For most cooking uses, stainless steel cookware is recommended by professional chefs and food experts. Stainless steel cookware is the most versatile of cooking materials. It is dishwasher safe, doesn’t corrode, and doesn’t react to acidic or alkaline ingredients. It also does a superior job of browning food.
What to look for in a quality stainless steel cookware set
- Must have a copper or aluminum core – This is essential for proper heat conductivity, even heat distribution that heats food more evenly and faster.
- A good weight to the pans – The pans should have a nice hefty weight to them, but not too heavy or awkward to pour or flip food.
- Riveted handles – Handles riveted to the side of the pans and pots are stronger and longer lasting than handles that are welded on.
- Tight fitting lids – The lids should form a vacuum seal when cooking on low heat and should not bounce or rattle.
Not all stainless steel cookware is nonstick. You may have to add some form of fat to the pan such as olive oil or butter. When searing meats such as boneless skinless chicken breasts, in my experience, I find that leaving the meat alone and allow a nice sear, a brown crust to form, the meat will come off the pan freely.
Another benefit of stainless steel cookware is that the pans can go right from the stove top to the oven to finish the dish. Just be sure the temperature doesn’t go to 500 degrees Fahrenheit or more as it can cause a “rainbowing” effect, a discoloration of the metal.
Best Stainless Steel Cookware Brands
All Clad Stainless Cookware – All Clad stainless cookware is the premier line of cookware made in the US and is used in many of the finest restaurants in America, and is sought by serious home cooks seeking all-professional cookware to enhance their cooking experience.
Cuisinart Cookware – Cuisinart Stainless cookware has received high scores for performance and value in expert testings and reviews, and is given very high ratings from owners submitting reviews on Amazon.com.
on Amazon.com