Choosing Stainless Steel Cookware

All stainless steel cookware is made differently.  When it's time to look for a new cookware, depending on your needs for everyday cooking or special occasion, there are many factors to consider.

• Look for stainless steel cookware that is more resistant based on the content of nickel.

Stainless steel cookware often contains 18% of chromium with either 10% or 8% of nickel or lower.  The content of chromium and nickel in stainless cookware also refers as 18/10 or 18/8, etc.  The lower nickel content reflects the higher corrosive rate, less durable cookware.

• Look for aluminium or copper-coated base stainless cookware.

The aluminium or copper-coated bottom increases the cookware's performance in spreading the heat evenly thus providing better heat conduction. 

• Aluminium-base vs. copper-base stainless steel cookware.

Depending on your cooking needs, determine which one will fit best.  Aluminium-base takes longer time to heat up but retains cooking temperature longer while copper-base is quickly in heating up and cooling down. 

• Look for the disc thickness for better heat conduction.

For excellent heat distribution, choose aluminium disc thickness between 3.0 mm and 5.0 mm.  A good copper cookware will have the disc thickness from 1.0 mm to 2.0 mm.

• Determine if tri-ply is necessary.

Ply refers to the layer of metal used to construct the cookware.  The most popular tri-ply is stainless steel with aluminium.  In this type, the aluminum core is sandwiched between two layers of stainless steel which provides better heat conduction and durability.  It also has a classy look and mirrored finish.  Keep in mind that the more layers of metals in the cookware, the thicker and heavier the pot or pan is, and the more expensive the price it tends to be.

Review these suggestions and choose the best cookware that meets your budget and cooking needs.  Knowing what you want and what you can afford, the pot and pan you purchase is worth the investment for your everyday cooking entertainment.  Ready to look for a set or pot or pan, browse stainless steel cookware to find one that meets your needs.