Cooking on a gas stove is a little different as compared to when you use an electric stove. Gas heats up very quickly and the heat it produces is not evenly distributed. And while technically most cookware will work on a gas range, there are certain brands that will perform much better.
In this write-up, we’ll check the best cookware for gas stove and tell you why you need to choose them over other brands.
Why is Gas Stove Different?
Do you ever wonder why cooking on a gas stove is so different as compared to using electric or other types of stove tops?
There is only one main reason that affects cooking on a gas range. It heats up your cookware very fast and unevenly.
Think about a classic electric stove. You can turn on the heat and it takes a few minutes before the element actually gets up to a good cooking temperature. This gives an evenly distributed heat across your cookware’s surfaces and lessens the risk of having parts that are hotter or colder.
But when you fire up a gas stove, it gives your set heat instantly to the bottom of the pan. This may cause problems with some types of cookware.
What Should You Look for in a Cookware for Gas Stoves?
Listed below are the main criteria you should look for when buying a cookware for a gas stove:
1. Heats Up Rapidly
Nobody wants to spend a lot of time waiting for a cookware to heat up. The speed at which the cookware come up to temperature should be considered.
2. Heats Evenly
Have you ever tried cooking in a pan that does not heat evenly? It’s annoying and makes cooking a delicious meal very difficult.
This is very important especially if you will use a gas stove as its heating pattern is condensed. You must choose a cookware that can spread the heat across the whole cooking surface as evenly as possible. A lot of good brands offer this feature.
3. Responds to Heat Changes Quickly
Professional chefs will tell you that in order to cook a good meal, you should be able to adjust the heat of your cooking surfaces quickly at times. A cookware that can react fast to temperature changes is a must have in your kitchen. If it can’t adapt easily, you might end up serving a meal that is either overcooked or raw.
Materials to Choose When Buying Cookware
So now you know what to look for when choosing a good cookware for a gas stove, but how about the materials? Not all brands will be a perfect match for your cooking needs.
Listed below are some of the most common materials used in cookware. Each one of them has its own benefits and downfalls, so some manufacturers will combine materials together to produce a good product.
Generally speaking, copper is preferred for cooking in a gas stove. It is one of the best heat conductors in the world. It can heat up a pan quickly. This metal is also popular for its great heat distribution properties which makes cooking easy because there will be no hotspots. It likewise reacts fast to temperature changes. However, there is also a problem with copper. It is very reactive! Copper may react to your food while cooking, thus altering its taste. Worst, it may cause some health problems.
Ingesting copper in large amounts or in a regular basis can cause anemia, liver diseases, kidney problems, and stomach disturbances.
Of course, manufacturers of cookware have come across these facts and made some modifications in their products to make it safer for cooking. You have to be very keen when selecting copper cookware.
Aluminum is yet another popular material being used in cookware. This also fares well when checked against all the criteria for gas stove cookware. This fantastically lightweight material is perfect if you are having a hard time maneuvering heavy pans. Aluminum is a good heat conductor. It can heat up a pan evenly. They can respond well to temperature changes. What’s nice about this type of cookware is that they are available at low prices! Though not as durable as copper, this cookware normally has a non-stick coating to lessen seasoning and cleaning time.
However, aluminum is also very reactive to cooking and is prone to scratching. Once ingested in large amounts or through a long period of time, it can affect the heart, bones, and muscles.
Cast iron cookware is thick and heavy. They require more heating for an extended period of time to get the cookware up to a cooking temperature. It responds to heat changes slowly and may crack if accidentally dropped. But, if you are working on a budget, this is one of the most affordable types that you can get.
Carbon steel cookware is also cheap, but can’t hold heat well at all. It is not capable of distributing heat evenly on its cooking surface. Maintaining a higher temperature when needed is also very hard to achieve.
Stainless steel is a good material to use on induction hubs. They are normally being mixed with chromium and nickel to stop tarnishing and rusting. But even if they are durable, affordable, and easy to care for, they do not heat up evenly. It also takes time for them to heat and be ready for cooking.
Colored Cookware
Is it safe to use colored cookware? If you’re using a gas stove for cooking, it is best to not use colored cookware. Why? This is because paints almost always discolor easily when exposed to gas flames. This will make your cookware look dirty. Aside from aesthetic concerns, you do not want to risk mixing up paints in your dishes.
What Are the Best Cookware for Gas Stove?
1. All-Clad 5-Ply 10 Piece Set
Show off your best cooking skills and be inspired with this copper cookware set! Designed for professional use, you are sure to make delightful dishes for your family and friends. This set features a 5-ply construction with a copper center, making it more effective in spreading heat evenly. And since it responds quickly to changes in temperatures, it is perfect for cooking recipes that demands precise temperature control like dips and sauces.
Their well-designed interiors are and well-polished cooking surfaces will surely complement the look of your modern home kitchen. They are very easy to use and clean and is compatible with any dishwasher. This set of cookware does not react with food, hence keeping the natural flavor. The riveted handles offer a heat choke to lessen heat transfer, therefore avoiding a possible hand burn. This set can be used in the oven for up to 600 degrees Fahrenheit.
Most people would think twice about buying this set because it’s pricey. But as they always say, “you’ll get what you pay for.”
2. Emeril Lagasse Copper Core 14 Piece Set
As mentioned above, manufacturers usually combine materials to produce a better product. This Emeril set is one great example. This beautiful stainless steel cookware has an added bonus. Its base is made out of aluminum accentuated with a copper core. This makes the products easier to heat.
Though recommended for gas stoves, these items are also ready to go to induction stovetops and in the oven. They are dishwasher-safe. Another good feature of this set is their glass lids. It’s really more convenient to monitor your dishes without lifting the lids. They have pour sprouts too and straining lids perfect for draining cooking liquids.
Another catch for this product is its price! For only less than $300, you can get a complete set of cookware making meals for everyone easy! This exclusive collection comes in different shapes and sizes. They can be easily arranged in your kitchen, giving it a whole new look!
3. Cuisinart Multiclad 12 Piece Set
For an affordable price if $205.79, you can get everything you need in this wonderful 12 piece set of kitchen cookware. You can now do all the basic cooking tasks, big or small.
The polished cooking surfaces of this cookware don’t change in color. They are safe to use because they do not react with food, hence keeping the natural aroma and taste. They have cool grip handles secured with rivets. Its triple-ply construction secures good heat conductivity and distribution.
This set will definitely make you feel like you can do more decent dishes. You can place this in the oven with a temperature not exceeding 550 degrees Fahrenheit.
From reheating a small portion of soup to cooking appetizers, main courses, and side dishes for you and your family, you’ll find every tool you need in this amazing cookware set.
4. Cooks Standard 10 Piece Cookware Set
For just $139.99, you can get 10 pieces of high quality, stainless steel cookware. Isn’t that amazing? Each item in this set has 2 layers of stainless steel, improved with an aluminum core along its base and walls. They look beautiful and are durable.
And just like what everybody wants, this set can distribute heat evenly to prevent hot spots while cooking. Riveted handles to keep them cool and safe to hold. The set comes with lids to keep the heat and moisture. Though perfect for gas stoves, these pieces can also be used on glass, ceramic, and electric. If you need to pre-heat a dish in the oven, you can use any item from this set as long as the temperature does not go beyond 500 degrees Fahrenheit. Cleaning shouldn’t be a problem. You can wash it by your hands or use a dishwasher.
5. Chef’s Star 17-Piece Pots & Pans Stainless Steel
Are you scouting for an all in one cookware set that is not only professional looking, but also versatile and can stand the test of time? Look no further! For only $199.99, you are sure to enjoy all those features with Chef’s Star cookware set.
Made to last for years, these pieces are made with high-grade stainless steel, encapsulated with impact-bonded aluminum. Their handles are shaped perfectly with an anti-slip satin finish for an easy and comfortable grip.
Whether you are using a gas, electric, glass, or even induction stove, these items will fit to cater to your cooking needs. What’s nice about this set is that they are BPA free, producing healthier and tastier meals. They can be used in the oven for up to 550 degrees Fahrenheit. Cleaning is made easy because of their compatibility with almost all kinds of a dishwasher.
Caring for Your Cookware
High-quality cookware can last for years, but they will only stand the test of time if you will treat them with care. Here are some of the most useful tips on getting the most from your cookware:
1. Avoid using metal utensils or any abrasive cleaning materials on your cookware. They can easily damage surfaces and remove the non-stick coatings.
2. Only place your cookware on hobs that are more likely of the same size or smaller. This is to avoid wasting heat and to prevent it from reaching the handle.
3. Do not leave an empty pan on a heat source. This can easily damage the cookware while wasting energy.
4. Never place a hot pan straight into a cold water for cleaning. This may cause warping. Clean them with warm water and soap, or soak it for a few minutes to remove the stains.
5. While the majority of cookware sets are dishwasher safe, it is best to check both the product’s page and the care instructions when you receive the set before washing them in this manner.
6. Whether you are cleaning them by hands or through a dishwasher, always make sure that the cookware is well dried before storing it in your kitchen cabinet.
Conclusion
The charm of owning a good set of cookware is enticing. But faced with too many cookware designs, materials, and prices – from copper and stainless steel – it is best to be well-informed. Use this guide to improve your shopping knowledge and skills before making a purchase.
