Shopping for pans for your kitchen? It may sound simple but you need some information before you go shopping. There are plenty of materials and finishes available in the pan department. Which one you need depends on what you want to cook and how you will prepare it.
Let's dive into the two most popular materials for frying pans: stainless steel and aluminium.
Stainless steel pans are known for their durability. Not only are they strong and stable on any type of hob for years, but they are also resistant to all ingredients and detergents. The interior does not absorb smells or flavors, making them ideal for versatile cooking. Moreover, cleaning is easy – from scouring pads to dishwashers, stainless steel pans without a non-stick coating can handle it all.
While stainless steel is highly resistant to wear and high temperatures, its heat conductivity is lower. To compensate for this, stainless steel pans often have an aluminium core between the inner and outer stainless steel layers, forming a three-layer base, also called a ‘sandwich bottom.’ This enhances heat conduction and ensures even cooking.
For those who require optimal heat distribution up to the edges (e.g., when making sauces in the pan after frying), a multi-ply pan is the best choice. Multi-ply pans contain multiple layers of aluminium not just in the base but throughout the entire pan. Beka offers frying pans with both 3-ply and 5-ply constructions. The more layers, the better the heat conduction and overall durability.
Stainless steel pans without a non-stick coating are 100% chemical-free and incredibly versatile. However, since food is more likely to stick, it is important to heat the pan sufficiently before adding ingredients. When a stainless steel pan is properly preheated, it becomes the perfect choice for searing red meats and poultry.
For delicate foods like eggs, fish, or breaded ingredients, a non-stick pan is the better option.
Because it’s just what you need in terms of durability. Not only are stainless steel pans strong and remain perfectly stable on any hob type for years, they are also resistant to all types of ingredients and detergents.
The inside is neutral in terms of smell and taste and can really take a beating. So there’s no need to worry about using metal utensils in your pan or flavours from your equipment mingling with your ingredients. Moreover, in terms of cleaning, they are child's play: from a scouring pad to a dishwasher, stainless steel pans without a non-stick coating tolerate it all.
Yes! Aluminium frying pans come with a non-stick coating by default.
The benefit? Less sticking, less oil needed, and easier cleanup. However, aluminium pans are less durable than stainless steel, and mishandling can cause dents or damage to the non-stick coating.
To extend the life of any non-stick coating:
These simple steps will keep your non-stick pan in good shape for longer.
The two most common non-stick coatings are PTFE (Teflon) coatings and ceramic non-stick coatings.
A stainless steel pan is ideal for searing red meats and poultry. However, for more delicate dishes such as breaded foods, fish, eggs, and vegetables, a non-stick pan is the better choice.
Important Tips:
A lesser-known but excellent alternative is the carbon steel pan. Unlike traditional non-stick coatings, you can create your own natural non-stick surface by seasoning the pan with oil. With proper maintenance, carbon steel pans develop a long-lasting non-stick layer, making them ideal for dedicated home chefs.
The best frying pans for induction hobs have a magnetic base. All stainless steel pans are compatible with induction thanks to their inox finish on the bottom. Additionally, all Beka aluminium pans are designed with an induction-compatible base, ensuring they work seamlessly on any heat source, including induction.
Stainless steel or aluminium? Non-stick or not? Beka has the perfect frying pan for you!
Now, it’s time to decide on the right size. Do you often prepare large meals? Opt for a pan with an extra grip. Our largest frying pans feature a long handle on one side and a short handle on the other, allowing for easier handling while cooking!
This website is not optimized for your browser. To enjoy the full experience of this site we advise you to visit it on a recent version of Google Chrome, Firefox or Safari.
Shopping Cart ()
