Stainless Steel Cookware
By Angela Yenni
Cooking With Stainless Steel Cookware
stainless steel cookware set
Iron is the main ingredient in steel. To make stainless steel cookware, additional alloys are added to the iron. Titanium, Copper and Nickel, among other ingredients, can be added in various percentages. However, to be considered stainless steel, a minimum of 12% Chromium must be in the mix.
In most cookware, the stainless steel cookware is only used as the cooking surface and not the entire product. In most instances, aluminum is used as the primary ingredient in making the cookware mold, because aluminum heats faster.
Quality
Although other compounds, such as Titanium and Copper could be added, as well as non-metallic compounds, the ingredients of Chromium and Nickel are primary in determining quality.
Chromium is added because it is an ingredient that resists rusting and corrosion. It also provides the high gloss normally associated with cookware.
When looking at stainless steel cookware, quality is easy to recognize. Manufacturers usually add the Chromium/Nickel concentration in the iron as a notation on the cookware. Because Nickel adds additional properties of durability and ability to withstand higher heat, the highest quality for cookware is 18/10.
Cleaning and Using
Chromium works by mixing with oxygen in the air. When chromium cannot mix with oxygen, bacteria can trap within the steel itself. To help spread heat evenly, it is best to find cookware with a heat diffusing base. It can scratch so abrasive cleaning products and bleach are not recommended.
Although called stainless steel cookware – it might be best to remember that the steel is stain resistant.
Should I Buy Stainless Steel Cookware?
There are many different choices for individuals looking for the perfect kitchen cookware. One of the most popular choices for the average consumer is stainless steel cookware. What makes this cookware so great? Why choosing stainless steel cookware? Stainless steel is an alloy, or a combination of metals, that mixes basic iron with chromium, nickel, and some other minor metals. Nickel provides extra rust protection, and adds the “highly polished” look that is often attributed to this cookware. The bottom of pans often have copper or aluminum added to increase the pan’s ability to conduct heat, since one of the disadvantages of the pans are that they are poor heat conductors.
Another important factor to consider is that there are high grade levels of cookware, and then there are lower quality levels of cookware. There are several advantages to using this type of cookware. The great advantage of stainless steel cookware is its durability and appearance along with the low maintenance it requires. Stainless steel cookware does not react with food during the cooking process and will not be affected by being used to prepare food with a high acid content.
Most good quality stainless steel cookware comes with a lifetime warranty. Check the warranty terms before buying and be sure that you will be able to follow the cleaning and maintenance instruction so as not to void the warranty. Good stainless steel cookware has a relatively high cost, which is always an issue in shopping for anything. Always buy the best quality kitchen cookware that fits in your budget. Otherwise stainless cookware can be a great addition to any person’s kitchen. The attractive shiny surfaces of stainless steel, either as a single piece or as part of a stainless steel cookware set, will add to the décor of a kitchen.
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