Before you go out and buy a set just by reading the paragraph above, STOP! Because if you are planning to buy one, you need to know that it comes in two different series, both cookware set with different budgets.
The 300 series
This series is very cheap but trades the price with its durability and corrosion resistance. It further comes in 2 grades, the 304 and 316. The first is less strong, while the latter is more hard and resistant to rust. But, with great power comes a great difference in price.
The 400 series
This series is the one you should opt for if you are planning to buy stainless steel cookware just for your health and safety as it is more resistant to rust and corrosion and more durable than the lower series. It will surely be more expensive, but you can’t find a better material in the market than steel.
Now that we understood the types of stainless steel, I should tell you another thing. Stainless steel isn’t a good conductor of heat. For that, you should get clad cookware. It is cookware made of stainless steel, but consists of 3 layers. The outermost and innermost layer is made of steel, while the middle one is made of aluminium or copper, which are both good conductors of heat.
This means that the middle layer will conduct the heat, but won’t affect the food as it is between 2 material layers which are not reactive at all. Now that you know all the nooks and crannies of stainless steel cookware, you should go and buy it! Don’t forget to thank me later though!
The Best Budget Stainless Steel Cookware
If you’re on a budget and you’re looking for an stainless steel cookware set, you should definitely check out the 10 Piece Calphalon Classic Stainless Steel Cookware Set (Find out here). I still remember my struggles in finding a decent cookware set. There were many cooking blogs and reviews I had to go through and this stainless steel cookware set has to be the greatest thing that I purchased during my college years. Not only did I save a lot of money, I found that I loved cooking during my spare time.
The 10-Piece Stainless Steel Cookware Set
I ordered mine from amazon so it was delivered in a box that contained an 8-in. and a 10-in. Frying Pan, a 1.5-qt. and a 2.5-qt. Saucepan with cover, a 3-qt. Sauté Pan with cover, and a 6-qt. Stock Pot with cover.
My Opinions
I really like the fact that they have see-through lids as I can see what’s happening to my food. They’re made out of tempered glass. They also have straining holes which is a bonus when I’m draining my ramen noodles. What I notice about these stainless steel pots and pans is that they heat up very quickly. The heat also get’s spread evenly too. My housemates were also impressed with this stainless steel cookware set as they have worked with more expensive and high-quality cookware sets (All-Clad and Cuisinart).
Even though the set is made dishwasher safe, I really don’t think that any type of cookware, whether it be kitchen knives and plates, should be placed in a dishwasher. There were many complains about this stainless steel cookware having many issues such as the pots and pans were very hard to clean and their foods were sticking to it. First of all, my cookware set is still shiny and functioning well after three years. I advise you to season your pan by heating it with oil on high heat before using it and to use a Bar Keepers Friend, which is a cleaning agent, at least once a week.
I really hope you try this stainless steel cookware set as I have yet to be disappointed in my set. Don’t let other’s negative comments get in your way!