While looking at KitchenAid cookware, you'll see two common finishes: coated and burnished. Coated cookware has a non-stick surface, making it ideal for delicate foods and easy cleanup. Burnished cookware features a polished stainless steel or cast iron finish that excels at high-heat searing and is built for maximum durability.
Here’s a detailed comparison to help you choose the right KitchenAid cookware for your kitchen.
KitchenAid Coated Cookware
KitchenAid's coated cookware is designed for convenience and everyday use. It features a non-stick layer, typically ceramic or PTFE-based, over an aluminum or stainless steel core. This surface allows you to cook with less oil and ensures that foods like eggs and fish slide right out of the pan, making both cooking and cleanup much simpler.
- What it is: Cookware with a dedicated non-stick layer designed for easy food release and uncomplicated cleaning.
- Key features: Smooth non-stick surface, usually lightweight, provides even heat distribution, and is available in a variety of modern colors.
- Price: Around $50 to $200 per piece, with full sets often priced between $100 and $150.
- Style: Contemporary and sleek, often available in vibrant colors that fit a modern kitchen aesthetic.
- Materials/Construction: An aluminum or stainless steel base with a ceramic or PTFE (Teflon) non-stick coating.
- Pros: Excellent food release makes cooking delicate items easy. Requires less oil or butter for cooking. Very easy to clean. Generally more affordable and lightweight.
- Cons: The non-stick coating can wear down or get scratched over time. Not suitable for ultra-high heat searing. Lifespan is shorter than traditional uncoated cookware.
This cookware is a great choice for casual home cooks who value convenience and fast cleanup above all else.
Shop this product: kitchenaid.com/cookware
KitchenAid Burnished Cookware
KitchenAid's burnished cookware refers to pieces made from durable materials like stainless steel or cast iron with a polished or brushed finish. This professional-style cookware is built for performance and longevity, excelling at high-heat tasks like searing steaks and roasting vegetables. Its solid construction provides superior heat retention and durability for serious home chefs.
- What it is: Heavy-duty cookware made of stainless steel or cast iron that has been brushed or polished for a matte or semi-gloss finish.
- Key features: Incredible durability and longevity. Excellent for high-heat cooking and achieving a perfect sear. Oven-safe for versatile cooking methods. Looks professional and classic.
- Price: More of an investment, starting around $150 per piece and ranging from $200 to $350+ for a set.
- Style: Timeless and professional, with a classic bare-metal look that fits in both traditional and modern kitchens.
- Materials/Construction: Made from high-quality stainless steel or cast iron.
- Pros: Extremely durable and can last a lifetime with proper care. Exceptional at retaining heat for even cooking and searing. Versatile for use on the stovetop and in the oven. No coatings to scratch or wear out.
- Cons: Heavier than coated cookware. Food will stick without proper heating and use of cooking fats. Requires more effort to clean. Higher upfront cost.
Burnished cookware is ideal for enthusiastic cooks who want professional-grade performance and are looking for a long-term investment in their kitchen tools.
Shop this product: kitchenaid.com/cookware
KitchenAid Coated vs. Burnished Cookware Comparison
Materials & Durability
The most significant difference lies in construction. Coated cookware features a non-stick surface applied over an aluminum or stainless steel base. While great for convenience, this coating is the cookware's weakest point, it can be damaged by metal utensils and high heat, and it will eventually wear out over a few years of regular use.
Burnished cookware, made entirely of stainless steel or cast iron, is practically indestructible. With no coating to fail, it can withstand extreme heat and decades of heavy use. This makes burnished cookware a "buy-it-for-life" product, whereas coated pans are often treated as consumable items that need periodic replacement.
Cooking Performance & Use Cases
Coated pans excel at low-to-medium heat cooking. They are perfect for preparing eggs, pancakes, crepes, and delicate fish fillets without fear of sticking. The non-stick surface is forgiving for beginner cooks and makes low-fat cooking effortless.
Burnished cookware shines where coated pans falter: high-heat cooking. Its ability to retain and distribute intense heat is exactly what you need to achieve a deep, flavorful crust on a steak, sear scallops perfectly, or roast vegetables in the oven. It requires more technique to prevent sticking, but the results for these specific tasks are far superior.
Cleaning & Maintenance
Coated cookware is the clear winner for easy cleanup. A quick wipe with a soft sponge is usually all that's needed. However, you must avoid abrasive scrubbers and stacking them without protection to preserve the non-stick coating.
Burnished stainless steel requires more effort to clean cooked-on food, often needing a good soak and scrubbing with a non-abrasive pad. Cast iron has its own maintenance routine, including seasoning to build up a natural non-stick surface. While more work, proper maintenance ensures the cookware performs for years.
Price & Value
Coated cookware has a much lower upfront cost, making it accessible and budget-friendly. It provides great initial value for everyday cooking needs. Burnished cookware represents a larger initial investment. However, its long-term value is much higher, as you won't need to replace it. A good set can last generations, making the lifetime cost lower than replacing coated pans every few years.
Which One Should You Choose?
Both KitchenAid cookware types are high-quality options, but they serve different cooks and kitchen needs.
Choose Coated Cookware if:
- Your top priority is fast cooking and even faster cleanup.
- You frequently cook eggs, pancakes, or delicate fish.
- You prefer cooking with minimal oil or butter.
- You're a beginner cook or need an affordable, everyday-use pot or pan.
Choose Burnished Cookware if:
- You want kitchen tools that are a long-term investment and will last for years.
- You love to sear meat, roast vegetables, and cook with high heat.
- You appreciate a professional, classic look in your kitchen.
- You don't mind putting in a little extra effort for cleaning and maintenance in exchange for superior performance.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the main difference between burnished and coated cookware?
The primary difference is the surface. Coated cookware has a man-made non-stick layer for easy food release and cleaning. Burnished cookware is made of a single material, like stainless steel or cast iron, with a polished finish designed for durability and high-heat performance.
Is coated cookware safe?
Modern non-stick cookware from reputable brands like KitchenAid is generally safe for home use. They are made without PFOA. The main safety caution is to avoid overheating empty pans, which can cause the coating (specifically PTFE) to break down. Always use them on low to medium heat.
Which type of cookware lasts longer?
Burnished cookware lasts significantly longer. A well-cared-for stainless steel or cast iron pan can last a lifetime, while a coated non-stick pan typically needs to be replaced every 3-5 years as the coating wears off.
Can I use metal utensils on my KitchenAid cookware?
You should never use metal utensils on coated cookware, as they will scratch and damage the non-stick surface. Always use wood, silicone, or nylon tools. Burnished stainless steel and cast iron pans are durable enough to handle metal utensils without issue.
How do I clean really tough stains off burnished stainless steel?
For stubborn food residue, you can simmer a small amount of water in the pan to loosen it. For discoloration, a paste made of water and a gentle abrasive cleaner like Bar Keepers Friend works wonders to restore the original shine.
Is burnished cookware also non-stick?
Not inherently. However, you can achieve a nearly non-stick surface on burnished cookware with proper technique. For stainless steel, this involves preheating the pan properly before adding oil. For cast iron, building up layers of seasoning provides a natural, non-stick patina over time.
I'm a beginner cook. Which one should I get?
A coated non-stick skillet is often the best starting point for a beginner. Its forgiving surface makes it easy to learn fundamental cooking techniques for everyday dishes without the frustration of food sticking.
Are KitchenAid's cookware options oven-safe?
Burnished stainless steel and cast iron cookware pieces are almost always oven-safe to high temperatures (often 500°F or more). Many coated cookware pieces from KitchenAid are also oven-safe but to lower temperatures (typically 350-400°F). Always check the manufacturer's instructions for the specific product line you have, as handles and lids can affect temperature limits.
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