How to switch to stainless steel?

The Stainless Steel Pan: A Durable and Safe Ally for Your Kitchen

Stainless steel is known for its durability and ability to withstand very high temperatures, making it the ideal material for your cookware such as pots and pans.

One of the great advantages of stainless steel is its complete neutrality in contact with food. Unlike some other cooking materials, stainless steel does not release particles or chemical substances into your food.

Why is Teflon Used in Cookware?

Teflon, or polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), is prized for its exceptional nonstick properties. However, at high temperatures, Teflon can release harmful substances (PFAS), leading many consumers to prefer safer alternatives like stainless steel. These chemical compounds, often used to create stain- and heat-resistant surfaces, pose significant health risks.

The Dangers of PFAS

1. Health Risks : PFAS, nicknamed “forever chemicals,” are associated with a variety of health problems. They can persist in the environment and accumulate in the human body. Long-term exposure to PFAS has been linked to harmful effects on the liver, kidneys, and may increase the risk of certain cancers.

2. Food Contamination : When heated, especially at high temperatures, coatings containing PFAS can break down and release toxins into food. This invisible but potentially dangerous contamination is a risk you don’t have to worry about with stainless steel.

3. Environment and Sustainability : PFAS do not break down easily in the environment, contributing to persistent pollution. Their production and disposal pose significant environmental challenges, a problem that does not exist with stainless steel, which is fully recyclable.

The Myth of Stainless Steel Pan Stickiness: Decoding and Practical Advice

Stainless steel cookware often suffers from an unfair reputation for promoting food sticking. In reality, a well-used stainless steel pan is quite capable of cooking all sorts of foods without them sticking. Getting the most out of your stainless steel cookware is as easy as mastering a few simple tricks.

The Secret of Temperature

The key to preventing food from sticking to a stainless steel pan is to heat it properly. Unlike coated pans, stainless steel cookware requires a precise temperature to ensure a smooth cooking experience. Here's how:

1. Heat to the Right Temperature : Start by heating your pan on your hob at about 2/3 of its power for about 2 minutes. An ideal temperature is generally between 140°C and 180°C. To check if the pan is ready, splash a few drops of water on its surface. If the drops roll in the shape of balls, the temperature is perfect. If they explode or evaporate instantly, the pan is still too hot or not heated enough.

2. Use a Thermometer : For maximum accuracy, you can use an infrared thermometer to monitor the temperature of your pan. This is a handy tool to ensure you don't exceed 180°C, beyond which food can burn and stick.

The Maillard Reaction: Your Culinary Ally

One of the most fascinating aspects of cooking with stainless steel is the Maillard reaction . This chemical reaction occurs when proteins in food brown under heat, creating rich, complex flavors (at 180°C, the Maillard reaction stops). Here's how to take advantage of it:

1. Lightly Grease : Contrary to popular belief, it is not necessary to drown the pan in oil. A light oiling with a soaked paper towel is more than enough. This thin layer of fat helps delicate foods like fish or eggs not to stick. If you are cooking meat, red or white, fat is not mandatory.

2. Patience and Observation : When you put meat in the pan, it will stick at first. Let it cook without moving. After about 30 seconds, check with a stainless steel spatula: the meat will come off by itself once caramelization has started. This is a sign that the Maillard reaction is underway, adding a delicious flavor to your dish. If you try to turn your meat before, the first layer that is in contact with the stainless steel will stick to the pan.

If some foods stick, you can deglaze with a little water or lemon juice.

Stainless Steel Stove Maintenance: Simple and Effective

Here’s how to best maintain your stainless steel utensils:

Daily Cleaning

1. Sponge and Hot Water : After each use, clean your pan with a sponge on the green side (abrasive) and hot water, with a few drops of dishwashing liquid added. For stubborn residue, a stainless steel ball sponge is also possible. It polishes the stainless steel without scratching it.

2. White Vinegar and Baking Soda : If food has burned on it or if black spots appear, use a mixture of baking soda and white vinegar. Apply this solution to the pan, let it sit for a few minutes for the foam to take effect, then scrub with a sponge or cleaning brush. This method removes stubborn residue and restores your pan to its natural shine.

What to Avoid

1. Never Use Bleach : Bleach can attack the surface of stainless steel and cause damage. Also avoid very abrasive cleaners that could scratch the surface of your pan.

Discover Our Selection of Stainless Steel Pans on Amphitria

Want to adopt stainless steel for healthier and more efficient cooking? Find a wide selection of the best stainless steel pans on Amphitria. Whether you're searing meat, simmering dishes or cooking tasty sauces, our collection offers you a range of quality options, adapted to your needs.