The Pros & Cons of Stainless Steel Cookware
We all know that stainless steel cookware is a popular choice in many kitchens. It’s durable, easy to clean, a safe and non-toxic cookware, and can withstand high temperatures without warping or melting.
However, there are also some disadvantages to using this type of cookware. In this article we will be discussing the pros and cons of using stainless steel cookware so that you can make an informed decision about what type of pots and pans to use in your kitchen.
Let’s begin with the pros of using stainless steel cookware.
Pros of Stainless Steel Cookware
#1 – Easy to Clean
Stainless steel cookware is easy to clean because it’s not porous. It does not absorb food so the dirt just wipes off easily with a sponge or cloth.
#2 – Durable
Stainless steel is a very durable material that can withstand high temperatures without warping or melting, so it’s perfect for use in many types of cooking environments! The materials are also incredibly easy to maintain because they do not rust and will never flake.
#3 – Versatile
You can cook almost any type of dish in stainless steel cookware, including deep fried foods. You can even use it on an induction stovetop.
#4 – No questionable Teflon coatings
Teflon is often used to give cookware its non-stick surface. The ingredients in Teflon (known as PFAS) are poisonous if heated to a high temperature, and can also flake off. These ingredients are called forever chemicals because they exist in our environment (and bodies) and never disappear. It’s been estimated that PFAS can be found in the bodies of 99% of Americans.
Cons of Stainless Steel Cookware
Now that we’ve discussed the pros let’s talk about some of the cons associated with using this type of cookware. There are a few disadvantages to using stainless steel pots and pans, which include:
#1 – It can leach heavy metals into food
If you cook a lot of acidic foods like tomatoes in in stainless steel, it can leach heavy metals. These metals include iron, chromium, and nickel. While iron and chromium are essential elements for the body, nickel is not, and may have potential health downsides.
#2 – Not nonstick
Stainless steel is not a good choice if you are looking for pots and pans that have an easy release surface or feature a nonstick coating. This can make it more difficult to cook certain foods, especially things like eggs.
#3 – Can be heavy
Some stainless steel cookware sets are heavier than their counterparts, which can make it more difficult to use.
In Summary
Stainless steel cookware is easy to clean, durable, versatile, and free from iffy non-stick coatings. On the downside, it can leach heavy metals into food if you cook acidic foods often, it’s not non-stick, and it can be heavy to use and clean.
All in all, it’s a much better alternative to typical non-stick cookware, especially in terms of safety. At Better Goods, we strongly recommend avoiding all Teflon-coating non-stick cookware.