Stainless steel cookware is a real powerhouse in the kitchen due to its versatility. Though copper is a superior conductor of heat, stainless steel yields numerous practical advantages such as compatibility with all hobs and the oven, easy maintenance and tremendous value for money.
We carry a wide range of stainless steel pots and pans, from our best of the best Mauviel and All-Clad ranges to our best of value range from Silampos. While stainless steel pans are known to be dishwasher-safe, we recommend hand washing, as that extends the durability of stainless steel pans.
Mauviel M’Cook
Every stainless steel pan in this fantastic 5-ply range from Mauviel has two outer layers of induction-friendly stainless steel and three inner layers of heat-responsive aluminium. The middle layer of that aluminium is pure, meaning there is no adhesive agent in it that slightly weakens its power. Curved pouring rims provide drip-free pouring, and comfortable, stay-cool handles mould to your hand. High-quality stainless steel that’s polished on the outside but brushed on the inside (for stick-resistance) makes clean-up simple. Designed for European kitchens, Mauviel pans stack together neatly for efficient storage. Shop Mauviel M'Cook pans and sets here.
All-Clad
All-Clad introduced the culinary world to the process of bonding layers of metal, and as such, they are masters of the craft who offer a few different ranges of stainless steel cookware. The following three are our favourites from their roster.
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D3 / Tri-Ply: The pans in All-Clad's original tri-ply range feel light to lift but are sturdy, with comfortable handles that mould to an underhanded grip and stay cool on the hob. The stainless steel on the exterior is polished, while the interior has a brushed finish that makes it stick-resistant and easy to clean. Shop All-Clad D3 / Tri-Ply pans and sets here.
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D5: This 5-ply range was designed with the high heat of induction hobs in mind. It has 18/10 stainless steel exteriors with two heavy-gauge layers of heat-responsive aluminium in the middle, plus a core of stainless steel, which diffuses and spreads heat evenly and prevents warping. This also results in excellent heat retention, so your food stays warm long after you take it off the hob and to the table. Both the inner and outer parts of these pans are finished with brushed stainless steel. Shop All-Clad D5 pans and sets here.
- Copper Core: Copper is the best heat conductor out there. That's why All-Clad’s Copper Core range, which features a copper layer sandwiched between two layers of aluminium and stainless steel, is truly one-of-a-kind when it comes to heat responsiveness and even distribution. The shapes and finishes of these pans are similar to the D3/Tri-Ply range, but it has the added benefit of vented handles that stay even cooler as you cook. Shop All-Clad Copper Core pans and sets here.
Silampos
Made in Portugal since 1951, Silampos stainless steel pans are clad, from base to rim, with three layers of metal: non-reactive and induction-compatible stainless steel on the outside with a core of heat-responsive aluminium. The stainless steel is polished on the outside for a mirror finish, but brushed on the inside for enhanced stick-resistance. The vented, recessed handle stays cool as you cook, and a curved rim prevents liquids from trailing along the side of the pan when pouring. Shop Silampos pans and sets here.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I clean and maintain stainless steel cookware?
Stainless steel is loved not only for its durability and performance but also because it cleans up so easily. Even when your stainless steel pans have been sitting around for a while after a meal with stuck-on food, a good soak in hot water and some washing up liquid will clean away with the use of a scrubbing pad. If you like to display and show off your beautiful pots and pans to their best advantage, stainless steel cleaning paste, like Mauviel's Inobrill cleaner, will maintain a shiny surface.
What are the benefits of stainless steel cookware?
- Resistance to corrosion — it can cook acidic foods, like fruits, without wearing down, and will not rust
- Heat resistance — high chromium and nickel-alloyed cookware retain strength at high temperatures
- Easy to clean
- Aesthetic appearance — provides a modern and attractive appearance
Why does stainless steel not rust?
Stainless steel is an alloy of a variety of different metals, including chromium. When chromium reacts with oxygen, an element in water (the cause of most rust), a thin but stable film develops that protects stainless steel from rust and corrosion.
Can I use stainless steel pans in the oven?
Yes, which means you can start your dish on the hob on a stainless steel frying pan and then give it that last finish under the grill.
How can you tell the quality of stainless steel cookware?
The best stainless steel cookware in constructed by bonding layers of metal all the way to the edge, the way Mauviel M'Cook, All-Clad, and Silampos pans are with three to five layers of metal surrounding a metal that's more heat responsive, like aluminium or copper. We find these more effective than the traditional 'sandwich base', which only has heat-responsive metal on the bottom of the pans rather than all the way to the edges. This makes it slower and less efficient at distributing heat.
When should stainless steel pots be replaced?
With proper care—such as not placing stainless steel pots and pans in the dishwasher—they will last a lifetime.
For more on stainless steel, including how to use it so that food rarely sticks, read our blog here.