A User's Guide to Stainless Steel Cookware
Stainless steel is a durable, safe, and high-performance material for cookware. With a few simple care techniques, your stainless steel pots and pans will remain reliable and beautiful for years to come. This guide applies to all stainless steel products in our store, including rice cooker inner pots.
Daily Use & Cooking Tips
- Control Your Heat: Always use low to medium heat. Stainless steel is an excellent conductor, and high heat can cause food to stick or burn. Never leave an empty pan on a hot burner.
- A Special Note for Yukihira Saucepans: The lightweight design of a Yukihira is for boiling. To protect the pan, **it is not recommended for stir-frying, deep-frying, or high-heat searing.**
- Handle Maintenance: For cookware with screw-on wooden handles, check the screw periodically and tighten it if it becomes loose. Do not use a pan with a loose handle.
Cleaning & Maintenance
Routine Cleaning
After each use, once the pan has cooled, wash it with a soft cloth or sponge and mild detergent. Most stainless steel cookware is dishwasher safe; however, **items with wooden handles should always be washed by hand.** Always dry your cookware thoroughly after washing to prevent water spots.
Tackling Common Stains & Marks
It is normal for stainless steel to show signs of use. Scratches and marks will appear over time, but these do not affect the performance of your cookware. Here is how to handle common cosmetic issues:
- For Stubborn Stains: If food is stuck, fill the pan with enough hot water to cover the stains and bring it to a boil. The residue should loosen and be easy to wipe away.
- For "Rainbow" Patterns or White Spots: These are harmless mineral deposits from water or starchy foods. They can be easily removed by wiping the surface with a cloth dampened with lemon juice or white vinegar.
- For "Water Rust": This occurs when water is left to air-dry on the surface. It is a surface deposit, not corrosion of the steel itself. It can be cleaned with baking soda or a specialty stainless steel cleanser. The best prevention is to dry your cookware thoroughly after every wash.
Important Care Warnings
- Avoid Harsh Chemicals: Never use ammonia, bleach, or other harsh chemicals, as they can damage the steel's finish.
- Rinse After Cooking Acidic Foods: Do not let salty or acidic foods (e.g., salt, vinegar, tomato sauce) sit in the cookware overnight, as prolonged contact can cause pitting on the surface.
