When it comes to health, many people focus on nutrition, exercise, and stress management. But one often-overlooked area is the type of cookware we use. While stainless steel may not seem like a game-changer, it could play a role in minimizing harmful chemical exposure—something that’s especially important for those looking to support their reproductive health.
Why Stainless Steel?
Non-stick cookware, may be coated with chemicals like PFOA (Perfluorooctanoic Acid) and PFAS (Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances), has been widely used for its cooking convenience. However, research increasingly links these “forever chemicals” to endocrine disruption, a significant factor in fertility (1). Endocrine disruptors can interfere with hormone function, leading to potential issues like irregular menstrual cycles, poor egg quality, and reduced sperm count (2).
In Canada, the government has taken regulatory steps to limit the use and import of PFOA, PFOS (Perfluorooctane Sulfonate), and other PFAS. Cookware products in Canada labeled PFOA-free are now widely available, and the use of PFOA in the manufacturing of non-stick cookware has been largely eliminated. Which is good news for folks who have a favourite sauté pan for their morning eggs.
For those looking to avoid non-stick pans, stainless-steel has several advantages.
- Non-Reactive and Safe: Stainless steel cookware doesn’t interact with your food, making it a dependable choice for everyday cooking.
- Durable: It can handle high heat without degrading, which is important for cooking methods like searing or stir-frying without compromising its quality or performance.
- Versatile: Stainless steel is perfect for a wide variety of cooking methods—sautéing, boiling, and even baking—without altering the taste of food or compromising nutritional quality.
Practical Tips for Using Stainless Steel Cookware
Switching to stainless steel can seem like a challenge if you’re used to non-stick pans, but with the right techniques, you can get excellent cooking results without sticking issues. Here are some practical tips to help you make the transition:
Preheat the Pan Properly
One of the keys to cooking with stainless steel is preheating the pan. Preheating creates a surface that’s less likely to stick, as the heat helps food form a natural barrier when it hits the metal.
Place the pan on medium heat for about 2-3 minutes before adding any oil or fat. A good way to test if the pan is ready is to sprinkle a few drops of water on the surface. If the droplets bead up and dance around the pan, it’s hot enough.
Add Oil after Preheating
Once the pan is preheated, add your cooking oil. Allow the oil to heat for a few seconds before adding food. This step is crucial for creating a slick surface to prevent sticking.
Use the right oils: Choose oils with a high smoke point, such as avocado oil or grapeseed oil, especially for high-heat cooking. Avoid using oils that can burn quickly, like olive oil, at higher temperatures.
Use Medium Heat
Stainless steel conducts heat well, so you don’t need to crank up the heat to get good results. High heat can cause food to burn and stick.
Best approach: Stick to medium or medium-high heat for most cooking tasks. For delicate foods like eggs or fish, low heat is your best bet.
Deglazing for Easy Cleaning
After cooking, you might notice some browned bits stuck to the pan, especially if you’re searing meat or sautéing vegetables. These bits are full of flavour and can be easily loosened by deglazing the pan.
After removing the food, pour a small amount of broth, wine, or even water into the pan while it’s still warm. Use a spatula to gently scrape up the bits stuck to the surface, which you can then incorporate into a sauce or gravy.
Cleaning Stainless Steel Cookware
Don’t worry if your stainless steel pan gets discolored or develops a patina after repeated use. This is normal and won’t affect its performance.
For stubborn stains: Try scrubbing with a paste of baking soda and water or use a stainless steel cleaner to restore the pan’s shine.
Daily cleaning: Wash with warm, soapy water and avoid harsh scrubbers like steel wool, which can scratch the surface. A soft sponge or cloth works well.
In Summary
Switching to stainless steel cookware is like leveling up your chef game—it’s the pro’s choice for mastering heat, achieving perfect sears, and whipping up culinary masterpieces with confidence.
Alessandra DiMattia is a registered dietitian and culinary instructor who believes cooking and baking should be accessible, enjoyable, and empowering. Alessandra offers Culinary Skills for Health: a personalized hands-on cooking experience. Book a discovery call with Alessandra to learn more!
References:
- References: Endocrine Society. (2024). Endocrine disruptors: A report on the science and policy (2024). https://www.endocrine.org/-/media/endocrine/files/advocacy/edc-report2024finalcompressed.pdf
- Vázquez, M. P., & Dávalos, A. (2021). Endocrine-disrupting chemicals and their effects on human health: An overview. International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 22(4), 2148. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms22042148
