Swap out your nonstick cookware for stainless steel to avoid “forever chemicals”
If you’re a home chef and concerned about per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, otherwise known as “forever chemicals,” it may be time to ditch the nonstick cookware and go for a set of stainless steel or cast iron pans. According to experts, PFAS can be released into food when cooking in a nonstick pan that has scratches or is overheated. This can lead to the possibility of persistent chemicals in our bodies and the environment.
Stainless steel pans don’t have hidden toxins or a coating that can peel off, so you can cook with confidence. You can still use your nonstick cookware if the heat is under 500 degrees, but take care not to use any metal utensils that can scratch the coating, and throw away any pans with flaking coating.
If you want to do away with nonstick altogether, brands like Le Creuset, Caraway and Cuisinart offer stainless steel sets that are free of PFAS. It might be a bigger expense initially, but you will have the knowledge that no dangerous chemicals are getting into your food.
How to cook with stainless steel pans
There may be a learning curve at first, but cooking on stainless steel is easy once you know what to do. Be sure to preheat your pan on medium heat to warm the steel so food won’t stick. Once it’s warm, add some butter or oil — swirl it around to coat the pan’s surface. Once the oil is shimmering, you can begin to add in your food.
Allow food to cook long enough to release from the steel surface on its own before trying to turn or stir it. All-Clad’s guide advises managing heat properly as a way to cook on stainless steel without the food sticking. To clean your stainless steel cookware, soaking is your friend — you won’t need to scrub too much if you give it a little time to soak first and loosen any stuck food.
Best stainless steel cookware
American Kitchen – Three-piece Stainless Steel Skillet & Frying Pan Set
This set of three stainless steel skillets offers 12-, 10- and 8-inch sizes, which should cover most of your frying pan needs. Sturdy construction and ergonomic handles make cooking comfortable and convenient. The handles stay cool during cooking, and pans can go in an oven up to 500 degrees.
Cuisinart 11-Piece Cookware Set
Cuisinart offers sleek design and functionality with an 11-piece set that should help you whip up just about any meal. The lids fight tightly, and the bases of the pans distribute heat evenly. The set includes saucepans, frying pans, a stockpot and a steamer insert.
Caraway Stainless Steel Cookware Set (4 Piece)
This high-quality set is a true investment. Caraway uses five-ply steel to ensure perfect heat distribution so you can sizzle and sauté your food with confidence. It includes a 10.5-inch fry pan, a 3-quart saucepan, a 4.5-quart sauté pan and a 6.5-quart Dutch oven.
Le Creuset Essential Stainless Steel Five-piece Cookware Set
This gorgeous set covers the basics, and it’s Le Creuset, so you know the heat distribution and craftsmanship are top-notch. Sear meats and make perfect eggs with the frying pan and create sauces and soups with ease using the saucepan and stockpot. The set is dishwasher-safe and can withstand temperatures of up to 500 degrees in an oven.
Calphalon Classic Stainless Steel 10-Piece Cookware Set
This Calphalon set is a budget-friendly option that truly covers all the bases. It offers stay-cool handles, impact-bonded aluminum bases, and everything is dishwasher-safe, making it super convenient to use. Strain lids, pour spouts and measuring lines help you cook efficiently.
Prices listed reflect time and date of publication and are subject to change.
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