Many people think that a nonstick pan is simply another name for a stainless steel pan. This couldn’t be further from the truth. In fact, one of the biggest rivalries stands between nonstick and stainless steel cookware. Both offer a range of benefits, but many people don’t know the difference between these two different types of cookware.
Understanding the differences will help you choose the right cookware for your needs. It can also mean the difference between a successful or a ruined meal.
So, here are some of the most important features to consider the difference between Nonstick and Stainless Steel Cookware…
It’s All In The Coating
The most fundamental difference is that stainless steel pans lack the all-important coating that characterizes a nonstick pan.
Rather than having a special nonstick coating, a stainless steel pan is instead made from durable metals. Nonstick pans, on the other hand, are defined by their special coating. This coating is made using chemicals, and it’s the reason why food doesn’t stick to the pan.
The Risk of Chemicals
One significant difference is the presence of chemicals in nonstick pans like Teflon, which can pose a health risk. If the coating is chipped or scratched, dangerous chemicals like PFOA can be ingested through the food prepared in the pan. Stainless steel pans, however, do not have this risk because of the absence of any chemical-based coating.
This is one of the main differences that make cooks choose stainless steel over nonstick pans.
Temperature Control
Nonstick and stainless steel pans handle different levels of heat and also work better at different temperatures.
Nonstick pans work well on low to medium heat but cannot handle high heat. This is largely due to the delicate nature of the nonstick coating. Manufacturers often recommended avoiding high heat as this can cause harmful chemical fumes to be released as well.
On the other hand, stainless steel is much tougher and works well for cooking at higher temperatures. Stainless steel also disperses heat very evenly, allowing you greater temperature control compared to its non-stick counterpart.
The Utensils
A practical difference to consider is the type of utensils that can be used with each pan. The delicate nature of nonstick pans means you cannot use any metallic utensils on them. Silicone and wooden utensils are essential for use on a nonstick pan because they won’t scratch its surface.
A stainless steel pan is incredibly hardy. It can be used with almost any type of utensil, including metal spatulas.
A Healthier Choice
Nonstick pans are often considered a healthier cooking choice compared to stainless steel pans. This is because they require no or minimal oil or grease for cooking. Even delicate ingredients like eggs can be cooked perfectly without so much as a small amount of butter being added.
Stainless steel pans are not so fortunate. Without any nonstick coating, they require the addition of oils, butter, or lard for successful cooking.
Different Food, Different Pan
When it comes to cooking, there is no such thing as a “one pan fits all” approach. Nonstick and Stainless steel pans are each suited to different kinds of ingredients and methods of cooking.
Nonstick pans are often referred to as being an exception rather than a rule. This is because they are essentially there to cook delicate items only. This includes food such as eggs, crepes, skin-on fish, and pancakes.
It is also perfect for dishes like soup or even risotto that cook in their own liquid. This is because these dishes don’t require any browning or searing, which nonstick pans aren’t capable of.
But for a delicious steak…
Stainless steel pans are better suited to proteins and ingredients that require heavy and heated contact with the pan’s surface. Stainless steel pans are perfect for meat as they can brown and sear well at high temperatures. Unlike nonstick pans, they can also be deglazed, turning all the ‘stuck-on’ bits into delicious sauces and gravies.
Beginner versus Professional
It’s no secret that nonstick pans are easier to handle. Stainless steel pans require a bit more skill in order to control the heat and prevent food from sticking. They also require a cook to have a more advanced understanding of ingredients and how to work with them.
For this reason, it’s often said that nonstick pans are better suited for beginner cooks and simple cooking. Stainless steel pans are preferred for more advanced cooking that involves a variety of ingredients and techniques.
Washing Up
The washing up is a real point of difference and is where nonstick pans really shine. Cleaning a nonstick pan is simple and can be done in seconds. However, it is always preferable to wash a nonstick pan by hand as a dishwasher can damage the delicate coating.
A stainless steel pan can prove a bit of a challenge to clean. You might need to scrub hard to remove any baked-on food or grease. One plus point, however, is that many stainless steel cookware sets are dishwasher safe these days.
Looking for Some Fantastic New Cookware?
Then check out our reviews of the Best Non Stick Pan without Teflon, the Healthiest Nonstick Pans, the Best Non Stick Pot, or the Best Ceramic And Non Stick Frying Pans you can buy.
If you’ve decided not to go for a non-stick version, take a look at our reviews of Best Stainless Steel Cookware Sets, the Best Pans for Steak, the Best Carbon Steel Pans, the Best Popover Pans, or the Best Omelette Pans currently on the market.
Final Thoughts
There are plenty of important differences between nonstick and stainless steel cookware that you really need to consider. Ultimately, you need to think about your own cooking ability and what it is you like to cook. Whilst handy, a nonstick pan is incredibly limited in what it can do. A stainless steel pan, however, will last a lot longer and is a lot more versatile.
The absence of any chemicals in a stainless steel pain cannot be overlooked. It is perhaps the main difference that makes a stainless steel pan preferred by most cooks.
No matter what you choose, happy cooking!
