Cookware Sets for Meal Prep
Cookware sets offer some of the most convenient on ramps to cooking and meal prep. Perfect for first time cooks or those just moving in somewhere new, a proper cooking set will feature all the pots and pans you need to get started.
Not sure where to start? The easiest way to consider what cookware set is best for you is by assessing your kitchen and the type of stove you have. Depending whether it’s gas or electric has a major impact on the proper cookware materials you will want for your food. Gas and open flames are great for cast iron, while you’ll want to settle for another material if you are cooking on an electric stove.
Cooking material also plays a major factor into the type of textures and flavors you will develop. Texture is a major component of how we perceive taste so we need to understand how we are applying it so that our meal prep is enjoyable.
Cast Iron Set
Cast iron is widely considered as the best cookware material because of its ability to retain high heat levels. This transfers heat more evenly into your food, creating better textures and crusts. Cast iron is also heavy duty and is compatible with metal utensils.
One of the biggest advantages of using cast iron materials is that you can season the pan. Over time, oil and seasoning from cooking slowly builds up, adding additional notes of flavor that are impossible to achieve with any other material.
One caveat about cast iron is that you need a direct flame to use it properly. An electric stove can heat a cast iron skillet up enough to cook with, but it won’t be able to sustain the same levels of heat that a gas flame can, meaning your meal prep might come out subpar. Ensure your kitchen is properly equipped for cast iron.
Ceramic Set
Ceramic cookware is a favorite for meal prep, providing easy cooking and cleaning without issue. Ceramic is great for cooking because it has a smooth surface that can hold heat well without sticking and is perfect for applying delicate crusts on foods.
Ceramic cookware sets are best for home cooks that find themselves cooking by stove a lot because you’ll be interacting with your pots and pans often. Having cooking sets that are easy to use can reduce frustration in the kitchen, minimizing errors resulting from struggling with uncooperative cookware.
As meal preppers, it is also important to note just how easy ceramic is to clean up due to its nonstick nature. Washing it is incredibly easy, reducing how much time you spend after cooking meal prep at the sink and cleaning up afterwards, saving precious amounts of time.
Ceramic Set
Nonstick Set
Nonstick materials are made from PTFE, or polytetrafluoroethylene, which is a synthetic compound that is capable of maintaining high heats and staying nonstick. Commonly thought to have been invented by NASA, PFTE and Teflon gained nationwide popularity when the agency began experiments using their materials.
For home cooks, nonstick cookware offers some of the easiest, most stress free cooking possible. They are incredibly easy to clean up because of their nonstick qualities and perfect for cooking and type of meal.
As most will likely know, it is ill-advised to use metal utensils with nonstick PFTE cookware. The material is not safe for human consumption and meant to cook your food, not be in it. So avoid using metal that way you won’t have to worry about scratching the surfaces.
Stainless Steel Set
Stainless steel cookware is a great all-round material for beginners and experts alike. Whether you’re cooking your 1000th dish or just starting your first, we’ve all used a stainless steel pan at some point.
Stainless steel is the perfect material for retaining high levels of heat. Calibrated for high heat, stainless steel will leave you with professional-grade textures. With some practice and the right oil, you’ll be making meal prep that you can’t wait to try.
Note that oil is especially important with stainless steel material because they can stick. Unlike nonstick surfaces, ingredients can shred apart if they are placed on a dry spot on the pan. Most of this comes with practice however as stainless steel pans offer long lifespans.