Cookware

Cookware is simply termed as any tool that is used for food preparation or cooking. Cookware includes various types of pans and pots designed to perform specific task. These tools are available in several materials depending on the purpose it is made for. Cookwares also include a number of kitchen requirements, such as tea coffee accessories, steaming and smoking utensils, microwaves etc.

Indian Cookware Market
There is a lot of action taking place in the domestic small appliances segment, including cookware, as MNCs and local brands trying to grab the growing Indian market with mergers, new product launch, and brand building. The huge unorganized sector is also doing their best to expand their reach.

The exact size of Indian cookware market is very tough to determine due to its large unorganized sector and varying definition of the segment. As a whole the Indian appliance industry is currently riding on a growth curve and is catching up fast with most of its global counterparts and around 60% of this market consists of cookware. There is also a great potential for Indian cookware manufacturers in the export market of other South Asian countries, Middle East and Australasia.

China's Cookware Export Industry
There are around 1000 manufacturers, mostly midsized, in the Chinese cookware export industry. Most of these companies are privately owned with direct export capability. The influx of cookware suppliers from Taiwan, Japan, South Korea and other regions, to mainland China has also enriched the industry mix.

In spite of growing cost of raw materials like stainless steel and aluminum, the Chinese industry will remain upbeat in the coming years as many suppliers are expanding capacity, upgrading production and R&D facilities, and adding equipment as they plan for higher export targets.

US Cookware Market
As the cookware market in the US is getting saturated with many brands offering a wide variety of products, the companies in the US has started looking at the Asia-Pacific region as potential destination for their products.

After a steady decline in the domestic US market the cookware market has seen a revival from 2002 to 2005. The market now has a strong back up from housing market and trend towards gourmet kitchens. More and more consumers see benefits in professional cookware and cutlery and sales have benefited accordingly.

COOKWARE PRODUCTS

Cooking Pots & Pans
Braising Pan, Butter Pan, Casserole, Chef's Pan, Couscoussier, Crepe Pan, Deep Pan, Double Boiler, Dutch Oven, Frying Pan/ Skillet, Grill Pan, Handi, Omelette Pan, Paella Pan, Pasta Pot, Roasting Pan, Saucepan, Saute Pan, Steamer Pan, Stir Fry Pan, Stockpot, Wok Pot

Food Cookers
Bread Toaster, Deep Fryer, Egg Cooker, Pressure Cooker, Rice Cooker, Sandwitch Maker

Kitchen Grills & Griddles
Barbecue Grills, Dosa Griddle, Fish Grill, Griddle Pan, Grill Pan, Rangetop Grill, Roasting Dish, Roasting Rack, Stove Top Grill

Microwave Cookware
Bacon Rack, Baking Dish, Food Container, Food Steamers, Frying Pan, Heating Dish, Potato Rack, Rice Cooker, Roasting Pan, Saucepan

Nonstick Cookware
Dosa Pan, Frying Pan, Handi, Omelette Pan, Saucepan

Specialty Cooking Appliances
Bread Machine, Cotton Candy maker, Food Dehydrator, Popcorn Popper, Spindle Drink Machine, Tortilla Press, Waffle Maker

Steaming & Smoking Utensils
Asparagus Steamer, Egg Poacher, Fish Poacher, Idli Molds, Pressure Cooker, Stackable Steamer, Stovetop Smoker

Tea Coffee Accessories
Cappuccino Machine, Coffee Cups, Coffee Grinders, Coffee Maker, Coffee Mugs, Coffee Percolators, Coffee Tumblers, Coffee Urns, Coffee Warmer, Cups & Saucers, Espresso Makers, Froth Makers, Milk Glasses, Tea Creamer, Tea Cups, Tea Pot, Tea Set, Tea Strainer

Cookware Materials
Cookwares are made of several different materials and each material has its own pros and cons. Depending on their properties these materials are used for making specific cookwares.

Aluminum Cookware : Aluminum is strong, lightweight and is a good conductor of heat. It has good heat responsiveness and thus does not distort when exposed to high temperatures.
Clay Cookwares : These are the traditional cookwares made from the abundant clay of the earth. They hold heat and distribute it evenly, retain moisture, can go directly to the table and are easy to clean.
Copper Cookware : It is still the preferred choice by many of the world's professional chefs and food lovers. Copper is widely used because of its good conductivity.
Glass Cookware : These days glass is commonly used as a material to make cookwares, specially microwave cookwares.
Plastic Cookwares : They are used for serving and microwave cooking. Some plastics can withstand heat and are safe to use in a microwave.
Stainless Steel Cookwares : They are smooth, hard, warp and scratch resistant. They are non porous and exceptionally durable.
Stone Cookwares : They are the most promising cookwares. They are unbreakable and easy to clean.

Cookware Finishes
There are many finishes that enhance both the functional and decorative value of cookwares. The most commonly used finishes are :

Anodized Aluminum Cookware : It increases the thermal conductivity of the material especially aluminum.
Ceramic Cookware : They holds heat for a long time while providing the additional benefit of an attractive serving dish.
Non Stick Cookware : Non stick is a coating applied to cookwares that prevents food from sticking and makes clean up easier. It also reduces the amount of fat used for cooking.
Porcelain Enamel Cookware : It is made by applying a coating of porcelain enamel on materials such as cast iron or aluminum. The enamel prevents them from corroding or reacting with the food.