Stainless Steel Cookware Buying Guide: Which Pans Do You Need?
Stainless steel cookware is a kitchen favourite for good reason. Durable, versatile and easy to maintain, it's designed to handle everyday cooking while providing reliable performance. But with different sizes, materials and designs available, choosing the right stainless steel pans can be difficult. Do you need a sauté pan, a steamer or a specialist pasta pot? And is stainless steel cookware better than non-stick?
This stainless steel cookware buying guide explores the benefits of stainless steel, compares the different types of pans and helps you find the best cookware for your kitchen, taking you through our range of Cooks Professional Stainless Steel Cookware
Why Choose Stainless Steel Cookware?
Stainless steel is popular for its durability, corrosion resistance and versatility. High-quality stainless steel cookware can withstand frequent use and maintain its appearance for years when properly cared for.
Key benefits include:
- Durable construction: Stainless steel resists rust, corrosion and everyday wear.
- Excellent versatility: Suitable for boiling, steaming, sautéing and preparing a wide variety of meals.
- Easy maintenance: Many stainless steel pans are dishwasher safe.
- Hob compatibility: Our stainless steel pans work on induction, gas and electric hobs.
- Long-lasting performance: Quality construction makes stainless steel a worthwhile investment for everyday cooking.
Which Stainless Steel Cookware Is Best for You?
The Cooks Professional stainless steel cookware range includes specialist pans designed to make everyday cooking more convenient.
| Cookware | Available sizes | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Ceramic Non-Stick Sauté Pan with Long Handle | 30cm (4.5L) | Great all-rounder for everyday meals, one pot meals and family cooking |
| Ceramic Non-Stick Sauté Pan with Side Handles | 30cm (4.5L) | Great all-rounder for everyday cooking and perfect for hob-to-oven-to-table |
| 3-Tier Stainless Steel Steamer | 16, 18, 20, 22, 24cm | Best for steaming vegetables, fish and more |
| Stainless Steel Pasta Pot with Strainer | 20cm (5L) | Best for pasta and easy draining for big groups and efficient hosting |
| Stainless Steel Egg Poaching Pan | 2, 4 or 6 eggs | Best for perfectly poached eggs for couple, groups or hosting |
30cm Ceramic Non-Stick Sauté Pan with Long Handle
The Cooks Professional 30cm Stainless Steel Sauté Pan is our top recommendation for versatile everyday cooking. With a generous 4.5-litre capacity, it's ideal for preparing family meals, one-pan recipes, pasta sauces and sautéed vegetables. Its durable stainless steel construction features an encapsulated base for even heat distribution, while the PFOA-free ceramic non-stick coating helps prevent food from sticking and makes cleaning easier.
The long handle and additional helper handle makes lifting and transferring the pan more manageable. It's compatible with gas, electric, halogen and induction hobs and is oven safe up to 250°C.
Best for: Family meals, one-pan recipes, sautéing and everyday cooking.
30cm Ceramic Non-Stick Sauté Pan with Side Handles
The Cooks Professional 30cm Sauté Pan with Two Side Handles offers a practical alternative to a traditional long-handled pan. Its two compact side handles make it convenient to lift and position, particularly when working with larger quantities of food. The design is well suited to cooking dishes that require plenty of preparation space, such as curries, casseroles and family-sized pasta sauces.
Best for: Larger meals, convenient handling and kitchens where a long pan handle is less practical.
3-Tier Stainless Steel Steamer
3-Tier Stainless Steel Steamer – perfect for healthy cooking. Steaming is an excellent way to prepare vegetables, fish and other ingredients without needing to add cooking oil. The Cooks Professional 3-Tier Stainless Steel Steamer allows you to prepare several foods at the same time using separate steaming compartments. Available in 16cm, 18cm, 20cm, 22cm and 24cm sizes, there's a suitable option for different household sizes and cooking requirements.
Made from durable 304 stainless steel, the steamer features a toughened glass lid with a steam vent, allowing you to monitor your cooking. Its three-tier design makes it easy to prepare a complete meal using one hob ring, while the dishwasher-safe construction makes cleaning straightforward.
What Size Steamer Do You Need?
| Steamer size | Recommended use |
|---|---|
| 16cm | Smaller portions and side dishes |
| 18cm | Everyday steaming for smaller households |
| 20cm | Versatile everyday cooking for medium families |
| 22cm | Larger family meals and portions |
| 24cm | Batch cooking, hosting and generous servings |
These are general size recommendations; actual capacity depends on the food and number of tiers used.
Best for: Steaming vegetables, fish, potatoes and preparing multiple dishes efficiently.
Stainless Steel Pasta Pot
A dedicated pasta pot makes cooking and draining pasta easier, particularly when preparing larger portions. The Cooks Professional Stainless Steel Pasta Pot is made from high-quality 304 stainless steel and features a thick base designed for even heat distribution. Its removable strainer allows you to lift cooked pasta out of the water without transferring the contents into a separate colander.
The toughened glass lid lets you monitor cooking, while the sturdy riveted handles provide a secure grip. Compatible with all hob types, including induction, this versatile pan is also useful for boiling vegetables and preparing other foods that need draining.
Best for: Pasta, noodles, boiled vegetables and convenient draining.
Stainless Steel Egg Poachers
Perfectly poached eggs are a breakfast favourite, but achieving consistent results can take practice. The Cooks Professional Stainless Steel Egg Poaching Pan makes the process easier and hassle free with dedicated non-stick poaching cups. Available in 2, 4 and 6-egg options, the range offers a practical solution for different household sizes.
Made from durable 18/10 anti-tarnish stainless steel, the pan features riveted stay-cool handles and a toughened glass self-basting lid designed to retain moisture during cooking. The removable poaching insert also adds versatility, allowing the stainless steel pan to be used separately for other cooking tasks.
Compatible with all hob types, including induction, the pan is oven safe up to 260°C. The stainless steel pan is dishwasher safe, while the non-stick poaching cups should be washed by hand using gentle washing-up liquid.
Which Egg Poacher Size Should You Choose?
- 2-egg poacher: Ideal for individuals and smaller breakfasts.
- 4-egg poacher: A practical choice for couples and small families.
- 6-egg poacher: Perfect for larger households and preparing several portions at once.
Best for: Poached eggs, eggs Benedict, weekend breakfasts and quick, mess free brunch.
Stainless Steel vs Non-Stick Cookware: What's the Difference?
Stainless steel and non-stick cookware offer different advantages, but they're not mutually exclusive. Some stainless steel pans feature an additional non-stick coating, combining durable construction with easier food release.
| Feature | Uncoated stainless steel | Ceramic non-stick stainless steel |
|---|---|---|
| Cooking surface | Stainless steel | Ceramic coating |
| Best for | Boiling, browning and searing | Everyday sautéing and delicate foods |
| Food release | Requires suitable heat and oil | Easier food release |
| Cleaning | Usually straightforward; may need soaking | Generally easier to wipe clean |
| Utensils | More tolerant of metal utensils | Silicone or wooden utensils recommended |
| Maintenance | Very durable cooking surface | Coating needs additional care |
Our 30cm Stainless Steel Sauté Pans feature ceramic non-stick interiors, making them a practical choice for customers who want the durability of stainless steel with the convenience of a coated cooking surface.
What to Look for When Buying Stainless Steel Cookware
1. Stainless Steel Grade
The grade of stainless steel can influence its corrosion resistance and durability. Our egg poaching pans feature 18/10 stainless steel, while our pasta pots and three-tier steamers use 304 stainless steel.
Both descriptions commonly refer to corrosion-resistant stainless steel suitable for cookware, although exact alloy composition can vary.
2. Base Construction
Look for cookware with a thick or encapsulated base to help distribute heat evenly. Stainless steel doesn't conduct heat as efficiently as aluminium, so many quality pans incorporate a heat-conductive core or base.
3. Hob Compatibility
If you have an induction hob, check that the cookware has an induction-compatible magnetic base. Our stainless steel steamers, pasta pots and sauté pans are designed for use on induction hobs.
4. Handles and Lids
Riveted handles provide secure attachment, while glass lids allow you to monitor cooking without frequently lifting the lid. Always use suitable protection when handling hot cookware, even when handles are described as stay-cool.
5. Cleaning and Maintenance
Consider how much maintenance you're comfortable with. Uncoated stainless steel is generally hard-wearing and easy to clean, while ceramic non-stick coatings require gentler utensils and cleaning methods to preserve their finish.
Frequently Asked Questions About Stainless Steel Cookware
Is Stainless Steel Cookware Good?
Yes. Stainless steel cookware is durable, versatile and suitable for many everyday cooking tasks. Quality stainless steel pans can provide years of reliable use when properly maintained.
What Is the Best Grade of Stainless Steel for Cookware?
304 stainless steel, often described as 18/8 or 18/10 depending on composition, is widely used in quality cookware because of its corrosion resistance and durability.
Is Stainless Steel Cookware Safe?
Food-grade stainless steel is generally considered safe for cooking. It is corrosion-resistant and suitable for preparing a wide range of foods. People with a medically diagnosed nickel sensitivity may need to consider the alloy used.
Can Stainless Steel Pans Go on Induction Hobs?
Yes, provided they have a magnetic, induction-compatible base. Not every stainless steel pan is automatically suitable for induction, so always check the product specifications.
Is Stainless Steel Cookware Non-Stick?
Uncoated stainless steel isn't inherently non-stick, but correct preheating, temperature control and suitable cooking oil can help reduce sticking. Some stainless steel cookware, including our ceramic sauté pans, features a non-stick coating.
Can Stainless Steel Cookware Go in the Oven?
Many stainless steel pans are oven safe, but temperature limits vary by model and component. Our ceramic sauté pan with long handle is rated up to 250°C, while our egg poaching pan is rated up to 260°C, subject to the manufacturer's instructions.
Are Stainless Steel Pans Dishwasher Safe?
Many stainless steel pans are dishwasher safe. However, non-stick inserts, coated surfaces and certain accessories may require handwashing. Always follow the individual product's care instructions.
What Size Stainless Steel Steamer Is Best?
A 20cm steamer is a versatile choice for everyday use, while 22cm and 24cm steamers provide more space for larger portions. Smaller 16cm and 18cm models suit more compact cooking requirements.
Is a Stainless Steel Pasta Pot Worth It?
A stainless steel pasta pot with a removable strainer can be a worthwhile addition for anyone who regularly cooks pasta. It simplifies draining and can also be used for boiling vegetables and other ingredients.
Discover Cooks Professional Stainless Steel Cookware
Choosing the right cookware can make everyday cooking more enjoyable and efficient. For versatile family meals, our 30cm Ceramic Non-Stick Stainless Steel Sauté Pan is an excellent all-round choice. Our three-tier steamers, pasta pots and egg poaching pans provide practical solutions for more specific cooking tasks, with durable stainless steel construction designed for regular use.
Explore the Cooks Professional Stainless Steel Cookware Range and find the right pans for your kitchen.