Each day, we prepare our food recipes from various kitchen utensils but we hardly recognized that all of these products can be grouped into distinct materials. Here is a list of the major types of materials used in cooking.
Glass
Glass produces transparent effect though it shatters easily. The jam jar is an example of a glass material.
Aluminum
Aluminum is light and does not rust. It is mainly used for conditions where the material will be exposed to water such as the saucepan of a
a rice cooker.
Copper
This metal has high thermal performance. It conducts heat 20 times better than iron. So they are used in heat critical appliances like a barbecue stand or bottom of frying pans.
Clay
Clay is considered an environmentally friendly substance.
It is used to make earthenware such as ceramic plates.
Iron
Iron is tough and resists breakage. Frying pans and woks are made from iron. Iron is used in utensils which become exposed to heat for a long time such as some Oriental food recipes. In this case, the food cooks slow without burning.
Plastic
Plastic is light and clear. The upper part of a food processor is made from glass.
Stainless steel
This one is not prone to rust and has a high tensile value. Spoons and knives are made from this material. Steel products are expensive.
Wood
Organic material that resists rust and corrosion. Provides a toxic free approach to cooking. Helps maintain a “green” kitchen.
So food today are made from a myriad of materials which are carefully chosen for their unique properties. Some for economy of manufacture, others for productivity, some for durability, then there is culinary outcome consideration. Thats how come kitchen tools or cookware are of many different make.
