HOW TO CHOOSE THE BEST COOKWARE MADE OF STAINLESS STEEL

To cook tasty food, you need to have the appropriate cookware on hand. Stainless steel is one of the options that you’ll come across during your research.

You’ll find stainless steel in almost every kitchen because it is safe, durable, versatile, and nice to look at. Stainless steel cookware is particularly useful when you’re trying to make sure your chicken has a beautiful brown skin or for when you’re trying to get the perfect sear on your steak.

If you’re wondering how to choose stainless steel cookware for your kitchen, keep reading.

Why should you use stainless steel?

Many turn to stainless steel because it is relatively inexpensive and because it is durable. Stainless steel is harder than aluminum or copper cookware. It can withstand banging, scratches, and scrubbing, so you’ll get years of use out of your cookware set.

It also looks good. Most high-quality stainless steel sets will have a beautiful polished look to them. And because stainless steel doesn’t react with food, it is not likely to brown or rust.

And, finally, people choose stainless steel because it is versatile. You’ll be able to use your set no matter if you’re searing, frying, steaming, boiling, poaching…the list goes on!

The two downsides to stainless steel are that it doesn’t conduct heat very well and that it isn’t non-stick. There are ways to cook in stainless steel without your food sticking to the bottom of the pan, but that skillet does take some time to master. To combat the problem with stainless steel not conducting heat, consider buying a set that has an aluminum or copper core so that you can have the benefits of stainless steel but still have a conductive core.

How do you find quality cookware?

If you’re in the market for good quality cookware, you’ll want to keep the following tips in mind.

One of the best ways to find quality cookware is to check the grade of the stainless steel. This can usually be found by looking at the box or by seeing if there is a number stamped on the bottom of the pan. The best grades of stainless steel are 18/8 and 18/10. These are the grades that are used by most professional chefs and within restaurants.

If you can’t find a grade, check the weight of the pan. Most quality stainless steel will be slightly thicker and heavier, due to the amount of material that was used to create that pan. Heavier pans are more durable and cook food more evenly.

You can also look for quality cookware by choosing a reputable brand. Reputable brand are more likely to produce higher-quality stainless steel cookware.

If you’re buying your cookware online instead of in the store, sometimes it can be hard to tell if the set is high-quality or not. Before finalizing your purchase, make sure to check online reviews on a site such as Amazon. Be sure to pay attention to both advantages and disadvantages so that you can find the cookware set that best meets your needs.

What is the best way to maintain stainless steel cookware?

While stainless steel is easier to maintain than other types of cookware, there are still some best practices that you should follow to ensure that your pans last.

When cooking, try to keep your heat at medium to reduce the amount of food that sticks to your pan. Most foods that are cooked at medium heat will release easily. If food does stick, resist the urge to soak your pan for hours. This can cause pitting corrosion, which will create small holes in the surface of your pan.

Always allow your pan to cool before sticking it in warm water. Hot stainless steel pans that come in contact with colder water may warp. Once your pan is cool, allow it to soak for a few minutes in warm soapy water, and then gently wipe it clean.

If you do notice stains or deposits building up on your pans, try cleaning your pans in a mixture of warm water and water. This will usually restore the luster of the pain. To further polish, spray the pan directly with vinegar or put a few drops of olive oil on the pan, and then use a soft cloth to wipe in the direction of the grain.

Conclusion

If you’re ready to upgrade your current cookware, a stainless steel set could be a good investment. Before you know it, you’ll be enjoying a delicious seared New York strip steak.