Benefits of Stainless Steel Cookware

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Benefits of Stainless Steel Cookware
Michaela Springman
/ Categories: Health & Nutrition

Benefits of Stainless Steel Cookware

What are the pros of stainless steel cookware? Learn about its strength, safety, versatility and other benefits in this guide from Saladmaster!

With the many advantages of stainless steel cookware, it's unsurprisingly one of the most widely used materials in the kitchen. From pots and pans to appliances and utensils, you'll find stainless steel in nearly any food-related environment — not to mention other industries like construction, health care and automotive.

Many qualities contribute to stainless steel's widespread use, like its incredible durability, longevity, safety and ease of cleaning, to name a few. Explore the glowing benefits of stainless steel cookware in this article.

What Is Stainless Steel and Why Is It Used for Cookware?

Stainless steel is an alloy of iron and chromium, making it rust-resistant. The chromium acts as a barrier to prevent corrosion. Stainless steel can also contain traces of carbon, nickel, silicon and manganese.

Stainless steel comes in various grades, or numbers, that describe the piece of cookware's exact components. Some examples include:

  • 304
  • 316
  • 430
  • 433

304 and 316 stainless steel are nonmagnetic and austenitic. This makes them more wear-resistant and, thus, the most common stainless steel grades for cookware. 430 and 443 are ferritic with low nickel content, making them far less durable than 304 and 316.

While 304 and 316 have similar strengths, their chemical compositions set them apart. 304 primarily contains nickel and chromium with small amounts of carbon and manganese. It's a good choice for cookware and appliances, but salt exposure can cause it to corrode. It also has a lower temperature tolerance than 316.

316 is often described as “food grade” due to its impressive corrosion-resistant nature. It's a prime choice when working with corrosive foods or high-temperature environments. 316Ti — a titanium-stabilized version of 316 — takes it a step further. While it contains similar amounts of nickel and chromium, it also has titanium and molybdenum, making it even more resistant to general corrosion and elevated cooking temperatures.

Pros of Stainless Steel Cookware

316Ti stainless steel cookware is an exceptional choice if you want something substantial and long-lasting. Below are some benefits of cooking in stainless steel that make this cookware a terrific investment.

1. Extremely Durable

A high-quality piece of stainless steel cookware is incredibly strong and nearly indestructible. It can last for many years without chipping, warping, bending or rusting. 

Aluminum and nonstick cookware are notorious for chipping with regular use, while glass and ceramic are prone to breaking. If you're looking for durable cookware designed to last, even with frequent use, 316Ti stainless steel is the way to go.

2. No Toxins

Many aluminum and nonstick pans have potentially toxic polyfluoroalkyl and Teflon coatings. If the pan gets too hot, this nonstick coating can disintegrate and release harmful gases. Besides safety concerns, nonstick cookware can be more difficult to use and maintain. High heat can compromise their sensitive coatings, meaning they usually aren't oven-safe.

You also can't use metal or sharp utensils like spoons, whisks and spatulas with nonstick pans since they can scratch and damage the coating. To prevent chemicals from flaking into your food, you need to discard the pan as soon as the nonstick coating breaks down. Fortunately, 316Ti stainless steel is oven-safe, utensil-safe and free of these toxins.

3. Evenly Dispersed Heat for Cooking

While stainless steel isn't the strongest heat conductor on its own, most stainless steel cookware contains one or more layers of copper or aluminum within the stainless steel exterior. That way, the interior that comes in contact with food is fully stainless steel, but the cookware also receives the heat transfer properties of copper or aluminum. This results in quick, even heating across the cooking surface.

4. Easy Cleaning

Stainless steel cookware is simple to clean and disinfect. It has a smooth, sealed and nonporous surface that blocks liquid and air. Because food can't penetrate its surface, it reduces bacteria and germ buildup. Conversely, porous cookware materials like copper and aluminum can expand under heat. This can cause food to stick to the pan, making cleaning more of a challenge.

Even if you get tough-to-clean food bits or burn stains on your stainless steel cookware, it's easy to clean with a simple trick. Pour some water into the pan, set it on the stovetop, then let it boil for 15-20 minutes. This can help loosen the stuck food. Stainless steel cookware is also dishwasher-safe, so you can use this cleaning method if preferred.

5. Great Value

While it's not the least expensive option, a stainless steel pot or pan will generally outlast aluminum or nonstick cookware. In many cases, stainless steel cookware can even last a lifetime, making it a one-time purchase. This gives it a high value that's worth the initial expense.

6. Good for Any Cooking Level

Many cooking techniques, like sauteing and searing, usually require high temperatures, but not all cookware types can withstand that much heat. However, stainless steel cookware can sustain high cooking temperatures without warping. This makes it ideal for any cooking level, whether low, medium or high heat. Stainless steel is also compatible with all cooktops, including electric, gas and induction.

Cons

Due to its value and quality, stainless steel is more expensive than nonstick, cast iron, aluminum and other varieties. However, you can find it at various price points. Even if you're on a budget, you'll likely find a good set that works for you. Additionally, its strength and long life make it well worth the price.  

Another possible disadvantage is that people with nickel allergies may be sensitive to stainless steel cookware, but more so if it's cheap or low-quality.

Is Stainless Steel Cookware Worth It?

Anyone who cooks regularly should have at least one quality piece of stainless steel cookware. 316Ti is incredibly strong and versatile, whether you're simply cooking some veggies or preparing a full family meal. It's also rust-resistant, long-lasting and free of harmful chemicals. All things considered, stainless steel cookware is highly worth the investment.

Get the Best of Stainless Steel With Saladmaster®

After discovering the advantages of stainless steel cookware, you might be considering adding it to your own kitchen collection. At Saladmaster, our premium, long-lasting 316Ti stainless steel cookware sets support healthy eating and lifestyles for families.

Our waterless, semi-vacuum Vapo-Valve™ technology helps preserve your food's flavor and nutritional value by omitting the need for oil, butter or fat — therefore reducing unnecessary calories without sacrificing quality or taste. Each sleek design includes a wide, dripless edge for mess-free pouring. You can also enjoy the following benefits with Saladmaster cookware:

  • Fast cooking times: Our quick, efficient cookware cuts down cooking times significantly, letting you enjoy your meal sooner.
  • Valuable nutrients: Our advanced waterless cooking method retains essential vitamins and minerals, protecting up to 93% of your meal's nutritional value.
  • Less overheating: Saladmaster cookware's handy Vapo-Valve clicks when it reaches optimal cooking temperature to prevent overheating.

Discover the Quality of Stainless Steel Cookware With Saladmaster

If you're looking to invest in safe, durable stainless steel pots and pans, look no further than Saladmaster. Our innovative cookware protects your recipe's nutrients, decreases oil and fat, speeds up the cooking process and ensures delicious flavor. 

Reap the full benefits of stainless steel cookware with Saladmaster. Connect with one of our dealers today!

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