Stainless steel cookware can be a bit intimidating to use and to clean. Here you will find tips on the best ways to use stainless steel and how to clean it so it stays in the best condition for many years.
This is NOT a sponsored post or video. I bought all the products featured at my own expense and am not working with any brands. Some of the links in the post may be affiliate links.
Why Would You Want to Have Stainless Steel Cookware?
Stainless steel cookware is very durable and will last you a lifetime. I have owned my cookware for more than 8 years and I am really happy with it. Stainless steel is also much healthier to use than nonstick cookware, which has a lot of research showing that the coatings are not good for our health. Stainless steel is great for getting a great sear on food and then can create an absolutely delicious sauce to go along with it.
Video of How To Use and Clean Stainless Steel Skillets and Cookware
More Skillet Videos:
I did a video where I compared different types of skillets - stainless steel, nonstick, cast iron and a few other options. You can watch it HERE.
I also did a detailed video all about Cast Iron Skillets - how to use them, maintain them and clean them. You can watch that HERE.
Tips to Get the Best Results When Using Stainless Steel Skillets and Cookware
- Use Enough Fat - If you don't use enough oil, butter, ghee, etc, your food will stick to the skillet.
- Heat Up the Skillet Well BEFORE Adding the Food to the Skillet Skillets have to be heated up first otherwise the food will stick and will absorb the oil more.
- Blot Meat (chicken, beef, pork, etc) and Seafood With a Paper Towel before adding it to the skillet.
- Let the Food Get a Good Sear Before Turning It Food will naturally release and can be easily turned if they are browned well.
- Starchy Foods Aren't Meant To Be Cooked in Stainless Steel Don't cook potatoes, rice or pasta in stainless steel skillets, unless you are using enough liquid, such as a soup, or cooking pasta in a stockpot, of course.
- Use the Fond To Create Extra Flavor and Deglaze the Skillet The caramelized bits on the bottom of the skillets will add so much delicious tastiness to your food. When you pour in some sort of liquid, like water, broth, wine, lemon juice, etc, it will clean the skillet easily and create a delicious sauce too.
- Add a bit of water to the skillet when the food starts to stick.
- To Get a Good Sear on Food, Don't Crowd the Food in the Skillet, leave some space around the food and cook in a single layer.
How To Clean Stainless Steel Cookware
In most cases, it is easy enough to clean the skillet with a simple sponge and dishsoap.
When a skillet is really scorched, I have 2 helpers that I always have on hand: scouring pads and Bar Keeper's Friend.
The scouring pads are great to easily remove many layers of grime. They are also awesome to use for messy casserole dishes and many stubborn messes. The Bar Keeper's Friend will not only help to clean your cookware, but will also give it a shine.
Clean your stainless steel cookware on all sides, the bottom and the edges too.
Can You Put Stainless Steel Cookware in the Dishwasher?
Yes, in most cases, stainless steel cookware is safe to be washed in the dishwasher. However, always check your manufacturer's recommendations.
My Favorite Stainless Steel Cookware
I have owned All Clad cookware for many years. I think they are really great quality, they have held up so well over the years and of course, the best part is that I am really happy with the results of the food.
thank you for the info! i use all clad too and have no issues with sticking but after washing i always get that rainbow discoloration if i do not use bar keepers friend. any advice how to avoid that? it would be nice if i didnt have to rinse with bkf every time. it doesnt matter if i use a pot to boil pasta or a skillet to cook meat, that discoloration always appears until its washed with bkf.
You're welcome! So glad it was helpful. The rainbow discoloration is caused by a reaction between the chromium in stainless steel and oxygen, especially when the cookware is heated to high temperatures. It’s purely cosmetic and won’t affect the quality of your pan or the food you cook in it.
I only use Bar Keepers Friend on very rare occasions when the cookware gets really burned on or tough stains. To prevent the rainbow stains, try not to overheat your pan, and make sure to dry your cookware thoroughly after washing to avoid water spots. You can also clean it with white vinegar or lemon juice, if you don't want to use the bar keeper's friend.
I hope this helps! Let me know if you have more questions. 😊
Great Tips! I think cleaning stainless steel cookware is easier when compared to ceramic or other non-stick cookware, as they are not dishwasher safe.
Yes, I completely agree. I think they are the best cookware to clean and maintain in great shape for decades.
Hello Olga.
So, it is okay to use metal utensils on the stainless steel pans. I have All Clad also. Just recently purchased it. And the scouring pads you use for cleaning are stainless steel also? And what brand is it and is it safe to use? It does not scratch the surface? Thank you
Yes, you can definitely use metal utensils in stainless steel pans. The scouring pads are stainless steel. It does not scratch the surface. This is the brand that I use: Scouring pads
Like This article and your site. I am also creating a site like yours.
Thank you! I wonder when they will be available for sale?
Thank you for the info! You are so positive, helpful and truly have a joyful spirit!
Thank you so much for the kind words, Erin. I'm so glad you found this helpful.