Aluminum is already known as a sturdy metal. But now, it’s made three times stronger by anodization. It doesn’t chip or peel, and it comes in a variety of colors. It is lightweight compared to other metals like stainless steel, and it costs much less to make. You’ll see it used in coffee makers, microwaves, architecture, and transportation!
Hard anodized pans are generally heavier than ceramic ones. There can be significant differences in weight between hard-anodized and ceramic pans.
Similar materials do not necessarily mean the pans will weigh similar amounts. Aluminum pans do not leach any aluminum into the food.
Cooking the food in aluminum pans does not cause more aluminum to get into the food than if you used other types of pans. Aluminum cookware is safe to use and has been through extensive screening. Even if you scratch your pan, it won’t leach into your food.
Most of us use anodized pans because we want them to be strong and last longer. You don’t need to worry about scratching the surface when you’re washing dishes.
Anodized cookware pots are twice as hard as stainless. They are safe for use in the house. They are made without toxic fumes. However, you may wonder about the best way to clean these pans.
Firstly, it’s useful to bear in mind that they aren’t dishwasher friendly, so it may take a bit more effort to clean them. Hand washing is much better because you can see if there is any damage caused by the water.
Before The First Use
When you first get your pan, make sure to remove the labels before using it. Label stickers can be easily removed by non-metal utensils.
Use a non-metal utensil to lift one corner and gently scrape away the remaining sticker. If it still doesn’t disappear completely, you can even apply some alcohol to remove any residue.
During Cooking
Anodized pans should be cooked in medium or low heat. Too high of heat can warp them. Choose a stove top if possible.
Don’t chop directly on the surface of the pan to avoid scratching it. After you’re finished cooking, they should be cleaned with strong detergents and abrasives.
Dishwashers are not recommended because they can scratch the surface of the cookware. You should use the right tools for the job.
Hard anodized aluminum cookware can be cleaned with dish soap and warm water. Before washing your anodized cookware, it is important to remember that you must wash the exterior as well as the interior.
You should never leave the exterior of your pots or pans greasy or dirty. Cleaning the exterior of your pots and pans will help you avoid losing the shine of your cookware.
Steel Wool
Cooks should avoid using hard-anodized pans when cooking foods such as eggs or tomatoes since they tend to stick to them.
Hard-anodized cookware tends not to be nonstick. Food can get burned if you don’t oil them well. However, some manufacturers have created new types of anodized cookware that are nonstick.
So do some research before investing in new cookware to ensure you buy the right ones for your needs. Traditional pans should never be cleaned with wire brushes or other abrasives.
Anodized products should be cleaned by hand using normal, mild dish soap and warm water. If you don’t like water spots, you should dry your cookware after you wash it.
It’s crucial you clean your cookware every time you use it to reduce the chance of greasy buildup. If the cookware develops a mark, mix baking powder and water to form a paste and scrub your hard anodized cooking vessels with it.
When cleaning cookware, use the following guide:
- Use a powerful detergent to clean your cookware.
- Use gentle scouring powders like Bar Keepers Friend, Ajax, or Comptometer.
- Use gentle scrubbers.
- Dry your pots and pans with paper towels or cloths.
Store your pots and pans away from heat, and use cleaning solutions that aren’t intended for cookware.
Never use oven cleaner or other corrosive cleaning agents on your cookware. Also, avoid any liquid household cleaners.
This includes floor cleaner, silver polish, grouting cleaner, or porcelain cleaner. Don’t clean your anodized cast iron cookware with bleach.
If you need to remove stuck-on food, fill your pot or pan with hot tap water instead.
Leave the food to soak overnight, and then gently scrape it off with an old toothbrush or soft spoon.
Hard-anodized aluminum pots and pans may withstand some cleaning agents, but avoid them if possible. You should always let your pots and pans air-dry after use.
Coke
Coke removes tough stains from pots and pans. You should soak cookware in cola overnight. Then use a soft sponge to wash away the grease.
The Natural Way
Baking soda is an alkaline substance that can be used safely on your stovetop. You can also use baking soda as a cleaner for your pots and pans.
Make sure to remove any residue before using your pots and pans again.
Many people have success when they use baking soda in their boiling water to clean their stainless steel pots.
Baking soda breaks down stains and cleans your surface. Lemon juice helps remove stubborn stains.
Vinegar is very useful when cleaning dishes, but it should never be used to clean cast-iron pans or other cookware because it could damage the surface.
Polishing
Aluminum polishes well. Be sure to use a soft cloth when buffing aluminum. Don’t spray aluminum with aluminum polish if you want to avoid streaks.
Cost
Hard-Anodized Cookware is more expensive but lasts longer than ceramic cookware. Greenlife products are the most popular ceramic cookware brand.
You can find sets that differ in cost, usually somewhere around the $500 to $600 range, which may seem a bit much, but anodized cookware will last for life, and you can be sure your investment will pay off.
Conclusion
There are lots of benefits of using anodized cookware, and we feel the benefits outweigh the initial investment. If you take care of your pans, they will help you produce tasty meals for many years.
