Do you know what makes stainless steel cookware so great?
It’s the perfect mix of durability, cost effectiveness and performance. Not only that but it also has a sleek look to it that I find aesthetically pleasing. All around this is an amazing type of cookware!
I love stainless steel for its ability to not react with acidic foods like tomatoes or citrus fruits which can cause other types of pots and pans to corrode. It’s also much easier to clean than even copper because water doesn’t stick. And it doesn’t need any special treatment in order to maintain its shine either!
Stainless Steel Cookware is truly one of the best options when it comes to choosing your cooking tools!
1. Stainless Steel Cookware Pros and Cons?
Stainless steel is a poor conductor of heat so it can be difficult at times to cook your food evenly on the stovetop without some hot spots. However, its lack of conductivity also makes it easier to control temperature which helps with things like candy making or deep frying.
Now that I’ve told you why stainless steel is great let me tell you about what some of the downsides are.
Because stainless steel doesn’t have any real “give” it’s important to keep in mind that this type of cookware often dents if you’re not careful. Although compared to other types of pots and pans this isn’t too big of an issue, you should still take note of how easily they dent .
One more thing to look out for is pitting. Pitting is when the stainless steel starts to corrode over time and it ends up giving your pots and pans a pitted appearance which is not pretty at all! And although this won’t affect your cooking abilities, it’s still something you’ll want to avoid if possible.
Now that I’ve told you about the pros and cons of stainless steel let me tell you how to take care of them so they stay in great condition for years to come.
2. How To Keep Stainless Steel Cookware Looking Like New?
As with most things in life, there are some simple steps that can keep stainless steel cookware looking good as new for years
If you use an open flame – whether it be a gas stove or a campfire- make sure you keep an eye on it because these high heats will damage the protective layer. Keeping perfect control over your flame is also important for preventing hot spots and uneven cooking.
Pots and pans take a beating in the kitchen, especially when you cook with them every day! So don’t be afraid to hand wash them instead of throwing them into the dishwasher. The harsh chemicals that come from detergents can wear away at the stainless steel so washing by hand will help extend its life .
And as I said before, avoid using metallic utensils as much as possible. If you really must use those then only use those made from silicon or wood so you don’t scratch away any of the protective surface.
I know it may be hard sometimes but try not to stack your pots and pans on top of each other or place them in a cupboard while they’re still warm . This makes them more likely to scratch and damage one another so always leave them out until they’ve completely cooled down!
Over time if you follow these simple steps then the exterior of your stainless steel pots and pans will remain just as pretty as the day that you bought them, trust me! And when their surfaces do get worn through constant use then there are ways to restore that polish.
FAQs:
What is the difference between stainless steel and regular steel?
The biggest thing that makes a stainless steel pot or pan different from a regular one is that it has been specially treated with chromium which inhibits corrosion. This also helps make the metal itself more rust-resistant. Without this added treatment, your pan would corrode quickly because of all the water and other food additives you use!
Is metal cookware safe to use?
That really depends on what type of metal it’s made from. If you’re using an unlined aluminum pan then yes, they are safe to use as long as they don’t contain any lead in them . However, if you’re going with a non-stick option then you need to be careful with them because the chemical compounds that make up non-stick coatings can off-gas (and release into your food) when they get too hot .
Can I use my stainless steel pans over an induction stove?
No, you should only use them on gas or electric stoves. You’ll end up damaging the protective layer if you try using these pots and pans on an induction stovetop! (Image source: Pixabay )
You’ve reached the end of this article! Phew, I think it’s time for me to take a break after writing all of that… Before I go though, don’t forget to share this article with anyone who might be interested in stainless steel cookware or who might like to read it, I’d really appreciate that!
Conclusion:
Although it’s not as popular as non-stick cookware, stainless steel is a great alternative that you
wil want to have in your kitchen. It can be pricey though so make sure you shop around for deals. But I think the most important thing to keep in mind is all of the tips and information I’ve given you here today because if you want these pots and pans to last then it’s up to you to treat them well!
