Aluminum cookware: rules of use

One type of metal utensils is utensils made of aluminum. For many years, housewives have been using these kitchen items with pleasure. Today, such dishes have changed their appearance and properties. These are no longer those gray pots and pans familiar to us from Soviet times. Manufacturers of aluminum cookware are increasing their range, as the demand for products is not decreasing, but, on the contrary, increasing every year.

The variety of products needed in the kitchen made of aluminum is great. What the manufacturer does not produce:

• pots, pans;
• bowls, mugs;
• boilers, cauldrons;
• spoons forks;
• colanders, duck pots and much more.

It’s no wonder why this dishware is so popular among housewives.

It is light, the dish cooks faster, since the material conducts heat well. Food doesn't burn.

The manufacturer is increasing the production of aluminum cookware and expanding its range, since the material is not too expensive, is resistant to corrosion, lightweight, and has a low melting point. These properties of the metal ensure the production of inexpensive products.

Production of aluminum cookware

Depending on the manufacturing technology, dishes can be:

• stamped;
• cast.

Production of kitchen items from extruded aluminum.

1. It all starts with a round blank, which will become the bottom of the future product. It is marked with the volume and name of the manufacturer.
2. The workpiece is placed in the lathe opposite the blank.There is a plastic roller on it that comes into operation. The blank spins at a speed of 1000 rpm. The operation of the roller is controlled by a computer. All this is reminiscent of the work of a potter on a pottery machine. Only rotation occurs not around a vertical, but a horizontal axis.
3. The machine cuts off excess aluminum and tucks in the edges.
4. After the final adjustment to the desired size, another cutter cuts off the sharp edges from the rim of the future product.

Stamped ware

Stamped kitchen items are made from whole sheets of pure aluminum through the mechanical action of presses and hammers. Products are formed into simple shapes. Under the influence of extrusion and pulling, the structure of the metal is disrupted. Such dishes are light, with thin walls and bottom. Therefore, it is susceptible to deformation from high temperatures and minor impacts. The cost of such products is low.

The non-stick coating is rolled onto the aluminum blank, not onto the finished product. Therefore, during the molding process, the integrity of the structure of not only the metal, but also the non-stick coating is violated. It turns out less durable.

The production of cast dishes is more expensive. The metal does not experience any mechanical stress, as a result of which its structure is integral.

1. Aluminum is poured into a mold where it hardens in 3 minutes.
2. The frozen product falls out of the mold. A hydraulic press cuts off the excess.
3. After trimming off the excess, the inner walls are coated with white aluminum oxide using 6 nozzles. It improves adhesion to the non-stick coating that will be applied later.

Cast ware

It is made of high quality aluminum, which is poured into casting molds.When solidified, durable products with thick walls and bottom are obtained. The metal does not experience any mechanical stress, so the integrity of the structure is not compromised. Products made from it are more durable and strong. Not subject to deformation from high temperatures and mechanical stress.

The non-stick coating is also more durable, as it is applied to the finished product by spraying.

Such dishes keep heat for a long time, food simmers in it, and the taste of the dishes turns out different, more rich and pronounced.

Today, some manufacturers make aluminum cookware from pure metal, while others add various alloys; apply internal and external coatings.

Types of aluminum cookware

Speaking about the variety of aluminum cookware, about what types exist, let’s make a simple table.

Difference parameters	Kinds
According to the manufacturing method.	Cast and stamped
By "purity"	Made from pure aluminum and with the addition of alloys, for example, duralumin.
According to the form.	Pots, pans, baking sheets, bowls, etc.
With coatings.	External and internal.

With color coating

Many manufacturers have started producing aluminum kitchen products with color coating. They look beautiful and attractive. Methods for finishing aluminum pots and pans: anodizing (creating a protective film), applying durable enamel, varnish or painting with organic paint (acrylic or polyamide). The most common method is the application of porcelain slurry. This finishing on the outside gives the dishes an elegant look and is a protective outer layer.

1. First, the product is cleaned in preparation for applying a protective layer.
2. The colored coating is applied by sprayers that coat the dishes with a porcelain slurry.Porcelain is a clay-like material. Hardens when fired.
3. The kiln fires porcelain at temperatures above 500 degrees.
4. The intense heat transforms the porcelain into a durable, beautiful outer coating that won't burn or scratch.
5. After cooling, a non-stick layer is applied to the inner walls.

Manufacturers of aluminum cookware will improve their products.

With thickened bottom

To increase their service life, they make dishes with thicker walls and double or triple bottoms. Metal refractory disks are built into it. Such kitchen items become heavier, but they are preferred when purchasing. Thickened bottom:

• prevents overheating;
• distributes heat evenly;
• prevents food from sticking to the walls and bottom.

Products with thick walls and bottom are more stable. They are less susceptible to mechanical stress.

Frying pans with grooved bottom

Another new product from aluminum cookware manufacturers is frying pans with uneven, grooved bottoms. They are called grill pans. The main difference from the usual frying pan is that the bottom is not smooth, but striped: longitudinal or transverse - corrugated. Every housewife who loves to pamper her loved ones with something delicious needs such an item. A dish cooked on a grill pan has a special taste. Reminds me of the smoke of a fire, of a picnic in the country. This kitchen gadget allows you to cook steaks, meat, fish, and vegetables the same way as on a grill or barbecue. The products do not lose their beneficial qualities. They come into contact with the surface of the pan only on the raised ribs. Excess fat flows into the spaces between them. Due to this, the food will not burn and will cook quickly enough.

With stone or marble coating

Today, one of the best coatings is stone. It is also called marble. This is a special development of engineers from Germany. Frying pans, saucepans, pots - this is not the entire list of stone-coated items. It consists of several layers interspersed with stone chips and a high mineral content. Made from natural stone mined in the Alpine mountains.

1. The coating itself is considered safe, as it does not contain harmful substances, but consists of natural minerals.
2. Manufacturers claim that their dishes are made for people who decide to lose weight. Or those who are forced to eat on a diet.
3. According to experts, the cookware uses the reserves of the food itself, without requiring oil or fat. Due to this, budget savings occur.
4. The guaranteed service life of such utensils is at least 15 years.
5. The coating does not require additional careful care.
6. Food does not burn. You can use metal accessories without fear of scratching the surface.

The price for such dishes is high. But the quality is excellent.

Ceramic coating

It is considered environmentally friendly and safe. Made from natural materials: clay and sand. It replaced Teflon. Housewives are very fond of kitchen products.

The coating technology is complex. Silicon and chlorine compounds and various hardeners are used. It is impossible to talk about the complete safety of ceramics on aluminum cookware. You shouldn’t be scared either: the compounds of harmful substances are insignificant.

Non-stick coating

One of the first is Teflon (tetrofluoroethylene). Teflon is a white, transparent substance in a thin layer, reminiscent of paraffin or polyethylene. It, applied to the bottom of the cookware, gives it non-stick properties.Teflon is not wetted by water or grease. Withstands temperatures from minus 70 to 170 degrees. If you heat it to 300 degrees, the Teflon evaporates. This means that this non-stick coating cannot withstand high temperatures.

When heated above 160 degrees, Teflon releases perfluorooctanoic acid into the air. It can cause flu-like symptoms: headache, runny nose, nasal congestion. Doctors called this flu polymer. Perfluorooctanoic acid is a persistent compound that accumulates in the body. Negatively affects the liver, endocrine system and reproductive function. In accordance with the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Compounds, PFOA has been banned from widespread use. Russia signed and ratified the convention in March 2011. Must follow its implementation. Europe has banned the use of Teflon for making cookware.

Disposable aluminum tableware

Convenient, practical, no need to wash. At first it was used only in aviation. Lunch was served to passengers in aluminum foil pans. Later it became widespread in all areas related to food and products. Manufacturers produce products that vary in shape, purpose and size. It is very convenient to use when preparing dishes in the oven. Wrap it in foil or place it in a form made from it, and the dish will not burn and will retain its beneficial qualities and taste.

Foil is safe, since microbes do not live in it. It is practical, convenient, and does not contain harmful substances. Products do not spoil longer and retain their shelf life if placed in aluminum foil or a container.

Advice. Do not store acidic foods in aluminum foil.Additional oxidation occurs, and aluminum enters the human body.

Advantages and disadvantages

The main thing is to follow the operating rules.

Aluminum cookware today is no longer the same as what we remember in our grandmothers' kitchens. Previously, pots and pans were made of pure aluminum, and there may have been a risk of metal entering the body if the rules of use were violated. Thanks to external and internal coatings, aluminum kitchen utensils prevent direct contact of food with metal.

Advantages	Flaws
Low cost	Do not cook foods containing acids.
High thermal conductivity. Saves cooking time.	It is not recommended to store food.
Corrosion resistant.
It does not require special care.
Light in weight, even if large in size.
Attractive appearance.
Food does not stick or burn.
Designed for cooking.

As can be seen from the table, there are some advantages.

Is there any harm

Several years ago, there were a huge number of horror stories about the dangers of aluminum on the human body. According to experts in the field, one should be skeptical. There are no dangerous substances, they say, but only dangerous doses. The amount of aluminum dangerous to the human body, its health and vital functions must exceed 50 mg per day. But with food, medicine and water, a person does not eat as much metal. For comparison: sour cabbage soup, after standing for a week in an aluminum pan, absorbed no more than 3 mg. A person can eat up to 40 mg of aluminum without harm to health.

People with Alzheimer's disease have been found to have large amounts of aluminum in their body cells. But the connection between the disease and the presence of the metal in the body has not been established.The disease has nothing to do with aluminum pans and pots. Clinical trials on whether aluminum cookware is harmful to the development of Alzheimer's disease have not been confirmed.

In the late 90s, the world medical organization issued a report stating that aluminum is not a carcinogen and cannot cause cancer. This means that the statement about the dangers of aluminum cookware is erroneous. And the kitchen products themselves are no longer the same as before. Various metal coatings on the outside and inside prevent direct contact with aluminum.

What can you cook?

It is inappropriate to talk about categorical prohibitions on the use of aluminum pans. But it is better not to cook individual dishes in it, which can ruin the appearance and shorten the shelf life.

Do not cook acidic or alkaline foods in aluminum pans, such as sour cabbage soup, compotes, sauces, marinades, vegetables: potatoes, beets; baby and dietary food. The acid and alkali contained in such products destroy the protective oxide layer, resulting in aluminum oxide in the form of a dark coating. Aluminum hydroxide may form, which is toxic.

You cannot collect sour berries in such a container, for example, cranberries. Since it contains a lot of acid, and it destroys the protective film, the metal comes into contact with the product and enriches it with itself. A high concentration of aluminum in berries is harmful to the body.

Aluminum pans are considered indispensable when preparing side dishes from cereals, pasta, and potatoes. These dishes do not burn and do not damage the dishes.

Is it possible to make jam?

There is no clear answer. When cooking preserves, jams, marmalade, the berries are covered with granulated sugar until the juice appears.It releases acid, which is known to destroy the protective film of an aluminum pan, and the metal comes into contact with the product. The jam is cooked in 2 or even 3 steps. It turns out that the product comes into contact with aluminum for a long time, and the jam absorbs the metal. Therefore, it is better not to use an aluminum pan for making jam. If this concerns five-minute jam, then you can cook it and immediately transfer it to jars. But, if you cook it several times, it is advisable not to use aluminum cookware.

Advice. Do not cook jam in an aluminum pan.

An enamel pan without chips or scratches is the most suitable option for making jam. The main thing is to stir often so as not to burn.

Is it possible to store food

The debate about the use of aluminum cookware continues to this day. But no evidence has been found that aluminum is the culprit in many human diseases. As they say: “God protects those who are careful.” We must show moderation in everything. Cooking in an aluminum pan is one thing, but storing food is something completely different.

We prepared food in an aluminum container and transferred it to another. Even if suddenly the metal managed to enter into a chemical reaction with the product, when the food was transferred, the reaction stopped. What happens when food is stored in aluminum containers for a long time. What happens is the continuation of the reaction of the metal with the product. That is, the concentration of aluminum in food increases significantly. Then the product becomes toxic, and a person can actually get poisoned.

If you follow the rules for using aluminum products and with proper care, the metal does not combine with the product. But there is hardly a housewife who takes all precautions.

Important.Do not store food in an aluminum pan.

Why you can’t pick berries in aluminum dishes

For this purpose, take another container, preferably enameled. During the picking process, the berries begin to press on each other. The fuller the bowl, the greater the pressure. The berries may be damaged by their own weight. The acid contained in them is released with greater force. It destroys the aluminum oxide film. The metal is very active. It immediately enters into a chemical reaction with the berries and passes into them. If the berry picking process is delayed, the aluminum concentration may be high. This is fraught with poisoning.

Why you can’t store alkaline and acidic solutions

As is known, salts, acids and alkalis destroy the oxide film. To avoid large amounts of aluminum getting into the product and then into the human body, it is better not to store such solutions in an aluminum container. If you have already cooked sour cabbage soup or compote in an aluminum pan, then immediately pour it into an enamel bowl after cooking. This will minimize the risk of metal entering the body.

Operating rules

Follow the basic rules for handling aluminum cookware.

1. Do not wash dishes with hard sponges or abrasive cleaning agents.
2. Use only for cooking and do not store food.
3. Wash immediately after use.
4. Do not cook foods containing acids.

How to prepare for first use

Before using a new aluminum pan or frying pan, prepare it properly for use. There are many methods for preparing dishes for use.

1. Wash with hot water using laundry soap or detergent such as Feri or AOC, wipe dry.
2. If it's a saucepan, fill it with water, boil it and drain the water. If dark spots form on the wall, wipe them with a cotton swab dipped in a solution of vinegar and water in a 1:1 ratio.
3. If you are preparing a frying pan, bake it after washing and wiping it. To do this, pour in vegetable oil to cover the bottom. Add 1 tablespoon of salt and heat over low heat for 10-15 minutes until black smoke appears.
4. Let cool, drain and rinse thoroughly with hot water without using detergents.
5. Can be calcined without oil or salt.

Grease the pan on both sides with a cotton swab dipped in vegetable oil. Place the frying pan upside down in an oven preheated to 180 degrees and heat for an hour. After cooling, rinse with hot water.

Important. These preparation methods apply to aluminum cookware without ceramic or stone coatings. It is enough to wash them with warm water and laundry soap or detergent.

Can I put it in the microwave or oven?

You can cook in the oven in an aluminum pan. Even bake Easter cakes. But there is no need to store food after cooking; it is better to pour or pour the cooked dish into an enamel bowl.

Aluminum frying pans, if the handle is removed, can also be used for stewing and baking in the oven.

Important. Do not place any metal products in the microwave oven.

This means that aluminum products cannot be placed in a microwave oven.

Use on induction hob

Aluminum cookware is not suitable for induction cookers. The main indicator for use is the ability to magnetize.Aluminum does not have this feature.

Although there are so many new products in stores. Manufacturers make dishes with bottoms from various alloys. It is better to read the instructions or consult with the seller before purchasing.

Caring for aluminum cookware

If you use and care for aluminum cookware every day, it is not difficult to keep it clean.

Universal advice

To prevent pots and pans from deteriorating over time, it is better to wash them immediately after cooking. The only condition is to let it cool. If a drop of cold water falls on a hot frying pan, the pan may become deformed.

When the pan is washed immediately, no special effort is required. For washing, use warm water and mustard powder instead of chemicals. If it doesn’t work right away, and the leftover food has already dried, then fill the dishes with warm water with the addition of laundry soap or detergents and leave for 1 hour. Contaminants can be easily washed off.

How to remove blackness

With the onset of warm days, who doesn’t like to relax outside the city in nature. Smoke from the fire, barbecue, hot tea. Or fishing, fish soup, which is also cooked over a fire. Aluminum pots, saucepans, and kettles turn black after a fire. Don't be alarmed. It's not difficult to clean it. Wine vinegar or citric acid will help.

1. Use a cloth soaked in vinegar or citric acid to rub the outside of the dishes and rinse thoroughly with warm water.
2. If blackness has formed inside the dish, pour warm water into it, add 7-8 tablespoons of wine vinegar or squeeze out lemon juice, as much as you like.
3. Boil, let cool. Drain the solution.
4. Rinse with warm water using a soft sponge.

The dishes will become clean again.

Using hard scourers for cleaning

Under no circumstances should you clean aluminum cookware with hard sponges, much less steel or iron ones.

Firstly, they destroy the protective film of aluminum cookware, which prevents metal from getting into the food.

Secondly, hard washcloths leave wide scratches into which dirt will subsequently get clogged. It is almost impossible to wash it there.

How to clean pots and pans from burning and grease

If the dishes are very dirty and you are sorry to part with them, then use the advice on how to clean a pot or frying pan from burning and grease.

1. Fill a large container with water.
2. Grate or cut with a knife 1 piece of laundry soap. Pour in 300 grams of silicate glue.
3. Bring the solution to a boil and place the dishes that need to be cleaned there.
4. Boil on low heat with the lid closed for 1 hour.
5. Remove the product from the container, being careful not to burn yourself. A soft flannel cloth or sponge can easily remove grease and carbon deposits.
6. Rinse thoroughly with water.

After such a bath, your pots and pans will thank you.

How to remove scale from an aluminum surface

Using the same method that was used to remove burning and grease, you can remove scale. In addition, ammonia or vinegar will help remove it.

Dilute 8-11 drops of ammonia in a small amount of water, rub with 1/3 of a piece of laundry soap. This solution will get rid of a small layer of scale.

1. Pour water and 5-6 tablespoons of vinegar into the container you want to descale,
2. Boil the water for 10 minutes.
3. Drain and rinse thoroughly with warm water.

It is not recommended to wash aluminum products in the dishwasher. They lose their shine.

How to restore shine to dishes

If your aluminum kitchen items have lost their shine and darkened, these tips will help you restore their shiny appearance.

1. If it darkens inside, pour in kefir or sour milk and leave for 30-40 minutes. Rinse with warm water. Lemon or apple juice will help prevent darkening on the outside. Rub half a lemon or sour apple onto the darkened walls, leave for 1 - 3 hours and rinse with warm water.
2. Instead of fruit juice, you can use 6 - 9% vinegar. The technology is the same.
3. Cut the onion into several pieces, place in a bowl, add water and boil for 10 minutes.
4. Rub the wetted surface with tooth powder and leave for 11 hours. Rinse thoroughly with warm water.

Your dishes will shine like new.

Cleansing with soda and sand

It is not recommended to clean aluminum cookware with these products. Aluminum is a soft metal. Soda contains alkali, and it is detrimental to the protective film. Soda will destroy it completely.

Sand in its structure consists of small particles. If you clean an aluminum surface with sand, it will leave scratches, not too big, but deep. Then dirt will get clogged there. In addition, the protective film in places of scratches will not be restored.

Advice. Do not use baking soda or sand to clean aluminum products.

Removing dark plaque

If the rules for using aluminum cookware are violated, dark spots and stains appear on its walls. Apparently, jacket potatoes, beets, and sour cabbage soup were cooked in the saucepan. It is unpleasant to use such utensils. How can I return it to its previous appearance? Regular onions will help remove this nuisance.

1. Take 2 medium-sized onions and place them in the container you want to peel.
2. Pour water and boil for half an hour.

Grate the laundry soap, add water and boil for 20-25 minutes.

After all procedures, thoroughly rinse the dishes with warm water and wipe dry.

Try to clean off dark spots on the walls that are not too old with an apple or lemon.

Cut the fruit in half and rub the halves over the dark areas. After this, rinse with warm water and dry.

Removing Burnt Food

To prevent food from burning, the housewife must control the cooking process, stir in time and make sure that the food does not “run away”. Then you won’t need any effort to wash the pot or pan. If it turns out that for some reason the hostess didn’t pay attention, and the food managed to burn, then don’t panic. Salt will deal with the remains of burnt food.

1. Soak the pan - pour cool water into it and leave for a while.
2. Drain the water and add as much salt as you like. Leave for 3-4 hours.
3. Clean with a soft sponge and rinse with warm water.

If milk is burnt, activated carbon is effective.

1. Grind 10 tablets into powder, pour into the bottom of the dish and leave for 1 hour.
2. Pour in cool water and let the solution sit for another 30-40 minutes.
3. Wash the pan with regular dishwashing detergent. Will wash off easily.

The main rule that must be followed is that if food is burnt, do not put off cleaning until later.

Should you wash aluminum cookware in the dishwasher?

Aluminum cookware cannot be washed in the dishwasher. The products used in machines contain a lot of alkali. Manufacturers specifically increase its composition to improve the quality of washing. Alkali destroys the dense protective film. Aluminum is an active metal. It immediately reacts with water.The water is very hot, it destroys it.

Aluminum cookware, if washed in the dishwasher, will not only acquire an unpleasant appearance. Its continued use is not safe.

When caring for aluminum kitchen items, follow the rules.

1. Do not wash products with abrasive cleaning agents or harsh scourers. Use only a soft sponge.
2. A few drops of ammonia or vinegar will help remove dark deposits.
3. Do not use baking soda, as it is alkaline and will destroy the protective film.
4. You cannot clean with sand, as it contains particles that can scratch and damage the integrity of the surface on the inner walls.
5. To wash pots or pans every day, if there is no heavy soiling, use mustard powder.

Each housewife will decide for herself which utensils she will use. The choice is up to the consumer.