Anodized Cookware

There are so many different kinds of cookware currently available that it can frankly be more than a tad confusing to try and choose just one kind. Stop and think about it for a minute, there are stainless steel, copper, and anodized cookware, not to mention the different name brand styles as well. In order to make that decision a little easier, here is some information about one of the more popular choices in cookware—anodized cookware.

• What is it? Simply put anodized cookware is a cookware that is made from either aluminum or an aluminum alloy that has been subjected to a process called anodization. This process is accomplished when the metal is given a chemical bath that contains a bunch of different electrolytes, and then charged with an electrical current. This particular process gives the metal a protective layer that is fairly thick and resistant to corrosion.
• How does it work? When this naturally protective coat is brought out on to the surface of the aluminum, it helps keep the cookware in good working order for a long time. For example, this protective layer helps protect the aluminum from rusting, corrosion, discoloring due to heat, and even pitting. There is a downside to this though, and that is most anodized cookware is not made from pure aluminum. This means that the protective layer is weaker that it would be with the pure aluminum, and will not last as long.
• Advantages. Generally speaking, this type of cookware is a bit more expensive than many other kinds of cookware, but the price is well worth it. In fact, there is quite a list of advantages that come from using anodized aluminum cookware. For example, the anodization process usually gives the interior of the cookware a nonstick surface which doesn't really trap or pass on food flavors. Since it has a non-stick surface, this also means that the food won't stick and is less likely to burn. In addition this type of cookware usually requires less grease or fat to fry things in, which means that the food you make can be much healthier than otherwise. Finally, anodized aluminum cookware is usually tougher than regular aluminum so it won't dent as easily.
• Disadvantages. There are relatively few disadvantages to using anodized cookware. The biggest disadvantage is the way that it wears out. While it may last for a while, when the protective coating finally begins to wear out it wears out quick. The second major disadvantage is the price—anodized cookware tends to be a bit more expensive than many other types of cookware.