Rules for the selection and use of stainless steel frying pans for home. Tips for choosing a stainless steel frying pan Stainless steel non-stick

Today, all professional chefs are switching to stainless steel cookware. This material has many advantages. According to professionals, stainless steel retains the original taste of products, vitamin and other useful components. But not every saucepan and frying pan will last long. How to choose stainless steel kitchen utensils for quality and durability?

About the article:

Product characteristics

High-quality stainless steel cookware has the following advantages:

• Rust resistant.
• Not exactingness to care.
• Long service life.
• The ability to turn food with cutlery made of any material.

But, in addition to the advantages, stainless cookware has the following disadvantages:

• When frying food or stirring it improperly, the food can burn.
• If an empty stainless steel pan is overheated, colored streaks may form on the surface.

Reviews of chefs are advised to use non-stick stainless steel pans for stewing food. And so that the cooking process is not overshadowed by burning, it is necessary to purchase a pan with a thickened bottom and walls.

Non-stick cookware

Modern best stainless steel pans are coated with a non-stick layer. It is very important that this layer is at least 20 mm. If the cookware is covered with a smaller layer of non-stick layer, then it will quickly become unusable. The best models of frying pans produced by major cookware manufacturers have a five-layer coating, each of which performs its own, strictly defined function.

In most cases, the highest quality steel is used to make non-stick pans. Plus, high-quality cookware models made by the best manufacturers are labeled 18/10. These designations indicate the content of nickel and chromium in the composition of the product.

The best utensils

Reviews of professional chefs working in restaurants and cafes claim that the stainless steel Luxstahl frying pan is an excellent choice for the kitchen. The Luxstahl brand is an example of German quality. For the production of tableware, the company uses the highest quality steel, which does not react with food and retains the beneficial properties of any ingredient in dishes. But the main secret of Luxstahl pans lies not in the high quality of the metal used for production, but in the unique configuration of the bottom.

The bottom of the Luxstahl cookware is perfectly flat, which ensures uniform heating and heat distribution over the entire surface of the pan. The bottom structure itself is a three-layer product consisting of two layers of steel and one intermediate layer of aluminum. Due to the aluminum layer, the heat evenly heats the surface of the pan, and does not allow the food to burn.

If you do not know how to choose a stainless steel frying pan, pay attention to the Indokor brand products. It is a South Korean company specializing in the production of kitchen utensils.

The assortment includes:

• Rice cookers.
• Equipment for vacuum packaging of products.
• Induction cookers.
• Stainless steel cookware.

The housewives' special attention is drawn to the Indokor frying pans made of stainless material.

This product has the following advantages:

• Resistant to mechanical damage.
• Ease of cleaning.
• Hygiene.

The Indokor frying pans will be equipped with a unique multi-layer bottom, which will prevent food from burning. Aluminum and copper interlayers included in the bottom structure evenly distribute heat and keep it inside the cookware. All cookware of this brand can be used in dishwashers and induction cookers.

Grill pans

Cookware manufacturers regularly update their product lines, creating interesting, unique models. For example, a frying pan Grill gas made of stainless steel will allow you to cook fish, meat, vegetable dishes at home without using oil.

Among the advantages of this model, the following should be noted:

• Excellent taste of food cooked in a ha-grill pan.
• The minimum amount of time required to prepare any dish.
• Roomy volume.
• Economical gas consumption.
• Convenience and ease of use.
• Durability.

When choosing a suitable gas grill pan, pay attention to the material of manufacture. The best is a stainless steel product covered with fireproof enamel. Thanks to the non-stick coating, food does not burn, retains its juiciness and useful qualities.

A few secrets

It is important to consider the type of heating element in order for the pan to fit perfectly on the stove.

• Any type of cookware is suitable for gas stoves.
• For cooking on glass-ceramic stoves, it is recommended to purchase pans with a thick and flat bottom.
• Induction designs require the use of special kitchen utensils.

At the end

How Do I Pick a Good Stainless Steel Frying Pan? Pay attention to cost and brand. Well-known companies are trying to produce quality products that will last a long time. By choosing expensive dishes known to the darkness, the user will enjoy the excellent quality of the purchase for a long time. Also, when choosing a frying pan, it is recommended to take into account the advice of experienced chefs working with professional kitchen utensils.

A frying pan is a must-have kitchen attribute. Housewives especially appreciate non-stick pans - they are both more convenient to cook on and easier to wash. Let's figure out how to choose a high-quality non-stick frying pan and what criteria to follow when choosing.

Pros and cons of materials for making pans

Modern pans are made from various materials:

• aluminum;
• cast iron;
• stainless steel.

Each metal has its own characteristics, disadvantages and advantages.

Aluminum frying pans

Aluminum is considered to be the most durable cookware material. Its durability is difficult to dispute. Modern manufacturers favor stainless steel, but aluminum is still common.

Pros of aluminum pans:

• if such dishes are made in a stamped way, then they are quite lightweight and easy to use;
• low cost;
• a cast pan will keep warm for a long time and heats up quickly;

Minuses:

• burning during cooking;
• the best option is a gas oven. An electric stove will deform the bottom;
• fairly light weight compared to others.

Cast iron pans

It is believed that cast iron cookware has long outlived its usefulness and went out of fashion. But you can find a cast-iron frying pan in the kitchen of a good hostess. This “old fashioned” material has many advantages.

Pros:

• cast iron is not harmful to health;
• versatility: it doesn't matter which stove you use for frying, cast iron will not deteriorate in any case;
• durability.

Minuses:

• material may rust. But proper care will extend the service life;
• storing food in such dishes is not recommended, since it can not only change the taste, but also acquire a dark shade;
• great weight.

Stainless steel pans

Stainless steel is a relatively new material for making cookware.

Pros:

• stainless steel cookware does not rust for a long time, the service life is longer;
• does not harm health.

Minuses:

• requires more careful and careful care;
• it cannot be heated without food.

Aluminum pans and non-stick coating

Aluminum pans have their own characteristics. There are several types of coatings:

• ceramic;
• titanium;
• diamond;
• teflon;
• marble.

Modern production methods and materials for coating pans provide them with some features:

1. The coating makes the pan more heat-resistant.
2. A quality choice will be environmentally friendly.
3. Alkalis, acids and other chemicals will not spoil the quality and surface, will not affect the life of a high-quality coating of non-stick cookware.

When choosing, you need to take into account the thickness of the non-stick layer. If the manufacturer did not skimp on Teflon or titanium, you can be sure of the long service life of the pouda. The aluminum frying pan with a titanium-ceramic protective layer stands out for its special quality.

Non-stick cast iron pans

Cast iron cookware differs not only in weight, but also in quality. The material from which it is made allows food not to burn during cooking. Therefore, the non-stick layer is rather not for this purpose. Cast iron rusts over time. You can slow down this process, but you will have to wipe the pan immediately after washing. Additional coating will make it easier to clean the dishes and slow down oxidation. The only disadvantage of this choice is the high price.

Properties of the non-stick stainless steel frying pan

Stainless steel itself names its main advantage: the almost zero risk of corrosion is a great advantage of the material. But when buying and choosing, you do not need to skimp. This is because the non-stick coating is vulnerable. If the thickness of the walls is decent, it will be possible to save him. This choice will not come cheap. But the purchase will also last a long time due to its properties and quality.

Types of non-stick coatings and their properties

Teflon

Teflon coated frying pan

The teflon layer has a more complex name - polytetrafluoroethylene. In fact, only one manufacturer named it "Teflon". In other countries, you can find other names for Teflon.

Most often they are treated with Teflon. The coating allows you to use less vegetable or animal fat for frying. Surface care is not difficult.

However, it is worth remembering that caution when working with Teflon comes first. Sharp objects will shorten its lifespan by causing scratches.

Do not heat above 200 degrees, otherwise the material will be hazardous to health. The toxic gases that Teflon can emit at high temperatures is a significant disadvantage.

Ceramic coating

Ceramic protection

The ceramic coating contains sand microparticles, and its main part is a nanocomposite polymer.

The ceramic coating will not be environmentally harmful at any temperature. And also perfect for those who eliminate fats from their diet. It is completely optional to add oil when frying, and this will not affect the quality of cooking and the further taste of the dish.

You need to wash such a frying pan exclusively with your hands: a dishwasher can spoil vulnerable protection. Like Teflon, ceramics will not be scratched or damaged by forks, knives and other utensils.

Marble coating

Adding marble chips

This coating is made of Teflon, but has its own advantages and differences. Adding marble crumbs allows the pan to hold the temperature better and heat up faster. Unlike other non-stick coatings, marble is easier to tolerate scratches and temperature changes. This means it will last longer.

The manufacturers' pricing policy will not please. Of course, you can buy an inexpensive option. But after a short period of time, you will have to overpay by buying a new kitchen accessory. If the coating is thick enough (more than 8 layers), then the price will be justified by the good durability in the kitchen.

With careful care, the pan will last about 20-25 years.

Diamond non-stick coating

Adding diamond dust

The name of such a coating sounds beautiful and very attractive. Manufacturers have been using diamond dust not so long ago. In fact, diamond is far from the basis for such a coating for a frying pan. The main part of the covering layer is the same Teflon. The addition of diamond dust is not used for a non-stick effect, but only to increase the strength of such a product.

A diamond-coated frying pan will delight you with its durability for many years. And the manufacturer promises that this new way of making pans is more environmentally friendly.

The miracle cookware heats up in a couple of minutes, and keeps it warm for a very long time. Despite the fact that expensive material is used in the production, it easily tolerates washing in the car.

The only drawback is the high cost. Obviously, diamond plating is not cheap, but the price is justified by the convenience and durability.

Titanium plated

Titanium plated

The titanium coating has one distinguishing feature: cookware has never been coated with pure titanium. It is only an additional element to improve the durability of the layer. You can freely say that a titanium-coated pan is a relative of a cast iron pan. However, it costs an order of magnitude more.

Its main advantage is resistance to damage and scratches. Do not be afraid of knives, metal blades and forks, they will not spoil such a coating.

How to choose a non-stick frying pan

When choosing, you should take into account several nuances:

• type of stove;
• price level;
• the possibility of careful use.

If the kitchen is equipped with an electric stove, any frying pan you like will do, but a gas stove can harm some materials. Usually the manufacturer indicates on which stove the pan can be used. Not all coatings will remain intact after exposure to fire.

The handle and lid are an equally important nuance. Many people do not pay attention to details, but the quality and material of the handle is very important. Now there is an opportunity to purchase a frying pan with a removable handle - it is very convenient. But what is more important is the material and reliability of the handle attachment.

Choosing a frying pan is where size matters. If possible, it is better to take several pans for different purposes. For example, a thick bottom and high side are not suitable for making pancakes. However, a thin bottom can ruin stews or meat. A large skillet will be very handy for stewing. But then for pancakes and pancakes, you should purchase a separate thin dish.

The most popular brands of non-stick pans

European manufacturers have taken care of the quality of their products in the best possible way. But the rating of the best frying pans also includes Russian brands:

1. Tefal - France;
2. "Neva-metal dishes" - Russia;
3. Biol - Ukraine;
4. Rondell - China;
5. Kukmara - Russia;
6. TVS - Italy;
7. Swiss Diamond - Switzerland;
8. Ballirini - Italy.

Tefal is currently the most popular manufacturer of non-stick pans. All models from this manufacturer have a non-stick coating. The materials used for the production are of very high quality. Despite this, there are budget options. This product has received awards more than once.

The manufacturer provided the buyer with a wide selection: aluminum, cast, stainless steel pans.

"Neva-metal" - the products of the St. Petersburg plant, which produces cast utensils with a non-stick coating. Buyers have a choice between coatings such as ceramics, titanium, metal polymers. Domestic products are popular due to their low prices. It is noted that the coating can wear off within a year, but food will not stick to the bottom.

Biol is a Ukrainian company that has received many awards for its short existence. The main advantage of the products is environmentally friendly materials for manufacturing. On the shelves you can see aluminum and cast iron pans.

The company was founded in Germany, but opened production in China, while, according to customer reviews, the quality has also decreased. At the same time, a distinctive feature of Rondell pans is a guarantee of up to 25 years. Also among the clear advantages is a triple fused bottom, which improves thermal conductivity. Buyers argue that the price of this brand's frying pans is not justifiably high.

This domestic manufacturer is popular in the CIS countries. The buyer is presented with a wide assortment: cast, with a non-stick surface. Safe materials are used in production.

The quality of the cookware of this brand is appreciated all over the world. The brand produces a variety of pans: non-stick, ceramic, granite, titanium coated. It is possible to purchase a frying pan with a removable handle.

The Swiss manufacturer boasts the addition of diamonds to the coating material. This ensures the durability and environmental friendliness of the cookware. The high price is fully justified by the quality.

Basically, the Italian company entered the European markets and found its buyer there. Pans with titanium and granite inner surfaces are of excellent quality. The buyers noted the reliability and safety of the materials.

Frying pan SENSUELL was bought by me in Ikea about a year ago - I had been looking closely at it for a long time, but the price seemed too high, and then it was finally included in the list of goods that had a discount on the IKEA Family card for a month. Since then, she has honestly worked in the kitchen - most often cutlets or steaks are fried on her, but sometimes she is also used to cook ordinary scrambled eggs. Let's try to figure out whether it is worth having such a thing on the farm.

First of all, I want to draw your attention to the fact that this the pan does not have a non-stick coating , so frying on it without oil does not make sense. But it is necessary to warm it up well - it is good that, apparently, due to the three-layer structure (a layer of aluminum between two layers of stainless steel) it does not take much time. Warmed up, greased with vegetable oil and then we begin to cook with a subsequent decrease in temperature.

Separately, it should be said about the dimensions of the pan. The site says diameter 28 cm (there is also 24 cm), and height - 6 cm ... Note that the diameter is given at the top, while the bottom has a smaller diameter - about 21 cm ... This is worth paying attention to if you are choosing a pan for use on a glass-ceramic hob, when it is important that the diameter of the bottom of the pan and the burner match. In general, this pan is positioned as suitable for all types of stoves.

If the size can be considered optimal, then the weight presents some problem - it is not very convenient to use an almost two-kilogram frying pan. I did not weigh her, but at least the Ikea website states that her weight - 1.9 kg ... Therefore, I advise you to think before buying whether you are ready to "pump up your muscles" with this frying pan. In the end, if you do not calculate the force, then you can accidentally damage that very glass-ceramic surface ...

Otherwise, I did not notice any serious shortcomings or features. The handle is quite comfortable and has a silicone rubber insert on the bottom.

By the way, I had to buy the lid in Ashan - I didn't like the Ikeevskaya HOLIG at all, because it sat in the pan somehow unevenly, as if it did not fit in diameter. In addition, its design does not provide for a steam outlet.

Bottom line: As a non-stick skillet, it's not a bad option. Food sometimes does burn, but not fatally. For me, the main disadvantage is still its weight.

Aesthetically pleasing stainless steel pans perfectly match the design and spirit of a professional kitchen. They look stylish and have a number of advantages that other types of pans lack. Stainless steel dishes are appreciated and often purchased by hostesses. In most cases, catering establishments should also be equipped with it.

This type of cookware is used to quickly reheat ready meals or to fry food. In the event of overheating and burning food, the pan does not emit any substances harmful to the human body, which makes stainless steel the number one choice for catering kitchens.

Advantages and disadvantages

• First of all, it is the appearance. The shine of stainless steel will decorate any kitchen.
• Low weight will delight female chefs. Even in models with a thickened bottom, the massiveness inherent in cast iron is not observed.
• Overheating, burning food or mechanical damage does not affect the quality of the material in any way. Steel does not emit toxic or harmful substances. It also does not change the taste or smell of food.
• The main purpose of the frying pan is to be used in conjunction with, which requires steel dishes for the magnetic effect. But this fact does not interfere with heating the pan on any heating equipment (only a microwave oven will not work).
• Steel does not rust and does not undergo oxidation, which distinguishes this material favorably from aluminum.

All the disadvantages of stainless steel are reduced only to the loss of the appearance of the pan:

• Greenish or bluish spots appear on the bottom if the cookware is heated when empty. The quality of the steel does not change, it is just a visual defect. Stains can be easily removed if desired.
• The situation is more complicated with oil burnt on the outside of the pan. It is difficult to wash it off.
  Stainless steel is afraid of abrasive detergents. If you clean the pan with the use of powders, you can lose its aesthetic appearance - ugly scratches will appear on the polished surface and it will fade.

Main types

As you would expect, stainless steel and pans made from this material will most widely used in the kitchen.

Due to the popularity of Asian dishes, wok pans with great depth and rounded shapes have appeared on the market. It is convenient to fry, stew, boil or steam in such a dish. The frying pan has neat handles and a glass lid. A convex bottom implies constant stirring of food during cooking (they move towards the center all the time). For use on an electric hob, spherical flat-bottomed models are available.