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Writer's pictureDaniel Marrero

Cookware common Q&A

Stainless Steel Cookware.

Stainless-steel still is by far the superior choice for cookware. An investment in Stainless-steel cookware is a great investment, and if treated correctly, a set of superior quality stainless-steel pots and pans can last you a lifetime. Stainless steel is the best choice for hot temperatures on the stovetop and the oven. Stainless is a top-notch product but is also a durable long-lasting

metal.


Preferred by Chefs, for their durability, and heat distribution capability. And if used correctly a stainless-steel pan can keep food from sticking. The advantage of using stainless steel is the fact that they will not rust or corrode. But remember always dry pots and pans with a soft cloth, do not let your stainless cookware air dry.


Pans and Acidic Foods.

Cooking acidic foods in stainless steel is not recommended. The materials found in stainless steel, (Nickel, Chromium) react with the acidic foods (Leaching) The best cookware for acidic foods are.


· Glass Cookware.

· Ceramic Cookware.

· Enamel Coated Cast Iron cookware.


Is it bad to put a hot pan under cold water?

Submerging or soaking a hot stainless-steel pan, (or any pan for that matter) in cold water will cause the warping of your cookware. When cleaning your cookware only use non-abrasive cleaners and sponges. Coarse scrubbers and household cleaners can damage its finish.


Seasoning your pans.

Knowing which oils to use when seasoning your stainless-steel cookware.


· Peanut Oil.

· Vegetable oil.

· Grapeseed Oil.


Using oils on a nonstick pan.

With non-stick cookware, you don't need much oil. in fact, you don't even need to cover the entire bottom of the pan. You can use just enough to provide a protective layer between the food and the bottom of the pan.


Is olive oil bad for nonstick pans.

The answer is NO, cooking in extra virgin olive oil will NOT ruin your non-stick pans.

That is merely a myth.


Can nonstick pans be stored in the fridge?

The answer is YES, once again not being able to store nonstick cookware in the fridge is a myth.


Is it bad when you have scratches on nonstick cookware?

The answer is YES, the pan itself will start making food stick more often. To avoid this from happening use the proper utensils and avoid using metal.


Can nonstick pans be recoated?

The answer is Yes it can, but not recommended. The process of recoating a nonstick pan is an exceedingly long process, with the cost of material, and chemicals you would be better off buying a new set of cookware.


How long does nonstick cookware last?

The average life span of a nonstick pan is 4-5 years. I've had some nonstick pans longer than that, you will know when your nonstick pan is on its on its way out, if the surface starts to peel or you notice pitting. To avoid this from happening use the correct utensils, not metal.


What if I have eggs sticking to the bottom of my pan?

Make sure you add butter or oil to the bottom of the pan to create a barrier between the food, and the bottom of the pan. If foods are starting to stick to your cookware, Investigate the integrity of your cookware. It may be time to replace them.


6 Common Mistakes That Are Ruining Your Nonstick Pans.

· Avoid Using Metal Utensils.

· Avoid Preheating While Empty.

· Avoid Using Nonstick Cooking Spray.

· Avoid Using It for High-Heat Cooking.

· Avoid Rinsing with Cold Water While Hot.

· Avoid Washing in the Dishwasher.


Number 3 on this list “Cooking Spray” has never been an issue for me. Like I said previously I have had nonstick pans forever, and cooking spray has not been a problem for me.

While seasoning stainless steel pans is not required, most add the seasoning process to create a smoother nonstick surface.


Food sticking to Stainless-steel pans.

If you find that food is sticking to your stainless-steel pans, I’ll explain why. Stainless steel has pores in them that open and close when heated. Putting food in your cookware when not properly heated will cause the food being cooked to latch on these opening and closing pores causing the sticking of food.


Cloudiness on your cookware.

The cloudiness in your cookware is caused by hard water, (Tap water with dissolved calcium in it). Follow this instruction to get rid of the cloudiness, boil 1 part vinegar to 3 parts water, let stand till water is cool. Once cooled, swoosh around one or two times discard water, and with a soft cloth dry the pot or pan.


Knowing the safety of your Stainless-Steel cookware.

The question was brought up regarding how safe it is to cook with stainless-steel? Cooking with stainless-steel is very safe. Stainless-steel does not emit toxic chemicals in the air when heated. Unlike Teflon nonstick cookware when heated to 500 degrees or above.


Cooking on a stainless-steel pan without sticking.

Easiest method of cooking foods without sticking is simple, pour a couple drops of water into a stainless-steel pan heated on high. If the droplets crackle and roll to the sides of the pan, that means your pan is the right temperature.


What utensils to use with Stainless-steel.

Just like any cookware you own; you want to maintain it to last. Stainless is a durable metal which means a scratch or two will not affect the performance of the pan. But you still do not want it all scratched up either, to maintain your cookware looking good, try using non-metal utensils when possible. However, if you feel that your cookware is looking a little grungy and want to refurbish the look of your cookware you can start buffing out your pan with olive oil, or mineral oil. (Remember when buffing, always buff in the direction of the grain).


What is the rainbow tint on my pans?

A protective layer is formed on your pan when chromium and air mix. When Stainless Steel is heated to high temperatures, the oxidized layer gets thicker, which creates a rainbow tint.


Stainless-steel And Dishwashers.

Stainless steel is an alloy formed of iron and chromium. This alloy creates a surface which protects the underlying metal from corrosion. This created surface makes the cookware dishwasher safe and rust free. Note: Stainless-steel will rust and corrode overtime with continues exposure to salt water, or corrosive conditions.


Places to avoid using Stainless-steel.

Avoid using stainless on a grill, or in a microwave. Stainless-steel cookware is meant to be used at moderate heat, even though it can withstand up to 500- or 600-degrees F. A grill has the potential to get much hotter, which can damage and warp the metal.


How to store your cookware.

If stacking your cookware in storage, remember to use pan pads to avoid pans touching, no matter the style of cookware you buy keeping them scratch free is necessary. Deep drawer cabinet would be ideal, but not everyone has one, but another good place is under the oven storage drawer.


Non-Stick Cookware (For Easy Clean up).

Light weight, lighter than stainless-steel, and a lot lighter than cast iron. Non-stick cookware is best for lighter cooking. like eggs, especially scrambled, pancakes and searing fish. Nonstick cookware comes in two types, regular and ceramic.


When is it time to discard nonstick cookware.

· When Pan Is Warped. Warping will not cause any danger but will not help in the performance of your cookware.

· A dark Discoloration forms in the cookware.

· If your pan has too many Scratches, that means the nonstick Teflon surface has been compromised. The fragility of nonstick pans is the reason they are not found in some restaurants or used by professional cooks.


Would there be a problem boiling water in a nonstick pan?

Non-stick coating begins to degrade at approximately 500'F. Water will reach a little over 200 degrees, which means the coating will not get affected, even the parts that the water doesn’t reach would be ok.


List of safest cookware for restaurants or home.

· Cast Iron.

· Stainless-steel.

·100% Nontoxic Ceramic glass.

· Enamel Coated Cast Iron.


How do you clean nonstick pans?

Follow my guide on https://www.danielscookwareblog.com

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