The Whys and Hows of Choosing Stainless Steel Cookware

Ever wonder why professional chefs swear by stainless steel cookware? Well, it's because stainless steel cookware offers unmatched durability, versatility, and performance. 

This post will explore the countless reasons why so many professional chefs and home cooks regularly reach for high-quality stainless steel cookware. 

Benefits of Stainless Steel Cookware

If you're looking for a dependable kitchen essential, stainless steel cookware is an ideal option. Known for its durability and heat retention properties, it offers numerous advantages over other types of cookware. 

Durability of Stainless Steel

One notable benefit of stainless steel pans is their incredible durability. Unlike their ceramic or aluminum counterparts, high-quality stainless steel frying pans, stock pots, and sauce pans won't chip, warp, or rust with normal use. These pans can handle high-frequency cooking without compromising performance. They are truly built to last, which is why stainless steel is a great option for those that are tired of wasting money replacing cheap pans that wear out quickly.

Heat Retention and Conductivity

Apart from being sturdy, stainless steel cookware also excels at retaining heat and distributing it evenly across the cooking surface—a crucial set of attributes that will positively impact cooking performance. This means that high-quality stainless steel cookware heats quickly and evenly, eliminating those troublesome hot spots and allowing you to get even heating throughout the pan—making it the perfect choice for all your searing and sautéing needs.

Versatility

Stainless steel cookware can be used for virtually any cooking purpose and can be effectively used for searing, sautéing, braising, frying, and more. This is especially true considering that most well-made stainless steel cookware is oven safe, meaning it’s perfect for those dishes that require both stovetop and oven cooking. Plus, high-quality stainless steel cookware is also induction compatible.

Easy Cleaning and Low Maintenance

Because it’s so durable, stainless steel cookware is also easy to clean and maintain. Unlike, say, cast iron pans, which need to be seasoned regularly and cleaned carefully, stainless steel cookware cleans up easily and doesn’t require any time-consuming maintenance. Typically, cleaning will require nothing more than warm soapy water and a sponge—and most stainless steel cookware is dishwasher safe. And as for those occasional stuck on food bits, a simple trick will help. 

Cooking Performance of Stainless Steel Cookware

Stainless steel cookware sets are the real deal when it comes to heat conductivity and versatility. They handle high heat exceptionally well, making them ideal for browning meats. Unlike lower quality pans, high-quality stainless steel cookware doesn't falter under extreme temperatures and gives you a beautiful sear that's hard to achieve with other types of cookware. This searing process also creates delightful brown bits on the surface of the pan called 'fond', which add depth of flavor to your dishes, especially when these bits are deglazed properly to build a pan sauce.

Cooking with delicate fish or fragile food items? No problem. With controlled heating, these steel marvels can gently cook delicate foods without burning or sticking. The secret is in the even distribution of heat across their cooking surface.

Maintenance and Care for Stainless Steel Cookware

Proper maintenance will go a long way to ensuring that your stainless steel cookware performs well and looks great. 

The Importance of Proper Cleaning Techniques

Cleaning your stainless steel cookware by hand with warm soapy water soon after use helps prevent food residue from hardening, making it easier to clean. Just be sure to let the pan cool down before running it under water. 

Avoid using harsh scouring pads or abrasive cleaners, which may scratch the cooking surface. Instead, consider opting for a soft cloth or sponge paired with mild dish soap - this is often all you need for the job. 

For stubborn stains or burnt-on foods, you might need some elbow grease. A paste made from baking soda and water works wonders without damaging the pan's surface.

In addition to daily care, periodic deep cleaning is beneficial in maintaining your pots' lustrous look and efficient heat conduction properties. 

Conclusion

Stainless steel cookware is long-lasting, versatile, and high-performing. If you're looking to outfit your kitchen with a new set of cookware, there really is no better choice than a stainless steel cookware set.