Stainless steel cookware is loved by many. There are advantages to stainless steel cookware. First of all, though there are some things you should know.

Because stainless steel is an alloy that starts with iron and then adds up to 8 other alloys, there is a difference between stainless steel cookware. The quality of the cookware depends on what is added to the mix.

You can find a very low quality, inexpensive set of stainless steel cookware. This may not be the set for you, especially if you do a lot of cooking and have high expectations of your cookware. Do you want a stainless steel cookware set that does not produce even cooking? Would you want a stainless steel pan that is subject to rusting? Probably not!

There is a very easy test you can use to determine whether a stainless steel pan is a good quality one. Take a magnet with you when shopping for cookware. If the magnet sticks to the pan it is a lower grade and may not be the one you should purchase.

You can look for other features that signify a higher quality stainless steel cookware pan or set. Pay attention to the bottom of the pans. Sometimes aluminum or copper is added to the bottom or even all around the pan. This improves heat conductivity.

The best stainless steel cookware will have a lifetime warranty, 18/10 grades, metal handles and thick heat diffusing bottoms. This type of cookware should be easy to maintain and should also be dent and scratch resistant.

Many stainless steel cookware pans or sets are very durable and are non porous. Some do not conduct heat well and this type of cookware can be quite pricey. You may want to purchase one piece when it is on sale and see if it