Avoid These 6 Common Stainless Steel Cookware Mistakes While Cooking
From searing meats to sauteing vegetables, stainless steel cookware is a kitchen favourite in India. It looks sleek, stylish, and is a perfect addition to modular kitchens. But as amazing as it is, using it the wrong way can quickly turn a cooking adventure into a sticky and burnt mess. The good news? Most of these issues are totally avoidable. Whether you are a cooking novice or a seasoned chef, knowing what to avoid can make a huge difference in your everyday cooking experience. Here are 6 common stainless steel cookware mistakes to avoid.
Avoid These 6 Common Stainless Steel Cookware Mistakes While Using; Photo Credit: Pexels
Also Read: Non-Stick Vs Cast Iron: Are You Using The Wrong Cookware For Your Food?
1. Overheating The Pan Before Using
One of the most overlooked and common mistakes people make when using stainless steel cookware is overheating their pots and pans. This leads to discolouration, can cause dents, and make the food stick to the cookware. Not sure how to know the right temperature?
To begin with, if your stainless steel pot is smoking even before you put the ingredients in, it's too hot. Always keep the flame medium high and test with a few drops of water. If the water droplets dance on the surface of the pan, it is ready.
2. Adding Oil To A Cold Pan
When work and responsibilities kick in, we all look for shortcuts to make cooking easier and less time-consuming. However, small habits, such as adding oil to a cold stainless steel pan, might be increasing your workload. How?
Adding oil too early causes it to seep into the pores of your metal. This makes the surface of your favorite cookware sticky. Instead, let the pan preheat for a few minutes and then add the oil. Now, allow the oil to heat and then add the ingredients. This way, you can create a natural non-stick surface like a seasoned chef.
3. Not Thawing Frozen Food
Everyone loves the convenience of using frozen vegetables or meat to prepare quick, delicious recipes. However, throwing cold food directly onto a hot stainless steel pot can shock the metal, causing the food to stick like superglue.
So, the next mistake you may want to avoid when using stainless steel cookware is not thawing your frozen food. Always allow the food to rest at room temperature for at least 10-15 minutes before cooking. This will also improve its texture, promote even cooking, and reduce the chances of food sticking to the surface.
Avoid These 6 Common Stainless Steel Cookware Mistakes While Using; Photo Credit: Unsplash
4. Not Cooling The Pan Before Washing
The next common mistake people make when using stainless steel cookware is not cooling their pots and pans before washing. Did you know that putting a hot stainless steel pot under cold water can cause it to bend into the wrong shape? Although it might seem a time saver, this simple habit can cause a lot of damage in the long run.
Therefore, always let the pan cool down naturally for some time before washing. Also, make sure to use warm water instead of cold water to minimise the damage.
5. Not Drying The Stainless Steel Cookware
Another common mistake people make when using stainless steel cookware is not drying it properly. While this type of cookware doesn't rust easily, it can get damaged. Hard water can potentially cause calcium deposits or tarnish the shine with visible marks. Thus, it is best to dry stainless steel pans and pots thoroughly before storing them away. Use a dry cloth or paper towel to wipe extra water and let the cookware air dry.
6. Using Harsh Cleaning Methods And Products
We all want our daily use pots and pans to be free of odour and stains. But we often forget that stainless steel cookware is durable and not invincible. Using abrasive cleaners like steel wool or harsh cleaners can cause scratches, ruining its overall appearance and shine.
Instead, use soft sponges along with warm water to gently wipe the surface of the cooking utensils. If you want to get rid of burnt food, soak the pan in a solution of warm water with baking soda. This gentle cleaning process will keep your old pan shining like a new one.
Avoid These 6 Common Stainless Steel Cookware Mistakes While Using; Photo Credit: Unsplash
Products Related To This Article
1. Wonderchef Stella Silver-Toned Stainless Steel Pan-20 cm
2. Nyra Kitchenware Silver-Toned & Black Dishwasher Safe Stainless Steel Cooking Handi
3. Sumeet Silver-Toned Stainless Steel Dishwasher Safe Cook and Serve Casserole 1.7L
4. Wonderchef Nigella Tri-Ply Stainless Steel Frying Pan 1.8 L
5. Pigeon Stainless Steel Outer Lid Pressure Cooker with Induction 3 L
6. Sumeet Stainless Steel Dishwasher Safe Tasla
7. Wonderchef Silver-Toned Easy to Clean Stainless Steel Sauce Pan
8. Wonderchef Venice Silver-Toned Stainless Steel Induction Base Pressure Cooker
9. UMAI Silver-Toned Stainless Steel Food Steamer
10. Sumeet Steel Stainless Steel Induction Base Tasla
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What should not be cooked in stainless steel cookware?
Although stainless steel cookware is quite sturdy, certain foods may be best suited for other types of cookware. For instance, some foods like eggs and pancakes may be more challenging than others.
2. What is the trick to cooking with a stainless steel pan?
The trick to cooking with a stainless steel pan is to allow it to heat evenly before adding the ingredients. Similarly, it is important to use a sufficient amount of oil to prevent the food from burning or sticking.
3. Why is everything sticking to my stainless steel pans?
If your food keeps sticking to a stainless steel pan, there can be a number of factors responsible. For instance, the pan might not be hot enough, or the oil may not be enough. Additionally, you may be rushing to flip or move food, causing it to stick further.
4. What will ruin a stainless steel pan?
Although stainless steel cookware is very durable, certain techniques can damage its longevity. This includes using abrasive cleaners, overheating pans, or using improper cooking methods.
5. What to do before the first use of a stainless steel pan?
Before using your new stainless steel pan, the best thing to do is to clean it properly under running water. Use warm, soapy water to remove all dirt and gunk and have a clean slate. Next, you can season your pan with a thin coating of oil and heat it until it smokes.
Now that you know the common stainless steel cookware mistakes, you can dodge the bullet and cook fancy meals without making a mess. Small steps like heating the pan properly, using adequate oil, and not washing it directly under cold water can yield big results. Say goodbye to burnt or stuck food and get ready to make the most out of this smooth and cleaner cooking process with stainless steel cookware.
Disclaimer: The images used in this article are for illustration purpose only. They may not be an exact representation of the products, categories and brands listed in this article.
