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What is Hard-Anodized Cookware?

Lynne William
Lynne William

Hard-anodized cookware is a catchall phrase for pots and pans that are made from electrochemically-hardened aluminum, and covers many different brands and styles. Cookware made from hard-anodized aluminum has a significantly longer lifespan than traditional cookware and is virtually non-porous. It is this nearly complete lack of pores that enables it to resist sticking, even if food is overcooked or burned.

Chemical Process

Hard-anodized cookware is resistant to  scratching, warping, and corrosion.
Hard-anodized cookware is resistant to scratching, warping, and corrosion.

The electrochemical process of hard-anodization is relatively simple. The aluminum base that will make up the skillet, saucepan, or other implement is first submerged in a sulfuric acid bath, then exposed to low electrical charges. During this process, the aluminum ions in the pan are directly exposed to oxygen, resulting in a natural oxidation reaction that creates aluminum oxide. The acid is then cooled to 32°F (0°C) and the electric current radically increased, which causes the outer shell of the pan to immediately anodize. The surface oxidation of the base before it is anodized results in the reduction of surface pores. The surface becomes extremely hard — twice as strong as stainless steel, according to some accounts — within a matter of seconds.

Primary Benefits

Hard-anodized cookware are pots and pans that are made from electrochemically-hardened aluminum.
Hard-anodized cookware are pots and pans that are made from electrochemically-hardened aluminum.

There are several reasons why people want hard-anodized cookware, but its durability and long lifespan are usually at the top of the list. Pots and pans that have been made this way are usually heavy and will resist scratching, warping, and corrosion. They are also known for their even heat distribution, which means that cooks can count on them to produce uniform results no matter what is being prepared. Most of the time, manufacturers put a premium on these benefits, though; hard-anodized cookware is often quite expensive as a result. Many people are willing to pay this higher price because they know that the cookware will last for a long time: when properly cared for, it may never need to be replaced.

Non-Stick Qualities

A hard-anodized frying pan.
A hard-anodized frying pan.

Most hard-anodized cookware is considered “stick resistant,” which means that it naturally repels even the stickiest foods. Most culinary experts do not consider it to be truly “nonstick,” however, reserving this distinction for pans that have been treated with a chemically-engineered surface shield. Some anodized pans are also given this sort of non-stick treatment, though most are left as-is. Cooks often find the stick-resistant surface to be perfectly acceptable, and it also tends to lend a longer life for the pans.

Suitability for Different Heat Sources

Hard-anodized surfaces are non-toxic and are resistant to heat up to the melting point of aluminum, which is 1,221°F (660.56°C). As such, they can be used on most any indoor heat source, including electric and gas ranges, as well as the hotter griddles and commercial burners used in most restaurants. According to many accounts, this sort of cookware was actually originally designed for restaurant cooking, when chefs needed a dependable way to cook almost non-stop. The only heat source that is not usually recommended is an open flame. Cookware specially designed for camping or grilling is generally best in these situations.

Care and Cleaning

Caring for non-anodized cookware is generally pretty straightforward. Most manufacturers recommend soaking the pans in warm soapy water, and using a soft sponge or dishcloth to remove food residue. Abrasive pads or metal sponges can be used for burnt-on messes or tough stains — the surface is durable enough to withstand even harsh scrubbing — though these measures should only be taken when absolutely necessary. Though anodized pans cannot be easily damaged, they will begin to lose their sheen and finish with repeated harsh treatment.

In most cases, the cookware can also be cleaned in the dishwasher, though this is rarely ever recommended. While the aluminum can usually withstand the heat and high suds, the rest of the pan — coated handles, for instance, or plastic grips — may not have the same capabilities. It is usually best to wash the pans by hand to avoid preventable damage.

Quality Questions

Cooks generally consider hard-anodized cookware to be near the top of the line when it comes to quality standards, though there often is some variation between brands. The anodization process is basically constant across the board, but there is much to be said about the quality of aluminum that is used from the beginning, as well as the workmanship of any added coatings, handles, or lids. Shoppers usually benefit from doing a bit of research before making the investment.

Possible Health Concerns

A number of scientific studies have linked human consumption of aluminum and aluminum particles to Alzheimer’s disease as well as certain types of cancer, findings that have led some people to question whether cooking with aluminum pans — anodized or not — is safe. In most cases, the answer is yes. Metallic elements only rarely leach from cookware, and even when they do, it is usually only in tiny, trace amounts that should not cause concern. As a precaution, however, most experts recommend staying away from pans with scratched or gouged surfaces that may be more likely to leach toxins into food.

Discussion Comments

anon990222

An article on anodizing specifically states that a thick layer of anodized aluminum is porous, which is why it is used to better adhere dyes and non-stick coatings. Is this what this article meant?

fclopez79

I did not quite understand "The only heat source that is not usually recommended is an open flame. Cookware specially designed for camping or grilling is generally best in these situation" under "Suitability for Different Heat Sources". Kindly help me understand that more? Thanks.

anon335320

@Poster #8: Induction cooktops require magnetic ferrous (iron) cookware to generate sufficient heat. Aluminum cookware may be used only if it has a magnetic (stainless steel or iron) coating on the bottom. ("Tri-ply" cookware typically has an aluminum core with magnetic stainless steel on the bottom and non-magnetic stainless steel (which is more corrosion-resistant) on the inside cooking surface.) Without this ferrous material, the aluminum is too conductive.

In order to generate heat, there needs to be more resistance, and in order to increase the resistance, the pan would have to be so thin that it would be weak structurally or melt (aluminum foil will often melt when exposed to induction heating). Copper cookware is even worse on an induction cooktop. If you must use the induction cooktop, obtain a magnetic iron plate to place over the cooktop, then place your cookware on top of the plate. This will lose the efficiency of an induction cooktop as there will be a slight air space between the plate and cookware with a flat pan, much worse with a rounded wok, the efficiency being closer to a standard electrical cooktop or perhaps worse.

anon256083

Are there any health risks with using hard-anodized cookware?

anon253910

A question on hard anodized saucepans: are they suitable to use to cook on a halogen cooker? Will they scratch the surface of the cooker?

anon208641

I have one piece of hard anodized surface cookware by imk associated with australian chef duncan white robertson. I love it, but am unable to find another piece online or at any retailers. Can anyone help? I live in southern california.

anon160118

I have anodized cookware and I really like it but I too am concerned about how healthy is it to cook with aluminum?

anon144761

i am really confused. why is it that my kinox induction wok seems very slow in heat distribution? my induction cooker has 1900 wattage. Could it possibly because of the lower wattage or the magnet problem attach in the wok to heat up the wok? it's expensive and i highly expecting the result would be very good. Can someone who has better knowledge about the hard anodize induction wok explain to me the pros and cons?

anon140083

Im also looking for a new set of cookware, so thanks for all the info. I also have a fork happy family! We will purchase the anodized cookware also. Thanks again! --Michelle

anon129841

From all of the info I have read concerning hard anodizing, this mostly refers to the make-up of the pan, not the cooking surface. A hard anodized pan still uses teflon or another alternative (that seemingly don't hold up as well as teflon). Hard anodizing does not refer to the cooking surface.

anon86667

This was so helpful. When people tell me my non-stick pans are toxic, mine are anodized! You answered all my questions with one search.

anon81543

What about aluminum absorption in the body? Alzheimer's patients have high levels of aluminum in their brains? Seems like you should avoid aluminum.

anon78402

This is so very helpful. I am sick to death of flaking non-stick surfaces! We are shopping for a new set of cookware and we will definitely be using anodized!

lokilove

That explains why anodized pots are so much more than the non-stick ones. I figured they were better somehow but didn't realize how much better. I'm forever scolding family to not scratch the non-stick pans, then having to replace them when it starts flaking off.

I guess the anodized ones really would be an investment worth the money..especially with fork happy family cooks!

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    • Hard-anodized cookware is resistant to  scratching, warping, and corrosion.
      By: VolkOFF-ZS-BP
      Hard-anodized cookware is resistant to scratching, warping, and corrosion.
    • Hard-anodized cookware are pots and pans that are made from electrochemically-hardened aluminum.
      By: Michael Flippo
      Hard-anodized cookware are pots and pans that are made from electrochemically-hardened aluminum.
    • A hard-anodized frying pan.
      By: Aaron Amat
      A hard-anodized frying pan.