The most durable cookware is usually heavy and consists of a single metal. For that reason, cast iron cookware will usually win this race. However, Cast iron isn’t always the best choice. Not everyone likes how heavy it is. Some might want nonstick other stainless steel. Each category have different brands who are more durable than other. This article will take a closer at how different metal and construction will affect durability. We will also the common causes of cookware failure and how you can remedy it.

Most Durable Cookware Quick Summary

Categories	Recommended Brand
Cast Iron	Lodge Cookware Set
Enamel Cast Iron	Le Creuset Cookware Set
Stainless Steel	All Clad d3 Cookware Set
Teflon Cookware	T-Fal Anodized Cookware Set
Ceramic Cookware	Green Life Cookware Set

Cast Iron Cookware

Cast Iron cookware is made from pouring molten hot metal into a sand mold. The end result is a single piece pot or pan. It is usually all metal and made thick and heavy. Since it has no coating like nonstick cookware, it wont fail like other cookware. For that reason, it is nearly indestructible. There are many instances of cast iron cookware who are over a hundred years old. Collector actually covet them for its smooth interior and design.

Issues with Cast Iron Cookware

Having said that, there are ways for it to fail. If you manage to strip the seasoning, it will rust and corode. If it is not removed properly, pits will form and you cannot save the pan. Another way it can fail is via thermal shock. Although unlikely, if you subject it to hot and cold enough, it can crack. But this is true for any cookware.

Most Durable Cast Iron Cookware?

Lodge makes the best cast iron cookware. They have been in business for over a hundred years. You can still find some of their more vintage model online. Today, you can find it online for a relatively affordable price.

Enamel Cast Iron Cookware

Enamel Cast Iron Cookware has the same properties of Cast Iron Cookware. Instead of using a seasoning, it uses a enamel coating. Which is basically powdered glass. Since the base metal is still cast iron, all the things that makes cast iron durable is true for the Enamel Cast Iron.

Issues with Enamel Cast Iron Cookware

The issue with Enamel Cast Iron Cookware is that it chip. If you manage to hit it wrong or subject it to high temperature, it can crack and chip. While this wont affect its overall functionality, this is a common complain among user. You can usually see this in enamel coating with white interior. They tend to develop hairline cracks and people often worry if its safe to use. It is, you wont die from it.

Most Durable Enamel Cast Iron Cookware

Le Creuset makes the most durable Enamel Cast Iron Cookware. A lot of other manufacturer offer enamel cast iron cookware, but those are usually made in China. Time and time again, those china made one are always chipping. I have quite a few from different manufacturer and they never last. However, on my Le Creuset, they look like they are in perfect shape. I even have some that are over 50 years old that looks terrific.

Stainless Steel Cookware

Stainless Steel Cookware are loved by professional chef everywhere. Sheets of metal are stamped with a hydraulic press. That stamped metal is the base of all cookware made this way. As such, no chemical or coating are used in the manufacturing. Since its just metal, the chances of it failing are low. However, be aware that there are different type of stainless steel.

Disc Bottom and Fully Cladded

Disc Bottom stainless steel cookware are not durable at all. In order to improve the performance, manufacturer will just attach a disc at the bottom of the cookware. They have tendency to break off and ruin your pan. Not only that, they are plagued with heating issues.

The type that you want are the fully cladded one. They have different sheets of metal bonded together. Doing this let it takes on the best properties of the different metal. For example, stainless steel wont react with acidic food but are poor heat conductor. While Aluminum is a great conductor of heat, but they are reactive with acidic food. To get around this, manufacturer will just sandwich the two metal together. Combined, they have great heating properties without the downside.

Issues with Stainless Steel Cookware

If you never cooked with stainless steel cookware, you can expect food to stick really bad. You need to heat the pan up properly and add the right amount of oil. However, once you master this technique, sticking shouldn’t be a problem. You will find that stainless steel cookware will pretty much last forever.

Most Durable Stainless Steel Cookware

The most durable stainless steel cookware is made by All Clad. They are the one who invented the fully cladded cookware. Past test have confirmed that they are the most durable out of all the
cladded cookware manufacturer. Not only that, they have a lifetime warranty. You really cannot go wrong with all clad, just expect to pay extra for it.

Nonstick Cookware

Nonstick cookware is one of the most important invention in cookware history. It is easy to use and nothing sticks. The problem is that they simply dont last. They use harmful chemical in manufacturing and its possible that the fumes might make you sick. Having said that, it still belongs in your kitchen. A good nonstick pan will help you cook eggs and fish without any problem.

Issues with Nonstick Cookware

The main issue with nonstick cookware is that they simply dont last. After one or two year, expect to replace them. The coating will come off or it will start flaking. There are a couple of things you can do to make it last longer though.

1) Never use a metal utensils. Little scratches and tears will just make it fail faster. You should also avoid nylon scrubber.
2) Do not overheat the pan. If you heat it past 500 degree Fahrenheit, it will start degrading rapidly. At temperature of 572 degree Fahrenheit, you can experience flu like symptom call the Teflon Flu. While it wont kill humans, it has been known to kill birds.

Most Durable Nonstick Cookware

A lot of manufacturer like to say they are made of diamond, graphite or whatever. The fact is they wont last more than 1 or 2 year with constant use. For that reason, the most durable nonstick cookware is the cheapest one. Just find whatever is the most affordable one within reason. I personally find that T-Fal Cookware is at the best price point for durability and affordability.

Ceramic Nonstick Cookware

Ceramic nonstick cookware came when people started getting worried about teflon. They are often advertised as healthy and green. What that means is that they dont use the environmental pollutant known as PFOA. Since they dont use teflon or ptfe, it is free of that as well. Manufacturer just use the word ptfe to scare people because chemicals are more scary sounding.

Issues with Ceramic Cookware

While they are more eco friendly, ceramic cookware simply dont last. After a couple of use, the nonstick finish starts wearing out. They develop micro cracks because the coating is not elastic. The heat expansion and reduction of the metal cause it to tear.

Most Durable Ceramic Cookware

The recommendation is the same for ceramic cookware. Get the most affordable one possible. Dont expect it to last. Just replace it when you need to. I wouldn’t even worry about the warranty as well. Shipping will probably cost more than the pan and you dont have to worry about them denying you it for misuse. You can find affordable one by Greenpan or Greenlife.

Most Durable Cookware Thoughts

Every cookware has its pros and cons. You should find one that suits your needs. If I can only choose one, I would buy cast iron. In my opinion they should out last all other type of cookware. The fact that you can find cookware that are over a hundred year old should tell you something.

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