Having stainless steel cookware in your kitchen is a great investment. This is because they have exceptional heating performance, and are quite durable. For your cookware to serve you for a long time, you have to use and maintain them excellently. Stainless steel cookwares offer the versatility not only to professionals but also to home users.
Quality stainless steel cookware is corrosion resistant and has low-maintenance care. Cookware without aluminium has a longer lifespan as well as adequate heat conductivity and the retention. If you are lucky enough to acquire stainless steel cookware, then you have the best cookware you could have. It is paramount that you protect this essential cookware so that you enjoy its immense benefits.
Stainless Steel Cookware Use and Care
Using Stainless Steel Cookware
The luxury of Stainless Steel Cookware and its availability has made cooking an excellent experience over the years. This goes hand in hand with knowing how to use your stainless steel cookware. You may not believe this, but how you use your cookware may have a significant influence on the food you finally cook. It also impacts the longevity of your cookware. For you to get great results with cookware without aluminium, you must know how to use them well. This is how to do it;
Avoid food from sticking
When using your stainless steel cookware, you have to make sure that food does not stick when cooking. To achieve this, add oil but not too much. Oil acts as a hindrance between the food and pan you are using. Pour enough oil to coat the pan; you can add more if your recipe calls for that. After adding the oil, let it swirl around the pan as it continues heating. Never add food to cold oil, for that is what makes it to stick.
Preheat
Before using any of your stainless steel cookware, you have to pre-heat before starting to cook. The pan you are using should be pre-heated before adding food. Do not assume your pan is hot already. You must be sure. Test by sprinkling a few water droplets on the pan to check the temperature. If the droplets dance easily on the surface of the pan without evaporating, you can start cooking.
General cooking
Cooking with stainless steel cookware requires a lot of keenness, the first thing you should note when cooking is using low to medium heat. Remember, the center part of your cookware conducts heat well; hence high heat is not essential. Starting your cooking at low temperatures ensures that your food does not get scorched. It also prevents your cookware from discoloring and getting damaged. The heat will continue getting consistent as you go on cooking to reach your desired level.
When using high-quality stainless steel cookware never add frozen food because that causes your cookware to warp. This happens because of varying temperatures. No matter how inconvenient, always allow cold food to warm up before using it on your stainless steel cookware.
Go for the best
This is an important aspect when it comes to using your stainless steel. Remember that the value you get is determined by what you pay for. Using finely crafted cookware gives you exceptional results. The best one makes the best food. Not just that, they will also serve you for a lifetime.
Non-abrasive utensils
You should ensure that you make use of non-abrasive utensils anytime you are cooking with stainless steel cookware. The reason is they tend to cause surface scratches. Instead, choose to use heat-proof silicone spatulas when cooking. They are the best and never cause any scratches.
Be patient
Anytime you are cooking meat, be patient till the pan you are using gives you a go ahead. Hence when searing, you will notice a barrier created amid the cookware and meat. It will start browning already and if you want to check if its ready use a spatula. However, if you feel like your meat is sticking, give it a bit of time; don’t forcibly lift it.
The brown bits
Discarding the brown bits also known as “fond” is a no. They can form a great flavor. Once you remove your food from your pan, drain the fat. After that, add some water to enable you remove the brown bits. You can add more water to your preference then season it. This will make a delicious sauce.
Care for the Stainless Steel Cookware
- The best way to care for your stainless steel cookware is cleaning every day – It would help if you did this by hand-washing your cookware in warm, soapy water for the best results. After you have cleaned your cookware, dry them thoroughly using a soft cloth. After that, store them. Using a dishwasher is not advised because of the adverse effects of the detergents used on stainless steel. However, if you must use a dishwasher, ensure you take out your cookware once the wash cycle is done, then dry them by hand.
- Once you dry your cookware and still pesky water spots forms, dampen the surface of the cookware with a sponge and rinse – Your sponge should be sprinkled with baking soda for the best results. Never use metal scouring pads on your stainless steel cookware. Also, avoid abrasive cleaners. Though they are excellent at doing away with stuck-on food, they may scratch the surface of your cookware. That is not good, and that is why you should always use nylon-net scouring pads.
- Taking good care of your stainless steel cookware is undebatable – This is so because once you understand how to care for them correctly, they will give you the best service possible. Apart from that, your cookware will remain in their original shape, making them valuable products to have in your kitchen. Also, anytime you are not using your stainless steel cookware, ensure you keep them away from moisture.
Final Words
Knowing how to use and care for your stainless steel cookware is the only way to have an enjoyable time in your kitchen. We can all agree that stainless steel cookware’s are valuable assets to have due to the immense benefits they deliver. If cared for properly, they can serve you years without wearing out. If you have never considered cookware without aluminium, then it is time to upgrade your cookware to have a stainless steel set. You have no idea how much fun cooking you are missing.
Using and caring for your cookware requires a lot of discipline. What you should always remember is to allow your cookware to cool off totally before washing. You do not want your cookware to suffer irreparable warping. Also, learn to have a cleaning routine and sticking to it; consider cleaning your cookware immediately after use.
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