If you are looking for a good set of non stick cookware that is free of PFOA and PTFE, then you may want to consider hard anodized cookware.
This cookware is popular with home cooks, due to its light weight construction, even heating, ability to be used in the oven or stove top and heat resistant handles.
Aluminum cookware is a great conductor of heat, therefore it heats up quickly and evenly to help you cook food perfectly.
This ensures there are no cold spots in the cooking surface, and is quite affordable, compared to stainless steel cookware.
What is Hard Anodized Cookware
What is hard anodized aluminum cookware, you ask?
This cookware is made from aluminum that is chemically treated, which is hardened through a chemical process, resulting in a cookware with hardness similar to stainless steel cookware.
The anodized aluminum cooking surface offers the same non stick properties of Teflon coated non-stick cookware, and therefore, is scratch resistant, stain resistant, resist abrasion and corrosion, and won’t absorb smells and flavors of the food cooked in it.
Aluminum cookware is reactive, which meaning it will react with food, and allow the metals in the pan to be absorbed into the food, while on the other hand, with hard anodized aluminum the electrochemical process to make hard anodized aluminum, renders the metal non-reactive.
Best of all it is 100% safe and PFOA and PTFE free.
How is it made?
Hard anodized cookware is made through an electrochemical process of anodization, which is used to harden the naturally soft metal.
The cookware starts with a flat aluminum disc that is pressed into the shape of a skillet, saucepan, or other cooking utensil, and then it is submerged in a sulfuric acid bath. Next, it is exposed to low level electrical charges.
During this process, the aluminum ions in the pan are exposed to oxygen. This creates a natural oxidation reaction, and produces aluminum oxide.
At this point, the aluminum cookware still consists of a relatively soft metal compound.
The acid coating is then cooled to 32°F (0°C), and the electric current is increased. This causes the outer shell of the pan to immediately anodize.
The base is oxidized before it is anodized, and this results in the reduction of surface pores, thus preventing food and liquid particles from being absorbed into the metal.
The surface of the anodized metal is preferred for cookware, as the hardened metal is now twice as strong as stainless steel.
Preferred by Professional Chefs
Hard anodized cookware was the brain-child of metallurgists responding to the request from professional chefs in the 1960’s, who complained that with the rigors of working in a professional kitchen they were having to replace damaged pans too often.
The chefs wanted sturdy non stick cookware that was stain and scratch resistant, like stainless steel cookware, yet was light weight like aluminum cookware.
Hard anodized cookware quickly became a standard in the kitchens of restaurants. Eventually, hard anodized cookware was offered to home chefs, and is now the most popular type of non stick cookware sold in stores and has become very affordable.
Is it Safe?
Hard anodized cookware is safe cookware to use.
There have been concerns since the 1970’s that the use of cookware made with aluminum oxide can increase the chances of developing Alzheimer’s Disease.
Dr. Andrew Weil, a natural health proponent, has said there is no scientific research to support claims that hard anodized cookware is unsafe.
Cookware manufacturers say that the electrochemical process to make hard anodized aluminum cookware is safe, which produces a hard protective and nonreactive coating that prevents aluminum particulates from leeching into food and safe.
How Do you Cook with Hard Anodized Cookware
You cook with hard anodized cookware the same as with other types of non stick cookware.
- Since this type of cookware tends to heat up quickly, it is therefore recommended to use medium low to medium heat.
- When heating up water in a saucepan, it is recommended to use medium high to high heat setting.
- Use oils like olive oil or canola oil for heating cooking, and follow the recipe instructions.
- Always place food in the center of a well heated pan, which will ensure the best cooking experience.
- You should only use wood or silicone utensils.
Is it Oven Safe?
Hard anodized cookware can be used on the stove top and in the oven, generally to a maximum of 450 to 500 degrees F.
Follow the use instructions in the usual manual of your cookware, to preserve your product warranty.
Can it go in the dishwasher?
Hard anodized cookware is generally dishwasher safe.
Most Popular Hard Anodized Cookware Sets
1.
Calphalon Signature Hard Anodized Nonstick Cookware Set
- Made with heavy-gauge hard-anodized aluminum for lasting durability
- Signature Sear Nonstick interior is PFOA-free
- Designed to perform as effectively as stainless steel
- Long stainless steel handles designed to stay cool while you cook
- Dishwasher safe
2.
T-fal Ultimate Hard Anodized Titanium Nonstick Thermo-Spot Heat Indicator Anti-Warp Cookware Set
- Hard anodized aluminum construction for durability.
- Unique Thermo-Spot heat indicator for proper preheating.
- Hard Titanium nonstick interior for the ultimate and longest lasting performance.
- Riveted silicone handles for safety and comfort.
- This cookware set is that it is not recommended for use with an induction stove.
- TechnoResist Anti-warp Base.
- Oven safe to 400F.
- Lifetime Limited Warranty.
3.
Rachael Ray Cucina Hard-Anodized Nonstick Cookware Set
- Hard-anodized aluminum cookware provides fast, even heating.
- long-lasting PFOA-free espresso-colored nonstick offers easy food release and cleanup.
- Eco-Friendly.
- Comfortable dual-riveted, silicone-over-stainless-steel-handles.
- Shatter-resistant glass lids have wide stainless steel rims.
- Cookware set includes a sturdy, flexible slotted nylon turner and spoon that match the handles’ stylish color.
- Oven safe to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Pots and pans are suitable for all stovetops, except induction.
- Dishwasher safe.
- Lifetime Limited Warranty.
4.
All-Clad E785SC64 HA1 Hard Anodized PFOA Free Cookware Set
- 10-piece cookware set includes 8 inch and 10 inch fry pans, 2 quart and 3 quart sauce pans with lids, 4 quart sauté pan with lid, and 8 quart stockpot with lid.
- Hard Anodized aluminum construction for fast, even heating and easy cleanup.
- Stainless-steel bonded Anti-Warp base.
- Optimized for induction stove tops.
- PFOA-free scratch resistant nonstick coating for healthier cooking with less fat.
- Secure-fitting lids trap in heat and moisture and allow for checking on food at a glance.
- Stainless-steel handles contoured for a comfortable hold and permanently secured with stainless-steel rivets.
- Compatible with all stovetops including induction.
- Oven safe to 500 degrees F (without lids).
- Dishwasher-safe, hand wash recommended.
- Limited lifetime warranty.
5.
Circulon Infinite Hard Anodized Nonstick Cookware Set
- 1-1/2- and 2-quart covered saucepans, 8-quart covered stockpot, 3-quart covered saute pan, and 8- and 10-inch open skillets.
- Hard-anodized aluminum; stainless-steel bases with encapsulated aluminum cores.
- Nonstick exteriors and abrasion-reducing ring design.
- Cast stainless-steel riveted handles stay comfortably cool on the stovetop.
- Heavy-gauge stainless-steel lids.
- Dishwasher-safe; oven-safe to 500 degrees F;
- Suitable for all stove types.
- Limited lifetime warranty.
6.
Cuisinart Hard-Anodized Cookware Set
- 1 Qt. Saucepan w/Cover, 2 .5 Qt. Saucepan w/Cover, 3 Qt. Saute Pan w/Cover, 6 Qt. Stockpot w/Cover, 8″ Skillet, 10″ Skillet, 12″ Everyday Pan w/Cover, 22cm Pasta Insert.
- Exclusive Cuisinart ArmorGuard protective technology offers rich, hard anodized exterior finish with the convenience of dishwasher cleanup.
- Eterna nonstick cooking surface is truly advanced, providing unsurpassed release and ultra durability. Metal utensil safe.
- Hard anodized construction for superior durability and optimal cooking performance.
- Even heat distribution to eliminate hot or cold spots.
- Oven safe to 500 Degrees F.
- Glass lids are oven safe to 350 Degrees F.
- Use on stove top or in oven.
7.
Cooks Standard 8-Piece Hard Anodized Nonstick Cookware Set
- Hard anodized surface is durable and harder than stainless steel.
- Nonstick delivers exceptional performance and makes cleaning easy.
- Heavy gauge aluminum core provides even heat distribution without any “hot spots”.
- Cookware is Dishwasher safe.
- Hand wash recommended, just wipe with a towel, no detergent or chemicals needed.
- Works on Gas, electric coil, hot plate and other type, Not for Induction stove.
- This cookware is oven safe to 500F.
- The glass lid can be used in an oven up to 350F.
8.
Bialetti 10 Piece Ceramic Pro Hard Anodized Nonstick Cookware Set
- 10-pc Ceramic Pro Cookware set by Bialetti – 8 in saute pan, 10 in saute pan, 1.5 qt sauce pan with lid, 3 qt sauce pan with lid, 3 qt deep saute with lid, 6 qt Dutch oven with lid.
- Beautiful gray ceramic nonstick interior and Hard-Anodized exterior for long term toughness.
- Cookware is oven safe up to 400F.
- Hard Anodized Aluminum construction for even heating.
- Cookware comes with a 10 year guarantee.
9.
KitchenAid KCH2S08KM Professional Hard Anodized Cookware Set
- Dishwasher Durable with Nonstick Colorfast Finish.
- Made with a 3-Layer Nonstick Interior.
- Cookware is Induction Burner Capable.
- Made with 5.5 mm Hardened Aluminum.
- Includes Riveted Stainless Steel Handles for your safety.
10.
Anolon Advanced Hard Anodized Nonstick Cookware Set
- The Heavy-duty hard-anodized construction promotes balanced, efficient heating.
- Made with Long-lasting restaurant-tested premium-quality aluminum.
- Cookware is nonstick is metal utensil safe.
- Shatter-resistant glass lids retain heat and moisture.
- Anolon SureGrip handles offer soft, confident grasp, and are dual riveted for extra strength.
- Cookware is oven safe to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
- The gourmet-quality cookware set complements many other pieces from the Anolon Advanced collection.
- Includes a Lifetime Warranty.
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