Cookware is an essential part of every kitchen and the type of pans you use can significantly impact the quality of your cooking and, more importantly, your health.

With various materials and coatings available these days, it's important to understand the different types of cookware pans and their potential effects on your health and wellness.

Here, we highlight the main different types of cookware and the 'pros' and 'cons' of each so that you can make the right choice for you and your health.

1. Stainless Steel Pans

Stainless steel pans are a popular choice for many home chefs due to their durability and versatility.

Also, they don't react with acidic or alkaline foods, which makes them suitable for cooking a wide variety of dishes. Stainless steel is also non-reactive, meaning it won't release harmful chemicals into your food.

Health Impact:  Stainless steel is generally considered a safe option for cookware, as it doesn't leach harmful substances into your food. However, be mindful of the quality you use, as the cheaper versions of stainless steel pans may contain other alloy metals that can affect food safety.

2. Cast Iron Pans

Cast iron pans have been a kitchen staple for centuries.

They are well known for their excellent heat retention and even heating. When properly seasoned and cared for, cast iron cookware becomes virtually non-stick, reducing the need for excessive oil.

Health Impact: Cooking in cast iron is known to be one of the healthiest and safest options due to their durability and lack of metallic residues that impact the food you eat.  

3. Non-Stick Pans

Non-stick pans are popular for their convenience, as they require less oil and are easy to clean. However, many non-stick coatings are made using a chemical called perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), which has raised health concerns.

Health Impact: Traditional non-stick pans may release toxic fumes if overheated, which can be harmful when inhaled. Look for newer non-stick options labeled as PFOA-free or consider ceramic non-stick pans, which are generally safer and less likely to release harmful chemicals.

4. Copper Pans

Copper pans are prized for their exceptional heat conductivity, allowing for precise temperature control. They are often lined with stainless steel or tin to prevent direct contact between copper and food.

Health Impact: Cooking in pure copper pans can lead to copper toxicity, which can have adverse health effects. To avoid this, choose copper pans lined with a safe, non-reactive material like stainless steel.

5. Aluminium Pans

Aluminium pans are lightweight and excellent heat conductors, making them a popular choice for many cooks. However, there have been concerns about aluminium leaching into food, especially when cooking acidic dishes.

Health Impact: The health impact of aluminium cookware remains debated. Some studies suggest that aluminium intake from cookware is minimal, while others recommend avoiding prolonged cooking of acidic foods in aluminium pans to minimise any potential risk.

6. Ceramic Pans

Ceramic-coated pans are becoming increasingly popular due to their non-stick properties and attractive designs. These pans are typically made of aluminium or stainless steel with a ceramic non-stick coating.  

Health Impact: Ceramic-coated pans are generally considered safe for cooking, as they do not contain PFOA or PTFE. However, their long-term durability may vary, so it's important to follow the manufacturer's care instructions to prevent damage to the coating and discontinue use if any damage arises.  Also, ceramic pans are generally not ideal when trying to sear food when a lot heat is required, making them more suited to slower cooking or for cooking foods that don't require dramatic heat.

The Main Take Away

Choosing the right cookware is extremely important to your health and wellness over time.

Whilst various options are available, the best choices for a health-conscious kitchen tend to be stainless steel, cast iron and ceramic-coated pans.

Look for reliable brands and be sure to properly maintain and season your cookware.  This means try to lightly hand wash instead of machine wash your pans.  Also, avoid harsh dishwashing liquids, avoid overheating and use utensils that won't scratch the surfaces of your pans.

When you do this, you'll prolong the life of your favourite cooking pans and ensure the healthiest cooking possible. 

Tolman Self Care.