When choosing oven pans, there are several important factors to consider. These include the type of material used for the surface, the depth of the pan, and the type of stackability.
Cast iron
If you are thinking of buying a cast iron oven pan, then you may be worried about how to care for it. Cast iron is extremely heavy and requires special care to maintain.
The good news is that you can enjoy cooking with your cast iron oven pan for years to come. You just need to know how to keep it clean. There are many ways to keep it looking great.
One method is to season your cast iron. This is a process that involves putting a thin layer of oil on the pan. Using this method can prevent rusting and keep your cast iron skillet looking shiny and new.
Another way to season your cast iron is to melt some vegetable shortening. Apply it to the pan and leave it for a few minutes. When it cools, scrape off any food that is stuck to the pan.
Some manufacturers even pre-season cast iron before they sell it. Aside from being safer, this method makes the pan last longer.
Ceramic-coated steel
Stainless steel oven pans are durable and reliable. They are also a good conductor of heat. However, they do not have the non-stick properties that ceramic pans possess. This means they need to be greased with a bit of oil or butter.
Ceramic-coated pans are less durable than stainless steel, and they do not last as long. But they are also more affordable. And they do not contain any toxic chemicals. In addition, they are easier to clean.
However, some people say that ceramic coated pans do not distribute heat evenly. The pans may be coarse, or they may not respond well to high heat. When using these pans, it is recommended that you only use low to medium heat.
One thing that you can do to protect your pan is to use aluminum foil on its handle. Also, avoid using soap water on its surface. Soap water will break down the coating, which can affect the cooking process. You can also clean the pan with a delicate cleanser.
Deep vs shallow
When you’re in the market for an oven pan, it’s important to understand the difference between shallow and deep pots. They’re both useful cooking utensils, but they have a few key differences.
Shallow pots are designed to cook small cuts of meat. Their shallow sides are often designed to keep heat inside, making them ideal for sauteing and baking. However, they do not contain as much moisture as deeper pots.
Deeper pots are designed to hold more food. They also have a flat bottom, a higher edge, and a more even heating surface. Hence, you get the best results when you cook using one of these specialized cooking tools.
Deep pots are more suitable for stewing and cooking larger food items. Food cooked in shallow pans tends to lose moisture and taste. That’s because ingredients cook at a constant temperature, which isn’t the same as cooking under pressure. A deeper pot can hold more food, but it will take longer to cook.
Stackability
The best oven pans are lightweight, compact, and versatile. They are easy to store, and they allow for safe cooking. A good set should include a cake pan, which is dishwasher-safe and deep enough to bake a nice-sized cake.
Stacking cookware can be a convenient and space-saving way to organize your kitchen. However, it can also pose a number of safety risks. If you have a tall stack of pots and pans, the weight of the bottom pans can damage them. Also, stacking can create a risk of scratching the inner surface.
One option is to place a cloth napkin between the stacks. Another is to use racks. Some manufacturers offer stacking pieces with built-in protection, which helps protect your pots and pans from scratches and bumping. You may also want to check with the manufacturer to see what recommendations they have for safe handling.
Several large-volume cookware sets offer stackable options. T-Fal, for example, offers a large-volume collection with removable handles that make storage and cleaning easy. This set features a built-in temperature sensor, as well as vented glass lids.
