The following is a glossary of cookware terms. Many
definitions were supplied by the Cookware Manufacturers Association.
Acrylic finish: A treatment for the exterior
surfaces of aluminum or stainless steel; allows for a variety of colors to be
applied to the cookware. An acrylic enamel is "baked" onto the metal. Items are resistant to chips and stains and are dishwasher safe.
Acrylic silkscreen: A decorative process in which a special ink or paste is forced through a design on a screen and bonded to metal at high temperature. It is applied to exterior uncoated surfaces of aluminum or
stainless steel or surfaces painted with acrylic finish.
Alkyd finish: A treatment for metal exteriors that allows for use of many colors. Alkyd enamel is an organic resin coating "baked" on to the metals. Finish is resistant to chips and scuffs.
Aluminum: One of the two principal metals used in cookware; lightweight, excellent conductor of heat and relatively inexpensive. There are two widely used production methods - stamping, also known as drawing, and casting. In casting, molten aluminum is poured into molds in the shape of cookware. Minerals in water may cause some discoloration.
Anodized Finish: A treatment for aluminum cookware, created by an electrochemical process that increases the thickness of the natural oxide film of aluminum. The film can be dyed and sealed to a colored surface. Anodized surfaces are resistant to stains and scratches.
Bakeware: Products used for foods, which cook by absorbing heat from the surrounding hot air, as in an oven.
Capacities: Liquid measurements; measured at full level, except where otherwise noted. Allowable manufacturing tolerance is plus or minus 5 percent of total volume.
Cast aluminum: The result of molten aluminum being poured into molds made in the shape of cookware. When the aluminum cools, the mold is opened and the cookware is removed. Other major process of aluminum cookware is stamping. Casting is more expensive manufacturing process than stamping.
Cast iron: One of the oldest materials used in cookware; made from molten alloys, often covered with porcelain exterior and interior finishes. Uses include skillets, roasters and Dutch ovens, broilers, griddles and some specialty items.
Chrome-plate: A finish created by a three-step electrolytic process, in which copper, nickel chromium are applied to a steel core. Polishing and buffing produce a shiny finish. Process results in a durable, nonporous, non-tarnishing surface.
Clad: Usually refers to the bonding of one metal to another, such as copper to stainless steel, in a way that takes advantage of the characteristics of both metals.
Copper: The metal's ability to conduct heat evenly makes it especially effective for top-of-range cooking. Utensils are often lined with stainless steel or a non-stick finish because foods cooked in direct contact with copper may become discolored.
Decalcomania: A printed design which uses porcelain frit, which permits bonding to a metal at a high temperature. The process produces a glossy appearance. Many colorful designs are available and can be applied to exterior
surfaces of porcelain enameled items, as well as to uncoated aluminum and
stainless steel surfaces.
Dimensions: Measurement of utensils is in centimeters. Allowable manufacturing tolerance is plus or minus 6mm.
Gauge: A term used to describe the thickness of aluminum utensils. Gauge usually is described by a number. The smaller the number, the thicker the aluminum. For example, eight gauge aluminum is thick (0. 125 inch); 20 gauge is thin (0.032 inch).
Non-stick finish: Chemical coatings that promote easy of cleaning. There are three major types of such finishes: high temperature resin; silicone, and fluorocarbon. Teflon and SilverStone, both made by DuPont, are fluorocarbon finishes. Silicone is applied to the interior and exterior surfaces of metal bakeware. High temperature resins sometimes contain some fluorocarbon resins for better non-stick properties. High temperature finishes are baked onto the interior surfaces of metal cookware and bakeware.
Polyamide finish: A treatment of aluminum or stainless steel exterior surfaces that allows use of colors. Finishes are resistant to chips and stains and are dishwasher safe.
Porcelain enamel: A glassy material which bonds to metal at a very high temperature producing a glossy coating. Available in many colors, the enamel is usually applied to aluminum, stainless steel, steel and cast iron. The enamel usually is applied to the exterior surfaces of aluminum or stainless steel. It usually is applied to the interior and exterior surfaces of steel and cast iron. Enamels are dishwasher safe, easy cleaning, abrasion and stain resistant.
Porcelain silkscreen: A decorative process in which a special porcelain enamel is forced through a design on a screen. Design is bonded to exterior surfaces of porcelain enameled utensils, or uncoated exterior surfaces of aluminum or stainless steel.
Satin finish: A treatment to improve heat absorption. Applied to the exterior bottom by a brushing operation.
Stainless steel: One of the two principal metals used in cookware, extremely durable, smooth and scratch-resistant. Finish won't corrode or tarnish permanently. Non-porous surface is resistant to wear. Metal doesn't
conduct heat as well as aluminum, and sometimes is combined with other
materials to improve heat conductivity. Stainless steel is an alloy, a
combination of iron and other metals. This alloy contains at least 11 percent chromium, which makes the steel “stainless” throughout.
Stamped Aluminum: The most widely sold type of aluminum cookware. Flat sheets or circles of metal are rolled to the desired thickness and placed on a press. The press forms the metal into the desired shape. Then finishes, handles and knobs are attached.
Teflon: non-stick finish.
T-Fal: non-stick finish.
Three-ply: Usually refers to utensils that have stainless steel on inside and outside surfaces with a layer of copper, carbon steel or aluminum forming the core.
Tin-plate: A core metal, usually steel, covered with tin on all sides. Highly-resistant to denting and scratching, this material often is used in bakeware.
Top-of-range: The largest segment of cookware business. Refers to products which cook by direct contact with the heat source.
Two-ply: Usually refers to utensils that have a stainless steel interior with another metal on the exterior.
Waterless Cooking: Only a small amount of liquid is used. Food cooks by constant formation of steam rather than boiling. More efficient with cookware of heavier thicknesses and close-fitting covers.
