Whether you're whipping up a delicious Sunday roast, a mouth-watering holiday feast, or a simple yet tasty tray bake, the right cookware is crucial for achieving perfect culinary results.
But, if you’re a fan of stainless steel cookware, there’s a lot of misinformation and myths knocking about that might just put you off using it. Fret not however! In this guide, we’ll clear up some common misconceptions and bust through some myths to help you appreciate just why stainless steel is a kitchen favourite.
We may even have the solution to all your stainless steel cookware worries – but you’ll have to keep reading to discover more…
Myth I: food sticks to stainless steel cookware
There is a pervading myth that suggests food sticks more to stainless steel pans – but, this isn’t exactly true. While stainless steel pots and pans don’t usually have a non-stick coating, there are ways to prevent sticking. This material simply demands a different approach compared to non-stick pans, and when used correctly, can be just as efficient.
The secret? Proper preheating and oiling.
This essentially creates a temporary, natural non-stick layer, making stainless steel cookware just as user-friendly as any other type of pan. With practice, you'll find that cooking with stainless steel is both rewarding and enjoyable, offering excellent results without the frustration of stuck-on food.
To avoid food sticking, we recommend:
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Preheating your pan on a medium heat. You’ll know it’s ready when a droplet of water dances and skitters across the surface. This is a sign that the pores in the metal are closing, creating a smoother cooking surface.
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Use oil or butter. By making sure that the fat coats the entire cooking surface, you create a barrier between the food and the pan. For delicate foods like eggs, tilt and swirl the pan to spread the oil evenly.
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Let any meat sear undisturbed. Allowing them to form a crust will enable it to naturally release from the pan. This not only prevents sticking but also creates a delicious, caramelised crust known as the fond.
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Exploring non-stick options. At Circulon, our SteelShield™ collection has stainless steel-coated peaks within our iconic Hi-Low non-stick technology, protecting your pan from scratches.
Myth II: stainless steel cookware is difficult to clean
Doing the dishes is arguably the worst part of spending time in the kitchen – and many people avoid stainless steel cookware because they think it’s hard to keep clean. But, this isn’t true. While you may need to stay on top of cleaning more than with other materials, following the proper care and maintenance can make cleaning stainless steel cookware less of a chore and more of a routine part of your cooking process. There are of course, a couple of tricks that can make it easier for you, like:
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For routine cleaning, start by soaking your pan in warm, soapy water to loosen any food residue. This initial soak helps to break down oils and food particles, making them easier to remove. After soaking, use a non-abrasive sponge to gently scrub the surface.
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For more persistent stains, simple household solutions can work wonders. White vinegar is particularly effective for removing rainbow stains and white spots caused by mineral deposits. Pour a small amount of vinegar onto the affected area and let it sit for a few minutes before scrubbing.
While stainless steel cookware is technically dishwasher safe, hand-washing is recommended to preserve its finish and prevent any damage that high heat and detergents might cause. It's also important to avoid plunging a hot pan into cold water, as this can cause thermal shock, potentially warping the metal.
Myth III: stainless steel cookware rusts easily
When people think of metal, it’s hard not to think of rust. And, this is obviously something that you don’t want in your kitchen, or anywhere near your pots and pans.
But, the idea that stainless steel rusts easily is incorrect. Stainless steel includes chromium, which forms a protective layer on the surface when exposed to oxygen. This layer acts as a shield, preventing the iron in the steel from reacting with moisture and oxygen to form rust. Meaning stainless steel is actually less prone to rusting than other metals when looked after properly.
To minimise the chances of any rusting, there are some things you can do.
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Dry your cookware thoroughly before storing it. Rust typically occurs due to prolonged exposure to moisture or improper cleaning methods that damage the protective chromium layer.
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Opt for gentle cleaning methods, such as using a non-abrasive sponge and mild detergent. Using abrasive cleaning agents or steel wool can scratch the surface of stainless steel, exposing the iron in the steel to oxidation, resulting in rust.
Myth IV: stainless steel cookware warps easily
High-quality stainless steel cookware, when used correctly, is incredibly resilient and can serve you well for many years. But, some think that it can be prone to warping. Warping can occur if a metal is subjected to sudden temperature changes, such as immersing a hot pan in cold water. This rapid shift can cause the metal to contract unevenly, leading to bends in the previous shaping.
To further avoid any risks of warping, we recommend using low to medium heat for most cooking tasks, reserving high heat for specific purposes like boiling water or reducing sauces. Allow your pan to cool gradually before cleaning, and avoid placing a hot pan directly into cold water.
Myth V: stainless steel cookware can’t handle acidic foods
Perhaps the biggest myth about stainless steel cookware is that it can't handle acidic foods – and you should steer clear of cooking them in this type of pan. However, while you need to be vigilant against any wear, stainless steel’s non-reactive nature makes sure that your food remains free from any unwanted metallic tastes or contamination. This is a significant advantage over materials like aluminium or copper that can react with acidic ingredients.
The reason? Mixing chromium into the steel. This forms a thin chromium oxide layer when exposed to oxygen, which acts as a shield, preventing any reactions between the food and the metal – thus preserving the taste and safety of your dishes.
Overall, cooking with acidic foods in stainless steel is entirely safe and won’t affect the quality of your meals. So, whether you're simmering a tangy tomato sauce or making a citrus marinade, you can confidently use your stainless steel cookware without worrying about leaching or flavour alterations.
Myth VI: stainless steel cookware needs endless polishing
One of the main draws to stainless steel in the kitchen is the shine it brings. Whatever your style or kitchen colour palette, steel brings an effortless sophistication to any home set-up. But, how can you maintain this style? One of the myths that float around is that you will constantly need to polish and shine your cookware to have it looking great.
But, this isn’t really accurate. As with any cookware, you will obviously need to clean it properly after use. Routine cleaning with warm water, mild soap, and a non-abrasive sponge is usually sufficient to keep your cookware looking pristine. And, this everyday care helps remove food residues and grease without scratching or dulling the finish.
For tougher residues that may require more effort, you might want to think about using a specialised stainless steel cleaner. These cleaners are formulated to tackle stubborn stains and discolouration without damaging the surface. However, it's important to note that such intensive cleaning is typically only necessary occasionally, not after every use.
It's essential to avoid using harsh cleaning agents or metallic pads, as these can scratch the surface of the cookware and diminish its gleam. Instead, opt for gentle cleaning tools and products that are safe for stainless steel. Regularly drying your cookware after washing also helps prevent water spots and keeps it looking polished.
But that’s all. The best stainless steel cookware will not need polishing every day to keep it looking perfect – simply stick to a clean after use mindset as you would with anything else in your kitchen.
Myth VII: stainless steel cookware is expensive
At Circulon, we offer top-notch cookware at reasonable prices, making it accessible for home cooks to enjoy the benefits of stainless steel without spending a fortune.
Investing in well-made stainless steel cookware may actually save you money in the long run. Stainless steel is known for its durability and resistance to rust, corrosion, and staining. This means that, unlike cheaper alternatives that may need to be replaced frequently, high-quality stainless steel cookware can last for many years, providing reliable performance throughout its lifespan.
But don’t just take our word for it! At Circulon, we’re so confident that your cookware will last for years and years of use that both the SteelShield™ & ScratchDefense™ Multi-Layer Stainless Steel with Extreme Non-Stick collections are covered by our Limited Lifetime Guarantee.
Make sure you sign up to our Guarantee Registration to make the most of your Limited Lifetime Guarantee – and even find handy tips and tricks to boost your cooking confidence…
Making the most of stainless steel cookware
Stainless steel cookware is a fantastic choice for both professional chefs and home cooks, thanks to its numerous advantages. From its impressive durability and corrosion-resistance, to its versatility and stunning aesthetic in the kitchen, stainless steel offers benefits that make it a staple in any culinary setting.
But, there are some ways stainless steel cookware can be improved; from heat distribution, to improving your cooking experience without losing the style that you’ve (literally) taken a shine to. Luckily for you, we pride ourselves on constantly learning and evolving our technology to offer you the best options for your home.
And, we’ve got a few tricks up our sleeve that make our stainless steel collections the best out there – which makes this the perfect time to mention our fantastic new collection…
Introducing ScratchDefense™ Multi-Layer Stainless Steel with Extreme Non-Stick
Combining our exclusive, exceptional ScratchDefense™ Extreme Non-Stick with a Multi-Layer Stainless Steel construction, this is the ultimate ultra-tough cookware engineered to last a whopping 200 years of extreme use*.
But how?
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A thick aluminium core: stainless steel alone is a poor conductor of heat. To change this, we’ve introduced a solid aluminium core for superior heat distribution, retention, and resistance.
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Our exclusive Triple-Layer ScratchDefense™: avoid all the hassle that can come with cooking on stainless steel with this collection. Instead, incorporated our exceptional Triple-Layer ScratchDefense™ Extreme Non-Stick technology for seamless food release.
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Superior scratch resistance: not only is our Extreme Non-Stick providing top-notch food release – it’s engineered for unparalleled scratch resistance, even with metal utensils, lasting 130x longer than the closest competitor!
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Durable stainless steel: a highly polished stainless steel exterior not only looks stunning, but maximises the durability of these pans.
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Ergonomic design: the ergonomic handle is designed for comfort and safety in the kitchen, so you can cook with all the flair of a pro!
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Supreme heat resistance: move from hob to oven with ease. This collection is oven-safe up to 260℃ (lids to 180℃).
*Based on Independent Laboratory Tests simulating rigorous cooking conditions instead of typical cookware use.
Want to see what we mean? Check out some of our favourite products, including…
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ScratchDefense Multi-Layer Stainless Steel Extreme Non-Stick Induction Frying Pan & Lid - 32cm.
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ScratchDefense Multi-Layer Stainless Steel Extreme Non-Stick Induction Saucepans - 2 Sizes.
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ScratchDefense Multi-Layer Stainless Steel Extreme Non-Stick Complete Pan Set - 7 Pieces.
Each and every element of this collection has been considered, tested, and evaluated to make sure that everything combines to offer you the best stainless steel cooking experience possible. All you’ve got to do now is give it a try!
Find the best stainless steel cookware at Circulon
Kit out your kitchen direct from Circulon to get the UK’s best range of stainless steel cookware. Our sets typically include essential pieces like saucepans, frying pans, and stockpots, and each item is crafted to make your cooking experience smooth and hassle-free.
Plus, with our exclusive ScratchDefense technology, you can be safe in the knowledge that your non-stick cookware won’t scratch – ever.
While you’re here, don’t forget to explore the rest of our collection. Find amazing quality Bakeware to whip up tasty treats for friends and family, or pick up some new Kitchen Knives for ultimate performance and precision in the kitchen.
Shop ScratchDefense™ Multi-Layer Stainless Steel cookware at Circulon
For more cookware and bakeware buying guides, information and advice, explore the Circulon blog…
What You Need to Know When Buying Kitchen Knives | The Definitive Oven & Baking Tray Buying Guide | The Ultimate Non-Stick Pan Buying Guide
