Aluminum vs Stainless Steel Cookware

What are the differences between aluminum vs steel cookware?

1. Price
2. Weight
3. Cooking Temperatures
4. Durability

When you’re out shopping for new utensils and appliances for your kitchen, the number of choices out there is mind-boggling. For those considering whether to choose aluminum or stainless steel set, there are a number of questions to ponder. Each option has many pros and cons, but luckily we have here some points to consider when weighing aluminum vs stainless steel cookware. Read on!

Cost

While the biggest cost factor when buying new cookware depends on the brands you’re looking at, the material used in these products still affects the general price points. Generally, stainless steel sets will be priced higher than aluminum ones.

If you’re working with a larger budget, a stainless steel set could be the option for you. Stainless steel might cost more upfront, but it also tends to last longer than aluminum kitchenware, which can make it more cost-effective in the long run.

Aluminum is comparatively less expensive. However, just because it’s priced a bit cheaper doesn’t mean you’re disregarding quality just to save a few bucks. There are many fantastic and high-quality aluminum sets out there that still cost relatively lower than middle-range stainless steel utensils. While they may not last as long, this can still appeal to cooks on a budget.

Weight

You might not think it when you’re looking at the cookware in a store, but the weight should be one of the things to consider before purchasing a new set. This is especially true for cooks who would need to move their pots and pans frequently while cooking at home or work.

Aluminum pots and pans are lighter than those made of stainless steel, which is great when you’re cooking in a faster-paced environment. However, this means that the cookware itself might be less balanced and thinner than your stainless steel options. This could also lead to accidents in the kitchen if you’re not careful when handling hot pots and pans.

With stainless steel, they tend to be heavier and as a result, are better balanced than aluminum. The handles on this type of equipment are also usually stronger because the material is harder than other options. This might be a better option if you’re prone to small accidents in the kitchen, and need heavier tools when moving around.

Cooking Temperatures

When considering what items to buy in your kitchen, you should think about what kind of cooking you often do. This is important when choosing what kind of metal pans to buy.

Aluminum is a better conductor of heat compared to stainless steel, which means that this metal will heat up very fast. This metal has a high heat capacity, but the design of aluminum cookware means that it is so light that it does not hold onto heat for a long time. This means that there is a rapid heat transfer that happens on the surfaces of aluminum, which results in rapid but even cooking.

It takes some experience and quick thinking to be able to control the heat of this type of metal. So if you are an experienced cook looking to make quick, no-fuss food, using aluminum cookware is something you should consider.

On the other hand, stainless steel is a less effective conductor of heat and will take a lot longer to heat up evenly. These types of kitchenware will often have hot spots on the surface. This means that the ‘contact sites’ (the spots on the pan that come into direct contact with the flame) will have higher temperatures than the rest of the surface. This will take some time to even out, which is fine if you’re a less experienced cook who can take some time to make sure your food is cooked evenly.

Durability

Stainless steel is one of the most durable materials in the market, and this includes cookware. It can handle prolonged and repeated exposure to high heat, chemicals in food, and even vigorous use.

Stainless steel also has a nonreactive surface, which means that you can cook almost anything using this metal. It can resist the high acidity levels of food like tomatoes, and adding salt into your recipes won’t affect the metal even in large volumes. However, if left to sit in the stainless steel for too long, it could still cause some pitting, so be careful when washing these.

In comparison, aluminum does not do well when it comes to durability when it’s not powder coated. While most aluminum cookware will be coated with Teflon to reduce scratching and pitting, this coating can be affected by certain types of food. Highly acidic and salty foods can degrade this coating and come into contact with the aluminum underneath. This can leech the aluminum into your food.

If your aluminum is powder-coated (which means the aluminum has been electrochemically processed to create a durable and corrosion-resistant finish) it will be highly durable and food-safe.

Key Takeaway

In any kitchen, it is good to know the correct type of cookware to best suit your cooking needs, style, and expertise. Both aluminum and stainless steel have different features that can suit various cooking needs. Considering the features of aluminum vs stainless steel cookware when choosing the best option for your kitchen will lead to you being properly equipped for your next cooking venture.