Even though waterless cookware has been around for a long time, it is now being looked at again. I remember my parents buying a complete set of waterless cookware when I was a kid.
Waterless cookware is coming into it’s own again and getting increasingly popular. This article will explain the good points of cooking waterless and any negative sides to this type of cooking.
With more and more people looking for healthy alternatives, waterless cooking can be a good option.
If you are interested in this method of cooking, I will try to enlighten you to the pros and cons of cooking without any water.
What is waterless cooking?
Just what it says it is, you cook your food without any added water or oil and let your food supply the moisture to cook the food.
Basically, the main difference is the lid. Realistically the lid should fit nice and tight. Many sets have adjustable steam valves so you can control how much steam is released while cooking is being done.
Discussion about waterless cooking
There has been much discussion about waterless cooking. Is it necessary to use pans designed for that purpose or can you use regular stainless steel pans?
Some discussion says you can use regular stainless steel pans.
I don’t recommend using just any pans.. Using the right pans will ensure that the heat is distributed evenly and the food gets cooked in it’s own juices, which keeps the vitamins and nutrients in your finished dish.
Plus, your food won’t stick which is a possibilty with regular cookware being used for waterless cooking.
Waterless Cookware Positives
Waterless cookware is made with high quality stainless steel, rather than aluminium. Aluminium cookware leaks into the cookware which is not healthy, so stick to stainless.
High quality stainless steel is the best product to use for waterless cooking.
Upkeep
Waterless cookware is very easy to clean. Not much cleaning involved.
Results
Food cooks quicker and at a lower temperature and in it’s own natural juices.
Basically, all food contains water and juices to cook the food, rather than adding plain water or oil, giving the finished dish more flavor and saving a lot of the nutrients.
Valves
In most waterless cookware the lid is made to fit perfectly and most brand names have valves on their lids.
This is to help tell the cook when the cooking process is done or near done. This allows the food to finish cooking and still save energy.
Cons of waterless cookware.
The only disadvantage that I found to waterless cookware is the cost.
Some waterless cookware sets could start at $2,000.
But, if you are concerned about eating healthy, cook using less time and energy, waterless cookware might be just the ticket for you.
Waterless cookware must have these features:
At least 3 plies layers of metal
Outside layer is stainless steel
Inside layers could be aluminium, aluminum alloy, copper and even cast iron in the center for the best heat distribution.
Lids have a valve to let you know when to turn heat to low.
The more expensive cookware have a valve control which is regulated by a whistle.
Uses surgical stainless steel in it’s construction.
Without being too technical, the best ratio is chromuim 18% to nickel 10% ensures that your pans cook better, keep their shine better, and are more corrosion resistant.
Good waterless cookware can be used on all types of stovetops. Electric, gas ceramic and induction cooktops.
Stack Cooking
Another advantage to using waterless cookware is the ability to cook stacking the pans on top of each other, using only one burner, which is a big saving of energy.
I’m not sure if I would use that, but it is an advantage for some.
Here are some waterless cookware sets I found to give you an idea what’s available.
World’s Finest 7- ply Steam control Stainless Steel Cookware $364.94
All the cookware are constructed of extra heavy stainless steel and will last a lifetime.
The valves which control the steam make waterless cooking easy. 7 ply construction distributes the heat evenly and quickly, making it possible to stack cook.
The phenolic handles are resistant to hot, cold and even detergent.
This set has a limited lifetime warranty.
Set includes:
1.7 quart saucepan /lid
2.5 quart saucepan/lid
3.2 quart saucepan/lid
7.5 quart roaster/lid
11. 3/8 inch skillet with helper handle
Double boiler unit with capsule bottom
Can also be used as a 3 quart saucepan
5 egg cup utility rack
High dome cover for skillet or roaster
Very good buy.
360 Cookware Premium Stainless Steel Essential 4 piece Box Set $399.99
Well-cladded 3 ply construction w/110 gauge thickness.
Waterless or vapor cooking.
Big savings on time and energy.
Enjoy healthier meals.
Excellent review for this cookware.
There is a big difference.
Better to have a few great pans to cook with than a lot of not so great cookware.
Contains:
1 quart saucepan/ cover
3.5 quart saute` pan/ cover
Jute grocery bag and 360 recipe cards.
World’s Finest 7-ply steam control 17 piece T304 Stainless Steel Cookware. $671.45
Constructed of extra-heavy stainless steel and guaranteed to last a lifetime. Steam control valves are a snap to making waterless cooking easy.
The 7-ply design helps spread the heat evenly and quickly. You can even stack cook with this cookware. The handles are made from a plastic called phenolic which are resistant to heat, cold, and dish detergent. Works well cooking on low or medium heat.
Dishwasher and oven safe. Can be used on gas, electric, ceramic, halogen or induction cooktops.
Limited lifetime warranty. Made in the U.S.A.
Set includes:
7 inch saucepan with cover
4 quart stockpot with cover
8 quart stockpot with cover
8 inch chef skillet
10 inch chef skillet
Excellent set of cookware.
360 Cookware Stainless Steel Cookware Set 21 pieces for $2,499.00
Vapor cooking or waterless cooking with an excellent set of cookware. Cladded 3-ply construction with 110 gauge thickness. Cooks without the need for oil or water.
Includes slow cooker base included. It converts the 4 quart stock pot and the 2.3 casserole into a slow-cooker. Enough pieces to prepare a dinner party for a large group of people.
Calphon Classic Stainless Steel Cookware 14 piece Set $243.78
this set has a bonded aluminum , which provides excellent even heating. Plus,this cookware is very versatile.
You can use it on your stove-top, in the oven or broiler and is safe to put in the dishwasher.
Long, easy to lift handles give you a safe grip, even with a full pan of food. The handles stay cool and are double-riveted by hand.
Measuring is made very easy by fill lines on the pots and all the lids have straining vents so you don’t need a colander to drain the liquid from the pans.
Set includes:
8 inch omelet pan
10 inch omelet pan
12 inch omelet pan/ with lid
1 1/2 quart saucepan / lid
2 1/2 quart saucepan/ lid
3 1/2 quart saucepan/ lid
3 quart saute` pan
8 quart stock pot/ lid
Full lifetime warranty
Good to use on gas, electric, electric ring, halogen, glass ceramic or even induction stove top.
Safe to use any type of utensil with this brand.
Calaphon is a well know brand and is very reputable and well liked.
I hope this article has helped you understand the different cookware available for waterless cooking and will help you in your decision making and will help it will you find the right cookware set for your needs.
