Deciding on your partner for life was probably an easy decision. All the decisions leading up to the big day, however, might be more difficult. From wedding-cake flavors to invitation styles, couples on the path to the big day face innumerable choices.

One significant choice is what type of cookware to choose when registering. Too often, couples head to the stores without enough information to decide on cookware – both style and material. But most cookware pieces will last years and will be used more frequently than virtually any other item on a registry. That’s why it pays to take time to understand cookware options, especially since it can be a significant investment.

First and foremost, 85 percent of the world’s cookware sales comes from three types of materials: stainless steel, aluminum and hard-anodized aluminum. It is important to compare like materials to like materials as they each have unique properties. In addition, take care to note lid material, nonstick coating, if used, and other features.

STAINLESS STEEL

Stainless steel looks and works great. It is shiny, resistant to dents and dings, non-reactive with foods such as tomato sauce, and is dishwasher safe. However, it is not a good heat conductor. To make a stainless steel pan conduct heat effectively, it is combined with another conductive metal like copper or aluminum by attaching a disc to the bottom of the pan or by combining layers of stainless steel with aluminum or copper to make a clad pan. One way to ensure that you’re choosing a quality pan is to look for a thick disc that spreads to the edges of the pan, which will eliminate a ring of burnt food in the bottom, remove hot spots and improve heat distribution.

Several top cookware suppliers have focused on advanced features in stainless steel cookware. Circulon Steel features a durable stainless steel exterior and a thick aluminum base that ensures even heating. The cookware’s unique Total Ti Titanium Composite Hi-Low Food Release System combines three features in the cookware: a hi-low wave pattern on the interior, a tough titanium composite and a highly advanced nonstick formula. Circulon Steel retails from $20 to $100 for open stock pieces, and $150 to $280 for cookware sets.

Farberware Millennium Clad Stainless Steel features a brushed stainless steel exterior that graduates to a shining band of polished stainless steel. The cookware’s tri-ply construction ensures even heat distribution throughout the entire pan. The line carries retail prices from $30 to $143 for open stock items and $180 to $280 for sets.

Farberware Millennium Soft Touch Stainless Steel is another line that melds stainless steel attributes with advanced technology. The line is constructed of a high-shine, scratch-resistant stainless steel with a thick aluminum disc permanently attached to the bottom. The stainless steel handles are covered in silicon for a cushioned, secure grip. With retail prices from $20, it is a cost-effective option.

ALUMINUM

Aluminum is a terrific heat conductor, but it is a soft material that can dent easily and may react with acidic foods. However, aluminum cookware heats evenly across the bottom and up the walls – hence, many restaurant kitchens use thick aluminum cookware because of its heat conduction properties and low costs. Generally, the thicker the aluminum cookware, the better the heat distribution and cooking performance.

Farberware Millennium Soft Touch Colors combines the benefits of aluminum cookware with fashion colors. The nonstick cookware features a shiny, porcelain exterior coating in red, blue and black, to coordinate with most kitchens. The pans’ stainless steel handles are covered in coordinating silicone grips that are heat resistant and provide a cushioned, secure grip. A 10-piece set retails for $130.

HARD-ANODIZED

ALUMINUM

Hard-anodized aluminum cookware is one of the fastest growing and most popular types of materials, even though many people don’t quite understand the construction. Hard-anodized aluminum cookware is plain aluminum cookware that has been processed in a series of chemical baths charged with an electric current. The result is a material that has the same superior heat conductivity as aluminum but is non-reactive with foods and twice as hard as stainless steel.

Circulon Classic is the most established line of nonstick, hard-anodized cookware on the market and features a patented Hi-Low groove system designed to protect the nonstick coating. It features stay-cool handles and durable stainless steel lids for one of the most functional lines of cookware on the market. Circulon Classic carries retail prices from $20 to $100 for individual items and $200 to $300 for sets.

NONSTICK COOKWARE

Nonstick cookware has made dramatic improvements in quality and durability since it was introduced 30 years ago. When shopping for nonstick cookware, look first at the type of pan surface on which the coating is applied. Because they are harder and more durable, hard-anodized aluminum nonstick pans or stainless steel nonstick pans will last longer than plain aluminum pans. Second, look at the thickness of the pan. The thicker the pan, the better the heat distribution that over time will protect the nonstick coating. Remember to compare like materials to each other, too.

With more than 80 percent of cookware sold being nonstick, there are choices in virtually every material for a nonstick option. Circulon, for example, is the only cookware with a nonstick system that has received a U.S. patent. Circulon Steel also features a premiere nonstick coating, as does Farberware Millennium Soft Touch Colors.

For more information, visit www.circulon.com or www.farberware.com.