Non-Stick vs. Stainless Steel Pans
If you are shopping for pans, you might be a little bit confused by the wide variety of options available to you. Pans come in so many sizes and finishes, it can be hard to even know what you need. Here, we look at non-stick and stainless steel cookware and how they compare to each other, to give you a sense of which type of pan you should buy.
Why are pans made of stainless steel?
Stainless steel pots and pans are durable, scratch-resistant, and perfect for browning food beautifully. Further, because stainless steel is a non-reactive metal, it will not lend a tinny flavour profile to acidic dishes. This makes a stainless steel saucepan the perfect vessel for cooking tomato sauces like marinara or meat sauce. Stainless steel cookware has a thin profile, which gives you more control while you are cooking because it responds quickly to temperature shifts. It is a good option for cooking proteins, since stainless steel browns meat easily and allows you to see the level of browning while you cook. Stainless steel has a high melting point, so you need not worry that your stainless steel casserole pan will suffer any damage when you stick it into the oven.
What does non-stick mean and how is it created?
Non-stick cookware has a slick coating that prevents food from sticking to its surface. Typically, these pans are made of aluminium and coated with a chemical coating that creates the non-stick coating. Non-stick pans used to contain harmful chemicals like PFOA, but because of health concerns, these chemicals are being phased out. Now, non-stick pans are made in a variety of different ways to achieve the same result.
The pros and cons of stainless steel pans
We have listed some of the benefits above, including how stainless steel does not impart flavour to your sauces, allows you to achieve a beautiful sear, and will not melt in the oven. Stainless steel lasts a long time, and is durable, cooks evenly, and is generally dishwasher safe. If you are not careful with stainless stell cookware, though, you may end up with cooked-on food that is hard to scrub off of your pan, and if you buy low quality stainless steel pans, you may find that they corrode.
The pros and cons of non-stick pans
Non-stick pans are beneficial in that you can cook using less oil than with uncoated cookware, so it is easier to cook healthier meals. The pans are easier to clean once you are finished cooking, because the non-stick coating allows the food to slide right off of the pan. They are perfect for delicate dishes like eggs or crepes, but they cannot typically achieve the same searing and browning effect that a stainless steel pan can deliver. Rather than browning, foods cooked in a non-stick pan tend to steam in their own juices. Additionally, while non-stick pans are certainly convenient, they do carry potential health risks. Even though PFOA is the chemical of most concern, there are still other chemicals like PTFE that are used to create non-stick coating. Many scientists, environmentalists, and consumer advocacy groups are concerned about these chemicals and their impact on human health. Non-stick pans are safer than they used to be, but it is still wise to take precautions when using them. Never heat a non-stick pan on a burner when the pan is empty, and never turn your burner above medium when using a non-stick pan. If you notice that the coating is beginning to chip or flake, throw the pan away rather than risking your health. The good news is that because of these concerns with the coating, cookware manufacturers are finding innovative new ways to create cookware that is non-stick without the drawbacks.
At Forge & Fig, we offer Anolon non-stick cookware
This revolutionary cookware from Anolon features SearTech™ technology, using a cookware base and stainless steel mesh for unparalleled browning and caramelization. Its durable hard anodized aluminium construction is twice as hard as stainless steel, and the stainless steel handles are riveted for durability. The non-stick finish is PFOA-free, metal utensil safe, and the cookware is oven safe up to 260°c. It is also dishwasher safe, making it the perfect finish in every way. We offer several different Anolon non-stick pans:
Anolon X Skillet
This 21cm non-stick skillet is innovative and indispensable, designed to sear like a stainless steel skillet.
Anolon X Saucepan
At 18cm, this non-stick saucepan is very versatile. Both the saucepan and its covered lid are dishwasher and oven safe.
Anolon X Casserole Pan
This non-stick casserole pan is 24cm, and features a matching lid.
Anolon X Saucier
This 20cm saucier is made for exceptional performance in the kitchen and is even induction-compatible.
Give Forge & Fig a visit!
Investing in an induction hob can make your kitchen more energy efficient and practical, and spending time thoughtfully choosing your cookware and tableware will pay off in the joy of having a kitchen that is beautiful and gracious. When you’re ready to invest in timeless quality and value that is nevertheless at the cutting edge of trend, trust Forge & Fig to deliver exceptional items to grace your home. Thoughtfully designed to be treasured by each generation, our carefully sourced luxury cookware and tableware collections are inspired by kitchen designers and innovators across the globe. Beautifully stylish, our products are also entirely practical and created with a focus on sustainability. Come, explore our collections for yourself by visiting us at Scorton Road, Brompton on Swale, Richmond DL10 7EQ or shopping through our website. You can also call us on (01748) 811030 or contact us online for more information.
