Setting up your new kitchen or upgrading your cookware? If yes, then this guide is here to help.
Choosing the right types of cookware can make cooking easier, faster, and more enjoyable. You might not realize it often, but using the right utensils can not only enhance the flavor of your dishes but also improve cooking efficiency. Whether you're making a quick meal or a slow-cooked delicacy, it ensures even heat distribution for better results.
However, with so many options available, it can be confusing to begin your search for the best type of cookware that not only meets your everyday cooking needs but also enhances the aesthetics of your kitchen. Another important question that pops up here is whether you should go for traditional brass and copper utensils or modern alternatives.
In this guide, we'll break down the different types of cookware, their uses, and why certain materials like brass and copper stand out.
Types of Cookware Based on Utility
Here’s a list of must-have cookware items for your kitchen:
Handi
A handi is a deep, wide-mouthed pot commonly used in Indian cooking. It’s perfect for making slow-cooked dishes, curries, and biryanis. The shape allows for even heat distribution and moisture retention, making your food more flavorful.
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Brass Handi – Retains heat well, making it great for dum-style cooking. The metal enhances flavors, making dishes more aromatic and rich in flavors.
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Copper Handi – Known for its excellent heat conduction, copper ensures even cooking and prevents hot spots. It’s ideal for slow-cooked dishes like korma and curries and is a must-have utensil for your kitchen.
Tawa
A tawa is a flat pan used for making rotis, parathas, dosas, and pancakes. A good tawa ensures even cooking and prevents burning.
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Brass Tawa – Unlike modern tawas, brass tawa heats up quickly and retains warmth for longer. It provides even heat distribution, helping you get perfectly cooked flatbreads with crisp edges and soft centers.
Kadai
A kadai (or kadhai) is a deep cooking pan with side handles, generally used for frying, sautéing, and preparing curries. It’s a kitchen staple you can find in almost every Indian household.
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Brass Kadai – Ideal for deep frying, slow cooking, and making flavorful dishes. It retains heat well, ensuring food stays warm for longer. Brass is also believed to enhance the taste of spices.
Ladle
A ladle is a long-handled spoon used for stirring and serving soups, stews, and curries.
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Brass Ladle – A sturdy and durable option, brass ladles maintain the temperature of hot dishes while serving, preventing sudden cooling.
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Brass Ladle Set: A ladle set brings you an all-in-one solution for your daily cooking needs. It comes with five ladles including 1 Frying Ladle, 1 Flipping Ladle, 1 Curved Ladle, and 2 All-Purpose Ladles that can be used for everything from frying to flipping and stirring.
Degchi
A degchi is a traditional Indian cooking pot with a wider top and a narrow base. It is commonly used for making rice, gravies, and slow-cooked dishes.
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Copper Degchi – Heats food evenly, making it an excellent choice for preparing aromatic dishes like pulao, dal, and rich gravies.
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Brass Degchi – Keeps food warm for longer, enhances flavors, and is perfect for cooking traditional Indian delicacies.
Bhagona
A bhagona is a deep pot, similar to a stockpot, used for making soups, stews, and boiling liquids.
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Brass Bhagona – Enhances flavors and retains warmth. It’s excellent for boiling milk, preparing dals, and making herbal concoctions.
Fry Pan
A fry pan is a must-have for frying, sautéing, and searing food.
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Brass Saucepan - Great for simmering sauces, boiling water, and preparing soups. Brass distributes heat evenly, preventing food from sticking or burning.
Why Brass and Copper Utensils Make for the Best Cookware?
Brass and copper have been used for centuries in Indian households, and for good reason. They offer numerous advantages over modern materials like aluminum and non-stick coatings. Here’s why these metals are among the best types of cookware:
Excellent Heat Conduction: Both brass and copper distribute heat evenly, preventing hot spots and ensuring food cooks uniformly. This means fewer chances of burning and better retention of natural flavors.
Enhances Flavor: Brass and copper utensils react slightly with acidic ingredients, enhancing the taste of food. This is why traditional dishes cooked in these metals often have a deeper, richer flavor.
Retains Nutrients: Modern cookware often strips food of its essential nutrients. Brass and copper cookware, on the other hand, help retain vitamins and minerals, making your meals healthier.
Naturally Antimicrobial: Both metals possess antibacterial properties, which ultimately reduce the risk of contamination, making your cookware more hygienic.
Eco-Friendly and Sustainable: Unlike synthetic non-stick coatings that degrade over time, brass and copper cookware last for generations. They are recyclable, reducing waste and promoting sustainability.
Endorsed by Ayurveda: According to Ayurveda, cooking in brass and copper helps balance the body's doshas, improves digestion, and boosts immunity.
How to Maintain Brass and Copper Cookware?
While both brass and copper metals are excellent for cooking, they do require proper care to maintain their effectiveness:
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Always use low to medium flame while cooking in brass and copper utensils.
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Clean brass and copper cookware with lemon and salt to remove the tarnish.
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Avoid using harsh detergents, as they can damage the natural coating of the metals.
Conclusion
Traditional materials like brass and copper not only add a classic touch to your kitchen but also offer numerous health benefits. Investing in high-quality cookware is a small step toward making healthier and tastier meals every day!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Q. Which type of cookware is best for cooking?
A. Brass and copper cookware are among the best types of cookware. They offer excellent heat retention, enhance food flavors, and are ideal for slow cooking.
Q. What is the safest cooking material?
A. Brass, copper (with a tin coating), cast iron, and stainless steel are among the safest options. Avoid non-stick cookware with teflon coatings can release harmful toxins when overheated, hence its best to avoid or minimize their usage.
Q. Which type of pan is best for cooking?
A. A kadai or fry pan made of brass or stainless steel is great for most cooking needs. These materials provide even heat distribution and long-term durability.
Q. What is the most durable type of cookware?
A. Brass, copper, and cast iron cookware can last for decades with proper care. They withstand high temperatures and daily use, making them excellent long-term investments.
Q. Which material is not recommended for cooking?
A. Avoid aluminum and low-quality non-stick cookware, as they may release harmful substances into food when scratched or overheated.
Q. Which cookware is best according to Ayurveda?
A. Ayurveda recommends brass and copper cookware for their health benefits. These metals help retain the nutrients in food and enhance digestion.
Also Read:
6 Benefits of Copper Cookware | Finding The Best Utensils: Brass Vs Copper | 7 Best Utensils For Cooking Food | Benefits of Drinking Water from a Copper Vessel | How to Clean Copper Bottle Easily at Home
