January 2008
Types
Decide whether you’d prefer nonstick or uncoated cookware, or a combination
We’ve listed nonstick and uncoated cookware separately in the Ratings. Two additional sets, grouped in the Ratings as “mixed,” are uncoated except for their frying pans. Here are pros and cons
of the two types for cooking and cleanup.
Nonstick
Best for simple cleanup. Also needs less oil when cooking, so you can cut a bit of the fat from your diet.
But it’s more easily scratched than uncoated cookware. For that reason we advise against using metal utensils, although some manufacturers say it’s OK. Foods also do not brown as well in nonstick pans as they do in uncoated ones. And because food doesn’t stick, there are no nicely carmelized bits that can be deglazed to make a sauce for an otherwise plain pork chop.
Uncoated
Best for browning, braising, and deglazing for sauces. No special kitchen utensils are required.
But more time-consuming to clean up than nonstick cookware. You’ll need lots of scrubbies, steel wool, and elbow grease to clean a sticky oatmeal pot or a pan with burned-on meat juices. In our tests the best brands were judged only good in ease of cleaning. Most were fair or poor. If you choose an uncoated set, you may still want a nonstick piece or two, and vice versa.
Nonstick
Best for simple cleanup. Also needs less oil when cooking, so you can cut a bit of the fat from your diet.
But it’s more easily scratched than uncoated cookware. For that reason we advise against using metal utensils, although some manufacturers say it’s OK. Foods also do not brown as well in nonstick pans as they do in uncoated ones. And because food doesn’t stick, there are no nicely carmelized bits that can be deglazed to make a sauce for an otherwise plain pork chop.
Uncoated
Best for browning, braising, and deglazing for sauces. No special kitchen utensils are required.
But more time-consuming to clean up than nonstick cookware. You’ll need lots of scrubbies, steel wool, and elbow grease to clean a sticky oatmeal pot or a pan with burned-on meat juices. In our tests the best brands were judged only good in ease of cleaning. Most were fair or poor. If you choose an uncoated set, you may still want a nonstick piece or two, and vice versa.
