Stainless Steel Cookware

When it comes to cookware, few materials match the durability, versatility, and sleek aesthetics of stainless steel. If you are like me, you are in the kitchen all the time, and cookware I use really matters to me!  I have learned, whether you’re an amateur cook or a seasoned chef, investing in any kind of stainless steel cookware sets can transform your cooking experience. It may come with a learning curve, but every piece of cookware is important in my opinion!

But you may be wondering, what makes stainless steel such a popular choice, and how can you make the most of it in your kitchen? Let me share with you the exceptional performance I have experienced and the durability of stainless steel that makes me a huge fan of this cookware!
Why Choose Stainless Steel Cookware?

Why Choose Stainless Steel Cookware?

• Durability and Longevity–Stainless steel is renowned for its incredible strength and resilience. Unlike other materials, it doesn’t chip, scratch, or dent easily, making it a long-lasting investment in your kitchen. A well-maintained set of stainless steel cookware can last for decades, even with regular use. This is especially true when you choose high-quality stainless steel that’s resistant to corrosion and rust and that is made from quality stainless steel construction. 
• Non-Reactive Surface–One of the features of stainless steel that I appreciate is its non-reactive nature. It won’t interact with acidic or alkaline ingredients–like when you are cooking tomatoes, citrus, or vinegar. This means your food will maintain its true flavor and color, and you won’t have to worry about metals leaching into your meals.  Huge win for our family as we are always conscious of heavy metals. 
• Even Heat Distribution–Stainless steel cookware offers excellent heat distribution. This helps to eliminate hot spots and allows for consistent cooking. Unlike cast iron or nonstick pans, stainless steel pans heat up quickly and evenly, ensuring your food cooks evenly.  I love this especially with all the stainless steel saucepan options out there to choose from!  Heat retention in a frying pan is so helpful! 
• Easy to Clean–Cleaning stainless steel cookware is actually not as difficult as I personally first thought!  Especially when compared to materials like cast iron or nonstick. The care instructions are actually very simple and straight forward. Stainless steel is easy cleanup with being dishwasher safe, and most cooking residue can be removed with a gentle scrub and soapy water. For heavy duty stains, a little baking soda or a vinegar solution can work wonders, restoring your pans to their original shine.  But being dishwasher safe is a huge win for me!
• Aesthetic Appeal–I personally love the sleek, polished look of stainless steel.  It brings a modern touch to my kitchen or really any home kitchens. It not only looks great but also holds up well over time, and works amazing on all types of stove tops. Many high-end kitchens and restaurants prefer stainless steel for its timeless appeal.  Take a peek into the next restaurant kitchen when you’re out–you’ll see how nice stainless steel cookware looks!

Why Stainless Steel is a Healthier Choice

In addition to its durability and cooking benefits, I love stainless steel cookware mainly because it is a healthier option compared to other materials like nonstick coatings or aluminum. As you know, our family is really trying to make our every day less toxic.  Using what I believe is the best cookware for my family is big part of that! 

• Free from Harmful Chemicals–Many nonstick pans are coated with substances like PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene) or PFOA (perfluorooctanoic acid), which can release toxic fumes when heated to high temperatures. These chemicals are linked to various health risks, including respiratory issues and potential carcinogenic effects. Stainless steel cookware, on the other hand, contains no harmful chemicals and won’t release toxic fumes, even when exposed to high heat adding to its unparalleled performance.
• No Risk of Metal Leaching–Some cookware materials, like aluminum, can react with acidic foods and cause harmful metals to leak into your meals. Even anodized aluminum, while more resistant to this, can still release trace amounts of metals over time. Stainless steel is a non-reactive metal like I mentioned above, meaning it won’t interact with your food, and there’s no risk of any metals leaking into your foods. This makes it an ideal choice for health-conscious cooks like me!  
• Safe for High-Heat Cooking–Unlike nonstick pans, which can deteriorate under high heat (leading to the release of potentially harmful substances), stainless steel can handle extremely high temperatures without damage. This allows you to sear, sauté, and brown foods at any cooking temperatures without worrying about the safety of your cookware. These high-quality pieces are ideal even for the every day cook like you and me.
• Preserves the Integrity of Your Food–Stainless steel doesn’t leach flavors or chemicals into food the way some other materials do, so your dishes maintain their true taste and nutritional value. Whether you’re cooking a delicate fish fillet or reducing a flavorful sauce, you can be confident that your ingredients won’t be altered by the cookware.
• No Risk of PFOA or PTFE Exposure–Nonstick cookware often contains chemicals like PFOA and PTFE, which are linked to a range of health concerns, including cancer, liver damage, and developmental toxicity. These chemicals can break down at high temperatures and contaminate the food. Stainless steel cookware is free from these substances, making it an overall safer, cleaner choice for cooking.

My Healthier Choice

I have had my 360 Cookware stainless steal set for years, finding it to be such a great complete set!  I love the lifetime warranty for starters!  That in itself is a win for me!  This is a great set for me mainly because of the safety guarantees that I feel confident in when cooking for my family.  They offer sets or individual pieces. I adore my saute pan, the 10-inch skillet, my stainless steel stockpot, and on top of it all, I Iove the tight-fitting lid each pot comes with.  Literally, love this set and company!  You can use code Brit25 for 25% your purchase!  Use the link HERE.

How to Best Use Stainless Steel Cookware

While stainless steel cookware is durable and versatile, I have found, like with most things, you have to understanding how to use it properly to get the best performance out of it. Here are some tips I have found for making the most of your stainless steel pots and pans:

1. Preheat the Pan–To prevent food from sticking, always preheat your stainless steel pan before adding any ingredients. Heat it on medium for a few minutes, then add a small amount of oil or fat. The oil will heat up and form a non-stick layer, allowing you to cook with less fat.
2. Use the Right Heat–Stainless steel cookware performs best on medium to medium-high heat. While it can withstand higher temperatures, cooking on too high of a heat can cause food to stick or burn. A good rule of thumb is to start at medium heat and adjust from there.
3. The “Water Drop” Test–One effective way to test if your stainless steel pan is properly preheated is the “water drop” test. Simply sprinkle a few drops of water onto the surface. If the droplets dance and sizzle across the pan, the surface is hot enough to start cooking. If the water just sits there, the pan needs more time to heat up.
4. Use Enough Oil or Fat–While you don’t need to use excessive amounts, adding enough oil or fat will help to create a layer that prevents food from sticking. For example, when searing meat or sautéing vegetables, ensure you coat the pan with a thin layer of oil to avoid sticking.
5. Don’t Overcrowd the Pan–When cooking, especially with meats or vegetables, try not to overcrowd your pan. This can cause food to steam rather than brown. For best results, cook in batches if necessary. Overcrowding also increases the likelihood of food sticking or cooking unevenly.
6. Let Food Develop a Natural Release–Stainless steel doesn’t have the same non-stick properties as some other materials, so it may seem like food sticks initially. However, if you give your food time to naturally release from the pan (especially when searing meat), you’ll find that it lifts away more easily. Resist the urge to immediately move the food—let it cook for a few minutes before attempting to flip or stir.
7. Use the Right Utensils–Unlike nonstick pans, stainless steel cookware can handle metal utensils like tongs, spoons, and spatulas. However, you should avoid using sharp-edged utensils that could scratch the surface of your pans over time. Opt for utensils made from wood, silicone, or plastic for gentle stirring.
8. Clean Properly–Stainless steel is easy to clean, but a few best practices can help maintain its shine. Always clean your pans after they’ve cooled down, as rapid temperature changes can cause warping. Use a non-abrasive sponge and mild dish soap for regular cleaning. For tougher stains, a paste of baking soda and water can help lift off stubborn spots. For extra shine, you can polish your cookware with a small amount of olive oil or stainless steel cleaner. This will restore the reflective finish and keep your pans looking like new.
9.  Don’t Be Afraid to Brown and Caramelize–Stainless steel pans are perfect for creating complex flavors through the Maillard reaction, which is the browning process that imparts rich, savory flavors. Don’t shy away from searing meats, caramelizing onions, or reducing sauces directly in the pan. Just be sure to deglaze the pan with a splash of wine, stock, or vinegar to lift any flavorful browned bits off the bottom.
10. Storage Tip–To keep your stainless steel cookware in top condition, store your pots and pans carefully. Avoid stacking them directly on top of one another, as this can cause scratches. If necessary, place a soft cloth or paper towel between your cookware to prevent any damage.

Conclusion

Again, stainless steel cookware is not only a great choice for its durability, aesthetic appeal, and cooking versatility, but it also can offer significant health benefits for your family. Free from harmful chemicals, safe for high-heat cooking, and resistant to metal leaching, stainless steel cookware ensures that your meals are both safe and delicious–these are so very important to me! So, if you haven’t yet made the switch, consider adding a few stainless steel pieces to your collection—your kitchen and your health will thank you.