Wedding Blog

Choosing cookware is one of the biggest parts of peoples’ registries. But how do you choose? “Oooh, shiny!” probably isn’t going to cut it, especially with such expensive purchases. There were a few prerequisites that I looked for in cookware:

-Even Heating
-Durability
-Ease of Cleaning

So, how will you choose your cookware? There are 2 basic types: Nonstick and Uncoated.

www.williams-sonoma.com

Why Nonstick?

Nonstick provides ease of cleaning, although most nonstick pans cannot be put in the dishwasher. (Calphalon and T-fal are two popular nonstick brands that CAN be put in the dishwasher). Nonstick is good for the “everyday cook,” or someone who frequently cooks by “heating…” that is, heating canned sauces, soups, and other pre-made foods. Nonstick is excellent for the “dieter” or those who prefer to use less to fat to cook their foods. Nonstick cannot stand up to metal utensils, and there have been concerns in the past that the nonstick coating wears off into your foods.

Why Uncoated?

Uncoated cookware is dishwasher safe, although in lots of cases, takes a bit more “elbow grease” to clean, because often food will burn to the bottom. Uncoated is good for high heat cooking, searing, and are typically used by more seasoned cooks. These pots and pans are also great for browning and deglazing. You’ll usually need a little more oil while cooking with uncoated pans.

Cookware sets usually can be bought piece by piece, which means that you don’t have to go with ALL nonstick or all uncoated. Typically, a nice mix of a few nonstick pans, uncoated pans and uncoated pots prove to be useful.

Here are Consumer Reports top brand picks in each category: ($ is approximate retail price)

NONSTICK:

1. Kirkland Signature (Costco) $150
2. Analon Titanium $300
3. Analon Advanced $200
4. Emerilware $250
5. Scanpan Classic $400

UNCOATED:

1. KitchenAid Gourmet Essentials Brushed Stainless $150
2. Calphalon Contemporary $400
3. Emerilware Stainless $200
4. Magnalite Classic $130
5. Members Mark (Sam’s Club) Tri-Ply-Clad $130

…So my pick? Calphalon Contemporary.www.calphalon.com

Yes, it’s up there in price. But it beat the KitchenAid brand in both ease of cleaning, and sturdiness, and not just by a little. I wanted to be sure to register for cookware that would last a lifetime, and also, cookware that was available at my selected registry stores (mine are at Williams Sonoma).I supplemented this set with a couple Le Creuset cast iron dutch ovens, cause I LOVE braised beef and stews. And, you know, shiny green pots.

I didn’t add any nonstick to my registry, because I like to cook Asian style. High heat takes care of the sticking problems, and I’ve never particularly enjoyed nonstick cookware.

What were your prerequisites for your cookware registry?