Cookware -- Help!

Q: I'm planning to buy a cooking set but have a few reservations. Can someone please explain the advantages and disadvantages of the following cookware? 1) Anodize cookware -- e.g. Magnalite cookware 2) Copper cookware Also, I was wondering if anyone knows the advantages and disadvanges of the following: 1) Pyrex mixing bowls 2) Stainless steel mixing bowls

A: Many years ago, we were given a pyrex mixing bowl set. They were good bowls but they are very heavy which translates into a sore arm when you need to mix something that is already heavy. Recently I went to a resturant supply store and purchased stainless steel bowls. WOW WHAT A DIFFERENCE. Both my wife and I love them. I gave my pyrex bowls to our son when he moved away (I'm sure he will get many wonderful years of use out of them). But I'll take the steel bowls anyday. Try them, you'll like them. When we bought our Calphalon (which is anodized aluminum) it was explained to us as follows: Copper is superlative cookware because of its conductivity, which allows the cook tremendous control over what's happening in her pot. The other main advantage over cheaper stainless steel cookware is that copper doesn't develop hot spots, but heats evenly accoss the bottom and sides of the pan in a consistent way for years and years and years. It is also, however, a pain in the neck sometimes because (a) it needs a lot of care to stay good-looking (b) the variety of copper pots that comes with a thin tin lining must be treated quite delicately on the heat, as the interior coating can be damaged. Other varieties made with a stainless steel lining are not a concern in this regard. No matter what variety of copper you buy though, the stuff is very expensive (as you probably know). Anod. Alum. on the other hand, has something like 95%+ the conductive capapbilities of copper (which is to say it's virtually as good). It has all the same characteristics as copper with respect to hot spots (i.e. it doesn't get them). Plus it doesn't have to be polished. Also, it doesn't react with food (as regular aluminum does) and it's affordable.

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