Aldi fans rave over $35 'superior and cheaper' essential kitchen item

Choosing the right cookware for your kitchen isn’t always easy — particularly with something you’re likely to use frequently, like a fry pan. You want one that will last for years to come, won’t scratch or lose its non-stick quality, and can withstand high temperatures. Bonus points if it doesn't break the bank.

"There are so many options, it really depends on how you like to cook, what you like to cook and the heat source you are using," MasterChef Australia star Hayden Quinn told Yahoo Lifestyle.

You’re generally better off opting for something ceramic, cast iron, or stainless steel. But which of these popular choices is actually the best?

Says Quinn, "For me at home, I have a mix of all of these pans, but understanding not everyone uses or needs the full arsenal of pans at home, I have recently been using what is called a "hybrid" pan from Hexclad - they are a mix of nonstick and stainless steel which gives a great cooking surface with the best of both worlds."

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While Quinn uses the Hexclad pan, if you can’t afford the $250 price tag, Aldi shoppers have praised a popular dupe in the $35 Crofton fry pan which comes with a stainless steel body and non-stick coating.

“This is better than all my Tefal fry pans,” one customer said in an Aldi Facebook group.

“I’ve found these pans superior and cheaper,” another wrote.

However, if you are willing to splash a bit of cash and invest in some cookware that will be a staple in your kitchen for many years to come, you need to be sure you are buying the right type for you.

Here's what else you should keep in mind.

Which type of pan cooks food the quickest?

If you’re looking for a pan that heats up in a jiffy and sautés, fries and browns quickly, stainless steel is your best bet. Ninja Kitchen product manager Will Tran tells Yahoo Lifestyle that these types of fry pans also retain heat exceptionally well, making them perfect for cooking techniques that require sustained, high heat.

Chef and award-winning cookbook author Bridget Foliaki-Davis, founder of Bridget’s Healthy Kitchen, also notes that stainless steel cooks food the quickest compared to its ceramic and cast iron counterparts, due to its efficient heat conduct.

“(Stainless steel) also responds quickly to temperature changes, allowing for precise heat control, and its relatively thin construction allows for fast heat transfer to the food,” Foliaki-Davis says.

Which type of pan is easiest to clean?

According to Foliaki-Davis, ceramic cookware is typically best for easy cleaning due to its non-stick surface, which prevents food from sticking — in turn making it easier to wash off any residue. However, she says to make sure you’re cleaning your ceramic pans carefully to ensure the non-stick surface doesn’t scratch. This will also ensure the longevity of the pan.

Ninja’s Extended Life ceramic cookware is a great example of easy-to-clean cookware due to its CeramicLock coating that makes cooking and cleaning a breeze. Tran adds that the ceramic surface is also dishwasher-friendly and safe to use with metal utensils. Plus, at $400 for a set of 6 pans, it is a far more affordable option than, say, Le Creuset whose new ceramic range starts at $180 for just one pan.

Which type of pan is best for your health?

Pans made from materials like copper, aluminium and even carbon steel are known to be highly reactive to alkaline or acidic foods, so aren’t the best for cooking things like broccoli, leafy greens, carrot or even garlic. They can also disfigure easily with high heat and scratch over time, allowing potentially harmful chemicals to be released into your food.

The best thing about ceramic, stainless steel and cast iron cookware is that they’re all excellent options for those seeking non-toxic, non-stick fry pans. These types of pans are also made from pure materials, unlike a lot of non-stick pans that come with a Teflon coating — which is said to release harmful chemicals like PTFE, PFOA, PFO and PFAS, particularly as the non-stick properties wear.

Ceramic, stainless steel and cast iron pans are all fairly on par in terms of health and safety, however, Food Safety Plus scientist Edward McCartney says there could be an added benefit in using cast iron pans, as they may release small amounts of iron into your food — perfect for those with iron deficiencies.

Although cast iron pans are a bit tougher to clean, when properly seasoned, they develop a natural non-stick surface without any need for chemical coatings. McCartney also notes that the material is extremely durable and can last for generations with proper care. You can even take it camping and make yourself a fry-up in the campfire!

Quinn is also a big fan telling us, "I can't go past my favourite cast iron pans and then also my seasoned iron cookware that will go on and on and cook for 100's of years to come."

Which type of pan cooks food the best?

Each type of pan can serve a different purpose, so you might even benefit from having all three on hand! Foliaki-Davis explains how cast iron pans might be preferable for searing steaks, while ceramic pans could be ideal for slow-cooked stews.

Tran also highlights how ceramic cookware excels in heat distribution, ensuring even cooking across the surface at lower temperatures.

“This makes it ideal for more delicate dishes, like saut​​éing vegetables or cooking fish, where you want to avoid burning or uneven cooking,” he says. “If you often find yourself making stir-fries, scrambled eggs, or fish, the even heat distribution of ceramic will serve you well.”

However, he says if you’re working with a variety of cooking techniques and like to experiment, a stainless steel pan might be the better choice.

It’s generally considered the best all-around performer as it offers quick and even heating, versatility and durability, Folaki-Davis notes.

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Final verdict

Stainless steel seems to be the best choice, with points for fast heating and cooking, non-stick qualities, and its versatility in cooking a variety of dishes well. It’s also easy to clean — but if this is your top priority, perhaps go for a ceramic pan like Ninja’s.

If you’re concerned about the potential dangers of non-stick coatings and prefer an all-natural, rustic-style fry pan, cast iron may be the better choice (plus they often come in a variety of fun colours to match your aesthetic).

Happy cooking!

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