Modern kitchens are often full of stainless steel cookware. However, before this cookware came around, people widely used aluminium. In recent times, this cookware is again making a comeback- this time in a hard anodized form, and its future looks promising. According to a recent study, the hard anodized aluminium cookware market is expected to experience a multi- million dollar growth by 2028.
Now the question is which cookware is getting more shelf space in homes today and why? Stainless steel and hard anodized aluminium both have their merits and demerits and serve their own purposes. In order to decide which a better choice is, you need to understand their nature first.
An overview of anodized aluminium cookware:
Uncoated aluminium cookware has been long used in the kitchen globally. However, the metal often reacts with alkaline or acidic food, making them toxic. Observing this, people stopped using them after a while until the safer anodized aluminium took its place.
Now, what is anodized aluminium?
The method of treating aluminium with an electrolytic process to create a corrosion-resistant and durable surface is known as anodizing aluminium. The process results in the metal getting a glossy finish that stays for a long time. Anodization also makes the metal 30% stronger than steel.
Aluminium is an excellent conductor of heat. Further, its tensile strength and malleability make it ideal for making cookware.
An overview of stainless steel cookware:
Stainless steel cookware is omnipresent in modern kitchens as they are available in myriad options. It is an alloy of different metals, including chromium, nickel, carbon, steel, molybdenum, and others. A significant reason for choosing stainless steel cookware is that it does not react with the food or release toxins.
Differences between anodized aluminium and stainless steel cookware:
There has been an ongoing debate about which type of cookware is better - hard anodized aluminium or stainless steel. The best way to settle it is by comparing the two against some standard pointers and evaluating their merits:
- Price: Hard anodized aluminium cookware is pocket-friendly compared to stainless steel cookware. Depending on the amount of nickel content in the alloy, the cost of the cookware rises. Therefore, good quality stainless steel cookware is more expensive than hard anodized aluminium cookware.
- Energy consumed: Although stainless steel cookware can be used on gas stoves as well as induction cooktops, unlike hard anodized aluminium cookware, they are poor conductors of heat. Therefore, these do not heat up quickly and evenly and require more energy during cooking. On the other hand, the hard anodized aluminium cookware heats up fast. It consumes less fuel while cooking, making it an environment-friendly choice for the world that is becoming aware of the dire need for energy conservation.
- Weight: Stainless steel cookware is heavy and may not be the ideal choice of utensil for aged users. Hard anodized aluminium cookware is lightweight and easier to carry.
- Coating type: Hard anodized aluminium cookware is ideal for those who have just started cooking or have a history of burning food. These are non-stick, so the food will not stick to the bottom and make a mess. They are also easy to clean. However, stainless steel cookware does not have this feature and needs to be frequently oiled, so the food does not stick at the bottom.
- Longevity: Stainless steel utensils are prone to scratches after prolonged use. However, hard anodized aluminium cookware is rust-resistant and does not damage easily. Therefore, it makes for an excellent one-time investment and must be kept from being frequently replaced.
Bottom line:
Although stainless steel cookware has captured the kitchens, it cannot surpass the merits of hard anodized aluminium cookware. Besides being economical and convenient to use, anodized aluminium cookware is also good for the environment. Its benefits will not be hidden from the modern conscious consumer of today, and therefore, there is immense potential for the future hard anodized aluminium cookware market.
