Stainless Cookware Vs Aluminium Cookware

Stainless steel cookware versus aluminum pots and pans. Much like fans' favorite sports teams, each has its own supporters and detractors. Pros and cons can be discussed with each metal's uses.

Many cupboards are stocked with both aluminum and stainless steel cooking utensils. Their use depends on the cooking technique needed. Cost and durability are also factors in deciding which metal to purchase for your kitchen.

Stainless Steel Pros

Stainless steel is basically iron to which up to eight alloys have been added. The more alloys, the better the quality. To be defined as stainless steel, the metal must have at least 11 % chromium, which reduces the effects of rust caused by air or moisture. Almost all stainless steel cookware contains 18 % chromium and up to 10 % nickel.

Stainless steel is durable and can resist scratches and dents. It is also easy to clean.

Cooks prefer stainless steel because it, unlike aluminum cookware, doesn t react to acidic or alkaline foods that are cooked in it. One more benefit of stainless is that browning or searing foods in it leaves bits of food stuck to the pan. Pouring wine over the bits is known as deglazing and helps create some amazing sauces and gravies.

Aluminum Pros

Aluminium cookware has been produced since the late 19th century, but it was only in the 20th century that started to sell well. More than 50% of the cookware ever sold is made of aluminium. This is so popular due the fact of its low prices and quick heating.

There are three kinds of aluminium cookware: -Pressed: This is the less expensive but is also the quickest to be tossed way after some uses because of wear. -Cast: This one is thicker and more porous than pressed and is able to retain heat better. -Anodized: These are the best types of aluminium cookware, but also the most expensive. They are made through a process of electro-chemical and are scratch resistant and non-stick.

Stainless Steel Cons

The primary problem with stainless steel cookware is that it is an very poor conductor of heat, which is obviously essential for cooking. It also does not distribute heat evenly. To alleviate these problems, many quality stainless pots and pans incorporate a core of either copper or aluminum placed between layers of steel on the cookware's bottom. Using these other metals distributes heat much more efficiently than stainless steel alone.

Other disadvantages with stainless is that it tends to discolor over high heat and its surface may pit with prolonged exposure to a salty environment.

Aluminum cons

The main problem with aluminum cookware is that reacts to some types of foods, particularly those with acidic or alkaline components. You do not want to cook tomato sauce in an aluminum pot because aluminum particles might be leached into the food.

Another con, although subject to debate, is that some people believe using aluminum utensils might cause Alzheimer's disease. The FDA and most scientists have discounted the threat, but there are still many people who believe there is a danger.

How to Decide?

Choosing between aluminium or stainless cookware it is about the costs, quality and your cooking needs. For those who do not have much money, then aluminium is good for you. But, if you got the money and are looking for quality cookware, you will find it in the stainless steel cookware. Cleaning is a fairly simple process, whatever you choose the aluminium or stainless steel. They both can be washed with liquid detergent or be put in the dishwasher.


The Flatware Set is a Crystal Group LLC Store. We provide the best quality products to your kitchen at the lowest prices. We have aluminium cookware, stainless cookware, kitchen knives, woks, fry pans and much more. Visit us at www.theflatwareset.com