Having the right set of cookware makes all the difference in your kitchen. There are a lot of choices out there so how do you pick the right set for your cooking needs? First I’ll discuss examples of two types of cookwear, the Paderno Stainless steel  collection  and the  Mauviel M’Héritage copper cookware then give you some tips to help you find your perfect set of cookware.

Canadian stainless steel

For 30 years, the P.E.I.-based Paderno has created some of the best pots and pans in the world. Dubbed “Pots for Eternity,” the Paderno 11-Piece Collection puts you hands on with the best stainless steel pots on the market.

This cookware is tough enough for commercial use but elegant enough for your home. The stainless steel exterior has a polished, satiny finish made from the highest quality 304 (18/10) stainless steel. The bottom has a 3-ply, impact-bonded base with an aluminum disc encapsulated with magnetic 18/0 stainless steel to give rapid and even heat distribution.

The set includes a 1.5L (6.3 cups), 2L (8 cups), 3L (12 cups), 4L (16 cups) saucepans with covers, a 5L (21 cups) Dutch oven with cover, and a 24cm (10″) stainless steel fry pan – all with flared lips for easy pouring. Dishwasher and oven safe. The only pots and pans collection you will need. It comes with the Paderno 25 year warranty. 

French copper


Mauviel has been making its copper cookware since 1830, and is consider some of the finest cookware brands on the market. The Mauviel M’Héritage 5-Piece Cookware Set is part of the marvellous M’héritage collection used by professionals and serious amateur cooks throughout the world.

This collection features polished bi-laminated copper stainless steel (90% copper and 10% 18/10 stainless steel) exterior 1.5 mm thick. The non-reactive 18/10 stainless steel interior means easy cleaning and stainless steel rivets and handles give extra durability. The set includes a 17 cm (7″) saucepan with lid, a 24 cm (9.5″) curved and splayed sauté pan with lid and a 22 cm (8.75″) round frying pan. Beautiful and elegant, these pans will bring your cooking to a whole new level. Guaranteed for life.

What to look for

 

Knowing what to look for in your pots and pans will help you decided between cooper and stainless steel cookware. Here are some important things to consider:

Heat conductivity: Some metals are better heat conductors than others. Copper is superior to stainless steel so cooks your food more evenly. The Mauviel M’Héritage copper cookware is going to be more responsive and adjust quicker to temperature changes allowing you more control over your cooking. It means less burnt dishes.

Stove Compatibility: Copper cookware is not suitable for induction cooking. Newer stoves, like the Samsung Induction Range work better with stainless steel cookwear.The Paderno 11-Piece Collection with its magnetic 18/0 stainless steel and flat bottom is the better option. These pots have been calibrated to work with induction cooking and will not scratch the ceramic top.

Reactivity:  Some metals react to alkaline or acidic foods and certain foods can actually absorb some of the metal. For example, eggs cooked in a copper pot often get grey after picking up copper compounds. Stainless steel is the least reactive of all the metals so the Paderno is the ideal choice. Higher quality copper cookwear, like the Mauviel M’Héritage line, are lined with a non-reactive stainless steel interior to reduce the likelihood of reacting with food.

Price: Copper pots are usually slightly more expensive than stainless steel since this precious metal is in high demand. In general, chefs recommend you buy the best cookware you can afford, that also suits your cooking needs.

Maintenance: Copper must be washed by hand and requires regular polishing to keep it looking pristine. Stainless steel is durable and doesn’t require much maintenance, and is dishwasher safe. Copper does have a more aesthetic appeal due its bright shine and timeless appeal.

If you’re looking for classic elegance with ultimate control while cooking, can afford the extra expense and don’t mind polishing your pots, then the Mauviel M’Héritage 5-Piece Copper Set is your best choice. If you have an induction stove, want cookware that is reasonably priced, durable, scratch resistant and dishwasher safe then the Paderno Stainless Steel Collection is your best choice.

Shelagh McNally
I’ve been covering technology since 1992 and I’ve seen a lot of technology come and go. I enjoy following the trends, spotting the winners and losers and teaching consumers how to get the best products and services for their needs. My work has been published in the National Post, Reader's Digest.com, Yahoo, Miami Herald and other North American publications and websites.

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