What is the difference between hard anodized and nonstick cookware? The pans and pots from both cookwares serve a single purpose to cook food. So, what are the dissimilarities, and do they even matter?
Even though the primary goal of both of them is to prepare the food, they are different, and it does matter what type of cookware you use. The main difference between the two is the material used. The kind of metal used and the process involved in producing the cookware, have a significant impact on health, flavor, cooking time, and many other things.
For a chef, it is essential to have the proper tools, and the same goes for a home cook. So, if you are interested in understanding how the cookware used can influence your life in the kitchen, keep on reading.
Hard Anodized vs Nonstick Cookware
Here is a quick comparison table to quickly skim over the main differences between hard anodized and nonstick cookware.
| Hard Anodized Cookware | Nonstick Cookware |
|---|---|
| + Made from aluminum + A protective shield to cover the aluminum + It is very durable and long-lasting + Expensive to buy + Is somewhat nonstick + Can withstand high heat | + Usually made from Teflon + Coated to make the surface slippery + Can last up to a few years + Available at an affordable price + Completely nonstick and easy to clean + Requires low heat |
Detailed Features of Hard Anodized and Nonstick Cookware
Even though the differences between the two are in front of you, I’m sure you still have a confused look on your face, trying to figure out which is best.
So, below are 6 features of both the hard anodized cookware and nonstick cookware explained in great detail, guaranteed to remove the frown on your face.
Material
As pointed out in the table above, the material used for hard-anodized cookware is aluminum. Aluminum is lightweight, cheap, and distributes heat evenly. However, the major drawback is that this chemical element leeches its way into the food. Too much aluminum is harmful, so the cookware undergoes a hard-anodized process that coats the aluminum, preventing it from getting mixed in the food. The anodization process makes the cookware durable but increases its price considerably, making it expensive.
Teflon is the material used for nonstick cookware. It is a coating on the pots and pans that makes them nonstick, perfect for low to medium heat cooking. It is not high heat resistant, so deep frying should be avoided.
Durability
Hard anodized cookware is durable and can last for decades if you take care of it properly. Thanks to the hard coating to stop the food from mixing with the aluminum, this cookware can withstand high heat and is scratch-proof.
The average life span of nonstick cookware is three years, depending on how you use it. When you start to see scratches, discoloration, and the coating beginning to peel off, you should replace it immediately.
Cleaning Process
Take care of your hard anodized cookware by washing it correctly, prolonging its life. The coating makes it somewhat nonstick, therefore making it easy to clean. However, you should understand the best way to clean your cookware. Instead of putting it in the dishwasher directly, the preferred method is to hand wash the pot or pan with a sponge and soapy liquid.
Nonstick cookware is very easy to clean due to the coating, preventing food from adhering to the pan or pot. Hand wash it gently, ensuring that you don’t scratch the nonstick surface.
Heat Resistance
Hard anodized cookware is heat resistant. You can prepare food using low, medium, and high heat without fear of damaging the protective coating.
Unfortunately, nonstick cookware is not suitable for high heat cooking as the coating may start to peel off, allowing the harmful substance to make its way into your food.
Nonstick surface
Hard anodized cookware is nonstick or can fall into the category of almost nonstick because of the protective layer coating the aluminum.
As the name suggests, Teflon cookware has a 100% nonstick surface, preventing food from binding itself to the pot or pan.
Price
Price is a critical factor when it comes to purchasing the proper cookware. However, it can be influenced by the advantages and disadvantages of the product.
Hard anodized cookware is expensive, but it is durable and can last a lifetime.
Nonstick cookware is not that expensive compared to other products. It is available at an affordable rate.
Which One Should You Choose?
The cookware you want to buy depends on what type of food you will be preparing.
Nonstick is affordable, making it the obvious choice for home cooks but the only disadvantage the nonstick cookware has is, it’s not suitable for high heat. If your cooking involves the flame being set from low to medium heat, purchase nonstick cookware. However, if you love deep-fried food or want to boil something on high heat, then the hard anodized cookware is the right choice for you.
But considering the heat-resistant advantage offered by hard anodized cookware, without any doubt, it is a quality product. Not only is it heat resistant, but most modern pots and pans are also almost nonstick. The material is scratch-proof, so you don’t have to worry about the harmful aluminum leeching its way into your food.
Yes, hard-anodized cookware is expensive, but it is a lifetime investment, unlike nonstick cookware.
Frequently Asked Question
Can metal utensils be used for hard anodized cookware?
Yes, metal utensils may be used, but it is best to avoid them, as they could damage the surface.
Is hard anodized cookware safe to use?
Yes, because the aluminum is sealed and will not get mixed with the food.
Is nonstick cookware safe to use?
Yes, as long as it is not required for high heat cooking.
Which cookware is easy to clean?
Both nonstick and hard anodized cookware is easy to wash. However, nonstick is much easier to clean.
