Kitchen – Wise Buyer Choices

12 05 2024

Best Cookware

The Struggle with Traditional Non-Stick Pans

Until two years ago, we routinely had to replace our non-stick frypans every 6 months or so. Scratches and the inevitable loss of their non-stick coating rendered them unusable far too quickly. We tried trusted brands like Cuisinart, Calphalon, and All-Clad, but none could stand the test of time. Beyond their short lifespan, many pans came with other drawbacks, such as excessive weight or awkward, uncomfortable handles. It became clear we needed to explore better, longer-lasting options.

Why HexClad Stands Out

Frustrated by the repeated disappointment of traditional non-stick pans, we decided to take a chance on the HexClad frying pan. Promising a hybrid design that combines the durability of stainless steel with the convenience of a non-stick surface, it sounded almost too good to be true. Despite the glowing reviews, we were initially hesitant—it’s heavily marketed and endorsed by celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay. While we’re fans of MasterChef and Hell’s Kitchen, we tend to steer clear of celebrity-endorsed products, often assuming they’re just passing trends. However, HexClad proved us completely wrong, exceeding our expectations in every way.

We found that it lives up to its promises. Not only does it have an impressive non-stick surface, but its stainless-steel construction provides fast, even heating and stands up to metal utensils without damaging the coating. It’s basically a stainless-steel frypan that is also non-stick which is a game changer.

Since then, we’ve invested in a full set of Hexclad cookware, including a saucepan, a larger frying pan, and a stockpot. After two years of daily use (sometimes multiple times a day), the non-stick surface remains intact, and the cookware still looks nearly new. We’ve found the Hexclad cookware easy to clean, comfortable to handle, and versatile enough to go from stove to oven seamlessly. It’s truly one of the best kitchen investments we’ve made.

While HexClad cookware comes with a higher price tag, its exceptional quality makes it a worthwhile investment. The added bonus? A lifetime warranty, which not only ensures peace of mind but also saves you money in the long run by eliminating the need for frequent replacements. For the best deals, check out Costco or watch for Black Friday promotions. If you’re unsure, start with a single piece to test the waters before investing in a full set. I would recommend the 12inch frying pan as a good starter piece due to its versatility.

Check Price on Amazon

Check Price on HexClad.com

HexClad Tips for Best Results:

Hand wash even though it is dishwasher safe using warm soapy water and a non-abrasive sponge
Use a small amount of oil, especially when frying eggs
Cook on low to medium heat as the pans heat up quickly and evenly

Affordable Alternatives for Non-Non-Stick Cookware

If non-stick cookware isn’t a priority and you’d rather avoid the premium price of HexClad, there are plenty of great alternatives available. For those on a budget, IKEA cookware is an excellent option. Their stainless-steel pots and pans are both affordable and durable—our IKEA stainless-steel pot has been a kitchen staple for over 20 years and is still going strong.

For those seeking high-quality stainless-steel cookware, brands like All-Clad are worth considering. However, with a price point similar to HexClad, All-Clad lacks the added benefit of a hybrid non-stick surface. If you’re already considering a significant investment, HexClad might be the better choice for its versatility and additional functionality.

Our Experience with Cast Iron

Cast-iron cookware comes highly recommended by many chefs and home cooks, celebrated for its durability and versatility. Intrigued, we decided to give it a try. Unfortunately, it didn’t work out for us. The pan’s heavy weight made it cumbersome to use, and seasoning it to maintain a non-stick surface felt more like a chore than a convenience. Its limited practicality also became apparent—it’s too heavy for a one-handed “lift and flip,” ruling out dishes like stir fries and pancakes.

After sitting unused for several months, our cast-iron pan succumbed to rust and had to be discarded. Admittedly, this was likely due to our lack of experience and proper care techniques, but it underscored how much maintenance cast iron requires.

If you’re determined to try cast-iron cookware, here are a couple of tips:

Season the pan regularly to maintain its non-stick properties.
Avoid soaking it in water, as this can lead to rust.

While cast iron may be ideal for some, it wasn’t the right fit for our kitchen. However, for those willing to put in the effort, it can be a valuable addition to their cookware collection.

What’s your go-to cookware? Share your favorites or your own experiences with HexClad, stainless steel, or cast iron in the comments below!”

11 06 2024

Smart food storage

Kate Kitchen, Space Savers

Food storage containers are essential for a well-organized kitchen, making it easy to save leftovers for future meals. In our household, we prioritize home-cooked meals at least five days a week, especially with the rising costs of dining out. We often cook a bit extra, so it’s rare for an evening to pass without leftovers that need to be stored and refrigerated.

However, storing food containers can quickly eat up valuable cabinet space, especially in smaller kitchens. The solution? Opt for nested containers that save space and make organization easy. While there are countless options on the market, over the years, I’ve come to rely on a few trusted brands that deliver both quality and great value.

Rubbermaid

Food Storage Set, Red Vented Lids

Rubbermaid is a leading brand in the world of storage containers, and it’s easy to see why. Their containers tick nearly every box: they come in a variety of sizes, feature vented lids, and, best of all, they nest neatly to save valuable cabinet space. In terms of durability, our set of Rubbermaid containers has lasted over two years and is still going strong.

Rubbermaid offers two main types of nesting plastic containers: the standard line and the premium ‘Brilliance’ line. The standard containers feature a slightly opaque plastic, while the Brilliance line is made of crystal-clear Tritan plastic, designed to look like glass with the lightweight benefits of plastic. Both types are BPA-free, dishwasher-safe, and microwave-safe. However, the Brilliance containers are significantly more expensive, costing about three times as much as the standard ones.

So, which is the better option? Personally, I recommend the standard containers for a couple of reasons.

First, the vented lids on the standard containers allow steam to escape, making them ideal for microwaving or cooling down warm food before refrigeration. Second, in my experience, the Brilliance containers tend to develop cracks over time, likely due to the heat from the dishwasher and microwave, which diminishes their crystal-clear appearance. While the regular containers also develop some white stains over time, likely from microwave heat exposure, they seem to hold up better overall. Given the significantly higher price of the Brilliance line, the standard containers offer a better value—they’re more affordable and can be replaced as needed.

Check price of Rubbermaid standard nested food storage containers on Amazon

Check price of Rubbermaid “Brilliance” nested food storage containers on Amazon

Rubbermaid storage containers in cabinet

Joseph Joseph

Nest Lock Food Storage Container set

Joseph Joseph is a popular brand known for its intelligently designed home products. Their 10-piece nesting food storage container set is an excellent alternative or complement to Rubbermaid containers, featuring a compact, nested design with color-coded lids that snap together for easy storage. The containers are lockable, airtight, leakproof, and the color coding makes it easy to match each lid with its container.

After a couple of years of use, I’ve noticed these containers develop white stains similar to those on standard Rubbermaid containers due to heat exposure. Personally, I slightly prefer the Rubbermaid containers since they include vents in the lids to allow steam to escape. However, for storing cold foods like salads, the Joseph Joseph containers are a solid, well-designed space saving option.

Check Price of Joseph Joseph nested storage containers on Amazon

Plastic vs Glass

While many plastic containers are labeled as microwave- and dishwasher-safe, repeated exposure to heat often causes them to develop white stains over time, as noted above. Generally, plastic food containers last up to two years. Once staining is evident, they should be replaced. Additionally, plastic can sometimes absorb food odors and is prone to staining.

For better durability and versatility, glass containers are ideal, as they are safe for the microwave, dishwasher, and oven. However, there are limited options for nested glass storage containers on the market. Pyrex, the leading brand for glass food storage, does not offer a nested set, however I’ve collected various sizes of Pyrex containers and stacked the smaller ones inside the larger ones, though they don’t fit as neatly as a true nested set.

Here are some brands that offer nested glass food storage container sets. I haven’t personally tried them, but they have generally positive reviews. However, some users have reported issues with chipping and difficulty separating the containers when nested

Anchor Hocking 26 Piece Glass Storage Containers with Lids

Vtopmart 4Pack Glass Bowls with Lids

Joseph Joseph Nest Glass Storage Dishes-Multi-Colour, Set of 4

I recommend using a set of nested plastic containers for items like vegetables and salads, while reserving glass containers for foods that will need reheating. This combination provides a practical balance of convenience and functionality. Alternatively, you can transfer food from plastic containers to a ceramic plate before reheating, although it’s a less convenient option.