Do you love your stainless steel cookware but notice it’s starting to warp or lose its shape? Don’t worry—this is a common issue, but with a few simple changes to how you use and care for your pots and pans, you can maintain their longevity and cooking performance.
Why does your cookware warp?
Warping is often caused by sudden temperature changes, which stress the metal. Learn about the signs to watch for and, more importantly, how to prevent it from happening!
Here’s what causes warping and how to avoid it:
1. Extreme Temperature Changes
Quickly cooling a hot pan with cold water (or liquids) is a major culprit. This shock causes the metal to expand and contract unevenly.
2. Deglazing with Cold Liquids
Just like washing with cold water, adding cold liquids to a hot pan can stress the cookware, potentially causing warping.
3. Cooking on High Heat
Using high temperatures, especially on thinner pans, causes the center to heat faster than the edges, which leads to uneven expansion and warping.
Advise to Preheat Gradually
Prevent Warping with These Simple Tips:
1. Avoid Extreme Temperature Shifts
Let your cookware cool gradually before washing. Avoid dunking a hot pan in cold water right after cooking.
2. Heat Gradually
Instead of cranking the heat to high, start with a low to medium setting and let the cookware warm up evenly to prevent warping.
3. Use the Right Heat for the Material
Different materials require different heat levels. Make sure to use the right settings for stainless steel (and other materials) to avoid damage.
4. Store Properly
Avoid stacking your cookware in a way that creates pressure on the bottom, which can lead to warping.
Bonus Tip: Handle Enameled Cast Iron with Care!
If you use enameled cast iron, be careful about temperature shifts. Extreme heat or cold can crack the enamel and affect the cookware’s performance.
Hope this information helps you!
Love,
EdenboxSG