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Health-conscious people are striving to live the best life! Utensils are a significant factor impacting our health. The utensils we use should be non-toxic cookware. Many people ask, is hard anodized aluminum cookware safe? The hard anodized cookware is famous among homemakers. They are robust, durable, and great heat conductors. But we aren’t sure if they’re totally safe! Here, we will discuss the pros and cons of hard anodized cookware.
About Hard Anodized Cookware
The hard anodized cookware is made of aluminum which is stronger and resistant. The aluminum goes through the anodization process by putting it in a chemical bath of sulfuric acid and making the electric current pass through it. It makes the aluminum go through a rapid oxidation process. It makes the metal hard and thick turning it into aluminum oxide. The material of the utensil is made through this process. These utensils cook food faster and the utensil surface is non-stick.
Advantages of Hard Anodized Cookware
The hard anodized cookware sets are the most popular. Most people ask, is hard anodized cookware good? To answer this, we need to go through the advantages!
- The surface of these types of utensils will be non-stick, which won’t make the food stick to the surface and it will be smooth.
- These are hard, durable, robust utensils with a scratch-resistant surface. The surface is more demanding and won’t make a dent.
- There are low chances the metals will react to the food. The anodization makes the aluminum to stop leaching which makes it non-reactive to acidic foods.
- These are free of PFOA chemicals so their non-stick surface doesn’t contain harmful toxins, unlike Teflon pots.
- These are made of aluminum which makes them lightweight.
Cons of Hard Anodized Cookware
Every item available has some pros and cons. So here, we will be looking into hard anodized cookware disadvantages!
- These are pricey compared to other types.
- Not all utensils of this type will be induction cookware compatible. But, there are some items available made for induction.
- These aren’t dishwashers safe, so you’re required to hand clean them.
- These pots will get heated faster so you’re required to cook in medium flame or heat.
Hard Anodized Cookware Safety
Now we need to look into hard anodized cookware safety. Many people aren’t sure about this issue, and they keep inquiring is hard anodized aluminum safe? They consider stainless steel cookware safe? Anodized aluminum is non-porous and has less reactivity. There isn’t scientific research that proves that these are harmful to health. Through this chemical process, the aluminum is sealed which prevents it from contacting our food. These are safe until and unless you don’t damage the anodized surface. On the other hand, if you’re using aluminum utensils then there are serious of aluminum leaching. Consuming aluminum through food can cause Alzheimer’s disease as partially proved by many scientific studies. Aluminum ingestion through cookware can cause renal failure due to aluminum poisoning.
Cleaning Anodized Aluminum
You can easily clean it with warm water and soap. Don’t use baking soda. Mildly wash it with warm water and dishwashing liquid before using it for the first time. Then, clean it with dish soap and warm water right after cooking. You need a scouring agent to clean the dark spots from cooking. Add baking soda, scouring agent and little water together to form a paste. Apply it on the dark spots and scrub mildly with a soft brush. Then, clean with warm water.
Hard Anodized Cookware vs Stainless Steel
| Stainless Steel | Hard Anodized Cookware | |
| Material | Nickel and Iron | Anodized Aluminum |
| Non-Stick Coating | Not present in most utensils. | Mostly non-stick |
| Heat Conductivity | Low heat conductivity. | Great heat conductivity. |
| Durability | Less durable and harder | More durable |
| Safety | Safer; toxin-free | Slightly toxic but generally safe. |
| Price | Depends on the quality of the cookware. | Varies |
Hard Anodized Cookware vs Non-stick
| Hard Anodized | Non-stick | |
| Non-stick layer | Will last thrice more than a regular non-stick pan | Will last less |
| Heat | Can hold heat longer | Can hold heat for sometime |
| Safety | Free of PFOA, Teflon | Made of Teflon coating |
Hard Anodized vs Ceramic Cookware
| Hard Anodized | Ceramic | |
| Safety | Made of aluminum which can rarely be toxic | Made of ceramic or clay which is totally safe |
| Price | Available from cheap to expensive | Mostly expensive |
| Leaching | Chances of aluminum leaching | No chance of leaching |
| Heat | Can withstand high heat and safe for oven | Not safe for oven and can’t use in high heat |
Final Words
These utensils are great for regular use. They are generally toxin-free, non-stick and safe. They can withhold high heat and are durable and hard. You can make your favorite recipe easily and quickly in this cookware in medium heat. Do you think you’ll invest in this and why? Tell us in the comments!
