It feels like we’d rather just throw things away when we’re done with them instead of having something that lasts, just because we don’t want to deal with it. Disposable…well, anything…plates, diapers, even tupperware-ish food containers. We, as a people, like things cheap and easy.

Cookware is no different. Although it isn’t marketed as disposable, when you see cheap cookware in stores, chances are it won’t be around all that long unless you’re very careful with it. Most of the cheap cookware has Teflon coating…which seems like an added bonus since it will make things easier. But, Teflon is pretty delicate and can scratch easily, scratched Teflon flakes off into your food, and Teflon is toxic. So, once it gets scratched, it is time to move on and DISPOSE of the now ruined cookware.

Not to mention that the cheaper cookware is produced to be cost effective, not cook effective. More likely than not you’ll end up with Teflon coated pots and pans that don’t cook evenly because the metal used doesn’t spread heat.

Investing In Durable Cookware
Although it may not seem like a cost effective choice, the more expensive cookware is also more likely to last a lot longer. With some brands, they’re likely to last your lifetime and beyond. But what makes them better?

For starters, the metal they use. A lot of top end cookware is made using high grade stainless steel. While shopping around you may have noticed phrases like “flatware 18 10,” or “stainless steel 18 0.” 18 10 stainless steel cookware has more nickel than 18 0 (the “10″ is the percentage of nickel in the formula), which makes it more durable and gives it more shine. The benefits are that it can handle a good scrubbing, and maintains a gleam without tarnishing.

If you’re paying a lot for stainless steel cookware, chances are there are more metals involved, like copper (fantastic at conducting heat) or aluminum (very light, reducing the overall weight).

Affordable Durability
If you’re looking for an affordable option, there is one, but it comes with a little effort. Cast iron cookware is fairly affordable, and extremely durable. Many cast iron pots and pans get passed down generation to generation. They are very good at maintaining their heat once they have been preheated.

The effort comes in the maintenance. Cast iron needs to be seasoned with oil, not only to keep it fairly nonstick, but to stop rusting. When you wash it, it needs to be dried right away as well. Not to worry though. Once you know how to clean rust off cast iron, it is a simple process to clean and reseason your cast iron skillet.