The cookware industry continuously evolves by introducing new improvements of cookware in the market like the anodized cookware. While these promises better experience in cooking, smart buyers will always look out for their safety in using them.
Quality may be one of the major reasons in buying cookware as this is going to be a big investment for your kitchen, but safety should always be the priority. We will help you evaluate whether anodized cookware is good for you and if you already have them, what you can do to avoid any possible ill effects.
What is Hard Anodized Cookware?
Hard Anodized Cookware are kitchen tools that have undergone intense anodizing process to create a thicker construction to become non-stick. Anodizing is a process where the surface of the metal is converted into a durable and corrosion, scratch, and damage resistant.The material, like the aluminum, is subjected to a chemical bath where it is dipped applying electrical current which triggers the production of oxide from the resulting rust on the aluminum. This thick oxide layer makes the aluminum harder and corrosion resistant.
The only difference in hard anodized is that aside from the anodizing process it is made with higher voltage and lower temperature, which leads to a harder and more durable cookware coating. Hardanodized cookware is a cookware with a hard-anodized aluminum base which undergone the process of hard anodizing. The process makes the cookware corrosion resistant and highly durable. There are many features of hardcore cookware such as it is durable, scratch and damage resistant, heat-conductible, and many more. However, it has also disadvantages like non-dishwasher friendly and induction incompatibility. You should then check for cookware sets for gas stoves, electric stoves, and other stoves type.
Is anodized cookware safe?
Anodized cookware is safe. This is because through anodizing, a thick layer is created to serve as barrier to prevent the contact of aluminum to the food. You can best assured that any possible aluminum leaching will not happen when you are using this kind of cookware.
Moreover, hard anodized cookware is non-toxic such that the high heat temperatures will not damage the anodized coating. Its surface is non-resistant and is made smooth. So, you wouldn’t worry that the thick layer of the cookware will wear off when using in a high heat stove. As you already know, this type of cookware is durable and strong, it cannot be damaged easily.
A lot of people have concerns on the potential health risks of using this cookware due to alleged aluminum leaching but there is no scientific research that would back this. In fact, research will tell you that, an average adult takes in 7 to 9 milligrams of aluminum in food from background and environmental aluminum considering the abundance of aluminum. But if you consider the features of hard anodized cookware, you will have not much worry as it is made safe from aluminum leaching.
Anodized cookware is safe but just like any other products, there are things that must be done to ensure its safe use. Although this type of cookware is scratch and dent resistant and is highly durable, over time and due to improper use, this might be compromised. If it happens that the thick layer, that is the barrier between the aluminum base and the surface, the aluminum base will be exposed. So, it is important to keep and maintain it according to the recommendation or instruction of the manufacturer.
What are the pros and cons of hard anodized cookware?
To determine whether anodized cookware is safe, let us weigh in their pros such as its durability, safety, versatility and other matters, and their cons like compatibility, cost, and some other issues.
These are as follows:
Pros anodized cookware
1. Durable
Have you been spending too much replacing cookware due to rust, scratches, and other damage? You can well be assured that you will unlikely experience the same with hard anodized cookware. This is one of the strongest and most durable cookware in the market. It is due to the fact discussed previously that hard anodized aluminum is protected by an oxide layer produced during the anodizing process. Along with being corrosion resistant, the strengthening of this cookware makes the aluminum less susceptible to warping. This is why it is far more durable than typical cookware.
2. Scratch Resistant
One of the things that sets hard anodized cookware apart from other types of cookware is its being scratch resistant. Scratches are common complaints of costumers when it comes to cookware so, finding a cookware that is resistant from scratches or dents is a bliss! With the anodizing process making this cookware durable, it also protects the surface of the cookware from usual wear and tear, and it does not scratch easily.
3. Non-sticky
The problem with traditional cookware, like pans and pots, is that there is no non-sticky feature. Unfortunately for you when you get any ingredients burnt, it will affect the taste of the food. Plus, your next problem will be cleaning it. You will have to use abrasive wools to clean it which can leave scratches on your pans or pots. This is however not the case with anodized cookware, aside from it being strong and hard, it is well-treated aluminum that makes it totally non-sticky! Now you can rest easy knowing that you can cook your food evenly without burning it and cleaning will not be of a challenge.
4. Not leaching aluminum
With the differing opinions on the possibility of leaching metal into their food when the aluminum product’s non-stick coating wears off. This is completely understandable as everyone wants to ensure their safety. However, with anodized cookware, this should not be worried about since the anodizing process prevents the metal from corroding regardless of the non-stick coating. Thus, hard anodized cookware is safe to use and that there is no way the metal will leach into your food.
5. Heat-Conductible
What’s good with appliance that has high thermal conductivity is that it heats evenly and quickly reducing cooking time and assuring that you will get a perfect result with your food!
6. Versatile
Hard anodized cookware has unmatched versatility! Its non-stick coating which is made with smooth surface through the chemical process it underwent, made it an excellent all-purpose kitchen cookware that can eb used to cook variety of food.
7. Easy Storage
The hard anodized cookware can be stored anywhere you want unlike other cookware. This is due to its heightened durability and its scratch resistant nature. With this, you are worry-free in storing it and the best things is that its maintenance and upkeep barely requires any thus it is low maintenance.
Cons anodized cookware
1. Limited Aesthetic
With the anodizing process of hard anodized cookware, its look is dull, and the colors are only dark or charcoal grey. If you are someone who is very much keen with your appliance aesthetic, you might want checking other types of cookware.
2. Expensive
Hard anodized cookware may be cheaper than stainless steel, it is still considered expensive compared to other non-adonized aluminum. This sure works against this cookware as people would normally make the cost a big factor in buying appliance. But if you are going to look at it as an investment, then it is definitely worth it considering its high quality and durability.
3. Heavy
Considering the added layer of the hard adonized cookware, it is expectedly heavier than standard aluminum cookware. You will most probably look for a cookware that is easy to be moved and maneuvered when cooking, so, this is going to be one of the challenges if you opt to use this type of cookware.
4. Not Dishwasher-Friendly
Hard anodized cookware can only be hand washed since it has non-stick coating, in hand washing it, abrasive wool or harsh chemicals cannot be used as it may ruin the cookware. You have to use gentle soap and apply gentle scrubs to clean, making it a bit more effortful in cleaning this type of cookware.
5. Incompatible with Induction
There are cookware sets for gas stoves and other type of stoves. The hard anodized cookware can be used with gas to electric stoves; however, it is not compatible with induction stoves. Although it is only with this kind of stove, it is still hard when you have to adjust the type of the stove you are using to fit with the cookware.
How to Mitigate the Risks of Hard Anodized Cookware?
Hard Anodized Cookware are safe to use mainly due to its thick layer that is specially designed to avoid the contact of food with aluminum. However, when this layer is compromise, this might pose health risk as the aluminum base is already exposed. To avoid this from happening, let us show you how to mitigate any risks of using hard anodized cookware: As to cleaning: Manufacturers may say that you can place it in dishwashers but considering its thick coating, handwashing is still recommended. Do not use abrasive cleaners as it can damage the surface of the cookware no matter how thick it is. You should also take note that you cannot use harsh washing soap as it might cause chemical reaction that will damage its coating or result to discoloration. To avoid this, use only mild soap.
As to storing: Due to the hard anodized cookware’s scratch resistant nature, it is low maintenance in that you can store it without worrying too much about scratches. However, since you are to make sure its surface will not be damaged, storing it properly is still a better way to avoid it. You can put rubber between pans or put it in a place that will prevent it from colliding with other cookware.
As to utensils used: It is still better to use wooden or ceramic utensils when cooking although manufacturers assure that you can use any utensils. This will prevent any possible scratches on the surface of the cookware.
As to cooking: Hard anodized cookware is heat resistant and its thick layer is not easily damaged by high heat level, but we cannot tell over time. Thus, it is best to cook in low to medium heat if you are not rushing. Plus, it is heat-conductible, so it will heat up quickly, you got nothing to worry about the cooking time.
As to other uses: Only refer to the manufacturer’s recommendation or instruction as to its use. Never use it as food storage or chopping board in cutting food.
It is a fact that anodized cookware has thick layers on its surface to protect the food from any aluminum transmission. If you are, however, concerned you’re your safety, it is recommended to adhere to these tips to mitigate any possible risks of using the cookware. After all, your safety should be your major consideration in buying or using cookware.
Related Question: FAQ
1Which is better hard anodized or nonstick?
If you are looking for a more scratch resistant andnon-leaching of aluminum, then hard-anodized cookware may be better for you. Both hard anodized and non-stick cookware have a good non-sticky characteristic. With non-stick cookware, its base may be hard anodized, regular aluminum, stainless steel, or any other material while hard anodized base is aluminum and is always non-stick. The difference of these two is that hard anodized is specifically designed to have thick layer that prevents the contact of aluminum to food. Due to its thick layer that is made stronger through the anodizing process, it is scratch, corrosion, and damage resistant.
Do hard anodized pans have Teflon?
Anodized pans do not have Teflon. The base of anodized pans isaluminum, and the process of anodizing creates a thicker layer which serves as a barrier between the aluminum and food to avoid any risk of contact. Thus, Teflon is not necessary for this pan since it is already anodized. While people get confused about Teflon and anodized metal, these are completely different. These two are used to make non-stick pans but the process of doing so is different.
Is hard anodized cookware PFOA free?
Yes, hard anodized cookware is PFOA free. It is one of the cookware in the market that you can be assured is without PFOA. Perfluorooctanoic acid or PFOA is an ingredient used for non-stick cookware which was proven to be harmful to human health. This is why it is relieving to know that hard anodized cookware has no PFOA as what it uses to attain a non-stick surface is through anodization.
Does anodized aluminum wear off?
Anodized aluminum does not wear off. It is permanent since in the anodizing process, the oxide layer grew out of the aluminum base. It can, however, wear off only when such layer is compromised but overall, it is durable and corrosion, scratch, and damage resistant. Thus, it does not wear off easily.
Conclusion
High-quality cookware comes with a high price which if you are into cooking or you do cook tasks often may be considered a good investment to your kitchen like hard anodized cookware. It is proven to be durable and safe with its main feature of having a thick layer preventing any aluminum contact to your food.
While quality and cost might be one of your concerns, you have to look out for your safety more. There are lingering issues on health risks on the use of some cookware so, even if you are assured by the manufacturers that it is safe to use, you should have to still check on the limitations of its use. It is recommended to always check any manual that comes with the cookware or any instructions of the manufacturer. To be sure that you are buying the best cookware, take some time to check the pros and cons of getting it to avoid putting yourself in any possible danger.
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