There are many types of materials used for cookware like clay, ceramics, and aluminum, among others. Today, one of the more popular material used for cookware is the stainless steel.
Stainless steel and the kitchen
Because of its modern look and style, stainless steel has become a popular material used for designing the kitchen and also for making stainless steel cookware such as pans, pots, and casseroles. Aside from its aesthetic value, stainless steel also gives great functionality to the kitchen. Most kitchens found in restaurants or hotels use stainless steel equipment because they are easy to maintain, durable, and can withstand the harsh temperatures and conditions in the kitchen.
Stainless steel is an alloy that has a higher resistance to corrosion and rust as compared to other metals. Stainless steel gets its “stainless” characteristic from the chromium that is added to regular steel. The chromium adds a fine film on the metal that makes it less reactive to air and water.
Why get stainless steel cookware?
Stainless steel cookware is a great cookware option for chefs because of its high resistance to heat and water. It can take temperatures of up to 500 degrees Fahrenheit or 260 degrees Celsius and it is the best material to use when cooking on gas stoves. Stainless steel cookware has an edge against other cookware materials because it does not rust or corrode easily. It is the best material for cooking acidic food because you will not have to worry about the acid reacting to the pan. Furthermore, stainless steel cookware does not dent or scratch easily, making sure that your pots and pans will last a very long time.
The drawback
The problem with stainless steel cookware is that it is a poor heat conductor. Since stainless steel has a high resistance to heat, you can expect these pots and pans to take longer to heat up compared to other materials. To solve this problem, cookware manufacturers are now combining stainless steel with other compounds such as aluminum or copper so that it will conduct heat faster without compromising its durability.
Stainless cookware today
One of the most annoying jobs in the kitchen is cleaning fried eggs that got stuck on the pan. People usually encounter this problem with stainless steel cookware. Today, scientists have discovered a way to remedy this by adding a nonstick coat on the surface of the pans. There are now a lot of manufacturers that make these nonstick-coated stainless steel cookware. It may cost a few more dollars than the regular ones but the convenience it gives you is priceless. Cooks and chefs continue to debate on which one is better. They argue that uncoated cookware gives better results than the nonstick variety.
Prices
You can buy various stainless steel pots, casseroles, and pans from the nearest retail store or online. Most of the time, stainless steel cookware is sold in sets and can cost around $100. Of course, you can also buy the cookware separately. A regular stainless steel frying pan or sauce pan can cost around $15 dollars for both nonstick and uncoated varieties.