as little as possible.
Silicone
They are innovative tools that have appeared on the market in recent years. They are mainly used for making cakes and their advantages are that they bake faster and it is easier to remove the contents after baking, even if you have not used fat in the base.
Silicone molds can generally be used in a wide range of temperatures (typically -40 ° C + 250 ° C) and can be placed from the oven to the freezer. They can also be used in a microwave oven. You will find them in the market in a variety of shapes, colors and sizes.
However, there are some doubts about silicone molds. In particular, the fear is that silicone may release certain ingredients into the mix during baking. That's why experts recommend buying good quality silicone molds. Platinum silicone is the best, because the quality of this type of silicone is safer.
Utensils with glass lids / metal handles:
The first ones allow you to see inside your container, without having to lift the lid which allows steam to escape. However, care is needed because they are heavy and can easily break. The metal handles on the pots serve many chefs because they can carry the food from the stove to the oven where it continues to cook.
Tweezers / tools:
You need to be very careful about which tools you use to prepare your food. Metal tools can engrave kitchen utensils, while those made of plastic can melt. Wooden spoons and silicone spatulas are the most suitable to be used in your cooking utensils as they protect them from abrasions and keep food safe.
Stelina Vassiliadis
Dietitian-Nutritionist, MSc Medical School, University of Glasgow