Hard anodized aluminum cookware is aluminum cookware that has been processed in a series of chemical baths charged with an electric current. The result of this process is a material that has the same excellent heat conductivity as aluminum but is non-reactive with acidic foods and is twice as hard as stainless steel.
Hard Anodized Aluminum Cookware - Why Use Hard Anodized Aluminum Cookware?
Aluminum conducts heat better than any other type of cookware, except copper. Aluminum cookware heats evenly across the bottom and up the sides. The down side of aluminum that has not been hard anodized is that it is soft and can dent easily. The hard anodizing process strengthens the aluminum making it twice as hard as stainless steel. Hard anodized cookware is extremely durable and is one of the most popular types of material used to make cookware. Most hard anodized aluminum cookware has been coated with a nonstick interior, and some have the coating on the exterior as well. Even if the cookware has not been coated with nonstick coating, the hard anodizing process makes the aluminum stick and scratch resistant.
Tips on Shopping for Hard Anodized Aluminum Cookware
Generally, thicker aluminum cookware gives better heat distribution and cooking performance.
If you want to be able to brown meats to a dark brown color and then deglaze the pan, chose a pan that does not have a nonstick surface.
(Deglaze - adding a liquid to the pan to loosen and dissolve the brown bits and pan drippings. Deglazing is the first step when making many sauces.)
If you choose a pan with nonstick coating, look for a pan that comes with a minimum of a 10 year warranty.