What material for cooking?

It's not always easy to decide on a particular material when choosing a saucepan or frying pan... Amphitria helps you see things more clearly and choose the material that will make your saucepan or frying pan an easier ally in everyday life.

Stainless steel: the big trend of the moment!

Stainless steel is durable and rust-resistant. It doesn't react with acidic and alkaline foods, ensuring healthy cooking. It's easy to clean if you know the right technique (a little hot water and possibly dish soap and white vinegar if the residue is very stubborn) and is oven-safe.

However, it is not the material with the best thermal conductivity, and food can stick if there is not enough fat. This is a cooking technique to adopt.

Stainless steel is ideal for sauces, soups, and slow cooking. It is also suitable for searing meats.

It is dishwasher safe, although hand washing without abrasives is preferable to extend its lifespan.

The specialists? Batell and de Buyer!

There is a difference between steel and stainless steel: Stainless steel contains at least 10.5% chromium, which gives it its corrosion resistance and may also contain nickel, molybdenum, and other elements to improve its properties. Steel, on the other hand, is primarily composed of iron and carbon and may also contain other elements such as manganese, silicon, sulfur, and phosphorus in small amounts. It is less expensive than stainless steel and mechanically stronger, but less resistant to corrosion. It therefore also requires special maintenance to prevent rust.

Cast aluminum

Cast aluminum provides excellent heat retention and even distribution. It is a durable material that can last a lifetime if properly maintained.
Please note, however, that this is a heavy material and requires regular maintenance to maintain the natural non-stick coating (seasoning). Be careful, cast iron can rust if poorly maintained.

Cast iron is ideal for stews, braises, frying and slow cooking.

When it comes to maintenance, cast iron is not dishwasher safe. It's best to clean it by hand with warm water and a soft brush, then dry it immediately to prevent rust. To ensure long-lasting durability, it's best to apply a thin layer of oil after each use to preserve the seasoning.

The specialists? Valira and de Buyer!

Aluminum

Aluminum is lightweight and has good thermal conductivity. It is also a slightly less expensive material.

Be careful though: it reacts with acidic foods (unless it is anodized) and scratches easily. It is therefore advisable to avoid metal utensils and to wash it by hand to avoid damaging the coating.
Aluminum is ideal for quick and even cooking.

The specialist? de Buyer!

Copper

Copper has excellent thermal conductivity and allows for precise temperature control. However, it is much more expensive and requires regular maintenance to maintain its appearance and properties.
Copper can react with certain foods, which is why it is usually lined with a layer of stainless steel on the inside.

Copper is particularly used for delicate sauces and cooking requiring precise temperature control.

In terms of maintenance, copper must be polished regularly to avoid tarnishing and requires specific cleaners. It should be washed by hand and dried immediately.

The specialist? de Buyer!

Teflon-type non-stick coatings

These materials were previously very popular because they are easy to clean and require little or no fat for cooking.

These coatings are used less and less because they are less durable (they wear and scratch), do not withstand very high temperatures well and are regularly criticized for their impact on health and the environment.

These coatings are used in particular for eggs, pancakes, delicate foods.

In terms of maintenance, they require the use of wooden or silicone utensils to avoid scratching the coating. They should be hand-washed with a soft sponge and should be avoided at excessively high temperatures.

Ceramics

Ceramic is a natural non-stick material, so it doesn't contain any controversial chemicals and is scratch-resistant. However, it's a slightly less durable material because it can lose its non-stick properties over time.

Ceramic is used for gentle and even cooking.

To prolong the life of the coating, hand wash the ceramic and avoid abrasive cleaners and metal utensils.

Titanium

Titanium is very strong, durable, lightweight, and provides good thermal conductivity. However, it is more expensive and may require a non-stick coating for better performance.

It is suitable for all-purpose use and should be hand washed to avoid damaging the non-stick coating. Also, avoid using non-metallic utensils.

Finally, some materials are specified as “PFAS-free.”