Hard Anodized Aluminum

Hard-anodization of aluminum is brought about by placing the metal in an acid (sulfuric acid) and exposing to an electrical charge. With the help of an electro-chemical process, aluminum gets hardened. Eventually, you get hard anodized aluminum. This type of aluminum is used to make cookware. It hardly has any pores and it has twice the hardness of stainless steel. So, you can use hard anodized cookware for cooking. The material prevents sticking of food to the pan and you may cook for long durations in these pans. If the question, 'is it safe to use hard anodized cookware' is lurking in your mind right now, here is the answer.

Hard Anodized Aluminum Cookware Safety

The anodized aluminum being twice as hard as stainless steel and it does not have pores, chances of burning of food are extremely low. These days, so many types of coated cookware are available in market. Hard anodized cookware does not come with separate coating. Hardening of the metal is an integral part of the cookware. Hardening of aluminum is not achieved by applying any kind of coat. The procedure of anodization makes it about 30% stronger than stainless steel. Since there is no coat, there are no chances of peeling off or chipping of the coat. Thus, the cookware can last longer. The surface of hard anodized cookware can withstand heat up to 1221 degrees Fahrenheit. The material is non-toxic and hence completely safe for all types of cooking. This material is used for making electric cooking appliances as well.

During the process of anodization, aluminum oxide is produced from the combination of aluminum and oxygen and you get a non-porous surface which is resistant to corrosion and scratching. You don't have to use wooden spatula as in case of non-stick cookware. Metal spoons, spatulas and whisks do not cause any damage to the pans. This type of cookware is generally safe for the oven and broiler.

High blood aluminum levels can prove to be harmful for health. But anodization (the electro-chemical process) locks the aluminum in the cookware in such a way that it cannot leak into your food. This material does not react with acidic food.

Using and Cleaning Hard Anodized Cookware

You can easily clean the anodized cookware with warm water and soap. In fact, hand wash is recommended for these utensils. You may use a soft sponge to clean the inner surface and a synthetic scouring pad to clean the bottom. You should take a look at the instructions and information provided in the manual before using the cookware for microwave cooking. Avoid using sharp knives or pointed instruments or hand mixers with this type of cookware. Frequent use of pointed instruments may damage the surface of the pan. Before using a brand new pan, you are supposed to wash it with soap and warm water. Wipe it with dry cloth and then put it on the stove. You are supposed to start with low heat and then increase the heat as required. This will lower the chances of spills and burns.

Once you start cooking in hard anodized cookware, you will accept the fact that this material makes the best cooking pans. Do you know that anodized aluminum is used to protect space satellites? Some auto parts are made from hard aluminum that is obtained through the process of ionization. Such parts are resistant to friction and heat, produced at high speed. So, what are you waiting for? Get a new set of hard anodized aluminum cookware and enjoy cooking!