Unlike many other cookware fads, stainless steel kitchenware entered the culinary world and took first place. From then on, it has dominated the market and is not set to go anywhere soon.
But what is it about stainless steel that makes it such a robust, long-wearing product, perfectly suited to the culinary world? Learn more about the benefits of stainless steel in this blog.
What is Stainless Steel?
Here's a little bit of basic science for you:
Stainless steel does exactly what it says on the tin — it's a hardy form of steel that does not rust or stain over time. It's also a generic term which groups a variety of different steel types under one umbrella.
Stainless steel, like every other kind of metal, is made from iron and carbon. But what sets stainless steel apart from the rest is its chromium and nickel alloying elements. These are the elements which create a corrosion-free product.
Steel tends to corrode over time because iron, its primary element, reacts with the elements found in nature, namely oxygen.
However, when iron is manipulated with chromium, this creates chromium oxide. This acts as a protective surface which prevents stainless steel from rusting and deteriorating.
Benefits of Stainless Steel Cookware
In today's world, stainless steel is still considered the best when it comes to long-lasting kitchen utensils and cookware.
Used in both professional kitchens and households across the world, stainless steel is a product well worth the investment. Here are the undeniable benefits:
1. Highly Durable
Did you know that some forms of stainless steel are basically indestructible? The higher the quality of stainless steel in terms of multi-ply manufacturing, the longer it will last.
Unlike the chip coating of ''nonstick'' cookware or stain and rust issues of both enameled and cast-iron kitchenware, stainless steel is your go-to. Your stainless steel cookware will last you decades, and can even be passed down from one generation to the next.
2. Excellent Cooking Performance
Multi-ply stainless steel cookware offers brilliant cooking ability in terms of heat absorption and heat distribution.
This means that you shouldn't have any issues cooking your meat at an uneven temperature and serving raw food in a restaurant!
Cooking with stainless steel makes for a more professionally produced product that customers expect when paying for food.
3. Quick and Easy to Clean
With it's non-porous, smooth surfacing, stainless steel cookware is an easy product to clean. Stainless steel is hardy enough that you can scrub away stains and debris, but keep in mind that rough sponges will leave scratches behind.
Stainless steel pots, pans, and utensils can be soaked and thrown in the dishwasher time and time again without damage to the robust coating. This also makes for a very hygienic product.
4. Requires Very Little Maintenance
Stainless steel is one of those products that actually requires very little TLC over its lifetime. In fact, there really are no special cleaning or maintenance requirements for this type of cookware. On a rare occasion, you may need the right solution to help lift stubborn scorches.
But all-in-all, stainless steel simply needs to be washed with soap, dried, and stored in order to last you a lifetime!
5. Non-Reactive to Certain Foods
Unlike other types of metals, stainless steel does not react to certain types of foods that are high in acids.
This means you can cook highly acidic types of recipes, such as tomato sauces and fish dishes without the risk of chemicals leaching off into your food.
6. Lightweight and Easy to Store
Ever tried to lift a cast-iron skillet with just one hand? Goodluck. Unlike other types of cookware, stainless steel is not weighed down and cumbersome to cook with, maneuver or store in your cupboards.
The average weight of a stainless steel tri-ply skillet is about three pounds, which makes for far more efficient cooking on a whole.
7. Polished, Shiny and Modern
No matter your preferred kitchen style, stainless steel cookware will always blend in well with its polished, shiny appearance.
In short, stainless steel just looks good. The material does not scratch, dent or fade easily and complements any home or professional kitchen for a good number of years.
8. Highly Affordable
As mentioned earlier, stainless steel cookware is well worth the investment based on how much use and life it offers over the years.
Price ranges for stainless steel cookware range from budget to high-end. But generally the middle-ground, affordable rates offer a decent product which could last you a decade, if not more.
9. Recyclable Material
If you are a little more conscious about the environment and how you spend your money, you'll be happy to know that stainless steel is completely recyclable.
If you're looking to update your cookware, there's no need to feel guilt over discarding old and used stainless steel. It can be melted down and salvaged for other means!
If you're looking to keep your stainless steel cookware in tip-top condition so it can last you a lifetime, here are a few care tips:
- Make sure to wash your pots and pans after every use in order to avoid the build-up of stains and scorches over time.
- In order to maintain a beautiful, shiny finish, polish the outside of your cookware with a little baking soda and a synthetic scouring pad.
- Remove hardy debris with a soap and steel wool, otherwise, soak overnight and then wash with soap.
Overall, choosing to purchase stainless steel cookware could be one of the best investments you ever make for your home or commercial kitchen.
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