What does "Anodized" mean?

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Michelemarie

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I am looking for a large stainless steel skillet - at least 12" - with a lid - but I don't want to spend a fortune. I came across a "limited time" deal - something from Calphalon - not stainless - not non-stick - but "anodized". I have one of these stock pots and I like it but I don't saute in it - can anyone tell me if this type of finish would cook like stainless and how it would wear? Thanks!
 
basically it means that`s it`s been used as an Anode (positive terminal) in an electrolytic setup.
for cookware it`s normally done to Alu, this makes the surface more porous and changes the microcrystaline structure, a coating can them be added that will adhere well to this surface. I`ll see if I can find so easier info, one sec.....
 
Thanks Y2 - you always pull through - but now in english - what does all that mean? From what I can gather it is still "coated" - am I correct in saying that? If so, it stands a chance of peeling, right - like the non-stick stuff?
 
it is a sort of Coating yes, it`s made from the metal itself rather than something added to it After though.

for instance let`s look at Aluminium, it is a Very reactive metal! and forms an oxide almost instantly in air, but it`s only very thin!
treating it with electrolysis can make this coating Much thicker, (you may be interested to note that Ruby or Garnet is also a form of aluminium oxide).

it can Not peel away (at least not without dragging off a layer of metal with it also).
 
perhaps it may help to explain that Aluminium oxide (Al2O3) is Very Tough! and quite inert for the most part (non reactive).
and of course if the Crystaline structure is done correctly (during electrolysis), it`s going to be extremely tough indeed, as I said, you would have to get down to the metal itself and take a layer off to remove it.
 
In your opinion, do you think it would cook like stainless then? As long as it doesn't peel, I'm interested!

depends what you`re cooking and if the crystals had been treated (made to absorb a lubricant such as PTFE).

not having all the details of the pan here I can`t really answer that, no one can.


edited to add: in my Opinion (not based on Science but personal Pref) I`ll stay with my all SS ware, it can take all the punishment I can dish out (so far) and will still be here long after I`m dead and gone.
 
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I love ss too, that is what I am looking for. The problem is - I need a large one pronto - and I am having a hard time finding one, WITH a lid, in my price range - any suggestions? I can only go to TJ Maxx so often!
 
I found this helpful for anyone who is interested:




[SIZE=+1]Stainless steel vs. [/SIZE]
[SIZE=+1]hard-anodized aluminum cookware[/SIZE]
Hard-anodized aluminum is 30% harder than stainless steel. It is more scratch resistant and, because of its darker surface tones, scratches and other signs of wear are not as visible to the eye as with stainless.
Even with its hardened surface, hard-anodized aluminum like stainless steel can occasionally react with foods high in acids or alkali. Most often, however, it takes an intense combination of factors to cause discoloration or reverse the hard-anodization process. These factors include certain minerals in local water, highly acidic ingredients (such as highly concentrated lemon juice with cranberries), even soil quality where foods are grown.

[SIZE=+2]The Results[/SIZE]

[SIZE=+1]The hard-anodized sauté[/SIZE]
Sautéing. As the chicken sautés, it bonds quickly and consistently with the surface of the pan. The bonding, or "sticking" effect contributes to the even, golden browning over the whole exterior. As the natural juices escape from the meat and are "cooked down" or reduced, they become darker and more concentrated (called caramelising) on the bottom of the pan. Flavours become richer and more intense. Small bits of the chicken remain on the bottom of the pan, also developing new, intense flavours. As the chicken reaches its ideal degree of "doneness" it actually releases itself from the hard-anodized cooking surface. The chicken "tells you" when it's ready to be turned or removed.
The chicken results:
  • Even, golden browning over the whole exterior.
  • Moist and tender texture, no fibrous texture in the meat.
  • Juicy interior, although juices are left in the pan.
Deglazing. Wine is added to the heated pan, creating lots of steam and bubbling. The caramelised juices and flavour bits release easily from the cooking surface and mix consistently with the wine. As it reduces, it thickens.
The deglazing results:
  • Thick, hearty liquid.
  • The liquid is of an even consistency throughout, a smooth suspension of food bits and colour.
  • Rich colour, flavour, and aroma.
[SIZE=+1]Stainless steel (with aluminum core) sauté[/SIZE]
Sautéing. As the chicken sautés, it bonds with the surface of the pan, but not as quickly or to the same degree as with hard-anodized aluminum. The bonding contributes golden browning over the surface of the chicken, but there is often a subtle difference in the depth of colour.
As with the hard-anodized aluminum surface, the natural juices escape from the meat and become darker and more concentrated on the bottom of the pan, creating richer, more intense flavours. Small bits of the chicken remain on the bottom of the pan, also developing new, intense flavours.
The chicken results:
  • Golden browning with slightly less consistent coverage.
  • Slight loss of tenderness in meat, more fibrous texture when bitten into.
  • Juiciness closely comparable to hard-anodized version.
Deglazing. Wine is added to the heated pan, again creating lots of steam and bubbling. The caramelised juices and flavour bits release easily from the cooking surface and mix consistently with the wine. As it reduces, it thickens, but the juices caramelise less evenly The liquid is not as rich or as consistent in depth as the hard-anodized pan's liquids.
The deglazing results:
  • Less consistent colour in juices, although still very acceptable.
  • Slightly thinner and less depth than the hard-anodized results.
[SIZE=+1]Comparing the Results[/SIZE]
Note the differences between the hard-anodized and stainless steel results. They are subtle at times, but these differences should be considered.
Then compare the results of the first two surfaces with the results of the nonstick surface. The differences are staggering. Because the food cannot interact with the cooking surface in the same way, food in nonstick cookware steams more than it sautés. The difference in cooking results creates a vastly different texture, look, and taste. This is the nature of any nonstick surface.
NOW YOU KNOW why we recommend:
Hard-anodized aluminum for almost any type of cooking, but especially for people who prefer "crisp, rich, golden flavours with robust natural juices for sauces" and recipes which require deglazing for sauces and gravies. Although the results with aluminum-core stainless steel are good, the browning and deglazing results are consistently best with hard-anodized aluminum. Nonstick cookware for people who prefer "health-conscious, lowfat, light golden flavours with pale natural juices, mostly from liquid added for deglazing" and recipes in which the caramelization process is not required for richer sauces or gravies.

http://216.109.125.130/search/cache...el+cookware&d=aBJHy_L9Pvse&icp=1&.intl=us#top
 
Anodized cookware

We had anodized aluminum cookware many years ago, and loved it.
One caution, however. Never cook anything acidic. The kids took the anodized stuff off to college with them, and it came back bare aluminum where the spaghetti sauce, or whatever cooked.:LOL:
 
That was not due to acidic stuff, they use metal and scraped the pans. Anodized surface doesn't react with tomato or other sauce.
 
Must agree with the review on SS vs. Al. We have several Calphalon One pans and they're my favorite - You can do some serious browning on them. I've had SS in the past and it was much harder to use.
 
In your opinion, do you think it would cook like stainless then? As long as it doesn't peel, I'm interested!

Hi. I've been looking at getting some new cookware, too. Cooks Illustrated doesn't recommend hard-anodized cookware because, since the surface is dark, it's difficult to judge when the fond on the pan has browned sufficiently or too much.
 
You didn't mention your particular price range, but here is a Calphalon 12-inch anodized aluminium skillet with lid for $99.00, a tri-ply stainless steel 12-inch frying pan (I have this fry pan and it is my "go to" favorite) for $55.99, and a 5 quart tri-ply stainless steel saute pan with lid (I have this one, too and it is HUGE!) for $64.99.

You can order online or you can visit a Le Gourmet Chef store near you, if there is one near you.
 
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I recently bought a 12 inch frying pan from Sam's club and love it. It is their comercial line, Tramotina. It is probably not as food as Calphalon, but it only cost like $25 bucks. I am using it in the comercial kitchen and it is great. I have the same one in 10 inch size, that I use alone the Calphalone one at home, can't see any advantage of the Calphalone one over this one. Well maybe the price i paid of $80 some dollars makes me feel better that I have such an expensive pan. Otherwise the $25 dollar one works just as well. I'm not saying that you should do what I did, but if there is a Sams' club near buy check if they have that brand and see if it looks good for you. I recomended this to my friend and he picked up couple of them too, and he loves it. Called me recently to thank me for it.
 
Charlie, it always feels good when you get a great deal like that!

Was the pan a heavy aluminum or stainless?
 
Tramontina

I also have these. 6", 8", 10" and 12" . Hard anodized aluminum with riveted steel handles. Fairly heavy aluminum. They come with silicone handle covers so you don't usually need a hot pad, even when used in the oven.
My only problem is with the 12". Not flat enough for my glass top range. Got them all on ebay fairly cheap.
 
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