When it comes to cooking, high-quality kitchen utensils are crucial. Good cookware will allow you to make your favourite meals and experiment with new ones with confidence. Better yet, knowing the properties of your cookware will enable you to choose between the stainless steel pots and non-stick pans in your cupboard when you need them for different uses.
As not all cookware is created equal, we at Kitchenways have put together this guide to stainless steel vs non-stick cookware, so you can know what will suit your cooking needs best. After reading this blog, you will know which type of cookware is best for you.
Alternatively, you may need both types of cookware to make a broader range of meals and will then be able to determine which should be used in different circumstances. Keep reading to find out the differences between non-stick and stainless steel.
Pros And Cons Of Non-Stick Vs Stainless Steel Cookware
To understand the differences between cookware, stainless steel vs non-stick, we will look at the pros and cons of each. Knowing the advantages and disadvantages of each will help you determine which cookware type suits your cooking style and needs best or if you need both types for the different meals that you enjoy.
Pros Of Stainless Steel Cookware
- Can be washed in the dishwasher
- Doesn’t rust or lose its coating
- Durable and can last a lifetime if well cared for
- Better at searing and browning than non-stick
- Safe to use with metal and sharp utensils
- Oven safe, even at high temperatures
Cons Of Stainless Steel Cookware
- Food can burn to the bottom of the pot or pan
- Harder to clean than their non-stick counterparts
- Can be more expensive than non-stick products
- Requires more care and attention to prevent sticking or burning during cooking
- Not ideal for food that sticks easily, like eggs or pancakes
Pros Of Non-Stick Cookware
- Easy to clean
- Convenient and easy to use
- More affordable than stainless steel options
- Ideal for delicate foods like eggs, fish and tofu
- Prevents food from sticking to the pan
Cons Of Non-Stick Cookware
- Less durable and long-lasting than stainless steel
- The non-stick coating can chip, be scraped or flake off
- Cannot use sharp or metal utensils with a non-stick pan
- Can be damaged by high heat
- Is not always dishwasher safe
- Requires more careful care, cleaning and storage to protect the non-stick Teflon surface
Uses Of Stainless Steel Cookware Vs Non-Stick
Now that you know each type of cookware’s pros and cons, we can consider their applications. As each type suits different dishes best, consider which foods you like to make and how each will fare with your style of cooking.
Stainless Steel Cookware Uses
Stainless steel pans and pots can be used to cook just about anything, which is one of the main reasons they are so popular with avid cooks. If you use enough fat and heat, most foods will not stick to the surface because they will sear instead. As stainless steel can also handle high heat, this type of cookware is also ideal for boiling, braising and poaching.
Non-Stick Cookware Uses
As non-stick pans are damaged by excessive heat, lower heat is one of the major defining features of cooking with a non-stick pan. This type of cookware is ideal for more delicate foods, as mentioned above. So if you enjoy making eggs, tofu, pancakes or delicate fish, then a non-stick pan is the best option for you.
With non-stick pans and pots, you will not be able to sear your food. As searing requires high heat, this form of cooking is not recommended with non-stick. You will also want to avoid acidic foods, like tomato sauce or wine-based sauces. The acid wears away the Teflon coating, damaging the cookware and reducing its lifespan.
Should I Get Non-Stick Or Stainless Steel Pots And Pans?
Choosing between these two types of cookware will depend on what kind of food you like to cook, as each has very different applications. Since most keen cooks like to make a variety of meals, we recommend buying one or two non-stick pans for cooking dishes that are known to stick to the pan while investing in high-quality stainless steel for your other cookware needs.
With both options, you should look out for a heavier-bottomed pan or pot, as this allows for even heat conduction and helps prevent burning.
If you want to know more about the cookware that we offer, get in touch with us today. We will be happy to help you stock your kitchen with high-quality utensils you can rely on.
