10 Best Stainless Steel Pans 2021 – Expert Reviews, Guide, FAQs
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With the increase in awareness on cookware or in that matter anything, people are inclining more towards stainless steel. The reason for this is there are chemicals involved in other cookware and if you use them for more than recommended period, some toxic materials might start building up and enter into your body. Comparatively, stainless steel is much safer to use and does not release such type of chemicals or toxins. You can use them for longer periods without worrying about the non-stick coating being coming off.
Traditionally people used to use steel for kitchen purposes. Later, stainless steel has been discovered and from then it has become a very important cookware. Stainless steel is nothing but a mix of steel with chromium. The quantity can be 10% or more depending on the preparation. Because of this alloy, the chromium helps to form chromium oxide and it prevents the steel from getting rusted. This means, the more chromium the stainless steel cookware has, the more it protects the cookware from rusting and hence becomes long-lasting. According to some food standards, it is recommended to have a minimum of 16% chromium for cookware. It can be less for other equipment like pipework, medical equipment etc., There are additional materials that are used like nickel, nitrogen, molybdenum. Nickel material specially takes care of the steel material in increasing resistance to rusting and also gives that extra shining to the stainless steel.
When it comes to stainless steel specially in food department, it is important to go with food grade stainless steel. This means, the stainless steel used in cookware should definitely come under 200 series or 300 series or 400 series. This is given according to NSF international standard for food equipment. The most common series that most of the people prefer is the 300 series stainless steel. It again consist of 304 and 316 types. It all depends on the amount of chemicals used in the manufacturing. For instance, a 304 type has chromium and nickel as main parts. However, for 316 type, a slight percentage of molybdenum is also used. This makes 316 type more shiny, corrosion resistant and expensive among the 2 types. However, you might not find any difference while cooking with any type. The 400 series stainless steel type does not contain any nickel at all. They are mainly used for mixing bowls or flatware. They can get corroded in some years as the nickel component is negligible. Lastly, the 200 series is the cheapest stainless steel that you get in market. It has manganese instead of nickel and hence the cheaper rate. It is not of the finest quality but can be used for cooking.
Now that you have known some details about the stainless steel material used in cookware, in this article let us go ahead and look at 10 top rated stainless steel pans that you can buy online. Pans are a very good cookware for any type of cooking. You can make fry, saute, gravy or anything in a pan. Look at the 10 best stainless steel pans that we have provided here and you can choose one that you like the best among them. If you are not convinced with the list or above details yet, do not worry, we have provided a buying guide just for you to know what to look at before choosing from the list. So, let us get started with the list and then you can see a buying guide at the end.
Best Buy Stainless Steel Pans Reviews
Below is the recommended list of good quality stainless steel pans that you can have a look at. We have also provided the things that we like and don’t like which you can use to compare the pans. Along with that, a link to buy the product is also mentioned for your convenience. Once you select the product, you can directly click on the link to place an order.
1. All-Clad 4112 Stainless Steel Tri-Ply Bonded Fry Pan
All-clad manufacturers have been creating some very useful appliances keeping the customers in mind. This is the best stainless steel frying pan is one among them. When you want to buy a stainless steel pan, you need to check the core for the heating factor. All-clad stainless steel fry pan consists of 3-ply construction. This means there are 3 alternating layers of aluminium and stainless steel. This kind of core design helps to distribute the heat evenly without forming any hot spots. The even distribution of heat is a must for perfectly cooking your recipe. One of the major problems that stainless steel pans face is that food tends to stick on the pan and washing it would be a tedious process. This All-clad stainless steel pan is finished with starburst inside the pan and this makes the pan very flexible to fry things easily as it is stick-resistant with such kind of finish. This also allows you to clean it seamlessly.
In addition to that, these stainless steel pans can be used on any kind of cooktop and is quite flexible in this way. These pans can also be washed in the dishwasher without damage. Also, there is an added advantage with this frying pan which most of the other pans do not offer. You can place this stainless steel fry pan in oven and broiler and it is safe to use them up to a temperature of 600 degrees Fahrenheit. The stainless steel handle is perfectly secured to the pan again with stainless steel rivets. These pans are available in different sizes based on your family size.
Things we liked
- Stick resistant and easy to clean
- 3-ply construction which distributes heat evenly
- Can be used on all kinds of cooktops
- Dishwasher safe
- Can be used in oven or broiler up to a temperature of 600 degrees Fahrenheit
Things we didn’t like
- Some people felt that cleaning is a bit difficult.
2. Cuisinart 722-36H Chef’s Classic Stainless Open Skillet
One of the top brands that sell kitchen appliances is the Cuisinart. Their quality is impeccable. It has earned a place in our list with this stainless steel open skillet. This is an 18/10 type of stainless steel giving that extra shine. The discoloration of the pan that usually happens with steel pan use, doesn’t occur with Cuisinart skillet. It doesn’t react with food. The handles which are attached to the stainless steel pan are cool even when they are on stovetop. So, you can handle the skillet without burning your hands. The base is covered with aluminium giving the good heat conduction and spreading it evenly. Also, hot spots are not formed while heating.
You can even pour from this skillet without any drips or spills. For your comfortable usage, there are measurement markings available on this skillet. One of the added advantages of this skillet is that you can use it anywhere you like may be as a stovetop, in the oven or even in the freezer. When using this skillet, try to avoid keeping salty food items for long to prevent rusting. Even if rust occurs you can use some natural methods to clean the skillet vigorously.
Things we liked
- 18/10 grade stainless steel
- Pan doesn’t get discoloured
- Handles are easy to hold and are safe to hold even when cooking.
- Aluminium base for even heat distribution
- Can be used in oven, freezer or any stovetop
Things we didn’t like
- Some people felt that rust is formed after few uses
3. Emeril Lagasse 62953 Stainless Steel Fry Pan
From a lot many options available from Emeril Lagasse, the stainless steel fry pan is one. This fry pan consists of the flat base giving you choices for using different stovetops. Some pans are not suitable to use on induction stovetops. Because of the flat base, it helps to work perfectly with the induction stove. The base has aluminium core which helps the pan to heat up very quickly. Normally stainless steel does not conduct heat and only with the help of some other material, it can get heated properly. In this fry pan, it is aluminium. When it comes to holding the pan, it is quite important to have handles that can hold the whole weight of the pan and the ingredients inside the pan. You do not need to worry about Emeril Lagasse stainless steel fry pan because it has the handles tightly riveted giving you the exact grip needed.
Because of the proper grip, it is quite easy to transfer the pan from one place to another and in that matter even to a oven. This pan is oven safe and can handle up to 550 degrees Fahrenheit. Along with all these factors, the fry pan can be easily washed as it does not form any rust that easily and if you already have dishwasher at home, you can use it conveniently with this fry pan.
Things we liked
- Comes with wide range of varieties
- Flat base with aluminium core helps for quick heating and compatible with all stovetops
- Dishwasher and oven safe
Things we didn’t like
- Nothing as such
4. Cook N Home 10-Inch Stainless Steel Saute Fry Pan
The next item from our list again has wide range of appliances for their brand. The fry pan specially is 10 inches which is comfortable for most of the families. The grade that this pan is made of is 18/10 grade. This gives a polished look to the pan and also is very easy to clean because of the grade. The bottom of the pan is made of aluminium disk providing even heat to the pan and does not allow any hot spots. In addition to that, this pan comes with a lid which is made of tempered glass and has a vent to it. This makes it very easy to see through to monitor your food. When it comes to handle, it has a silicone covered handle which means it does not get heated that easily and the grip is quite good because of the proper riveting. This fry pan works on any kind of stovetop.
Things we liked
- Made of 18/10 grade stainless steel
- Aluminium disk gives even distribution of heat
- Comes with a tempered glass lid
- Comfortable grip with the handle
Things we didn’t like
- This frying pan is not oven safe
5. Calphalon Triply Stainless Steel 8-Inch Omelette Fry Pan
The next stainless steel pan from our list is specially called omelette fry pan for its perfect 8 inch size. This pan is tri-ply type which means aluminium core is sandwiched between stainless steel. This ensures you proper heating and because of the even distribution of heat, your food never gets burnt. The exterior has a polished mirror look and it is safe to transfer the hot pan to the table without worrying. The design of the pan has a flat base which makes it compatible even with the induction stovetop and also, your food has plenty of space in it. The sides are perfectly sloped which helps for convenient tossing and rolling. The handle is quite long and is cool even when the pan is on stove. Also, the handles are triple riveted ensuring long durability. You can easily clean them in dishwasher. Along with all the wonderful features of this fry pan, a lifetime warranty is also offered.
Things we liked
- Triple riveted handle
- Tri-ply design for even heating
- Dishwasher and oven safe
Things we didn’t like
- Some people felt that the pan is not completely flat.
6. Farberware 71229 Classic Stainless Steel Frying Pan Set
The next pan from our list is from Farberware. If you are looking for 2 pans as set for same budget, you are at the right place. As it includes the most popular sizes 8.25 inch and 10 inch. The smaller one can be utilised for some fried foods and larger one can make more quantity as well as some gravies if you wish. It can be seen as a skillet rather than a pan. It does not contain any nickel element in it and it belongs to 18/0 grade stainless steel. The pans have flat bottom giving the convenience to cook even on induction top. The core of the pan is made of aluminium and has stainless steel around it. This makes the pan easier to get heated and it takes very less time to do so. The handles are designed uniquely for having a comfortable grip and the pan can be placed in the oven up to a temperature of 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Both the pans from the set can be washed in the dishwasher and are of high quality too. Along with all these features, there is a lifetime warranty offered by Farberware.
Things we liked
- Comes with 2 stainless steel pans of popular sizes
- Comfortable handles with a perfect grip
- Can be placed safely in the oven up to a temperature of 350 degrees Fahrenheit
- The pans can be easily cleaned using a dishwasher
Things we didn’t like
- Some users reviewed that food gets easily burnt on the pan.
7. AVACRAFT 18/10 Stainless Steel Frying Pan
One more unique stainless steel pan from a popular brand is from AVACRAFT. The pan is made of 18/10 stainless steel grade which allows even distribution of heat. The company is very particular about the finishing of the pan keeping the users in mind. So, the outside look of the pan is quite shiny and looks beautiful. Yet, the interior has a matte finish for not getting any scratches while cooking. With this finish, the usual scratches that appear with other pans will not happen with this frying pan. This frying pan can be used by professional chefs too for making wide range of recipes. The pan is designed in such a way that it has pour spouts making it easy for pouring any kind of sauces or gravies out of the pan without spilling. Also, any kind of variety from vegetables, eggs or meat can be made on this pan. With the tri-ply base, heat is distributed evenly avoiding hot spots. This does not allow any burning of the recipes.
The handle is made keeping the users comfort in mind. The grip is of high quality and it stays cool even when the pan is on stove top. You can use this pan on multiple cooktops like induction, ceramic, halogen, electric, gas. In addition to all the wonderful aspects of the pan, a glass made lid is provided with the pan. This makes cooking very comfortable with right sized lid. As it is made of glass, you can look through the lid for the status of your cooking. The pan can be easily used in oven and without lid you can use temperatures up to 500 degrees Fahrenheit. The pan is quite easy to clean and does not form any rust on it. You can even use dishwasher to clean the pan. They even offer lifetime warranty for the pan.
Things we liked
- Comes with glass lid
- 18/10 type stainless steel pan with tri-ply base for even distribution of heat
- Comes with lifetime warranty
- Works on most of the cooktops and is oven safe
- Dishwasher safe
Things we didn’t like
- Some users felt that the pan is a little bit thin for their usage.
8. Cooks Standard Multi-Ply Clad Stainless-Steel 8-Inch Fry Pan
If you are looking for a pan suitable for a small family, then this stainless steel 8-inch pan is the perfect for you. It has that unique flat base which is required for even heating and on induction stove. The curved sides are comfortable enough for you to make any gravy or curry. You do not need to compromise on making only fry items. The heat distribution is even as this pan has multi-ply clad. The layers are aluminium and stainless steel which makes it perfect for heating properly. The grade that is used in this stainless steel pan is the 18/10 type. When it comes to handle, it is perfectly riveted to the pan and is solid enough so that when you hold the pan with this handle, you will not break it. Also, this handle remains cool even when the pan is heated and something is cooking on it. If you wish to use the pan in an oven, you can comfortably do so, but be careful to not cross the temperature of 500 degrees Fahrenheit.
Things we liked
- 8-inch simple stainless steel pan with flat base
- Multi-ply clad with aluminium layer for even distribution of heat
- Oven safe and dishwasher safe
Things we didn’t like
- Some users reviewed that the pan could not get a lid of proper size which might be a requirement for some recipes.
9. Stone & Beam Fry Pan
One of the other tri-ply type of stainless steel pan is from Stone & Beam. With this tri-ply design, an aluminium layer is sandwiched between stainless steel layers. This ensures perfect distribution of heat for even cooking of your recipes. The percentage of aluminium used is 20% and stainless steel is of 80%. The handles are attached to the pan with stainless steel rivets and they have a perfect grip. You do not need to worry about breaking the handles which are usually common with other types of pans. The pan is safe to use in oven and works on any kind of cooktop including the electric ones.
With the high quality materials used, rusting usually doesn’t happen and is quite durable for long amount of time. With that said, the cleaning is also very easy with this pan. The sticking nature is not there. You can clean them in a dishwasher. However, be careful with harsh detergents. The whole pan is 12-inch size with compatible sized handle. One more interesting aspect about this fry pan is that it comes with a vented lid which usually is rare. With the lid, you can have perfectly fried reipes.
Things we liked
- 12-inch perfect sized pan with comfortable handle
- Tri-ply design for even distribution of heat with 20% aluminium present
- Comes with a vented lid
- Can be used in oven or any stovetop
- Dishwasher safe
Things we didn’t like
- Some customers felt that food gets easily burnt.
10. Frigidaire 11FFSPAN15 ReadyCook Cookware
Our last cookware from the list is from Frigidaire. One of the coolest factors of this item is that it comes in sets of different number of stainless steel cookware. This particular link is for 3-piece set. You can get 3 types of pans with less budget. Also, with three different items you can customize the pans to make pancakes or stir fries or vegetable medleys in each of the pans. If you are concerned about making non-vegeterian dishes in the same pans, you can dedicate one of these pans for only non-vegetarian usage. All the three pans have even distribution of heat and are 18/10 grade type. With the even heating, you get perfect dishes each time you cook. You can even use the pans in oven up to 400 degrees Fahrenheit with lid.
However, if you do not use any lid, then it is safe to use the pans up to 450 degrees Fahrenheit. You can use these pans on any type of cooktops like gas, induction, glass or gas. Once you are done with the recipes, the cleaning is the part where most of the people suffer. These Frigidaire pans are dishwasher safe and you can also use their dedicated cleaners to clean them.
Things we liked
- Comes as a set of 3
- Even heat distribution
- Oven safe
- Dishwasher safe
Things we didn’t like
- Nothing as such
How To Choose The Best Stainless Steel Pan
Some factors need to be considered while you select a stainless steel pan. If you are new to the material, this guide is absolutely for you. You can look at the factors and then look at the list to get a better picture.
Grade: As we have already mentioned about the food grade and series available, it is always a good practice to check the grade which is mentioned on the bottom of the pan. An 18/10 or 18/8 is a perfect stainless steel grade that you can look at. It means the pan has 18% chromium and 10 or 8% of nickel. These are ideal cookware recommended and used by most people. If you do not find such grade at the bottom of the pan, you can check for other factors as below.
Material: One of the important factors that you need to look at is the material used in the core of the stainless steel pan. It is the important area which helps to heat up the pan as the stainless steel itself doesn’t conduct any heat through it. Core is the disc like structure at the bottom and cladding is the entire base with sides. So, either the core or cladding of the stainless steel pan need to be made with material that can conduct heat like copper or aluminum. Check for these materials at the core or cladding. You need to keep in mind that copper material is expensive than aluminum. Also, a complete clad material is much expensive than simple core material. When it comes to weight, aluminum should be used thrice as much as copper to get the same heat element. It all depends on how much heat it can conduct. The more it conducts heat the better is the pan. Also, when you compare two pans, you need to compare like pans that is copper to copper and aluminum to aluminum. Do not mix up and compare.
Weight: The weight of the pan is another important factor to consider while selecting a pan. Remember that the more the weight of the pan, so is the material used. So, if you get something lighter, that means it is not thick enough for you to cook anything in it. With a thicker base, the pan is durable and doesn’t allow the food to get burn easily. When the weight and material used is more, that means the price of the pan is also more. This ensures even spread of the heat and you do not get dents easily on these pans.
Company name: Once you are sure about the material, weight and grade, it is important to consider the reputation of the company. In this way, you will be sure that you are getting the perfect pan for your cooking. You can get wide range of varieties from a single company giving you options within your budget too.
Reviews: When you are buying something through online, it is not always possible to check for proper specifications. This is the part where reviews are most useful. There is no better understanding of the product than the person who really used it. So, check for all the reviews of the products, you might get the approximate weight from the users.
How to Clean Stainless Steel Pans
A stainless steel pan is expensive and therefore, it is very important that you clean the pan frequently after use. Here are some of the best way to clean stainless steel pans.
Cleaning done using dishwasher detergent –
This is one of the traditional ways of cleaning a stainless steel pan; here is how to do it
- Step 1: First, fill the sink/basin with warm water.
- Step 2: In the warm water add, a quarter cup of dishwasher detergent
- Step 3: Now, put the stainless steel pan into the solution and leave it for 2-hours.
- Step 4: After soaking the pan in the solution for 2-hours, scrub the pan using a smooth scrubber or sponge.
- Step 5: once the scrubbing is done, you should rinse the pan with tap water to remove the solution and food residue.
Cleaning done using baking soda and vinegar –
A combination of baking soda and white vinegar is one of the best solutions that can help clean a stainless steel pan. Here is how to do it
- Step 1: First, allow the stainless steel pan to cool down.
- Step 2: Once the pan cools down, dip the pan into the water.
- Step 3: Now, start heating the pan and add some water and 1 cup of vinegar, let the solution boil to a minimum temperature.
- Step 4: Once the solution starts boiling, turn off the heat, and then add 3 tablespoons of baking soda to the solution.
- Step 5: After the above-mentioned process, you should remove the solution from the pan. If you still find the burn marks at the bottom then, follow the step below.
- Step 6: To remove the burn marks, you should add 3 more tablespoons of baking soda and some water and wait for 15-minutes. Now, with a sponge, scrub the pan to remove the burn marks.
Cleaning done using chemical stainless steel pan cleaners –
This cleaning method is best recommended for cleaning stainless steel pans that are badly burnt and with tough residue. Here is how to do it
- Step 1: First, allow the stainless steel pan to cool down.
- Step 2: Before using a chemical cleaner on stainless steel pan, it is very important that you perform this in an open space or in a place with good ventilation. PS: remember to wear gloves and goggles.
- Step 3: Apply the cleaning chemical on the pan and then wait for 5-minutes.
- Step 4: After 5-minutes, with a scrubber, scrub the interior and exterior of the pan thoroughly.
- Step 5: Once the scrubbing is completed, leave the pan for 10-minutes and then scrub the pan again.
- Step 6: Now, rinse the pan in tap water and buff the pan with a cloth or sponge.
If you still find the burn marks, grease, and residue on the pan, then you will have to repeat the above-mentioned process until the pan is completely clean.
Stainless Steel Pan Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the type of stainless steel pan that people use for culinary purposes?
The food-grade stainless steel materials are used for making kitchen equipment. The most common kind of stainless steel pan comes in the series 300. You will also get other series such as series 200 and 400. However, there is a minimal difference that you will notice while cooking.
- Why should I choose a stainless steel pan over other pans?
The use of stainless steel pans is enhancing day by day. Here’s why people love using it so much:
- The material makes it durable and long-lasting.
- It has an astounding exterior finish.
- It is easy to care and maintain.
- The stainless steel pans are inert and non-reactive.
- You can use it for different purposes.
- It is a budget-friendly option.
- Is it safe to use a stainless steel pan on induction?
The principal working mechanism of inductions is by the transfer of magnetic energy. However, most of the stainless steel pans do not have a magnetic base. Therefore, it would be not effective to cook it on induction unless the brand mentions any exclusiveness about it.
- Its stainless steel pan healthy and safe?
It is safe to use the food-grade stainless steel pans. All the brands manufacture the stainless steel pans of food-grade only. However, the amounts of nickel vary in most of the pans. A small difference can create a huge impact on your health. Therefore, always make sure to buy from a certified retailer. If we talk of the general population, stainless steel pans are extremely safe to health. However, for people who have hyperallergic problems can suffer some side effects.
- Is stainless steel pan prone to rust?
The chromium and nickel are the two essential elements that make stainless steel pans resistant to rust. However, you should keep in mind that these pans are rust-resistant, not rust-free. An 18/10 ratio of chromium to nickel makes it more potent to fight against rust. You can also go for 20 percent chromium for an even better quality.
- Can I use a stainless steel pan in the oven?
Yes, you can use stainless steel pans inside the oven. They can tolerate a higher temperature inside the oven in contrast to other pans. Also, the handle of these pans does not get heated up readily unlike other pans.
- How to clean a stainless steel pan properly?
There are various hacks to clean a stainless steel pan. You can use a solution by mixing baking soda and water. It helps to get rid of old and stubborn food stains. Another effective technique to remove the brown-black burnt stains is by rubbing lemon on the top of it. Add a pinch of salt on it and leave it for few minutes. After some time, scrub it gently with a scorching pad. These two hacks easily removes the toughest stains on the pan.
- How to prevent spotting of the stainless steel pan?
To prevent the whitish spots, make sure to add the ingredients once the water starts boiling. Spotting occurs due to the addition of salt in cold water.
Conclusion
If you are a person who wish to shift to stainless steel pans, then this article is just for you. We have outlined all the possible details of the stainless steel material and which type of pan that you need to look at. Along with that, a small buying guide is detailed for your convenience to take a look at. Once you get the complete picture of what you have to look at when you are buying a stainless steel pan, you can have a look at our top 10 best pans online. We are sure you will find the one that exactly suits your needs. A stainless steel pan can be used for all sorts of things and you need to be careful about its heating aspect. The better the heating of the pan, the better will you be able to cook your recipes.
