Stainless Steel Cookware
All Clad Stainless Steel Cookware
Stainless steel is actually a low carbon, iron based steel which has other metals mixed in to increase its corrosion resistance and strength. It always contains at least 10% chromuim. Other metals can include nickel, manganese, aluminum, silicon, and sulphur. The combination of metals determines the grade of the stainless steel.
Stainless steel does not conduct heat well, so cookware is usually made with an aluminum or copper core. A sheet of aluminum or copper sandwiched between the stainless steel improves the pot’s heating ability.
The aluminum or copper core only becomes an issue if the pot is scratched, grooved, or worn to expose it. If your pot is rusting or if there are signs that the core is wearing through, it is time to replace the pot because it’s probably leaching those metals into your food. Those numbers you see on the bottom of your pot are actually a clue to the grade of stainless steel. These numbers specifically refer to the amount of chromium and nickel blended into the stainless steel. For example, the numbers 18/10 show that the pot is comprised of 18% chromium, and 10% nickel.
The grade of stainless steel identifies how corrosive it is. 18/8 and 18/10 indicate that the pot is part of the 300 series of stainless steel. With a higher amount of nickel, the 300 series is more resistant to corrosion and rust. A pot stamped 18/0 is part of the 400 series. With less nickel, these pots are more vulnerable to corrosion; they are also magnetic. 200 series stainless steel is considered low quality and made with manganese instead of nickel.
When shopping for stainless steel cookware, try to avoid the 200 series. It corrodes easily, is not durable, and contains manganese which can be extremely toxic. The 300 series is the most common and the considered the most durable. It is also highest in nickel.
Good quality stainless steel cookware, for example, All Clad, is a very safe choice for your cooking needs. There is little to no negative research on the affects of stainless steel and unsafe cooking.
Safe Cookware
http://www.foxnews.com/health/2014/05/23/dangerous-kitchenware-lurking-in-your-home/