Cookware Critic

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The Ultimate Guide to Making Your Nonstick Pan Last

Nonstick pans are a kitchen staple, prized for their convenience in cooking everything from eggs to pancakes with minimal oil and easy cleanup. However, their delicate coatings require careful handling to maintain performance and extend lifespan. This extensive guide provides everything you need to know about selecting, using, maintaining, and troubleshooting nonstick cookware to ensure it lasts for years. Understanding Nonstick Pans: Why Longevity Matters Nonstick pans feature a specialized coating—typically polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE, commonly known as Teflon) or ceramic—that prevents food from sticking to the surface. While these coatings make cooking and cleaning easier, they are prone to wear, scratches, and degradation if mishandled. A damaged nonstick pan not only loses its effectiveness but can also pose health concerns if the coating flakes into food (though modern PTFE is considered safe when intact). Extending the life of your nonstick pan saves money, reduces waste, an...

Best Air Fryers in India

Air fryers have firmly cemented their place as a must-have modern kitchen appliance, revolutionizing the way we cook with their speed, efficiency, and health benefits. For the uninitiated, these compact yet versatile gadgets deliver that perfect crispy, fried texture using little to no oil—making guilt-free indulgence a reality. Unlike traditional ovens, air fryers heat up almost instantly and cook food faster, saving both time and energy. Whether you're whipping up quick snacks, reheating leftovers, or preparing full meals, an air fryer can be a game-changer for your kitchen—especially in India’s fast-paced lifestyles. After rigorous testing, we’ve narrowed down the best air fryers available in India to help you find the perfect match for your cooking needs. What is an Air Fryer An air fryer is a compact convection appliance that uses hot air circulation to cook food, producing a crisp exterior similar to shallow or deep frying—using significantly less oil. In Indian k...

Does Cooking Food Create Toxins and Carcinogens?

The short answer is “yes,” based on numerous government studies around the world (including the U.S. CDC, NIH, EPA, etc.), but only if you cook at higher-than-steaming/boiling temperatures. Studies indicate probable links between cancer rates and food fried/grilled at high temperatures. If you’re serious about maintaining good health, you may want to reduce high-temperature cooked foods in your diet. You don’t have to avoid them entirely, since your liver and other organs can detoxify to some extent. But the less you expose yourself, the better your long-term health prospects. Four Common Sources of Carcinogens in Cooked Food Heterocyclic amines (HCAs): Created when meat is cooked at high temperatures, especially above 149°C (300°F). Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs): Formed when grilling or smoking meat over open flames. Acrylamide: Created when high-temperature cooking affects plant-based foods like potatoes, toast, and coffee. Overheating c...

How to Organize Pots and Pans (and Dishes, Cutting Boards, and Lids) with Racks and Shelving

We’ve tested a ton of cookware and eventually ran out of storage space. This guide walks you through what we tried and what finally worked. Our best solution: steel wire shelves paired with pan organizers, plus donating excess cookware. But there are many options depending on your space and how much gear you own. Countertop / Shelftop / Pantry / Cabinet Pan Organizers The simplest way to organize is with pan racks designed to sit on shelves, countertops, or in cabinets. Rubbermaid Pan Organizer Rack Holds up to 2.23 lbs per pan Fits 2 pans up to 14" and 3 up to 9", stored sideways Can be mounted vertically or laid horizontally Comes with screws and adhesive patch for mounting Each slot is ~2.5 inches wide (actual internal width) Protects pans from scratches Also works for lids “Titanium” is just a color; both are painted steel Includes Microban coating (not necessary and environmentally questionable) Grayline used to make a similar product...

How to Choose the Right Cookware in India

Choosing the right cookware isn’t just about fancy looks or brand names. It directly affects your cooking, your health, and your wallet. Here's a no-nonsense guide to help Indian households pick cookware that actually works. Why Good Cookware Matters Even heating : Bad cookware gives you hot spots and burnt food. Good cookware spreads heat evenly so nothing is overcooked or undercooked. Less effort, more joy : Comfortable handles, faster heating, and easy cleaning make cooking less of a chore. Save money : Eating out is expensive. In India, a single dinner for four can easily cross ₹2,000. Skip a few and you can fund great cookware. Stay healthy : Home-cooked meals generally mean less oil, sugar, and junk compared to restaurant food. Cookware vs Cooking Task Boiling/Steaming/Poaching: No need to spend big here. Simple aluminium or disc-base stainless steel cookware will do. Baking/Roasting: Uses dry oven heat, so any oven-safe pan...