Cure Stainless Steel

When cooking with stainless steel it’s worth noting that not all stainless steel cookware is created equal and that quality is very important when choosing what you want to cook with.

The best way to take care of your stainless steel cookware and to make it non-stick is to cure it. By doing this you’re filling the pores of the pan’s surface with carbonized oil. This helps block the oxidation process and therefore keeps the cookware from rusting or pitting.

1. WASH: Begin by scrubbing the pan well to make sure there aren’t any tiny little bits stuck to the pan. You can use baking soda and a cloth to clean. Rinse and then dry thoroughly with a dry towel.
2. HEAT: Place your stainless steel pan on a burner over a medium to high heat for 2-3 minutes.
3. OIL: Coat your pan by adding a small amount of oil and swirl it around for an even coat. You can use coconut oil or any other high heat oil in your pan. The oil will begin to smoke when it is ready.
4. COOL: Take the pan off the heat and allow it to cool completely and dispose of the oil.
5. COAT: Using a paper towel, further coat the pan by rubbing the oil over its surface. You should be able to see a mirror reflection of yourself in the pan.

To care for stainless steel cookware you should wash it with hot soapy water. Use a nylon scouring pad or nylon scraper to remove any stuck on food. You can also use stainless steel cleaners to remove stains and help bring a shine back to your cookware. You can wash your stainless steel cookware in the dishwasher, but the high temperatures in the drying process can cause water spots. To avoid this, remove the pan from the dishwasher before it is dry and wipe thoroughly with a soft cloth. Your stainless steel should not be cleaned with harsh abrasives as worn stainless steel pots and pans may leach chromium and/or nickel.

Both stain and scratch resistant, you will find there are many reasons to cook with stainless steel. It is durable, less prone to leaching and is stable under extremely high temperatures. Stainless steel cookware is conveniently dishwasher safe and can often be inexpensive, which means there are basic models available if you’re cooking on a budget. Stainless steel also has a good tensile strength which helps keep it from denting easily. It is worth noting that stainless steel cookware can have poor heat transfer and distribution unless it has an inner core of aluminium or copper or has a copper clad bottom to improve heat conductivity. While this type of stainless steel cookware carries a higher price tag, it will heat up quicker and will last a lifetime when cared for properly.