How to Clean & Care for Stainless Steel Cookware

Stainless steel cookware is popular among home cooks and professional chefs due to its durability, easy maintenance, and hygienic qualities. Because stainless steel is a strong, rust-resistant material that can withstand high heat and resist warping, maintenance is minimised.

Cleaning stainless steel cookware is also incredibly easy, whether in the dishwasher or under the tap with a non-abrasive cleaner or mild detergent; stainless steel is non-reactive, meaning it does not absorb stains or odours, nor will it cause a metallic taste in food.

Another great benefit of using stainless steel cookware is its compatibility with gas, electric, and induction cooktops. Energy efficient, recyclable, and environmentally friendly, they’re also oven and broiler safe for even more cooking flexibility in the kitchen. And that’s before we mention the sleek, modern look of stainless steel cookware that can easily match other kitchen appliances. It is also.

Overall, stainless steel cookware is an excellent choice for its durability, versatility, easy maintenance, and hygienic qualities. Plus, learning how to clean stainless steel is much easier than keeping cast iron clean, that’s for sure.

Whether you’ve got dirty pans in the sink or you’re after a new frypan set for the kitchen, we’ll teach you how to clean stainless steel to help maintain your cookware for years to come.

Cleaning Stainless Steel Cookware

Learning how to clean stainless steel pans for the first time? Maybe you need a refresher on some of the basics of stainless steel cookware maintenance. Either way, we’ve got a list of all the equipment, tools and materials you’ll need, with easy-to-follow instructions for cleaning stainless steel cookware.

Equipment, Tools and Materials

Minimax has everything you need to keep your pans and kitchen clean. We’ve compiled a list of a few household products and recommended cleaning supplies from our online store to help you clean your stainless steel cookware.

• White vinegar, OR

• Specialised stainless steel cookware cleaner

   • Minimax stocks a few options for cleaning your stainless steel cookware:

        • Essteele Stainless Steel Cleaner (495g), also available in a smaller 250ml bottle.

        • Scanpan Steel & Copper Cleaner (120ml)

   • We also stock Koala Eco Natural Stainless Cleaner, which cleans, polishes and protects your kitchen's stainless     steel and chrome-plated surfaces.We also stock Koala Eco Natural Stainless Cleaner, which cleans, polishes           and protects your kitchen's stainless steel and chrome-plated surfaces.

   • Non-abrasive sponge

        • EuroScrubby Multi Scrubbies is your universal cleaning cloth for all sorts of grime and dirt off surfaces, pots,          pans and everything in between.

• Mild cleaning detergent

• Rust remover

• Stainless steel cookware polish

How To Clean Stainless Steel Pans

Regardless of how dirty your frypans are, this is how we recommend cleaning stainless steel cookware.

1. Use a non-abrasive cleaner or mild detergent to wash the cookware by hand or place it in the dishwasher. Avoid harsh chemicals or abrasive sponges that scratch the stainless steel surface.

2. Dry the cookware thoroughly to prevent water spots.

3. To remove tough stains or discolouration, try using a mixture of equal parts water and white vinegar or a specialised stainless steel cleaner.

4. To prevent scratching and damage, avoid stacking stainless steel cookware on top of one another and use wooden or plastic utensils instead of metal ones.

5. Use a rust remover specifically designed for stainless steel if you notice rust on your stainless steel cookware.

6. To maintain the shine and lustre of stainless steel, polish it with a specialised stainless steel polish or a small amount of mineral oil.

By following these steps, you can ensure that your stainless steel cookware maintains its longevity and condition for years to come.

Why Should You Use Stainless Steel Cookware?

There are several benefits of using stainless steel cookware:

1. Durability: Stainless steel is a solid and durable material that can withstand high heat and resist warping. It is also rust-resistant and can last for many years with proper care.

2. Easy to Clean: Stainless steel is non-porous and does not absorb stains or odours. It is also dishwasher-safe and easy to clean by hand.

3. Hygienic: Stainless steel is a non-reactive material, which means it does not react with acidic foods or cause a metallic taste, making it a more hygienic option for cooking.

4. Versatile: Stainless steel can be used on all cooktops, including gas, electric, and induction. It is also oven and broiler safe.

5. Aesthetics & Style: Stainless steel cookware has a sleek, modern look and is easy to match with other kitchen appliances.

6. Energy-efficient: Stainless steel is a good heat conductor, so it heats up quickly and evenly, saving time and energy.

7. Low maintenance: on top of being easy to clean, stainless steel cookware does not require any special treatment and does not need to be seasoned like cast iron or non-stick cookware.

8. Environmentally friendly: Stainless steel is a recyclable material.

Stainless steel cookware is an excellent choice for its durability, versatility, easy maintenance, and hygienic qualities.

If you need more help choosing the best frying pan for your kitchen, check out our ultimate guide from our Minimax Style blog.

Minimax Stainless Steel Cookware Recommendation

Buying high-quality cookware typically means less cleaning and maintenance in the long run. Minimax is home to some of the top European kitchen and cookware brands, each with a range of incredible products. Check out some of our stainless steel cookware recommendations below, and upgrade your kitchen today with Minimax.

Essteele Per Vita Saucepan 3-Piece Set

Buying high-quality cookware typically means less cleaning and maintenance in the long run. Minimax is home to some of the top European kitchen and cookware brands, each with a range of incredible products. Check out some of our stainless steel cookware recommendations below, and upgrade your kitchen today with Minimax.

Key Features

1. High-quality 18/10 stainless steel construction

2. A copper base for optimum heat control and induction suitability.

3. European-designed dripless pouring rim

4. Lifetime warranty

5. Made in Italy

Every kitchen can benefit from having the Essteele Per Vita 3-piece set on the stove. Beyond their traditional styling and streamlined design, each high-quality 18/10 stainless steel pan is paired with a tight-fitting deep draw lid, ensuring every meal retains its flavour and nutrients. Complemented by a copper base that improves heat control and a European-designed dripless pouring rim, say goodbye to hot spots and messy stovetops with the Essteele Per Vita Saucepan 3-piece set from Minimax.

Scanpan Impact 10-Piece Cookware Set

Key Features

1. High-quality 18/10 stainless steel construction

2. Optimal 6.4mm thick bonded base

3. Inside mirror polish with capacity markings

4. Drip-free pouring rim

5. Tempered glass lid for safe and easy viewing

6. Handles secured with rivets

The Impact 10-piece set is one of the best-selling products from Scanpan, and for a good reason! Boasting a chic two-tone matte/polished design with a glass top lid so you can keep an eye on your tasty creations, heat dispersion is optimised thanks to the bonded-sandwich base that is compatible with all stovetops, including induction. Enjoy spill-free pouring thanks to the shape of each pan’s rim and sturdy handles, secured with stainless steel rivets. Each pan features internal capacity markings on a polished interior surface, making measurements simple and precise.

Swiss Diamond Premium Steel Frypan Twin Pack

Key Features

1. High-quality 18/10 stainless steel construction

2. Elegant satin exterior

3. Riveted handles for comfort

4. Drip-free pouring rim

5. Dishwasher-safe and corrosion resistant

Cook up a culinary storm with the Swiss Diamond Premium Steel Frypan Twin Pack, a kitchen set with 20cm and 28cm frypans ideal for busy kitchens or novice cooks. The frypans have riveted, ergonomic handles for comfort and are manufactured of premium 18/10 stainless steel for uniform heat dispersion. The Swiss Diamond Premium Steel Frypan Twin Pack is a terrific addition to any kitchen due to its superior design and exceptional pricing.

3 Tips For Using Stainless Steel Cookware

Sometimes, learning how to clean stainless steel pans is more about preventing them from getting dirty in the first place. Here are a few extra tips to help you take care of your cookware.

1. Allow chilled items, such as raw meat, to come to room temperature for 10 to 15 minutes before cooking. Cold foods are more likely to stick onto to a hot pan while cooking.

2. Always warm your pan before adding oil, and then wait until the oil is hot before beginning to cook.

3. Avoid pitting corrosion - tiny, irreversible dents in the bottom of your pan - by adding salt once the water is already boiling.

You can also help keep the rest of the stovetop clean with this Stainless Steel Splatter Screen from Appetito. As for the kitchen countertop, the Mason Cash Kitchen Bench Scraper takes all the hard work out of scraping with its durable, high-quality stainless steel blade that scrapes and cleans up messes in one easy swipe.