Quality Cookware Base Contours

The most critical element in preventing pan warpage is the proper base contour. Aluminum expands when it heats up. If the base of an aluminum pan (or stainless steel pan with an aluminum disc) is absolutely flat prior to heating, it will most likely become convex when heated, due to metal expansion. This creates what is called a "spinner," making it unstable while cooking. Good Anolon cookware has a concave base so that when it heats up and the metal expands, the base remains flat and steady on the burner. Turn a pan over and put a ruler on the base. The center of the pan's surface should not touch the ruler but be slightly concave. Even pans with stamped impressions need this feature. A concave base, not the stamped impressions, is the essential deterrent to warpage.

Aluminum Cookware Does Not Link to Alzeimers Disease

Anolon cookware information: Some people are concerned about the association of aluminum cookware and Alzheimer's disease. U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) reports show there is no direct correlation between this illness and the eating of food prepared in aluminum cookware. The latest research available indicates that a heretical gene mutation is the probable cause.

The Best Types of Pan Handles

When you're shopping for new pans, consider buying pots and pans that have metal handles instead of wood or plastic like Anolon cookware. All-metal handles means that a pot can be placed in the oven to keep food warm, or as an alternative to cooking on top of the stove. Wooden or plastic handles can warp, crack, split, or even melt when placed in the oven. Handles made of phenolic plastic can withstand oven temperatures up to about 350 degrees.

Building a Cookware Collection

Sometimes the best way to take the guesswork out of purchasing fine cookware is to buy a set. Anolon offers a great set that will include pretty much everything you need to whip up your favorite meal. A typical set of Analon Titanium cookware will include three sizes of sauce pans with lids (2- to 4-qt.), a 10-qt. stockpot with lid, two omelet pans, and a 12-inch saute pan with lid. A good start for your cookware collection!

...And Clean-up's a Snap!

Love to cook, but hate to clean up afterwards? Great news! Anolon cookware offers the Anolon Titanium, the first dishwasher-safe non-stick cookware. The Titanium Composite Exterior is nonporous and easy to clean in your dishwasher using any mild automatic dishwashing gel. With clean-up convenience, now there's no excuse not to cook up something special for your family tonight!

Watch What You Eat

One of the highest-rated elements of the Anolon professional cookware set is the glass lids that are included with the collection. Being able to see the food as you are cooking it is an immeasurable help. Even if you are not an experienced chef, the glass lid functionality is a great way to train novice cooks. By seeing the transformation of the food being cooked -- how onions caramelize, for example -- will make anyone a better chef in no time.

Cookware with Textured Surfaces

A textured surface that you can find on Anolon Cookware can aid in browning or searing, and allows you to "deglaze" the pan. After browning, food residue collects in the recessed areas. Simply add a bit of wine, stock or water, and reduce for a simple sauce. This works best with high quality cookware and deglazing can be a great cleaning technique or lead to some fantastic home made gravy.

Anolon's Top Cut

You already know Anolon is one of the top names in cookware. But did you know they also offer a line of cutlery? Anolon brings their typical innovative excellence to a cutting edge line of professional cutlery. Expertly hand-crafted, each knife, whether it's bread or Santoku, is sure to be the best and last you'll every buy.

Anolon Basics

Anolon pans are durable and safe to cook with. The cookware is constructed of heavy-gauge, hard-anodized aluminum for even cooking and precise heating. The HollowCore cast stainless steel handles are riveted for strength and have a sand blasted finish that hides fingerprints. The pans have tough nonstick cooking surfaces that last for years. Oven-safe to 500 degrees, and dishwasher-safe with most gel detergents. You can't ask for much more for your cookware -- and Anolon delivers.

Waterless Cooking with Anolon Cookware

More anolon cookware information: When shopping for high quality pots and pans with lids, like Anolon Cookware, it is important that the lid fit snugly, thereby trapping steam and creating a "self- basting oven." Water droplets form on the inside of the lid, then fall down to continually moisten the food. Since little or no water is required, vegetables stay crisp instead of becoming soggy. Vital nutrients and flavor are sealed in and cooking time is reduced. This method of cooking is sometimes referred to as "waterless cooking."