Paula Deen Riverbend Heavy-Duty Aluminum Celebrity Cookware, 12-Piece

Celebrity cookware is all the rage – and for good reason, too. You can find high-quality cookware sets that include all of the items you need to make delicious recipes in your own kitchen, inspired by people in the spotlight. From famous chefs to actors and actresses to television personalities, there are many celebrities who are creating cookware lines for their fans.

With so much to consider, how do you know which celebrity cookware is right for you? When you’re looking for any type of cookware, celebrity or otherwise, start out by considering what types of meals you cook most often or what types of meals you’d like to be cooking. This will help you determine what pieces you need as essential parts of your cookware set. For example, if you make a lot of braised dishes, then having a Dutch oven is a necessity. If you like soups and stews, then opt for a set with a stock pot. Cast iron pans are ideal for searing meat, while non-stick frying pans are great for making delicate items like eggs. If you like stir-fry recipes, opt for a cookware set that comes with a number of frying pans or woks.

Another important aspect to consider when selecting celebrity cookware is the inner surface material it’s made with. Teflon is a classic non-stick material that is found in many cookware sets. It’s durable and long-lasting, and enables you make recipes with only a small amount of oil or fat. However, when used at very high heat, Teflon can release toxic fumes. Ceramic is another option that is non-stick. It is also eco-friendly. Keep in mind that ceramic is not as long lasting as Teflon and can begin to peel within a few years. Ceramic cookware is also not dishwasher safe.

• When it comes to outer surface material, stainless steel is a classic, long-lasting option. It’s loved for it’s shiny exterior and durability. However, this material doesn’t conduct heat well, so it’s often combined with a copper or aluminum core. Another option is anodized cookware, which is hardy, durable and reliable. This material distributes heat equally. Many cooks love aluminum, which is a great heat conductor. It typically requires a non-stick coating on the interior. This type of cookware is lightweight and easy to use, though it can get stained. Cast iron is also another classic choice. It’s long lasting and can be used on many cooking surfaces, even campfires. Keep in mind you have to learn how to clean it properly.
• Be sure to also consider what type of cooking surface you use. If you have a gas stove, then the flames will be unstable. This means you want to get a cooking pan that conducts heat evenly throughout the pan. Usually, having a rounded bottom pan is ideal for a gas stove. If you use a ceramic-glass cooktop, then you cannot use rough materials like cast iron, which will leave scratches. With an induction cooktop, stainless steel is the best option as it works with the magnetized surface of that that type of stove.