Stainless Steel Pans: Picking The Perfect One

Stainless steel is an alloy of steel and chromium, and it's a popular choice for modern kitchens. It's durable, easy to maintain, versatile, and safe. But with so many options available, how do you choose the right stainless steel pan? Here are some key factors to consider.

First, look for a pan with an aluminium or copper core. These metals are excellent heat conductors, and adding them as a core layer gives the steel more even heat distribution and retention. You'll often see these described as tri-ply or 5-ply, indicating the number of layers of metal.

The grade of stainless steel is also important. The highest grade is 18/10, which has a higher ratio of chromium to nickel, making it more durable and oven-safe.

When it comes to weight, heavier is usually better. Heavier pans are made with more material, which allows for more even cooking.

Additionally, consider the brand's reputation and choose one that is well-known for its quality and safety standards.

Lastly, don't forget to check the handle. Riveted handles are generally more durable, and stainless steel handles are oven-safe.

Look for an aluminium core for even heat distribution

Stainless steel is not a good conductor of heat on its own. Therefore, stainless steel pans are often layered with a heat-conducting metal like aluminium or copper. Aluminium is a great conductor and adding it to the layers of metal gives the steel more even heat distribution and retention. Copper is also a common material in the "core" of stainless cookware. Like aluminium, copper is a great conductor and helps the steel heat more evenly.

When shopping for a stainless steel pan, look for one with an aluminium core. This will ensure that your pan heats up quickly and evenly, resulting in better cooking performance.

It is important to note that while aluminium is an excellent heat conductor, there are some concerns about its potential health risks. Some people believe that cooking with aluminium can cause the metal to leach into food, especially when used with acidic foods. However, in stainless steel pans with an aluminium core, the aluminium is fully encased in two other layers of metal, so there is no opportunity for the aluminium to interact with the food.

In summary, when choosing a stainless steel pan, look for one with an aluminium core to ensure even heat distribution. This will improve your cooking experience and help you achieve better results. Just be sure to purchase a reputable brand to ensure that the aluminium is properly encased and will not come into contact with your food.

Check the weight: heavier pans are usually better

When shopping for a stainless steel pan, it's important to check the weight. Heavier pans are usually better and more durable.

Stainless steel is often layered with a heat-conducting metal like aluminium or copper. This is because, on its own, stainless steel is a poor conductor of heat. The number of layers is indicated by the ply of a pan. For example, a 3-ply pan means that there are three layers of metal.

Higher-end cookware uses 3-ply or 5-ply construction, which means there are several layers of metal, increasing the weight of the cookware. When it comes to stainless steel, heavier generally means higher quality. Heavy steel means durable construction, more additives in the steel recipe to increase strength and corrosion resistance, more layers for better heat retention, and often a core that increases weight as well.

However, depending on your preferences and strength, some cookware can be too heavy. When shopping, look for the weight in the product description and compare that to the weight of other cookware to get an idea.

Choose the right grade of stainless steel: SS304 is the safest for food contact

When choosing a stainless steel pan, it's important to select the right grade of stainless steel to ensure optimal performance and durability. SS304, also known as 18/8 or 18/10 stainless steel, is the safest and most common grade for food contact applications. Here's why choosing SS304 is a wise decision:

Corrosion Resistance

SS304 stainless steel exhibits excellent resistance to corrosion in various environments and when exposed to different corrosive media. It has a higher chromium content, typically around 18%, which enhances its ability to resist corrosion. This makes it ideal for kitchenware that will come into contact with a variety of food items and cleaning products.

Ease of Fabrication

This grade of stainless steel is widely used due to its ease of fabrication. It can be readily formed into different shapes, making it perfect for creating pans with specific designs and features. Additionally, SS304 can be strengthened through cold working processes, ensuring that your cookware maintains its durability over time.

Heat Resistance

SS304 stainless steel has good resistance to oxidation at high temperatures. While continuous use at certain temperature ranges is not recommended, SS304 can handle intermittent service up to 870°C and continuous service up to 925°C. This makes it suitable for high-heat cooking applications without worrying about warping or damage to the pan.

Food Safety

The composition of SS304 stainless steel is safe for food contact. It is non-porous and non-reactive, meaning it won't leach chemicals or affect the taste of your food. You can cook acidic foods without worrying about discolouration or metallic tastes, ensuring that your culinary creations always turn out as expected.

Durability

SS304 is known for its durability and longevity. Its high chromium and nickel content contribute to its strength and resistance to wear and tear. This means your SS304 stainless steel pan will be a long-lasting addition to your kitchen, providing reliable performance cook after cook.

When choosing a stainless steel pan, selecting SS304 grade stainless steel ensures that you're getting a safe, durable, and high-performing piece of cookware. Its corrosion resistance, ease of fabrication, heat resistance, food safety, and durability make it the ideal choice for anyone looking to invest in quality kitchen equipment.

Ensure the pan is fully clad for better heat conduction

When shopping for a stainless steel pan, it's important to ensure that the pan is fully clad for better heat conduction. This means that the pan has a heat-conductive core of aluminium or copper that stretches up to the rim of the pan, rather than just a disc at the base.

Stainless steel does not conduct heat well on its own, so a layer of a more conductive metal is required to improve its heating capabilities. A fully-clad pan will distribute heat more evenly, reducing the likelihood of hot and cold spots, and will also retain heat better.

The number of layers in a pan is usually indicated by the number of "ply". Tri-ply pans have a single layer of aluminium or copper sandwiched between two layers of stainless steel, while five-ply pans have two additional layers of metal, usually with a core of aluminium or copper and an extra layer of stainless steel.

While tri-ply pans are more lightweight and heat up faster, five-ply pans are heavier and retain and distribute heat better. They are also less likely to warp, especially on induction hobs.

Assess the handle: is it oven-proof and riveted?

When choosing a stainless steel pan, it is important to assess the handle to ensure it is oven-proof and riveted.

Firstly, you should consider whether the handle is oven-proof. This is an important factor because it will determine whether your pan can be used in the oven. Stainless steel pans are known for their versatility and compatibility with different heat sources, including ovens and induction cooktops. Being able to use your pan in the oven is advantageous as it offers a wider range of cooking options. For example, you may want to start cooking something on the stovetop and then finish it off in the oven, such as a steak or a braise. Therefore, choosing a pan with an oven-proof handle will give you more flexibility in the kitchen.

Additionally, it is recommended to look for a pan with a riveted handle. Rivets are small pieces of metal that are crushed between the handle and the pan to hold them together securely. While other methods such as welding or screwing are also used to attach handles, rivets are generally considered more durable and are less likely to fail suddenly. They provide a strong and rigid interconnection between the handle and the pan. However, rivets can be more challenging to clean, especially with higher temperatures that can burn grime onto or near the rivet heads. This is particularly true for frying pans and saute pans, which deal with higher temperatures. Therefore, if you opt for a pan with a riveted handle, be prepared to put in a little extra effort to keep it clean and hygienic.

In summary, when choosing a stainless steel pan, look for one with an oven-proof handle to maximise your cooking options. Additionally, consider a pan with a riveted handle for added durability, but be prepared to put in a bit more effort to keep it clean.

Frequently asked questions