The Cooks' Den » Cookware http://www.thecooksden.com Cooking Tools - Gear for Cooks and Chefs Mon, 06 Sep 2010 14:00:21 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.9.2 en hourly 1 Scanpan Classic Square Griddle Pan | Aluminum Nonstick Stovetop Grill 11 Inch http://www.thecooksden.com/scanpan-classic-square-griddle-pan-aluminum-nonstick-stovetop-grill-11-inch/ http://www.thecooksden.com/scanpan-classic-square-griddle-pan-aluminum-nonstick-stovetop-grill-11-inch/#comments Fri, 26 Mar 2010 23:26:14 +0000 JT Hats http://www.thecooksden.com/?p=9056 Scanpan Classic Square Griddle Pan For grilling without an actual grill, most chefs resort to stovetop griddles of heavy cast iron. The Scanpan Classic 11-inch Square Griddle gives nonstick results without the weight of cast iron. Hand-cast aluminum poured under 200 tons of pressure distributes heat evenly over the entire surface of the griddle. The ceramic titanium coating sears meat, fish, and poultry without sticking and resists chipping and corrosion.

Consistent thickness eliminates distortion often found with thinner aluminum pans. A perfectly flat base rests flush upon modern ceramic or glass-topped ranges for even more efficient heat transfer. The depth of the grill and the reasonable size avoids the awkward handling problems common with many flat cast iron griddles, but with this version you'll still need to pay close attention to the leveling of your cookstove. If you haven't gotten out the carpenter's level and gotten that perfect alignment, now it's time. The griddle holds a reasonable amount of waste grease and other drippings, but for the best results, work on a level surface.

Three pounds straight out of the box, the griddle will still be a challenge to handle when hot grease lines the bottom. Stovetop griddles should be allowed to cool before moving them to the sink for cleaning. If pouring off hot grease, work slowly and carefully because weight tends to shift suddenly as all the fluids move to one side.

The griddle is oven-safe to 500 degrees and can be used on the stovetop on high heat. That setting shouldn't be necessary, and the rating doesn't mean you can safely abandon the hot griddle on an active stove. Grease fires could happen. Use only as much burner heat as makes good sense.

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]]> http://www.thecooksden.com/scanpan-classic-square-griddle-pan-aluminum-nonstick-stovetop-grill-11-inch/feed/ 0 Cuisinart Chef’s Classic 14 Piece Hard Anodized Cookware Set | Nonstick Quantanium http://www.thecooksden.com/cuisinart-chefs-classic-14-piece-hard-anodized-cookware-set-nonstick-quantanium/ http://www.thecooksden.com/cuisinart-chefs-classic-14-piece-hard-anodized-cookware-set-nonstick-quantanium/#comments Tue, 16 Feb 2010 13:30:50 +0000 Alice http://www.thecooksden.com/?p=8967 Cuisinart Chef's Classic 14 Piece HardThe great thing about buying a full set of cookware is that you get to start all over, fresh. All of your pan sins of the past can be erased, if not forgiven. You open the big box and unwrap a whole set of matching pans and lids that are perfect and ready to go. If change can be difficult to consider, think about it as an upgrade. You'll reap the benefits of new designs and technology.

The Cuisinart set is a wonderful choice for many reasons. The Quantanium interiors provide a superior nonstick surface. The pans and lids are constructed to be high performance, resistant to breakage, wear, and the adherence of food. The drip-free rims, stay-cool handles, and helper handle are small features you'll appreciate during your most hectic cooking days. The aluminum cores provide exceptional heat distribution.

The set includes some extremely valuable pieces in addition to the traditional regulars. The pasta steamer insert and regular steamer insert are items not found in most sets. Buying the full set saves you on the cost of the pans and the hassle of trying to collect individual pans. Even if you don't display your set, you can be proud to have friends or family catch them out on the stove.

Compare this with Cuisinart's 12-piece cookware set and see which pieces you really need.

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]]> http://www.thecooksden.com/cuisinart-chefs-classic-14-piece-hard-anodized-cookware-set-nonstick-quantanium/feed/ 0 Circulon Infinite Chef’s Deep Dish Pan w/ Lid, Loop Handle | Nonstick Aluminum 6 Quart http://www.thecooksden.com/circulon-infinite-chefs-deep-dish-pan-w-lid-loop-handle-nonstick-aluminum-6-quart/ http://www.thecooksden.com/circulon-infinite-chefs-deep-dish-pan-w-lid-loop-handle-nonstick-aluminum-6-quart/#comments Sun, 14 Feb 2010 13:26:16 +0000 Alice http://www.thecooksden.com/?p=8964 Circulon Infinite Chef's Deep Dish PanLet's pretend: It's crunch time. You have to choose. Your kitchen is on fire and you can only save one pan... No, I'm sorry. Say you're paring down. You're allowing yourself to only keep one pan out of all your cookware. Which will you choose?

This chef's pan is one of the best all around pans to have in the kitchen because of its design. The sides are tall enough for use in preparing savory deep dish meals. And as an added plus, they help keep food and splatter contained inside the pan. The helper handle addition will make sure you have a good grasp on the pan when bringing it to the table.

The combined benefits of a pot and a skillet in one pan? I like any pan which allows me to prepare all of the components of a meal in one piece of cookware. And it's dishwasher safe! The pan's bottom is suitable for all stove types. The Hi-Low ring design helps preserve the interior structure of the pan, the ridges taking the full onslaught of cooking utensils while the lower areas remain protected. It is practically foolproof. The stainless component won't burn food. The aluminum will transfer heat marvelously. The nonstick will help old and new cooks alike and is guaranteed to outlast all nonsticks.

If you prefer a pan with grill marks, check out the All-Clad LTD Round Skillet Grille.

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Circulon Infinite Pouring Saucepan 2 Qt Open sauce pan Circulon Infinite Pouring Saucepan 2 Qt Open sauce pan
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Infinite Circulon 11 Open Skillet Infinite Circulon 11 Open Skillet
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Circulon Infinite 80580 10 Piece Cookware Set Circulon Infinite 80580 10 Piece Cookware Set
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]]> http://www.thecooksden.com/circulon-infinite-chefs-deep-dish-pan-w-lid-loop-handle-nonstick-aluminum-6-quart/feed/ 0 Cuisinart Kitchen Stockpot w/ Lid | Stainless Steel Chef’s Classic Aluminum 8 Quart http://www.thecooksden.com/cuisinart-chefs-classic-stockpot-w-lid-stainless-steel-aluminum-8-quart/ http://www.thecooksden.com/cuisinart-chefs-classic-stockpot-w-lid-stainless-steel-aluminum-8-quart/#comments Sat, 06 Feb 2010 13:12:37 +0000 Alice http://www.thecooksden.com/?p=8952 Cuisinart Chef's Classic Stockpot w/Every kitchen needs a good stockpot. It may as well dress up the place while it is doing its duties. A pan like this is a once-in-a-generation purchase which will last through every batch of corn on the cob, simmer tomato sauce like a champ, and allow you to prepare homemade stock like nothing you can find in the grocery aisle.

This gleaming treasure is from the Cuisinart Chef's Classic line. The all-metal handles are made with grips manufactured into the underside of the handle, just one feature of many of a strong pan designed to be easy to handle when fully loaded. The construction keeps the heat moving into your food from all sides. I have found stainless pans to be so hassle-free to clean by hand that I won't argue over washing them myself (as long as the food was good) when my partner goes crazy and uses every pan in the house for a meal.

You may burst into spontaneous applause and have to explain yourself when you prepare large amounts of produce inside, yet get to the bottom of the pot to find nary a burn or difficult mess. Whether you prepare large amounts or smaller, troublemaking dishes which like to spit, the pot can contain it all.

Compare this with Farberware's 8-quart stainless steel stockpot.

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]]> http://www.thecooksden.com/cuisinart-chefs-classic-stockpot-w-lid-stainless-steel-aluminum-8-quart/feed/ 0 Fagor Splendid Pressure Cooker | Stainless Steel Aluminum 6 Quart http://www.thecooksden.com/fagor-splendid-pressure-cooker-stainless-steel-aluminum-6-quart/ http://www.thecooksden.com/fagor-splendid-pressure-cooker-stainless-steel-aluminum-6-quart/#comments Sun, 17 Jan 2010 01:04:18 +0000 JT Hats http://www.thecooksden.com/?p=8827 Fagor Splendid Pressure Cooker Fagor's Splendid six-quart pressure cooker adds energy efficient construction and extra safety features to this traditional time saving concept. Fagor's cooker uses a sealed layer of heat conductive aluminum between two layers of stainless steel to increase thermal efficiency and reduce cooking times by up to 75 percent.

Old fashioned pressure cookers were more than a little scary, with noisy weighted pressure release valves that did a crazy dance on the pot lid and awkward gaskets that only sometimes sealed. With only one release valve to prevent over pressure problems, it was a pot you watched carefully.

Fagor goes beyond the bare essentials with this modern version, including a main pressure valve with two pressure settings for different cooking requirements and two independent over-pressure valves for added safety. The lid locks in place when steam begins to build, and a popup indicator drops back down when the cooker is safe to open.

Quick cooking times lock in vitamins and other essential nutrients, adding to the practical value of this appliance. Although much improved over older designs, some of the same cautions still apply. When cleaning the cooker, make sure the valves are clear. Some foods like beans may shed hulls that can clog valves during the cooking cycle -- adding a little vegetable oil will help prevent foaming and floating, but always read and follow recipes carefully.

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Fagor 2 by 1 Splendid 5 Piece Pressure Cooker Set Fagor 2 by 1 Splendid 5 Piece Pressure Cooker Set
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Fagor Splendid 6 Quart Pressure Cooker Fagor Splendid 6 Quart Pressure Cooker
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Fagor Splendid 2 in 1 5 Piece Pressure Cooker Set Fagor Splendid 2 in 1 5 Piece Pressure Cooker Set
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]]> http://www.thecooksden.com/fagor-splendid-pressure-cooker-stainless-steel-aluminum-6-quart/feed/ 0 Farberware Stockpot, 8 Quart Stainless Steel w/ Lid | Classic Aluminum Base for Fast Heating http://www.thecooksden.com/farberware-classic-stainless-steel-stockpot-w-lid-8-quart-aluminum-layered-base/ http://www.thecooksden.com/farberware-classic-stainless-steel-stockpot-w-lid-8-quart-aluminum-layered-base/#comments Fri, 15 Jan 2010 00:50:52 +0000 JT Hats http://www.thecooksden.com/?p=8821 Farberware Classic Stainless SteelFarberware's eight-quart stockpot features a heat conductive stainless steel and aluminum disc base which makes this soup and stew pot as energy efficient as any of Farberware's well-known saute pans. With the special layered base and heavy 18/10 stainless steel walls, the stockpot cooks evenly without need for higher burner settings.

The phenolic handles do get hot after extended cooking times, so have hotpads handy. Since the pot is oven safe to 350 degrees Fahrenheit, it's possible to use this pot for baking, but you will be riding the edge pretty closely for most recipes. Temperatures over 350 will damage the handles. The limited lifetime warranty does not cover damage from incorrect use.

For stovetop use, this is an excellent pot. The heavy base and stainless interior make the pot nearly non-stick if used at proper temperatures. Even though eight quarts of stew is heavy, the pot is built strongly enough to lift without distortion, and the handle system is solid. The lid is equally well built and fits tightly.

Heat will change the color of the pot after use, and the initial polish may be dulled if the pot is run through a dishwasher or cleaned by hand with abrasives.

For a larger stainless steel stockpot, check out this one from Cuisinart.

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Farberware Classic Series 12qt Stainless Steel Stockpot Farberware Classic Series 12qt Stainless Steel Stockpot
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Farberware 8 Quart Stockpot w Lid New Farberware 8 Quart Stockpot w Lid New
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Farberware 50006 Classic Series Covered Stockpot Farberware 50006 Classic Series Covered Stockpot
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]]> http://www.thecooksden.com/farberware-classic-stainless-steel-stockpot-w-lid-8-quart-aluminum-layered-base/feed/ 0 Farberware Classic Stainless Steel Cookware Set, 13 Piece | Non Stick Skillet & Storage Lids http://www.thecooksden.com/farberware-classic-stainless-steel-cookware-set-13-piece-non-stick-skillet-storage-lids/ http://www.thecooksden.com/farberware-classic-stainless-steel-cookware-set-13-piece-non-stick-skillet-storage-lids/#comments Fri, 11 Dec 2009 22:46:18 +0000 JT Hats http://www.thecooksden.com/?p=8757 Farberware Classic Stainless SteelAlthough this set of Farberware Classic Stainless Steel Cookware does have an adequate range of saucepans, stockpots, saute pans, and mixing bowls, modernization of the Classic series did result in a drop in overall quality. Some pieces in the set may last a lifetime, but others will need replacement in a few years.

With proper care of this set you'll have better luck, since there are some good features here. The cookware has the modern sandwich bottom design which layers a disc of aluminum between two sheets of stainless steel. The aluminum conducts heat evenly over the enter bottom surface. This type of construction requires less power and works best on low to medium burner settings.

Farberware's non-stick coating has some special needs, and the company suggests one and only one type of detergent to clean it. The lifetime of the interior finish of the saute pans will be reduced if that advice is not taken. Dishwashers are also tough on this cookware, and hand washing according to Farberware's instructions will reduce problems.

Handles of these pots and pans are plastic, heat tolerant to 350 degrees Fahrenheit, so technically the set is oven safe. Practically speaking, that's too close to an oven's working temperature for safety, since a reading of 350 on the oven often means a temperature roaming between 325 and 375 degrees.

Cut back a little bit on expectations, and the Farberware will survive the kitchen longer.

Compare this with Cuisinart's stainless steel cookware set.

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]]> http://www.thecooksden.com/farberware-classic-stainless-steel-cookware-set-13-piece-non-stick-skillet-storage-lids/feed/ 0 Cuisinart Cookware Set w/ Saucepans, Stockpot & Skillet | Chef’s Classic Stainless Steel 7 Piece http://www.thecooksden.com/cuisinart-cookware-set-chefs-classic-stainless-steel-saucepan-stockpot-skillet-7-piece/ http://www.thecooksden.com/cuisinart-cookware-set-chefs-classic-stainless-steel-saucepan-stockpot-skillet-7-piece/#comments Sun, 06 Dec 2009 22:25:18 +0000 JT Hats http://www.thecooksden.com/?p=8738 Cuisinart Cookware Set Chef's Classic This stainless steel Chef's Classic 7 Piece Cookware Set from Cuisinart includes three pots and a saute pan. Oven safe to 550 degrees Fahrenheit, the base of each piece holds a layer of encapsulated aluminum for even and efficient heat distribution.

One-and-a-half-quart and three-quart saucepans plus an eight-quart stockpot give you the basics for a new kitchen, and together with the ten-inch skillet comprise the bare minimum you'll need. These pots and pans are high quality, heavy enough to heat evenly and cook on lower heat settings than cookware with less heft requires. Low to medium heat settings are recommended, and those lower settings save energy and do lower utility bills. If you're used to lightweight non-stick cookware, there will be a short adjustment period while you get accustomed to the lower energy needs.

All metal construction means the handles are also stainless steel, and you will have to keep hot pads handy. The handles won't be as hot as the pots, but they'll still get warm. Cooking in the skillet is a mixed experience -- stainless steel gets rid of the hot and cold spots, and you can use metal spatulas that actually slide under the food instead of just pushing it around. But, you'll have more problems with scorching and sticking, and the pan will require more cooking oil. That adds calories to the food.

Hand washing is recommended, if you want to save the polish on the set, but even scrubbies will mar the finish. Unless you are willing to put in time with polishing compound, you'll have to be happy with a set that looks like it's been used.

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]]> http://www.thecooksden.com/cuisinart-cookware-set-chefs-classic-stainless-steel-saucepan-stockpot-skillet-7-piece/feed/ 0 Lodge Logic Dutch Oven | Cast Iron 4 Quart Camping Cookware http://www.thecooksden.com/lodge-logic-dutch-oven-cast-iron-4-quart-camping-cookware/ http://www.thecooksden.com/lodge-logic-dutch-oven-cast-iron-4-quart-camping-cookware/#comments Tue, 01 Dec 2009 23:02:59 +0000 Alice http://www.thecooksden.com/?p=8621 Lodge Logic Dutch Oven This is the Dutch oven I remember from my scouting days. Heavy duty, it can stand up to the roughest use and create dishes from simply fantastic slow roasted meals to thick, hearty stews. Dutch ovens offer versatile cooking options from frying to baking, making it possible to take along one pot for all your needs.

If you aren't miles out in the woods, you can use your fireplace or charcoal to do the cooking. The short legs on the bottom help keep the pot stable when loaded down with food. Make a long, slow barbecue dish with a unique flavor. When you use the cooking hole method, the cooking truly is "set it and forget it" until you're ready to help yourself to dinner.

The lid can be used as a griddle. It has a flanged shape that will keep your eggs or batter from running over the edge. The interior holds enough for a crowd of kids, several hungry adults, or to have leftovers for the next day. Don't be afraid of the cleanup, either. It is simple, and even the most stubborn food succumbs under a nylon brush or a little boiling water (just add it to the pan and set the oven back on the coals).

Compare with this slightly larger, pre-seasoned Lodge Dutch Oven.

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Lodge Logic Enamel Cast Iron Dutch Oven 6 Qt blue Lodge Logic Enamel Cast Iron Dutch Oven 6 Qt blue
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New Lodge Cast Iron Dutch Oven Pot Pre Seasoned 5 Quart New Lodge Cast Iron Dutch Oven Pot Pre Seasoned 5 Quart
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Lodge Logic Enamel Cast Iron Dutch Oven 3 Qt blue Lodge Logic Enamel Cast Iron Dutch Oven 3 Qt blue
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]]> http://www.thecooksden.com/lodge-logic-dutch-oven-cast-iron-4-quart-camping-cookware/feed/ 1 Rival Electric Skillet w/ Lid | Nonstick 12 Inch S12P http://www.thecooksden.com/rival-electric-skillet-w-lid-nonstick-12-inch-s12p/ http://www.thecooksden.com/rival-electric-skillet-w-lid-nonstick-12-inch-s12p/#comments Wed, 25 Nov 2009 22:36:36 +0000 Alice http://www.thecooksden.com/?p=8607 Rival Electric Skillet w/ Lid Mom used to make very tender meat dishes in her electric skillet; a favorite, since she could boil the potatoes and carrots, brown the meat, and then simmer the whole meal in gravy -- all in one pan, all in one appliance. Having an electric skillet is like having the convenience of stovetop cooking with no stove required. Fry inside, make pasta, use it like a griddle for pancakes. It is a versatile cooking tool.

The addition of the domed lid is very helpful to keep moisture in and stop splatter. The sides are nicely angled, the pan deep, all of which helps to maneuver food and keep ingredients inside the pan. The skillet heats fast and thoroughly, and the nonskid feet keep it in place. You can count on the quality because these are the makers of the Crock Pot slow cooker.

This would be a great option for meals where a slow simmer really gets the flavors to mix in -- a chicken paprikash, stroganoff -- the stuff you might fear to make in another pan due to the cleanup involved. With the Rival, you can cook at the table or serve from the base and then pop it into the dishwasher. One pan, one full meal.

Compare this with Cuisinart's Oval Electric Skillet.

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