You may be probably one of those cooking enthusiasts who think about buying hard anodized cookware. Since it is quite popular, it is obviously full of pros. However, what about the cons of hard anodized cookware? Is it worth buying? Is it healthy and safe for you?
Now, we are going to review all the possible cons of hard anodized cookware and the ways to deal with them.
Why opt for hard anodized cookware?
Hard anodized aluminum cookware is one of the most popular choices today. Since it is durable, sturdy, non-stick, and non-toxic, these cookware items become a common choice for many people.
The hard anodized pans and pots are made of anodized aluminum or aluminum alloy. The item submerged in sulfuric acid undergoes low electric current exposure. As a result, aluminum oxide is produced.
After the acid cools down, the item is exposed to a stronger electric current. Now, the anodizing process is finished, and the item is covered with a durable protective coating that is called hard-anodized aluminum.
The hard anodization coating is made naturally, by the electrolysis process (also known as anodizing process). As a result, the hardened layer produced by oxides covers the cookware surface. So, you can’t face any harm and toxic issues while cooking.
Here are the main advantages of hard anodized cookware:
- Pro 1: sturdy and durable;
- Pro 2: very easy to clean (no extra scratching, soaking, and harsh detergents required!);
- Pro 3: great for a healthy lifestyle (doesn’t require much oils and butter while cooking performance);
- Pro 4: resistant to the acidic foods;
- Pro 5: has a non-stick coating;
- Pro 6: great heating properties (can heat evenly over the whole item);
- Pro 7: low health risks and no toxicity (unless it is exposed to extremely high temperatures);
- Pro 8: versatile and compatible with many types of food (acidic dishes, delicate recipes, fatty ingredients, and many others);
- Pro 9: easy to pack and store with no damage;
- Pro 10: easy to maintain (does not need much seasoning and extra care).
Is hard anodized cookware safe?
As non-stick cookware, hard anodized pots, and pans are safe in use. In comparison to many other types of cookware, hard anodized items are almost safe. If not heated too much, these items are completely safe and non-toxic.
The interior of hard anodized cookware is non-reactive to many types of food, including acidic ones. Citrus ingredients such as lemon or orange juice, as well as vinegar, are welcome as the protective coating won’t react with acids and make the metal rust.
If you treat it properly and follow all the care tips for hard anodized surfaces, there are no risks to your health!
One more benefit of hard anodized aluminum items is simple storage. You can pack them easily, stack them in the pile, and keep them safe without any risks of scratching. However, secure storage is always essential, as the opened area can bear some risks for the cookware stored in it.
Be sure that your hard anodized aluminum items are stored securely with no access to dust, debris, and any home pests so as not to create the additional risk of contamination.
Top 12 cons of hard anodized cookware
Before you make your choice, you should find out more about the drawbacks of hard anodized cookware. In addition, we share some smart tips on each drawback so that you can forget about these disappointing details!
Here are the most essential cons of hard anodized cookware:
#1. High heat vulnerable
Yes, that is one of the most well-known cons of hard-anodized cookware! In other words, choosing hard-anodized cookware, be ready to forget about extra high-heat cooking.
Exposed to high heat temperatures, the nonstick hard anodized coating is considered to be quite durable. However, when the heat reaches over 500 °F, the protective coating is prone to tear off the surface.
As a result, harmful fumes start releasing that can seriously affect your health. In addition, the mineral leaching can poison your food cooked in such conditions.
What should you do?
Control the heating process while cooking on the hard anodized cookware. Avoid cooking at a high temperature so as not to destroy the cooking surface of your cookware.
#2. High price
Although there are still some more expensive cookware options, hard-anodized cookware is quite pricy in comparison to many other types.
Generally, the price varies depending on the brand of the cookware, or a specific collection that your items belong to.
What should you do?
A good idea is to look through the charts and compare the actual prices of the hard-anodized cookware. You can opt for the most affordable variants that are still good.
#3. Prone to stains
A notorious drawback of hard-anodized cookware is the vulnerable exterior.
In case any food inside hard-anodized cookware spills on the cooking surface, you will end up with permanent stains. As the spilled substances burn into the cooking surface, they are hard enough to remove.
What should you do?
Avoid spills when cooking in hard anodized cookware. Cook on low heat so as not to make the food inside run over the edges. The less food exposure there is on the exterior, the less risk of stains you have.
#4. Warping issues
Although hard anodized cookware is known to be durable, there are still some things it can’t withstand, such as drastic temperature changes.
In other words, if you are going to fill the heated pan with plenty of cold water, be ready to see the warped surface.
What should you do?
Don’t hurry to wash your hot pan immediately after cooking! Let it stay and cool down for a while before you start washing it.
#4. Short longevity
The general lifespan of hard anodized cookware is not very long. When buying this kind of cookware, be ready to get the new items over a few years.
On average, you can use this type of cookware for 2 to 5 years, depending on the brand and quality, and care tips. The main reason that shortens the lifespan of hard anodized cookware is the wrong care.
What should you do?
Always take care of the hard anodized pots and pans! Follow all the necessary care tips to prolong your cookware’s life, and you can forget about many extra issues.
#5. No cooking sprays
One more con of the hard anodized cookware is that you can’t use any cooking spray on it. The hard anodized aluminum surface is not compatible with the sticky cooking spray, as it lessens the non-stick surface’s durability.
Since any cooking spray consists of chemicals, they will react with this type of cookware. When evaporated, the spray leaves a sticky layer on the cookware.
What should you do?
Just avoid using any cooking spray on the hard anodized cookware! There is no need to do this, and what is more, it is a short way to destroy the outer base of your cookware.
The best tip for hard anodized cookware is to season it with flaxseed oil twice a year or more. Unlike sticky sprays, the oil doesn’t leave any traces on the surface.
#6. Not so scratch-resistant
Among the cons of hard anodized cookware, there is also some lack of scratch-resistant properties.
Although this type of cookware is known to be scratch resistant, there is a risk of destroying its non-stick coating. If you are going to scrub your hard-anodized aluminum pots with metal utensils and abrasive cleaners, just say goodbye to these items!
The reason is that you can easily damage the non-stick coating on your hard anodized aluminum cookware. However, hard anodized aluminum pans are more resistant to scratching, as their smooth surface is not so prone to peel after scratching.
What should you do?
Never use any abrasive sponges when cleaning your hard anodized aluminum pots. No way you can use any metal scrubbers, hard bristle brushes, or steel wool so as not to scratch the anodized layers away from the cookware surface.
Opt for soft dish scrubbers, clean clothes, or paper towels to gently scrub the sticky residue away.
In addition, say no to the abrasive cleaners. Instead, use mild detergents that can’t affect your non-stick cookware.
#7. Not dishwasher safe
When washing your hard anodized pans and pots, forget about placing them in the dishwasher! The hard-anodized coating is not designed for hot washing, so it is not dishwasher safe.
Since dishwashers use plenty of hot water to clean your cookware, you can easily shorten the durability of your hard anodized aluminum cookware. Keep in mind that hard anodized aluminum cookware can’t handle extra high heat.
What should you do?
To maintain your hard anodized cookware properly, always treat it by hand-washing.
Hand-washed hard anodized cookware usually lasts much longer as its non-stick coating is safe and sound.
#8. Not for the food storage
If you are planning to store your food in this cookware, it is absolutely not a good idea. You can’t further keep your cooked food inside the hard anodized cookware as the lid cover is never completely closed.
Remember that hard anodized aluminum cookware is designed for cooking but not for food storage!
What should you do?
As soon as your food is ready, remove it from the hard anodized cookware and place it into the securely covered item. Prepare the extra storage items beforehand so that you can keep your food in tip-top condition.
#9. Not detergent-safe
To keep the hard anodized cookware coating safe and sound, forget about using harsh chemicals when cleaning your pots and pans.
The common dishwashers and detergents that you get used to washing your cookware with are potentially harmful to hard anodized cookware.
What should you do?
Opt for mild dish soap to clean the hard-anodized aluminum. By its nature, this metal is non-stick, so you don’t need much effort to clean it from the food residue. In other words, there is no need to use harsh chemicals on such a surface, as it is easy enough to clean.
#10. Non-compatible with the induction cooktop
Since induction cooktops are extremely popular today, you may wonder if hard anodized cookware is compatible with such a cooktop.
The answer is definitely “no”. These items are not designed to use safely with the induction.
What should you do?
Fortunately, the smart hack for the induction cook tops still exists. Attach a metal disc to the bottom of your hard anodized item, so that you can place it on the induction cooktop and cook your food without any risks.
#11. Extra weight
One of the last but not the least drawbacks of hard anodized aluminum items is their weight.
In comparison to regular aluminum items, hard-anodized cookware is much thicker and heavier. Moreover, it is also heavier and thicker than other metals, such as stainless steel.
As a result, it is not really handy to operate in your kitchen, especially when your cookware item is full of food. What is more, it is not handy to take somewhere on the trip as it brings a lot of extra weight to your luggage.
What should you do?
As you can’t change this point in your cookware, opt for something more lightweight. For example, stainless steel items will be more suitable for you.
#12. Plain appearance
The last argument against hard anodized cookware is its boring appearance. For many kitchen enthusiasts, it is not a problem at all. However, if you are concerned about the aesthetic side of your cooking items, they mostly look quite dull and similar to each other.
Many hard-anodized aluminum items are black or dark gray with a dull, non-porous texture. This uniform structure is a result of the hard anodization process. There are no ways to change the appearance of these items without any changes in their structure and main properties.
What should you do?
If you look for color versatility in your kitchen, it is better to opt for some other metal items. The shiny colorful metals such as copper or stainless steel will be more suitable for your design preferences.
As a variant, you can keep this cookware off the open space. Choose the proper storage place where you can keep it safe and forget about the non-attractive elements in your specific kitchen design.
We have much more articles on our website, not only about hard anodized cookware disadvantages. If you want to read more, please follow the link or use a website search.
FAQ
Is hard anodized cookware good or bad?
We can’t say that hard anodized cookware is a bad choice. Despite several drawbacks, this type of cookware is full of essential benefits that you should consider when buying it:
– The anodized coating makes an extra sealing on the surface.
– Easy and low maintenance.
– It is the non-stick cookware.
– Doesn’t react with the acidic ingredients.
– No health risks if you maintain it properly.
What is the healthiest cookware to use?
When talking about the healthiest cookware materials, you should always opt for those with a non-sticking coating. They are specifically designed for healthy cooking and can’t bear any extra risk for you. Here is a list of the safest cookware types:
– Cast iron cookware.
– Ceramic cookware.
– Enamel-coated cast iron cookware.
– Glass cookware.
– Stainless steel cookware.
Is stainless or hard anodized cookware better?
As both these types of metal cookware are full of their benefits, some points differ between stainless steel and hard-anodized aluminum cookware:
– Hard-anodized cookware has better heat-conduction properties, whereas stainless steel cookware is less heat-conductive.
– In comparison to stainless steel cookware, hard anodized cookware is twice sturdier.
Final thoughts
As you can see, there are almost no critical points in the hard anodized aluminum cookware that you can’t change or deal with. Anyway, you are always free of your choice!
Are you interested in learning more about hard anodized cookware disadvantages? Just simply open the link and read one more article on this subject.
