Food Network Tri-Ply Cookware Set: A Comprehensive Review

Food Network Tri-Ply Cookware Set is a great option for those looking for a durable and affordable cookware set. The set includes all the essential pieces such as skillets, saucepans, a sauté pan, and a stockpot, which makes it a perfect choice for both beginners and experienced cooks. The tri-ply construction of the set ensures even heat distribution and its induction compatibility makes it suitable for all cooktops. While the set is dishwasher-safe, hand washing is recommended to prolong its lifespan. Overall, the Food Network Tri-Ply Cookware Set offers excellent value for money and is a great addition to any kitchen.

Pros and cons of stainless steel cookware

Stainless steel cookware is a popular choice for both amateur and professional cooks due to its durability, ability to brown meats, and oven-proof capabilities. Here are the pros and cons of stainless steel cookware:

Pros:

• Durability: Stainless steel is a durable material that can last for years with proper care. It is resistant to rust and corrosion, making it a long-lasting investment for your kitchen.
• Heat Distribution: Stainless steel cookware, especially those with an aluminium or copper core, offers even heat distribution. This ensures consistent cooking results and prevents hot spots that can burn your food.
• High-Temperature Cooking: Stainless steel can handle high temperatures, making it suitable for searing, stir-frying, and other high-heat cooking techniques.
• Oven and Dishwasher Safe: Many stainless steel cookware sets are oven and dishwasher safe, adding convenience and ease of use. However, it is recommended to hand wash stainless steel to prolong its lifespan.
• Induction Compatibility: Most stainless steel cookware sets are induction compatible, making them versatile for different cooktops.
• Non-Reactive: Stainless steel is non-reactive to acidic foods, such as tomatoes or vinegar, ensuring that your food maintains its flavour and the cookware remains undamaged.

Cons:

• Price: High-quality stainless steel cookware sets can be expensive, especially those with multiple layers of cladding.
• Maintenance: Stainless steel cookware may require more elbow grease to clean, especially when food sticks to the surface. Proper maintenance, such as hand washing and avoiding abrasive cleaning tools, is necessary to keep them in good condition.
• Weight: Stainless steel cookware tends to be heavier than other materials, which can make it cumbersome to handle, especially for those with weaker wrists.
• Heat Retention: While stainless steel distributes heat evenly, it may not retain heat as well as other materials, such as cast iron. This means that stainless steel cookware may take longer to heat up and may not stay hot for as long.

How to clean stainless steel cookware

Stainless steel pans are a great addition to your kitchen because they heat up quickly and evenly, retain heat well, and are durable. However, they are not impervious to burnt-on messes and discoloration. Here are some tips on how to clean and maintain your stainless steel pans:

Before Cleaning:

• Always check the manufacturer's instructions for specific washing tips.
• Although stainless steel pans are often marketed as dishwasher-safe, hand-washing is typically the best way to clean them.
• To avoid warping, always let your cookware cool down before cleaning.
• Never use abrasive tools like steel wool or harsh cleaners like bleach or oven cleaner on your stainless-steel pans, as these can permanently damage the surface.

Everyday Cleanup:

• For light cleaning, scrub your stainless-steel pan with hot soapy water and a nonabrasive sponge.
• If there is stuck-on food, fill the pan with enough soapy water to cover the residue, bring to a boil, and scrape with a spatula or wooden spoon.
• Allow the pan to cool, then wash as usual.

Removing Tougher Stains:

• For burnt food or oil, a simple and inexpensive way to clean stainless steel pans is to use baking soda. Add a few spoonfuls to your scorched pan, and enough water to cover the burnt areas. Bring to a boil and simmer until most of the water has evaporated.
• Turn off the heat and wait until the pan is cool enough to handle. Scrub away buildup with a nonabrasive sponge and wash in hot, soapy water.
• A commercial cleaner such as Bar Keepers Friend can also be used to clean stainless-steel pans, following the manufacturer's directions.

Removing Discoloration:

• Stainless steel pans may develop rainbow-colored discoloration due to overheating. To remove this, splash some vinegar in your pan and wipe the area with a soft sponge before rinsing and drying fully.
• Hard water can leave cloudy-looking residue on your stainless-steel pans. To remove this, bring a mixture of one part vinegar to three parts water to a boil in the pan. Let it cool, then wash with soap and water.
• To prevent water spots in the first place, be sure to dry your cookware immediately after washing.

Prevention:

• Remember that cold foods are likelier to stick to a hot pan, so allow refrigerated ingredients to sit at room temperature for 10 to 15 minutes before cooking.
• To prevent food from sticking, preheat your pan before adding oil, then wait until the oil is hot to start cooking.
• When cooking pasta, wait to add salt until after the water is already boiling to avoid pitting corrosion, which causes small, irreparable dents in the bottom of your pan.

With these simple tips, you can extend the life of your stainless-steel pans and keep them in pristine condition.

Stainless steel vs. nonstick cookware

Stainless steel and non-stick cookware are two of the most popular and prevalent styles of cookware. While both have their pros and cons, they are both incredibly useful in the kitchen and can be used to cook a variety of dishes.

Stainless Steel Cookware

Stainless steel is the go-to choice for most professional chefs. It is incredibly durable and, unlike non-stick cookware, can withstand high heats and even go in the oven. Stainless steel is also non-reactive, so it's safe to use with acidic ingredients. It is also compatible with all types of cooktops, including gas, electric, halogen, and induction.

However, stainless steel cookware can be more expensive, and food can stick to its surface. It can also be more challenging to clean, as burnt-on food may require some elbow grease to remove.

Non-Stick Cookware

Non-stick cookware is designed to make life in the kitchen easy. Food doesn't stick to its slick surface, which makes cooking and cleaning a breeze. It is also ideal for cooking delicate foods like fish, eggs, and pancakes, as these are less likely to break apart when being moved in the pan.

Non-stick cookware is also generally cheaper than stainless steel. However, non-stick cookware needs to be replaced every few years when the cooking surface wears down. It is also not suitable for high-heat cooking and is not broiler-safe.

Both types of cookware have their advantages and disadvantages, and the best approach is to have a mix of both in your kitchen. Stainless steel is ideal for searing, braising, and cooking acidic foods, while non-stick is perfect for cooking eggs, pancakes, and other delicate foods.

How to cook with stainless steel cookware

Stainless steel cookware is a popular choice for professional chefs and home cooks alike. It is durable, versatile, and can be used for a wide range of cooking applications. Here are some tips on how to cook with stainless steel cookware:

• Preheat your pan: Stainless steel is porous when cold, so it's important to preheat your pan before adding any food. This will help to close the pores and create a smooth cooking surface. You can test if your pan is ready by dripping a few drops of water on the surface - if they sizzle and dance, your pan is hot enough.
• Use medium to moderate heat: Avoid using high heat on your stainless steel pans as it can damage the pan and the food inside. The only time you need to turn up the heat is when boiling liquids.
• Add fat: After preheating your pan for a few minutes, add a source of fat such as butter or oil. Different fats have different smoking points, so choose one that suits your cooking temperature. For example, use butter for low heat when cooking eggs, olive oil for moderate heat when sautéing vegetables, and grapeseed or vegetable oil for high heat when searing proteins.
• Don't move your food too early: Once you've added your food to the pan, give it time to cook before trying to move it. If you try to move it too early, it will stick to the cooking surface. The stainless steel surface will release your food when it is ready to be flipped. You can test this by gently nudging your food from side to side.
• Be careful with delicate ingredients: When cooking delicate ingredients like fish or eggs, add a little extra oil to the pan to reduce sticking. Make sure your pan and oil are properly preheated, and let your food cook for a sufficient time before stirring or flipping.
• Let the pan cool before cleaning: Avoid rinsing or washing a hot stainless steel pan as it can cause permanent warping. Always let the pan cool to room temperature before cleaning.
• Don't use steel wool: Stainless steel pans can be damaged by abrasive cleaning materials like steel wool. Instead, use non-abrasive sponges or scrubbers, and mild detergents to clean your pans.
• Pop them in the oven: Stainless steel pans are oven-safe, so you can use them for stove-to-oven recipes. Just make sure to check the manufacturer's instructions to ensure your pan is oven-safe and that any lids or plastic parts can also withstand the heat.
• Avoid thermal shock: Stainless steel pans can warp if subjected to thermal shock, so avoid extreme temperature changes. Don't place a hot pan in cold water, and always allow the pan to cool to room temperature before cleaning.

Best stainless steel cookware sets

Stainless steel is a great option for cookware because it is durable, can handle high temperatures, and is oven-proof. If you are looking for a new set, here are some of the best options on the market.

Tramontina Tri-Ply Clad 10-Piece Set

This set is a great option if you are looking for amazing quality at a reasonable price. Each piece is made of 18/10 stainless steel wrapped around an aluminum core, which means that it will heat evenly every time you use it. It is also induction compatible. The set includes a range of pots and pans of different sizes, so you can easily find the right one for your needs. The only potential downside is that some people might find the pots unbalanced, as the weight is centered in the middle.

All-Clad D5 Stainless Brushed 5-Ply Bonded Cookware Set

If you are looking for a high-end set that will make your neighbors jealous, this is the one for you. The All-Clad set includes two frying pans, two saucepans, a saute pan, and a stockpot. The 5-ply bonded construction with layers of stainless steel and conductive aluminum provides warp-free strength and even heating. The ergonomic handles stay cool while cooking, but some people might find them uncomfortable. The set is oven- and broiler-safe up to 600 degrees Fahrenheit and can be used on any cooking surface, including induction.

Made In 10-Piece Stainless Set

This set is a customer favorite due to the durability of its products. The 5-ply stainless steel cookware includes all the essential pans for anyone who loves to cook. The pans heat evenly and are extremely balanced, making them easy to use. They are also oven-safe up to 800 degrees Fahrenheit and have a lifetime warranty. The only potential downside is that the set does not include a nonstick pan.

Le Creuset Stainless Steel Cookware Set

If you are looking for a high-quality set with a large number of pieces, this is a great option. The Le Creuset set includes a frying pan, two saucepans, a saute pan, and a stockpot. The pans have a full aluminum core for great heating properties with no hot spots. The exterior layer contains extremely durable titanium to guard against scorching. The set is oven-safe up to 500 degrees Fahrenheit. However, some people might find that it does not include a large enough frying pan or storage accessories.

All-Clad D3 Tri-Ply Stainless Steel 10-Piece Cookware Set

This set is a great option if you are looking for top-quality All-Clad cookware. Each piece is made of three layers: a stainless steel interior and exterior, and an aluminum core. The skillet has sloped edges, which make it easy to flip ingredients. The handles are uniquely shaped, with a thin, long, deep indent that promotes a good grasp. The set is oven-safe up to 600 degrees Fahrenheit, but the brand recommends hand-washing the pieces.

Frequently asked questions