Stainless Steel

Pres Les on 28 Jun, 2021

Reading time: 4 mins

Inspiration

Like many kitchen cupboards around the world, the cookware market is rather overcrowded! Whether you’re buying your first set of cookware or replacing an old one, the variety of options available can be overwhelming. At Pres Les, we have simplified the decision-making process by only offering cookware ranges made from the best materials and latest technological innovations, to ensure that you are investing in quality that is both stylish and functional.

From cookware to kitchen appliances and utensils, stainless steel products have become a staple feature of kitchens around the world. Known for its durability, versatility and ease of maintenance, stainless steel is one of the best choices for cookware. But what exactly is stainless steel and what makes it such a great option?

WHAT IS STAINLESS STEEL?

Steel – an alloy of iron and carbon – is an essential man-made material that has a widespread impact on our daily lives. Steel construction is present in the cars we drive, the buildings we work in and the tools we use on a daily basis. Different types of steel are created for different purposes.

Stainless steel is formed by adding chromium to steel, resulting in a material that is resistant to surface corrosion and rust, while providing high tensile strength and temperature resistance. This protective self-repairing coating of chromium prevents corrosive materials from damaging the stainless steel, resulting in a material that is strong and durable, and safe when using to prepare food.

Stainless steel can also contain varying amounts of other alloying elements, such as Carbon, Manganese, Silicon, Nickel, and Molybdenum. These elements change the properties of stainless steel and are suited to different functions. Nickel is often added to aid rust resistance and increase durability or “hardness”, making it perfectly suited to cookware.

stainless steel

The components present in stainless steel cookware are identified by the “grade” of alloy, which indicates the ratio of chromium and nickel contained, and is usually stamped or engraved on the cookware. It is also an indication of the quality, durability, and maximum cooking temperature that the
cookware is able to withstand.

The grade is represented in numbers separated by a “/”. The first number refers to the percentage of chromium present in the steel and the second number refers to the percentage of nickel. For example, 18/10 grade stainless steel is composed of 18% chromium and 10% nickel.

steel casting

 

GRADES ARE DIVIDED INTO THREE MAIN SERIES: 200, 300, AND 400.

The grades of steel indicate the quality of the steel and thus their performance characteristics.

Pres Les cookware is made exclusively from steel grade 304, the best quality and most suitable for cookware ensuring the highest quality as it offers superior strength and has the best anti-corrosion properties.

300 grade stainless steel is perfect for cookware as the other grades such as 200 and 400 forfeits these two qualities that are in perfect balance in the 300 grade series of steel.

Now that we know what stainless steel is and how to grade it, let’s explore why it is the best option for cookware:

stainless steel

 

HEAT DISTRIBUTION

Stainless steel is a poor conductor of heat but ‘multiply or sandwich construction’ permanently bonds layers of stainless steel to highly conductive metals such as copper and aluminium to create stainless steel pots and pans, which are considered the most versatile and efficient cookware on the market.

This sandwich design ensures that layers of copper or aluminium conductors are contained securely within layers of stainless steel, preventing food from coming into contact with the toxins present in copper and aluminium.

This results in fast and even heating across the cooking surface and a quick response to changes in temperature, ensuring your food cooks evenly and at the right temperature.

SAFETY

Cooking utensils are constructed from a wide variety of materials depending on their purpose. Sometimes these materials can impact the taste or nutritional profile of our food. In more dangerous instances, certain kinds of metals containing harmful toxins can leach into the food we’re cooking, compromising our health, such as aluminium.

Unlike other types of cookware, stainless steel is completely safe to use and poses no health risks.

MAINTENANCE

Despite its lack of non-stick properties, stainless steel cookware is fairly easy to clean and maintain. The smooth, non-porous surface enables you to scrub away food particles, without worrying about damaging the surface. Because of this non porous surface, it is more difficult for bacteria to cling to the surface and survive, thus making this a safe choice of cookware.

Although most stainless steel cookware is dishwasher safe, it is not recommended.

stainless steel

 

VISUAL APPEAL

The timeless aesthetic appeal of stainless steel cookware makes it a stylish investment that is as attractive as it is practical. When properly cared for, stainless steel will retain its bright, polished look for years to come with minimal signs of wear.

In summary, stainless steel is durable, non-reactive, easy to clean, safe, and visually appealing.

The Pres Les Cosmopolitan Cookware range includes a variety of casseroles and pans in different sizes made from multiply 304, 18/10 grade stainless steel with a heat distributing aluminum layer encapsulated by a magnetic steel base for induction cooking.

The unique design includes a dome lid with a stylish handle and a polished finish.

Pres Les Cosmopolitan Cookware is available in a 10 piece and a 4 piece set.