Stainless Steel Cookware
- Long lasting beauty
- Easy to clean
- Excellent cooking surface
- Dishwasher safe
- Non reactive to either alkaline or acidic foods
- Scratch and dent resistant
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Where to Buy:
- Cookware.com
- Cooking.com
The beauty and effectiveness of stainless steel cookware is its good looks, durability (it doesn’t dent or rust) and its non reactive qualities.
Stainless steel cookware should be labeled 18/10. This number refers to the percentage of chromium and nickel in the alloy and it ensures that your cookware will never rust.
Good stainless steel is usually built around a heat conducting metal to help produce even heat distribution. In this type of construction, manufacturers use stainless steel with another metal such as aluminum or copper and bond them together to create a metal surface that is ideal for cooking.
The encased aluminum or copper comes in two types: “fully clad” and “disk bottom” . Fully clad is when the conductive material extends up to the sides of the pan. Disk bottom ususally consists of a piece of conductive material welded to the bottom of the pan. (show photo) Many experts say that the core that runs up the sides of the pan is better, however America’s Test Kitchen testers vouch that it is the thickness of the core that is most important.
When buying a stainless steel cookware, look for pans that are heavy enough to retain heat, but not so much that it becomes a chore to use them.
Comfortable handles that both stay cool when cooking but can also be placed safely under the broiler are a must.
The two most common metal combinations for stainless steel is aluminum core or copper core. Copper core is the choice of many chefs but it can be heavy. Aluminum core is very good and because of its light weight easier to handle. Stainless steel with a copper core cannot be used on induction cooktops.
What we like:
- Everlasting beauty
- Will not corrode or stain
- Non reactive material (food tastes like it should)
- Compatible with gas, electric, ceramic stovetops; safe in oven and broiler
- Dishwasher safe
- Best when clad onto other metals such as copper or aluminum
What we don’t like:
- Inexpensive cookware made entirely of thin-gauge stainless steel is prone to hot spots and warping over high heat.
Recommended:
BEST: All Clad Stainless Steel Cookware
- 3-ply bonded stainless steel construction
- Easy to clean 18/10 stainless steel interior
- Solid cast stainless steel handles
- Lifetime warranty
This is la creme de la creme of cookware. A bit pricey but that is the only complaint we hear from all cooks. It is definitely something to wish for if you don’t already own one.
Where to buy:
Cookware.com
Cooking.com
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VERY GOOD: Cuisinart Multiclad Pro Stainless Steel Cookware Set
- Fully clad 18/10 stainless cooking surface with aluminum core
- Cool Grip Handle – solid stainless steel, riveted
- Drip-free pouring rim
- Limited Lifetime Warranty
A less expensive alternative to All Clad. This cookware has been voted five stars by hundreds of satisfied customers.
Where to buy:
Coookware.com
Amazon.com
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