Cast Iron, Stainless Steel, Non-Stick & Tri-Ply Explained & Why Your Kitchen Needs a Range of All
Choosing the best cookware for your kitchen isn't simply about finding one perfect pan. Different cookware materials offer different advantages, and understanding how they work can make everyday cooking easier, more efficient and more enjoyable.
Cast Iron Cookware is excellent for retaining heat, Stainless Steel offers durability and versatility, Non-Stick Pans make delicate foods easier to prepare, and Tri-Ply Cookware provides responsive, even heating. A well-balanced cookware collection combines all of these strengths, giving you the right pan for every cooking task.
In this complete cookware buying guide, we compare the Full Cooks Professional Cookware Range: cast iron, stainless steel, non-stick and tri-ply cookware, explaining their benefits and helping you decide which pans deserve a place in your kitchen.
What Are the Best Types of Cookware?
The best cookware material depends on what you're cooking, the temperature required and how much maintenance you prefer.
| Cookware type | Main advantage | Best for | Maintenance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cast Iron | Excellent heat retention | Searing, slow cooking, roasting | Moderate |
| Stainless Steel | Durable and versatile | Boiling, steaming, sauces and everyday cooking | Low |
| Non-Stick | Easy food release | Eggs, pancakes, fish and delicate foods | Moderate |
| Tri-Ply | Even heating and responsive temperature control | Sautéing, searing and precision cooking | Low |
Our recommendation: A combination of these four cookware types provides greater flexibility than relying on a single material... and here is why.
1. Cast Iron Cookware: Heat Retention & Slow Cooking
Cast iron cookware is valued for its ability to retain heat and maintain steady cooking temperatures. Once heated, a cast iron pan holds onto that heat particularly well, making it an excellent choice for searing meat, preparing slow-cooked dishes and oven cooking.
Benefits of Cast Iron Cookware:
- Excellent heat retention: Maintains consistent cooking temperatures once heated.
- Versatile cooking: Suitable for searing, roasting, braising and slow cooking.
- Durable construction: Quality cast iron cookware can last for decades with proper care.
- Hob-to-oven convenience: Many cast iron pans can be transferred between the hob and oven.
- Attractive presentation: Cast iron casserole dishes can also be used for serving.
Enamelled vs Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron:
There are two main types of cast iron cookware -
Enamelled cast iron features a protective vitreous enamel coating that helps prevent rust and eliminates the need for traditional seasoning.
Pre-seasoned cast iron has a layer of polymerised oil that provides some protection and improves food release with continued use and proper maintenance.
For most everyday kitchens and lower upkeep, we stock enamelled cast iron cookware because it's easier to maintain and doesn't require regular seasoning.
When Should You Use Cast Iron?
Cast iron is particularly useful for steaks, casseroles, slow-cooked stews, roast chicken and dishes requiring steady heat. Explore Cooks Professional Cast Iron Cookware, including enamelled casserole dishes, skillets and frying pans. To help you decide what cast iron cookware suits your kitchen best and how to take care of them, see our Buying Guide and Care Guide.
2. Stainless Steel Cookware: Everyday Versatility
Stainless steel cookware is a practical foundation for any kitchen. Known for its durability, corrosion resistance and relatively straightforward maintenance, stainless steel is suitable for a wide range of cooking tasks. It's particularly useful for boiling, steaming and preparing foods that don't require a non-stick surface.
Benefits of Stainless Steel Cookware:
- Durable: Resistant to rust, corrosion and everyday wear.
- Versatile: Suitable for boiling, steaming, simmering and many other cooking methods.
- Easy to maintain: Many stainless steel pans are dishwasher safe.
- Hob compatibility: Induction-compatible models work across different hob types.
- Long-lasting: Quality stainless steel cookware provides reliable everyday performance.
What Is 304 Stainless Steel?
304 stainless steel is a corrosion-resistant alloy commonly used in quality cookware. Our Cooks Professional Stainless Steel Range includes products made using 304 and 18/10 stainless steel, offering durable construction for everyday cooking.
When Should You Use Stainless Steel?
Stainless steel cookware is particularly useful for preparing pasta, steaming vegetables, boiling potatoes and making sauces. Our range includes three-tier stainless steel steamers, pasta pots, egg poaching pans and sauté pans. Stainless steel provides the practical foundation of a versatile cookware collection. See our Stainless Steel Cookware Buying Guide for further details on what pan is missing from your kitchen.
3. Non-Stick Cookware: Everyday Convenience
Non-stick cookware is designed to reduce food sticking to the cooking surface, making it particularly useful for delicate ingredients. A quality non-stick frying pan can simplify everyday cooking and make cleaning easier.
Benefits of Non-Stick Cookware
- Easy food release: Ideal for eggs, pancakes and delicate fish.
- Less cooking oil: Many foods can be prepared using smaller amounts of oil or butter.
- Easy cleaning: Food residue is generally easier to remove.
- Convenient: Suitable for quick meals and everyday cooking.
Ceramic vs Traditional Non-Stick Cookware
Non-stick pans are available with different types of coatings. Traditional non-stick cookware commonly uses PTFE-based coatings, while ceramic non-stick pans generally use a sol-gel coating. Cooks Professional offers ceramic, harmful substance-free, non-stick cookware, including selected frying pans, sauté pans and woks. Our ceramic non-stick surfaces provide convenient food release while complementing the durability of the underlying cookware.
When Should You Use Non-Stick Pans?
Non-stick frying pans are particularly useful for scrambled eggs, omelettes, pancakes, fish and other foods that benefit from gentle cooking and has a tendency to stick. To protect the coating, avoid overheating and use silicone utensils. See our Kitchen Utensil Buying Guide to get an idea of what utensils are best for your cookware.
Our recommendation: Every kitchen benefits from having at least one good-quality non-stick frying pan for everyday cooking.
4. Tri-Ply Cookware: Even Heating & Cooking Control
Tri-ply cookware combines multiple layers of metal to improve heat distribution and temperature responsiveness. Unlike conventional single-layer stainless steel cookware, tri-ply construction typically features an aluminium core bonded between two layers of stainless steel. This allows the cookware to combine the durability of stainless steel with the heat-conducting properties of aluminium.
Benefits of Tri-Ply Cookware
- Even heat distribution: Helps reduce concentrated hot spots.
- Responsive temperature control: Adjusts more quickly to changes in hob temperature than heavy cast iron.
- Durable construction: Stainless steel layers provide strength and corrosion resistance.
- Versatile cooking: Suitable for sautéing, simmering, searing and everyday meal preparation.
- Premium performance: A practical choice for home cooks seeking greater temperature control.
Tri-Ply vs Stainless Steel: What's the Difference?
Tri-ply cookware is a type of stainless steel cookware, but its layered construction distinguishes it from conventional single-layer designs. Standard stainless steel is durable but conducts heat less efficiently than aluminium.
Tri-ply cookware incorporates an aluminium core to improve heat distribution across the cooking surface. Our Cooks Professional Tri-Ply Cookware Range features aluminium cores bonded between layers of 304 stainless steel. Selected models also include ceramic non-stick interiors for easier food release.
When Should You Use Tri-Ply Cookware?
Tri-ply is particularly useful for searing meat, sautéing vegetables, reducing sauces and preparing dishes where consistent heating matters.
Our recommendation: Tri-ply cookware is an excellent investment for customers looking to upgrade their everyday pans.
When is it Good to Use Each Style of Cookware
Understanding the differences between cookware materials makes it easier to choose the right pan for each cooking task.
| Cooking task | Recommended cookware |
|---|---|
| Searing steak | Cast iron or uncoated tri-ply |
| Slow-cooked casseroles | Cast iron |
| Boiling pasta | Stainless steel |
| Steaming vegetables | Stainless steel steamer |
| Cooking eggs | Non-stick frying pan |
| Preparing pancakes | Non-stick frying pan |
| Sautéing vegetables | Tri-ply or stainless steel sauté pan |
| Reducing sauces | Tri-ply or stainless steel |
| Cooking delicate fish | Non-stick frying pan |
| Oven roasting | Oven-safe cast iron or suitable stainless steel |
No single cookware material performs best at every task. Combining different pans allows you to make the most of their individual strengths.
How to Build a Balanced Cookware Collection
A good cookware collection doesn't need to include dozens of pans. A few carefully selected pieces can cover most everyday cooking requirements. This is why we stock our ranges in a variety of different groups and collection sizes.
1. Start with Stainless Steel Essentials
A stainless steel saucepan or pasta pot is useful for boiling, simmering and preparing everyday meals. For households that seek healthy cooking alternatives, a three-tier stainless steel steamer adds valuable flexibility.
2. Add a Quality Non-Stick Frying Pan
A pair of non-stick frying pans are one of the most useful additions to any kitchen. It's particularly convenient for breakfast dishes, delicate ingredients and meals that require easy release.
3. Invest in a Cast Iron Casserole or Skillet
Cast iron adds excellent heat retention to your cookware collection. An enamelled cast iron casserole dish is particularly useful for slow cooking, braising and preparing larger family meals.
4. Upgrade Your Everyday Cooking with Tri-Ply
Tri-ply cookware is a worthwhile addition for anyone who enjoys cooking regularly and wants more responsive temperature control. A tri-ply sauté pan or saucepan can become a versatile everyday favourite, particularly when preparing sauces and dishes that require even heating.
Our Recommended Cookware Essentials
For a practical, complete and well-balanced kitchen, consider:
- 3 piece Stainless steel saucepans for boiling and simmering.
- 2 Piece Tri-Ply non-stick frying pan for eggs, pancakes and delicate foods.
- 28cm Cast Iron casserole dish for roasting and slow cooking.
- Tri-ply Sauté Pan or Cast Iron Skillet for everyday cooking, searing and frying.
This combination covers all cooking methods without unnecessary duplication, suitable for a range of household sizes.
What to Look for When Buying Cookware
Hob Compatibility
Always check that your cookware is compatible with your hob. Induction cookware requires a suitable magnetic base, while gas and electric hobs generally accommodate a wider range of materials. All Cooks Professional Cookware is suitable for induction, gas and electric hobs.
Oven Safety
Some pans can be transferred directly into the oven, but maximum temperatures vary depending on handles, lids and coatings. Always check the individual product specifications before oven use. A wide range of Cooks Professional Cookware is suitable for hob to oven to table service.
Durability and Construction
Look for sturdy handles, quality materials and well-constructed bases. Stainless steel and cast iron are particularly durable, while non-stick coatings require additional care to preserve their performance. See the Cast Iron, Stainless Steel & Tri-Ply Care Guides for further information.
Cleaning and Maintenance
Consider how much maintenance you're comfortable with. Tri-Ply and uncoated stainless steel are generally straightforward to maintain, while cast iron and ceramic non-stick surfaces benefit from gentle cleaning and suitable utensils.
Cooking Habits
Think about the meals you prepare most often. A household that regularly makes stews may benefit more from a cast iron casserole, while someone who cooks quick meals might prioritise a non-stick frying pan.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cookware
What Is the Best Cookware Material?
There isn't one best cookware material for every cooking task. Cast iron excels at retaining heat, stainless steel offers durability, non-stick provides easy food release and tri-ply cookware delivers even heating and responsive temperature control.
Is Tri-Ply Cookware Better Than Stainless Steel?
Tri-ply cookware uses layered construction to improve heat distribution, making it particularly useful for temperature-sensitive cooking. However, conventional stainless steel cookware remains an excellent choice for boiling, steaming and everyday tasks.
Is Cast Iron Better Than Stainless Steel?
Cast iron retains heat exceptionally well, making it ideal for searing and slow cooking. Stainless steel is generally lighter and more responsive, making it better suited to many everyday cooking tasks.
Is Ceramic Non-Stick Cookware Safe?
Ceramic non-stick cookware is generally safe when used according to the manufacturer's instructions. Avoid overheating, damaging the coating and using abrasive cleaning products.
Do You Need Both Stainless Steel and Non-Stick Pans?
Having both is useful because they serve different purposes. Stainless steel is durable and versatile, while non-stick cookware makes delicate foods easier to prepare and clean up.
Is Tri-Ply Cookware Worth the Money?
Tri-ply cookware can be a worthwhile investment for regular home cooks who value even heating, responsive temperature control and durable construction.
How Many Pans Does a Kitchen Need?
Most households can prepare a wide range of meals with a saucepan, frying pan, sauté pan and casserole dish. Additional specialist cookware, such as steamers and pasta pots, can make specific cooking tasks more convenient.
What Cookware Do Professional Chefs Use?
Professional kitchens commonly use stainless steel, multi-ply cookware, cast iron and non-stick pans for different cooking tasks. The choice depends on the food being prepared and the cooking technique required.
Discover the Cooks Professional Cookware Range
The best cookware collection combines durability, convenience and performance. Our Cooks Professional Cast Iron, Stainless Steel, Non-Stick and Tri-Ply Cookware Ranges offer practical options for different cooking styles and kitchen requirements. For customers looking to invest in premium everyday cookware, we recommend a range of options, but our Tri-Ply Range provides excellent heat distribution and temperature control.
Complete your collection with a cast iron casserole, offering a wide range of colours to match your kitchen appliances, stainless steel essentials for everyday preparation, and a ceramic non-stick frying pan for delicate foods.
Explore Cooks Professional Cookware and find the right pans for your kitchen.