4 Uses of Aluminum in the Kitchen

4 Uses of Aluminum in the Kitchen

What are the uses of aluminum in the kitchen?

  1. Utensils and Tools
  2. Cookware
  3. Baking Ware
  4. Packaging
  5. Dining Ware

Aluminum is one of the preferred metals for cooking, making it one of the most common items in the household and in the professional kitchen. When you look into any kitchen, you’ll find at least a few pieces of aluminum tools. This is due to its many advantageous metal properties. In its raw form, it is a lightweight metal that is an excellent conductor of heat. After additional treatment, it can take on other beneficial properties that make it suited for the kitchen. Read on to find the many uses of aluminum in the kitchen

What types of aluminum are commonly used in the kitchen?

There are three types of aluminum commonly used in the kitchen. They are:

  • Pressed aluminum
  • Cast aluminum
  • Anodized or hard-anodized aluminum

Pressed aluminum is the least processed and cheapest option on the market. It is the most lightweight aluminum tool and is known for its simple construction and thin cooking vessels. This makes it suitable for cooking quick dishes, as light metals heat up faster. However, these do not last long and can be quite flimsy to handle. 

Cast aluminum is manufactured in a slower and more costly process. Products made with this aluminum are typically thicker and heavier than ones made from pressed aluminum. It is porous, so it can retain heat much longer. It also has the issue of uneven thickness, especially when it comes to pots. While this means that the product is less likely to warp, it can cause some difficulty with even cooking.

Anodized or hard anodized kitchen products are the most processed and expensive. Anodization results in the products having a hard, nonstick, and non-oxidizing finish that is resistant to dents and scratches. This process also ensures that the product won’t have a chemical reaction against salty and acidic foods. This type is very durable and compatible with most types of food.

Utensils and Tools

Due to the metal being lightweight, aluminum is a popular material for making kitchen utensils and tools. While it is lighter than most metals, it is still quite durable and strong. This is valued as aluminum instruments are easier to handle and maneuver in the kitchen, and users do not have to fear breaking them.

Typically, aluminum is used to make utensils such as spoons, spatulas, and knives. Graters, peelers, and mandolins are also made using aluminum blades and components. They are also used in vessels for measuring tools, such as measuring spoons and cups. The list goes on — any stirring, opening, or cutting implement can be made of aluminum.

Cookware

As it is conductive to heat, aluminum is an energy-efficient material for heating and cooling. This property makes it ideal for making pots, pans, and other cookware and food machinery. For example, cast aluminum is often used for large pots due to its porous material, thick base, and thinner sidewalls. These characteristics provide the best cooking vessel for stews, soups, and other dishes that need to be slow-cooked. 

Another example of aluminum cookware is nonstick pans made from anodized aluminum. This product is favored for its nonstick finish and strong surfaces that are scratch-resistant. Unlike cast iron, anodized aluminum has these properties without sacrificing the quick and even heat absorption across its surface. This makes it perfect for sauteing and frying up food quickly.

Baking Ware

As previously stated, aluminum is very conducive to heat. This conductivity makes the metal also suitable for baking ware. Aluminum is commonly used in making baking sheets, tins, and pans. 

The use of this metal is favored for baked goods that need to be cooked at high heats in short amounts of time — such as cookies and muffins. With aluminum, this is achieved and can be easily done without browning or burning the batter. 

Another property of aluminum that makes it suitable for baking is that it can easily cool down even after being exposed to high heat. This helps to stop the baking process and prevents overbaking after the food is taken out of the oven. 

Packaging

Packaging

Wrapping and storing foods can also be done with aluminum products. The metal is known for its ability to be lightweight and malleable yet an excellent sealant. Aluminum can preserve the quality of food by sealing flavor, heat, and moisture inside the vessel. Aluminum is also capable of keeping out light, air, additional moisture, and microorganisms — which contribute to spoilage.

A popular packaging product made from aluminum is aluminum foil, which is a very thin metal sheet that can be used to wrap food to retain its heat and moisture while protecting it from germs. Aluminum is also used for food trays, cans, utensil lids, and storage boxes. 

Dining Ware

Aluminum is an excellent conductor of heat, which also makes it suitable for keeping things hot or cold for a long time. Due to this property, aluminum is often used for dining ware. Aluminum vessels for ice cream are common, as are aluminum salad bowls. These bowls retain coldness that keeps ice cream from melting, and veggies fresh and crisp.

Aluminum is also non-toxic, which means that food can be left in aluminum plates and bowls for some time without the worry of it going bad. Especially when using anodized aluminum, this metal will be able to keep your food ready to eat and fresh for some time, and without changes to its taste. 

Key Takeaway

There are several uses of aluminum in the kitchen, as it is a lightweight, heat conductive, and versatile material. These properties make aluminum the ideal metal for many uses, from preparing food, plating dishes, and even to storing them after meals. With its many uses, aluminum becomes one of the most important materials in your kitchen.

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