Among the various items of kitchen utensils there are those without which it is impossible to imagine the preparation of so many dishes. It is, of course, a frying pan. A good housewife never perceives her as a banal device for frying. And if it’s also a non-stick pan, then in the hands of the master it becomes a muse, prompting you to create real masterpieces.
Housewives dream
From time immemorial, women have dreamed of having pans in their kitchen in which nothing would stick or burn. With the development of science and modern industry, these secret desires came true. Now there is a non-stick pan in almost every home.
It can be purchased at any store. And not just buy, but even choose. This is a very important factor, given that all pans can differ in several ways:
- the material of manufacture
- type of coating
- size
- exterior design.
As a material, aluminum, cast iron or stainless steel is usually used. Judging by the thermal conductivity, the first option, of course, is more profitable than the others. It is superior in this indicator: steel 13 times, in cast iron 4 times. For electric cookers, such a comparison speaks volumes. A good housewife always remembers saving. In addition, each non-stick pan is made according to a certain technology, which also has its disadvantages and advantages.
Coating Options
As practice shows, non-stick coatings are rarely applied to cast-iron pans . Yes, this is not necessary. The material itself initially has a similar property. Most often, cookware made of aluminum and its alloys is used for this . Probably the main role in this choice is played by the weight of the product, because a light non-stick pan is more convenient to handle. And the coating can be very different:
1) Teflon. It is based on a chemical compound called polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), which was discovered by chemists in 1938. The material is resistant to high temperatures and various aggressive environments (alkalis, acids). However, it has two significant drawbacks. Firstly, Teflon does not tolerate contact with metal. All spoons and turns should only be made of plastic. Secondly, it negatively refers to sudden changes in temperature.
2) Ceramic. A worthy product of the 21st century. The special properties of such a coating make it possible to preserve the vitamin-mineral complex of the products used. But just like Teflon, it is afraid of a sharp change in temperature.
3) Titanium. The increased strength allows you to reliably protect the product and use cutlery from any materials when frying. In addition, due to the good heat conductivity, all dishes cook much faster.
But the buyer always makes the choice and he decides which is better.
Famous brand
Among the many manufacturers of dishes and kitchen utensils, the French company Tefal stands out. She was the first in the world who began to produce aluminum pans with a special coating on them, which prevented the burning of food. Founded in 1956, the company is still considered the leader in the world market among manufacturers of not only dishes, but also household appliances. Over the years, the Tefal non-stick pan has undergone many changes.
Technologists of the company are constantly working on the development of new types of internal coatings. To date, the most popular of them are:
1) "Resist". This is a four-layer film deposited on the inner surface of an aluminum container. Dishes with such a coating can last at least two years.
2) "Expert". This option is much stronger due to the additional fifth layer. Food in such pans can be cooked even using metal appliances.
The company's products are constantly updated with new copies. Each of them has interesting features in its design. For example, Premier is an ordinary frying pan with a Resist coating, which is complemented by a device called Thermo-Spot. It allows you to control the level of heating to determine the start time of cooking. The next development of the company is Tefal Logics. It uses the “Expert” type of coating and the novelty of the season - the unique “Durabase Technology” bottom, which ensures uniform heating along the entire perimeter. The latest invention is the Cooklight pan. It is a copy of the previous model, complemented by a removable handle. This technique allows you to use the dishes for cooking in the oven.
Cookware for special frying
Given the different ways of cooking, manufacturing companies began to produce new products. This is a non-stick grill pan.
It largely repeats its predecessors, but has a number of design features.
1) She does not have a very normal inner surface. On it there are relief protrusions located parallel to each other in several rows. As a result, the contact area of the pan with food decreases. This makes it possible to cook at maximum heat without the formation of a dense crust. On the surface of a fried piece of meat, for example, there remains a pattern imitating a grate.
2) Such pans have a special groove on the side to drain accumulated moisture or grease. Sometimes there are even two. This allows you to remove fluid from the right side.
3) Some models have an extra handle. Sometimes for safety, it is coated with heat-resistant material.
Dishes of this type can be of different shapes (round, square). This is not of fundamental importance, but some like non-standard options.
Additional equipment
The pan with the lid is particularly approved by customers. Non-stick film prevents food from sticking to the bottom, and a transparent dome on top allows you to control the cooking process.
Such a kit can be considered especially successful. Using a cap provides many advantages:
1) It prevents splashing of boiling fat. This allows you to keep clean in the kitchen and protect yourself from possible burns.
2) The dish is better baked from the inside.
3) In a confined space, the process is much faster. This makes it possible to save electricity or gas if meters are available. Here, direct savings for your own wallet.
4) The finished product is more juicy due to the fact that the lid prevents the removal of moisture in the form of released steam.
Such kits are good to use in cases where you need to first lightly fry the product, and then put it out a little. Many firms have mastered the production of such models. For example, the same “Tefal” released a “Provence” sample with an especially durable Durabase bottom, Thermo-Spot indicator and the latest wear-resistant “Resist Plus” coating. The model immediately pleased and began to be well sold out in stores.
Competent opinion
Now no one will be surprised by the non-stick pan standing on the stove. Reviews of homemakers suggest that the product is really popular and needed by the consumer. The fact is that there are no eternal dishes. Sooner or later, each of them fails and requires replacement. Therefore, you need to know all the positive aspects of the product in order to have a clear idea of the upcoming purchase.
In these unique kitchen utensils, everything is taken into account:
1) Different materials allow you to select the desired model. For example, on a hob, it is better not to use cast iron models. There are lightweight aluminum options for this. But it must be remembered that the bottom must be covered with special enamel to protect against contact with glass ceramics.
2) They allow you to cook without fat. True, the product at the same time loses taste. In addition, this method leads to damage to the pan itself. Therefore, some oil should still be.
3) Sometimes questions arise regarding pens. It is best if it is made of metal and coated with a heat-resistant material. And fastening with screws and soldering is not entirely reliable. Therefore, it is better to choose a removable option.
All buyers unanimously say that such a pan is a real find. You should not even doubt it.