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Stainless Steel Cookware – What should you look for when buying stainless steel cookware?
I was asked about stainless steel cookware numerous times by my readers. Therefore, I thought I would do research to find out what good quality stainless steel cookware is available out there. Stainless steel cookware has become one of my favorite cookware since I got to know it when I researched for non toxic cookware for my non toxic cookware post ‘Non Toxic Cookware – What Is The Healthiest and Safest Cookware?‘ I feel that stainless cookware is one of the most non toxic, versatile overall cookware. It is also one of the most common cookware used by many people. There are so many stainless steel cookware available. How do we choose a good quality stainless steel cookware? What types of stainless steel cookware is available? In this post, I share with you what we should look for when getting stainless steel cookware and what stainless steel cookware is available.
Is Stainless Steel Material Non Toxic?
Cookware can be made of material that is reactive, moderately reactive and non-reactive. Reactive metal in cookware can react with certain foods and release metal into the food during cooking. Acidic foods such as tomato sauce or food with lemon juice especially when cooked for a long duration can make the metal react. Reactive metals include aluminum and copper. They can release aluminum or copper from the metal when they are exposed to acidic foods during cooking. Reactive cookware such as aluminum or copper cookware usually has a protective layer so it is not reactive. Aluminum for aluminum cookware is commonly anodized to make the aluminum to be more durable and non-reactive with foods. However, many hard anodized aluminum pots and pans have a non-stick coating which can be harmful. Non-stick coating (teflon) can release harmful fumes and chemicals if it is exposed to a very high temperature of 500°F (260°C). The non stick coating can also be scratched or damaged and release harmful chemicals. On the other hand, some aluminum cookware does not have a protective layer or non stick coating. In this case, aluminum cookware then can release aluminum when exposed to acidic foods. Copper cookware with no protective layer can also leach copper in to the food when exposed to acidic food during cooking. Copper was commonly lined with tin or nickel in the past. Tin can be harmful and some people may be allergic to nickel. These days, stainless lining is usually used. However, the protective layer can wear off or get damaged. If that happens the cookware may leach copper into your food. Chronic exposure to copper at high levels can cause health issues such as liver or kidney damage, nausea, diarrhea, etc. Also, frequent exposure to high levels of aluminum has been linked to health concerns such as Alzheimer’s disease, and breast cancer although negative effects of aluminum has been debated.
Stainless steel cookware is a moderately reactive cookware. Some people consider it as a non-reactive cookware. I say stainless steel is a moderately reactive cookware because it can release nickel, iron and chromium when cooking acidic foods especially for a long duration. It is not 100% non reactive. Our body needs and uses iron and chromium although large amount of iron and chromium can be harmful. However, stainless steel cookware releases iron, chromium and nickel at very low levels. I feel that Stainless steel cookware is safe for most people unless there is an iron, cadmium, nickel related allergy or health issues. Stainless steel cookware gives less than 20% of total daily iron intake which is within safe levels. Also, stainless steel cookware gives about 45 micrograms of chromium in one meal which is within a safe intake range. A safe amount is about 50 to 200 micrograms per day. However, if you have iron or chromium related health issues, you may want to consult with your doctor about stainless steel cookware first. For nickel, an adult consumes between 150 to 250 micrograms of nickel per day. According to Health Canada, stainless cookware would not add large amounts of nickel to your diet even when acidic foods were cooked in the cookware. However, some people are allergic to nickel. According to the Centers For Disease Control And Prevention, approximately 10– 20% of the population is allergic to nickel. If you are allergic to nickel, you may want to talk to your doctor first and avoid stainless steel cookware that contains nickel. There are nickel-free stainless steel cookware which I will explain later in this post.
If stainless steel is moderately reactive, is there any non-reactive material for cookware? There is non-reactive material for cookware. Glass material is inert and does not react with acidic foods. Cast iron is moderately reactive and it can release iron. However, our body needs and uses iron and iron is released at very low levels from a cast iron cookware. Therefore, cast iron is considered to be a safe material for cookware unless you have iron related health issues. Ceramic cookware is moderately reactive. However, there is a concern that it may have lead or cadmium in the glaze. It is also the same for the enamel cast iron cookware. Therefore, you should check out their cookware testing report to see if the cookware is tested for no lead or cadmium. I find that researching if ceramic or enamel cast iron cookware contain or contaminated with lead or cadmium is an extra step I have to do. In other words, more work is needed to ensure there is no lead or cadmium by taking a look at the testing report. With stainless steel, I don’t have to go through this extra step. Also, there is also a possibility that ceramic material is contaminated with lead or cadmium even though a manufacturer didn’t use lead or cadmium. Therefore, my choice of non toxic cookware materials are glass, cast iron and stainless steel. Stainless steel material is overall one of the most safest material for cookware.
Why Choose Stainless Steel Cookware
My choice for non toxic cookware material is glass, cast iron and stainless steel as I mentioned above. However, I feel that some materials work better for certain types of cooking. Glass is great, however, some people may not want to use glass material cookware for all of their cooking needs since there is always a possibility that glass can break. Glass cookware is great for baking or cooking tomato sauce due to its inert property. Some people may want more durable, easier to handle cookware material for every day cooking. Cast iron is a great material for a frying pan, a grill or a dutch oven because it is naturally non stick without non stick coating. However, cast iron cookware is very heavy. Some people may want their cookware to be light, at least not as heavy as cast iron. For having one item such as a cast iron frying pan may be okay. However, some people may want a lighter material for their other everyday cooking needs. If that is the case and one material has to be chosen for a cookware set, stainless steel cookware is the best overall and the most versatile material for everyday cooking. Stainless steel cookware is non toxic, light, easy to clean, easy to maintain, easy to handle and it can be purchased at a reasonable price. Stainless steel cookware can be used for frying, stir-frying, grilling, sautéing, steaming, boiling, cooking in the oven and many more. There are only a couple of downsides of stainless steel. First, some people may find that it is not easy to cook eggs on a stainless steel frying pan since eggs can stick to the frying pan easily while being cooked. Second, some people may not feel comfortable cooking tomato sauce in stainless steel cookware frequently since tomato sauce is acidic. There are ways to remedy these issues. There is a way to cook eggs on a stainless steel frying pan without having eggs being stick to the pan. You can search on internet how to cook eggs better on a stainless steel frying pan. Someone like my sister can cook eggs perfectly on a stainless steel frying pan. Having a separate cast iron frying pan can be a good idea as well. A company like Lodge makes cast iron frying pans and grills. (If you are allergic to soy bean oil, please note that Lodge frying pan is pre-seasoned with soy bean oil.) Also, if you are concerned about cooking acidic foods such as tomato pasta sauce in stainless steel, rotate cooking tomato sauce with other material pot or sauce pan if you cook tomato sauce often. A tempered glass material can be great for cooking tomato sauce. A company like Visions makes glass pots or sauce pans.
What You Need To Know About Stainless Steel Cookware
Stainless Steel Grade
Induction Cooking Compatibility
Ply Construction VS Bonded Aluminum Base (Aluminum Encapsulated Base)
Brushed Stainless Steel Finish
Polished Stainless Steel Finish
Stainless Steel Cookware
All-Clad
All-Clad is made in the USA. They have been making cookware since 1971. They are known for high quality, upscale stainless steel cookware. They make 3-ply, 5-ply ad 7-ply stainless steel cookware. Depending on a model, some stainless steel cookware use aluminum core or aluminum and copper core.
Stainless Steel Cookware – All-Clad D3 3-PLY Stainless Cookware Set
Stainless Steel Grade: 18/10 stainless steel
Type: The Brushed D3 Stainless collection features three alternating layers of American made stainless steel and aluminum bonded together all the way to the rim.
Includes: This kitchenware set includes 8 inch and 10 inch fry pans, 1.5 quart and 3 quart sauce pans with lids, a 3 quart sauce pan with a lid, and an 8 quart stock pot with a lid.
Edges: This cookware has rolled edges for drip-free pouring.
Handle and Lid: Stainless steel handles (handles stay cool on the stove), stainless steel rivets, stainless steel lids
Finish: The cookware has highly polished stainless-steel cooking surface with starburst finish. The starburst finish offers natural stick resistance. According to All-Clad (confirmed by email), the starburst finish on the cookware is a sand blasting process the stainless steel goes through, to get the finishing look it has. This is not a nonstick surface/coating on the pan, and doesn’t use any chemicals in the process.
Safe for: This cookware is safe for the stove, oven, broiler, and dishwasher. It is oven and broiler safe up to 600 degrees F (without lids); induction compatible.
Made In: USA (Handles and handle loops are made in China)
Stainless Steel Cookware – All-Clad Brushed D5 5-Ply Stainless Cookware Set
Stainless Steel Grade: 18/10 stainless steel
Type: 5-ply bonded construction with alternating layers of stainless steel and conductive aluminum for warp-free strength and even heating throughout.
Includes: This 7-piece cookware set includes a 8-inch and 10-inch fry pans, 1.5-quart and 3-quart sauce pans with lids, a 3-quart sauce pan with a lid, and an 8-quart stock pot with a lid
Edges: This cookware has rolled edges for drip-free pouring.
Handle and Lid: Stainless steel handles (handles stay cool on the stove), stainless steel rivets, stainless steel lids
Finish: The cookware has highly polished stainless-steel cooking surface with starburst finish. The starburst finish offers natural stick resistance. According to All-Clad (confirmed by email), the starburst finish on the cookware is a sand blasting process the stainless steel goes through, to get the finishing look it has. This is not a nonstick surface/coating on the pan, and doesn’t use any chemicals in the process.
Safe for: This cookware is safe for the stove, oven, broiler, and dishwasher. It is oven and broiler safe up to 600 degrees F (without lids); induction compatible.
Made In: USA (Handles and handle loops are made in China)
Stainless Steel Cookware – All-Clad Copper Core 5-Ply Bonded Dishwasher Safe Cookware Set
Stainless Steel Grade: 18/10 stainless steel
Type: 5-ply bonded construction with stainless steel, aluminum, and a thick copper core for even heating, warp-free strength, and reliable responsiveness
Includes: This 7-piece cookware set includes 8 inch and 10 inch fry pans, 2 quart and 3 quart covered sauce pans, 3 quart covered sauté pan and an 8 quart covered stockpot.
Edges: This cookware has rolled edges for drip-free pouring.
Handle and Lid: Stainless steel handles (handles stay cool on the stove), stainless steel rivets, stainless steel lids
Finish: The cookware has highly polished stainless-steel cooking surface with starburst finish. The starburst finish offers natural stick resistance. According to All-Clad (confirmed by email), the starburst finish on the cookware is a sand blasting process the stainless steel goes through, to get the finishing look it has. This is not a nonstick surface/coating on the pan, and doesn’t use any chemicals in the process.
Safe for: This cookware is safe for the stove, oven, broiler, and dishwasher. It is oven and broiler safe up to 600 degrees F (without lids); induction compatible.
Made In: USA (Handles and handle loops are made in China)
Demeyere
Demeyere has been making cookware since 1908. They offer 3-Ply, 5-Ply, 7-Ply stainless steel cookware. Their cookware is made in Belgium.
Stainless Steel Cookware – Demeyere Atlantis 9-pc Stainless Steel Cookware Set
Stainless Steel Grade: 18/10 stainless steel
Type: 7-ply construction with stainless steel and aluminum core
Includes: This cookware set includes 2.3-qt saucepan with lid, 3.5-qt saucier with lid, 5-qt saute pan with lid, 8.9-qt Dutch oven with lid, and 11″ Proline fry pan.
Edges: This cookware has rolled edges for drip-free pouring.
Handle and Lid: Stainless steel handles (handles stay cool on the stove), stainless steel rivets, stainless steel lids
Finish: The cookware has Silvinox surface finish. The Patented Silvinox surface treatment maintains silvery finish, resists fingerprints and is easy to clean. Silvinox is not a coating. According to the company, iron and impurities from the surface is removed to make stainless more resistant and easy to clean.
Made In: Belgium
Heritage Steel
Heritage Steel has been making cookware for 40 years and their cookware is made in the USA. They offer 3-Ply, 5-Ply, 7-ply 316 titanium strengthened stainless steel cookware.
Stainless Steel Cookware – Heritage Steel 7-Ply 316 Stainless Steel Sauté Pan with Lid
Stainless Steel Grade: 316Ti steel
Titanium strengthened stainless steel for this cookware’s cooking surface is 5-10 times more resistant to metal leaching compared to the typical 304 (18/10) cooking surface, also 20 times more corrosion resistant than 18/10 stainless steel.
Type: 7-Ply multi-clad construction provides even and efficient heat distribution
Includes: This is 4 quart sauté pan with lid. They also carry stainless steel sauce pan, frying pan, wok and paella pan.
Edges: This cookware has rolled edges for drip-free pouring.
Handle and Lid: Stainless steel handles (handles stay cool on the stove), stainless steel rivets, stainless steel lids
Made In: USA
Mauviel
Mauviel cookware is made in France. Mauviel has been making cookware since 1830. They specialize in stainless cookware and copper with stainless steel cookware. Their cookware is made in France.
Stainless Steel Cookware – Mauviel M’Cook 5 Ply Stainless Steel Sauté Pan With A Lid
Stainless Steel Grade: 18/10 stainless steel
Type: 2.6 mm thickness; 5 Ply Construction
Includes: This is a sauté pan with a lid. Mauviel also carries other cookware such as stainless steel sauce pan and copper cookware (copper exterior) with stainless steel interior.
Edges: Pouring rims on every shape
Handle and Lid: Stay cool cast stainless steel handles, stainless steel rivets, stainless steel lids
Safe for: This cookware is safe for gas, electric, induction, halogen stovetops, and in the oven. Oven safe up to 680 degrees F including under the broiler. This is also dishwasher safe.
Made In: France
Cuisinart
Over 40 years, Cuisineart has been offering all sorts of cookware and kitchenware. Their stainless cookware is made in China.
Stainless Steel Cookware – Cuisinart MCP-12N Multiclad Pro Stainless Steel 12-Piece Cookware Set
Stainless Steel Grade: 18/10 stainless steel
Type: Triple-Ply construction with an aluminum core.
Includes: This set includes 1-1/2- and 3-quart covered saucepans; 8- and 10-inch open skillets; 3-1/2-quart covered saute pan; 8-quart covered stockpot; steamer insert with lid.
Finish: Mirror polished interior, brushed finish exterior
Handle and Lid: Stainless steel rivets, stainless steel lids, stainless steel handles
Edges: drip-free pouring rims
Safe For: oven (oven safe up to 500 degrees F), induction cooking tops, dishwasher
Made In: China
OXO
Oxo offers cookware, baby & toddler products, cleaning & organization products. They have been offering products throughout the world for more than 30 years. Their cookware is made in China.
Stainless Steel Cookware – OXO Good Grips Tri-Ply Stainless Steel Pro Cookware Set
Stainless Steel Grade: 18/10 Stainless Steel
Type: 3 Ply Construction (Two 18/10 stainless steel layers with an aluminum core)
Includes: This cookware set includes 8-in/20 cm, 10-in/25 cm, and 12-in/30 cm Frying Pans; 1.5 Qt/1.4 L and 2.5 Qt/2.4 L Saucepans with Lids; 3 Qt/2.8 L Sauté Pan with Lid; 3 Qt/2.8 L and 8 Qt/ 7.6 L Stock Pots with Lids.
Handle and Lid: Stainless steel handles and glass lids
Edges: Rolled edges for drip-free pouring
Safe For : This cookware is safe for all stove tops, oven (oven safe up to 430°F/220°C.), and dishwasher.
Made In: China
Duxtop
Stainless Steel Cookware – Duxtop Whole-Clad 3-Ply Stainless Steel Induction Cookware Set
Stainless Steel Grade: Food grade 18/10 stainless steel
Type: Whole-clad 3-ply stainless steel
Includes: This cooking set includes 8-inch & 10-inch fry pan; 3-quart saute pan with lid and handle helper; 1.6-quart & 3-quart sauce pan with lid; 6.5-quart stock pot with lid, which meets all cooking methods and daily cooking use.
Finish: Mirror-polished exterior, brushed interior
Handle and Lid: Stainless steel handle (Stay-cool stainless-steel perfect-grip handle), stainless steel rivets,
Safe For : This cookware is safe for freezer, oven (up to to 500°F), all stovetops, such as electric, gas, infrared, induction stove or radiant glass and ceramic cooktop and dishwasher.
Made In: USA
Kitchara
Kitchara offer their products online and keep the costs low by selling direct to consumers online.
Stainless Steel Cookware – Kitchara 5 Ply Stainless Steel Cookware Set
Stainless Steel Grade: 18/10 stainless steel
Type: 5-ply and fully clad, with an aluminum core surrounded by stainless steel
Includes: This cookware set includes 2 qt saucepan with lid, 4 qt saucepan with lid, 4 qt saute pan with lid, 8 qt stockpot with lid, & 10- and 12-inch skillets.
Handle and Lid: Stainless Steel lids, handles, rivets
Edges: Rolled edges for drip-free pouring
Safe For: This cookware is safe for all cooktops including induction. (Oven safe up to 500℉ / 232℃)
Made In: This cookware is manufactured in China, assembled and checked in the USA before distribution.
Anolon
In 1971, Anolon started cookware journey. Anolon offers different types of cookware including 18/0 nickel-free stainless steel cookware.
Stainless Steel Cookware – Anolon 3-Ply Clad 18/0 Stainless Steel Cookware Set
Stainless Steel Grade: 18/0 Stainless Steel
Type: 3-ply construction features an aluminum core between layers of stainless steel
Includes: This cookware includes 1.5 Saucepan with Lid, 2-Quart Saucepan with Lid, 3.5-Quart Saucepot with Lid, 4-Quart Sauté Pan with Lid, 8-Quart Stockpot with Lid, 8.5-Inch Frying Pan, and 10.25-Inch Frying Pan
Finish: Polished exterior
Handle and Lid: Stainless steel handle, rivets and lid
Safe For: This cookware is safe for all stovetops including induction, broiler, dishwasher, oven (up to to 500°F)
Made In: China
Final Thoughts
Stainless steel is a moderately reactive cookware and it can release nickel, iron and chromium when cooking acidic foods especially for a long duration. The amount iron, chromium and nickel leached from stainless cookware is in very small amounts within safe levels. Unless you have health or allergy issues related to iron, chromium and nickel, stainless steel cookware is a great non toxic choice cookware and is safer than other reactive cookware such as copper and aluminum cookware. You can also avoid a nonstick coating with stainless steel cookware. Stainless steel is also one of the most non toxic, versatile cookware that can be used for most cooking. However, not all stainless steel cookware is created equal. Stainless steel grade such as 304 (18/10) or 316 stainless steel, ply construction such as 3-ply, 5-ply or 7-ply construction, material used for handles, rivets, lids, compatible cooking surface, finish of interior and exterior of stainless steel all contribute to the quality of stainless steel cookware. Hope you can find a stainless steel cookware that you love with this post. Happy Cooking!
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Do you have any recommendations for cast iron?
Thanks 😊
Hi Noelle,
I use a Lodge Cast Iron frying pan and it has been working great for frying and grilling. It is naturally non stick without any non stick coating. If you purchase a pre-seasoned one, it is pre-seasoned with soybean oil. Therefore, if you are allergic to soy bean or soy bean oil, you may want to avoid it.
Lodge Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Skillet with Assist Handle Holder, 12″, Red Silicone
Lodge Essential Skillet Set, 7-Piece, Black
Lodge also carries a dutch oven and a grill as below.
Lodge Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Double Dutch Oven With Loop Handles
Lodge Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Reversible Grill/Griddle
Hope this helps!
What stainless steal pot would you recommend? Monster used for boiling vegetables.
I also cook a tomato sauce once a week and haven’t found a glass pot for that. Any suggestions?
Hi Chrissy,
Sorry for a late reply.
I am not sure what size pots you need but here are some options. Prices vary depending on brands, constructions of the pots, etc.
Stainless Steel
Mauviel Made in France M’Cook 5 Ply Stainless Steel 1.9-Quart Stewpan and Lid
Mauviel M Cook 16CM CAST SS HDL 2.6MM M’cook Saucepan
All-Clad Stainless Steel Tri-Ply Sauce Pan with Lid
Demeyere Atlantis 3.2-Quart Covered Saucepan
OXO Good Grips Tri-Ply Stainless Steel Pro 3.5QT Covered
Cuisinart MultiClad Pro Stainless Steel 2-Quart Saucepan with Cover
Cuisinart MultiClad Pro Stainless-Steel 3-Quart Saucepan with Cover
Duxtop Whole-Clad Tri-Ply Stainless Steel Stockpot with Lid
Glass
Glass Saucepan with Cover, 1.5L/50 FL OZ
Hope this helps!