Decking out your kitchen with a new cookware set is definitely something everyone looks forward to. Much like a kid getting a new bike for Christmas, this is a similar feeling for adults. The new cookware set you buy could help you with your cooking needs or it could be the difference between learning how to cook or improving your cooking. (Image Credit: Dean Moriarty/Pixabay)
Whatever it is that you need this new cookware set for, you should be sure to do your homework beforehand. Here are 6 useful things to think about when shopping around for that new addition to your kitchen.
1. Is the Brand Reliable?
Not every brand is going to be good, and quality can make a big difference when it comes to your cookware set. The experts from TheDaringKitchen.com highlight how you need to consider which ones to look for, and which ones not to for various reasons. Some can be used for gas stoves, others would melt or not work well. The point is that sometimes the brand name does make a big difference, and cookware sets are no exception.
2. Do I Have the Kitchen Space?
Another thing you need to think about is how much space do you have for new kitchen cookware. While it is always tempting to fill your kitchen with more fun toys to experiment with, you might not have the hanging racks or cupboard room for it. Consider what you can throw out and what you want to keep, and try to make more room for your new cookware set. You would not want to buy a full set and have nowhere to keep it.
3. How Much Reusability Will I Get?
Just like the need for finding a reliable brand, you want to know if the actual usage will be worth it. It could be that the material will not last long or it could be that you likely will use it a few times for some recipes and that is it. People tend to have recency bias where they see something they want to cook but do not consider how often they would use the ingredients, and something similar happens with cookware. You need to know that you will actually get mileage out of it to see if it is worth the investment.
4. What Materials Are They Made Of?
The material makeup is important because your kitchen could be built for different needs. A glass top stove is delicate so a heavy cast iron set of cookware will definitely scratch up the surface. Similarly, flimsy material could be damaged or discolored from serious heat, such as a gas stop stove. You need to find materials that are easy to clean, durable, but also make sense for the kitchen you have. Everything has a place and a purpose and so should the materials that your cookware set are made from.
5. How Much Will It Cost?
Naturally, the cost of a kitchen cookware set is something you need to take into consideration. Good brands are going to cost you some hard-earned money but they could be worth it because of quality and a commitment to customers.
Meanwhile, you could cut costs by going with an unproven or unknown brand but find yourself buying a new set in as little as a year. Factor in how much you can realistically afford then scale your search to brands in or around that price range. If anything, be more willing to pay a little bit more rather than drop the price because the quality could be better or you could get more pieces to the set with a few more dollars.
6. Do I Need the Full Set?
Finally, you need to consider if you are wanting to buy the full set because you like it or if you actually need it. Too many times people buy something out of want and not need and this leads them to emotional spending, rather than logical purchases. If you do not need the full set, why not just buy a single pan or set of pots to at least get started on collecting them all. This way, you can still get what you need but not end up having an overcrowded kitchen.
Like a kid in a candy shop, so too are adults when shopping for cookware sets. It can be fun and exciting to find that gorgeous new pan or pot that will allow you to feel like a professional chef, but before you spend any money, you should look at those 6 important questions to consider first.