We all agree that cookware is the most important thing in our kitchen. And it is literally impossible to ignore stainless steel cookware in our daily lives due to its durability and long-lasting properties. But with so many types, grades, and plies available, it's not straightforward to choose the right one for your kitchen.

But no need to worry. In this article, we will break down the grades and types of stainless steel cookware, their construction, and common mistakes to avoid when making a purchase. So that you can pick the cookware that suits your cooking style and budget.

What are the types of Stainless Steel Cookware and their Benefits? 

Before going into the detailed features of the best stainless steel cookware, let's have a review of its types and benefits.

Generally, stainless steel is made by combining the steel with chromium or nickel to make it strong, rust-resistant, and safe for food. Stainless steel cookware are available in various varieties.

300 Series: They are the most common types of cookware and are durable, non-reactive and highly corrosion-resistant. For example, grade 18/10 (18% chromium and 10% nickel)

400 Series: They are harder, less expensive and less corrosion resistant.

Triply or 5-Ply: Ply refers to their layers. Most commonly used cookware are triply with a single aluminium layer between two steel layers.

Benefits of Stainless Steel Cookware

● Durable and lasts for a long time.

● Healthy cooking with no toxic effects

● Shiny, polished and aesthetic appearance

● Non-reactive surfaces, so there are no risks for food reactions.

● Easy to wash and maintain

● Good for high-temperature cooking

How to Choose the Best Stainless Steel Cookware? 

Not every stainless steel cookware will serve every application. That is why it's important to choose the most appropriate one, so you don’t end up spending for a cookware set that just sits idle on your kitchen shelf.

Here is how you can choose the best stainless steel cookware:

Know Your Cooking Style and Kitchen Needs

First of all, you must check your kitchen needs before choosing a cookware set. Stainless steel cookware sets are perfect for searing, browning, deglazing, or stir frying. If your kitchen work involves high heat work then such cookware is the best option for you.

The next big thing is choosing the cookware size according to your requirements. They are available in different sizes like small, medium or large.

Gas, Electric or Induction Cooktop: Check Before You Buy

Make sure your cookware is compatible with your cooktop. Generally stainless steel works for all types of cooktops i.e electric, gas and induction cooktops. Choose cookware with an outer layer of 18/0 stainless steel. It is suitable for most settings.

An easy way to confirm the quality of 18/0 stainless steel is to place the magnet on the base of the cookware. If it sticks to it, it is suitable for most induction cooktops.

Price and Budget

Know how much you want to spend on the cookware. Stainless steel cookware comes with a higher upfront cost compared to other cookware. However, they are very durable and last for years or even decades. But, even in stainless steel, you don’t have to buy a pan worth 200$ or more; there are economical options available.

You can buy medium-quality stainless steel cookware. They may not offer the same aesthetic in appearance as the premium cookwares, but they also work very well.

Steel Quality

The interior cooking surfaces of stainless steel cookware have different gradings, like 18/0, 18/8 or 18/10. 18/0 is good for induction cooktops, but it is less corrosion-resistant.

18/10 interior surface (18% chromium and 10% nickel) offers the best cooking surface. It has good induction, shine, and resistance against corrosion. So, choose according to your required cooking style.

Cookware Layers

In some types, like disc bottom cookware, the conductive layer of aluminum or copper is present only under the base in disc form. But in full-clad cookwares, this conductive layer extends along the complete surface, also for the sides of the pan. This full clad feature provides two benefits.

● It distributes heat across the entire cooking surface more evenly. So if you are cooking vegetables or something else, the base and sides have the same temperature. And the food will cook evenly.

● Fully clad cookware is more durable due to the throughout layer. But in disc bottom cookware, you face issues like uneven temperature. 

If you only need the temperature to be focused on the bottom, a disc-bottom pan may be enough for you. However, if we want a more consistent temperature, go for full-clad cookware.

Handle Type (Rivets vs Welded Handles)

Mostly, handles are attached to pans by rivets. Although they are very secure and durable, food or particles get stuck around them, and they get greasy.

Welded handles are directly attached to the surface of cookware. It is easy to wash and maintain them. However, some users complain that such handles break early.

Weight of the Cookware

Thickness and weight of the cookware are also important factors when you go to buy stainless steel cookware.

● Cookware with a 3mm thickness is ideal for most home kitchens. Thick cookware heats slowly but evenly. They also retain the heat efficiently and don’t wrap easily. On the other hand, thin cookware heats up fast and may burn your food quickly if you don’t pay attention.

● Heavier cookware is more suited for professional kitchens. Their average weight is 3 to 5 pounds. If you go heavier than that, make sure you buy a second handle to manage the weight of food as well.

Keeping these factors in mind will help you buy the most suitable stainless steel cookware, with maximum usability.

Common Mistakes to Avoid In Choosing Stainless Steel Cookware

Even the most experienced cooks can make mistakes when choosing stainless steel cookware. Here are 4 common mistakes to avoid when making a purchase.

Buying Cookware With Rounded Handles

Rounded handles of cookware may look comfortable initially, but in some situations they offer safety concerns. For example, when the handle is hot and oily, we use a cloth on the handle to empty our food. 

The rounded handle slips in such a situation and our food like pasta may slide on the floor. That’s why you should choose pans with flatter handles or a groove on their upper surface, so you can hold them easily.

Not Considering the Importance of Lids

The lids of stainless steel cookware are made of either glass or stainless steel. Although glass lids are good because you can monitor food cooking without lifting the lid. But stainless steel lids are more durable, because there is no risk of breaking and it is easier to clean them as compared to glass lids.

Sets vs Individual Pieces

Buying a complete set of cookware is convenient, but it comes with additional cost, and you may not use all the pieces in a set. So, it's much better to buy individual pieces that you use most commonly in your kitchen.

Apart from better usability, buying individual pieces allows you to buy from different brands. For example, we can invest more money in a high quality frying pan that is used daily, and save money on large pots that are used occasionally.

Ignoring Maintenance and Cleaning

Another common mistake people make is that they choose polished stainless steel over brushed type. No doubt polished cookware appears more shiny and aesthetic. But the fingertips and scratches are more visible on them, making them difficult to maintain.

Final Words 

Choosing the right stainless steel cookware may seem confusing initially. But with this guide, you can easily choose the best stainless steel cookware according to your requirements. Check the key features like composition, grades, weight, thickness, rims, handles and your cooking style and invest in the best choice that will last for years.

People Also Search For: How to Cook with Stainless Steel Cookware - Beginner's Guide

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best grade of stainless steel pans? 

316 or 18/10 grade is considered the best stainless steel quality for all types of cooking.

How to know if the stainless steel quality is good or not?

The best stainless steel has a fully clad surface and safe food grades, like 18/10. Further, it resists corrosion and offers even cooking without hotspots.

Should I buy individual pieces or a full stainless steel cookware set?

If you are buying cookware for your newly renovated kitchen, then it's more convenient to buy a complete cookware set. However, if you have a set and it's missing some pieces, then buying individual pieces is better.

• Year Established
  --
• Business Type
  --
• Country / Region
  --
• Main Industry
  --
• Main Products
  --
• Enterprise Legal Person
  --
• Total Employees
  --
• Annual Output Value
  --
• Export Market
  --
• Cooperated Customers
  --