Stainless-steel cookware makes everything around looks great. But, this is not the only reason to have it.
Before buy stainless steel cookware, there are many different factors to take into consideration.
Advantages:
A- For long life and durable. Forget about some problems like non-stick spots, splatters like enameled ones, or rust like cast-iron cookware. The higher the quality of the stainless steel, the higher the surface hardness.
B- Easy to Clean. Stainless cookware is very easy to clean.
C- Low Maintenance needed and simples care required.
D- Safe for food contacts, No Food-Reactive.
E- The weight is comfort to maneuver.
F- Shiny and Attractive Appearance.
G- Reasonable Price.
Disadvantages:
A- Poor Heat Distribution.
B- Discoloration
C- Food Sticks.
What's the difference between the stainless steel serial and numbers (304, 430, 220, etc.)?
What these numbers mean (18/8, 18/10, 18/0, etc.)?
The "grade" of stainless steel refers to its quality, durability and temperature resistance.
The numbers (18/8, 18/10, etc.) are the composition of the stainless steel and refer to the amount of chromium and nickel (respectively) in the product.
18/8 and 18/10: These are the two most common grades of stainless steel used for food preparation and dining, also known as Type 304 (304 Grade) and are part of the 300 series.
The first number,18, refers to the amount of chromium present and the second represents the amount of nickel. For example, 18/8 stainless steel is comprised of 18% chromium and 8% nickel.
304 grade stainless steel is also comprised of no more than 0.8% carbon and at least 50% iron. The chromium binds oxygen to the surface of the product to protect the iron from oxidation (rust). Nickel also enhances the corrosion resistance of stainless steel.
Therefore, the higher the nickel content, the more resistant the stainless steel is to corrosion. 18/0 - Contains a negligible amount of nickel (0.75%) and therefore has a reduced corrosion resistance (is more likely to rust than 18/8 or 18/10 but still high quality) 18/0 is also referred to as Type 430, is part of the 400 series and, unlike 300 series stainless steel, is magnetic.
200 series: You may often find stainless steel food containers made from 200 series stainless steel. These are typically less expensive than 304 grade as manufacturers essentially substitute manganese for nickel. Although food safe, they are not as resistant to corrosion and not as high quality as 304 grade.