Stainless steel cookware is often considered the best of the best when it comes to cookware. Used in households all over the world and by professional chefs, there are quite a few reasons why stainless steel cookware is a good choice. There are a few disadvantages, but these can be overlooked due to the advantages.
Stainless Steel Cookware
The advantages of stainless steel cookware include:
- Durability. Stainless steel is very tough. It doesn’t chip, rust or even stain, at least easily. Stainless is also dent and scratch resistant. It is practically impossible to destroy. This makes it very easy to clean, generally. This cookware is dishwasher safe, can handle going into the refrigerator and more.
- Flavor preservation. This type of cookware doesn’t leach any of its metallic properties into food. This means stainless steel cookware sets do not impact flavor quality. Also, since it doesn’t have a protective, non-stick coating, there is no risk of this material coming off in food.
- Heat transfer ability. Higher quality sets, like all clad stainless steel cookware, uses a an aluminum or copper base to improve heat transfer and distribution. This ensures even cooking of foods. When the cookware is well made, the cooking properties can be nearly impossible to beat or match.
- Appearance. Stainless steel is nice and shiny and it’s easy to maintain that look. The mirrored finish needs only a gentle rubbing or wiping to bring back into pristine condition.
- Recyclable. Stainless steel is completely recyclable. If a pan does manage to get destroyed, it can be salvaged by another means. This makes stainless favored by those who are concerned about waste.
The disadvantages of stainless include:
- Poor heat transfer. Unless a bonded aluminum or copper base is used, the heat conductivity can be very poor. This means cheaper stainless might not be superior to other products out there.
- Pricing. The better stainless steel is, the more expensive it tends to be. On the upside, a very good set of stainless cookware can last a life time. Many people consider this to be a one-time purchase that’s worth the investment.
- Scrubbing. Although stainless is generally pretty easy to clean, stuck on foods can make coated pans look a little more attractive. However, the little elbow grease is deemed worthwhile by many for the overall durability of these pots and pans. It can be a good workout and also encourage you not to overcook your food.
When stainless steel cookware is chosen, there are some cleaning tips you should be aware of. In general, stainless should be washed after use to avoid any potential staining. Basic sink or dishwasher cleaning will generally work. To make sure the finish stays beautiful, use a regular metal cleaner on the outside of the pan. Stuck on food will generally come off with a little extra scrubbing. Using soap and steel wool generally do the trick.
Stainless steel cookware is a great all around purchase. It’s aifavored by home cooks and professional chefs for its durability, beauty and food-taste preserving qualities. Although the best cookware might be more expensive than other options, we feel the expense is well worth it.