Stainless steel is a popular material for cookware due to its durability and resistance to corrosion. However, not all stainless steel is created equal. Some grades of stainless steel are safe for cooking, while others should be avoided.
In this blog post, we will discuss whether 18/10 stainless steel is safe or not and also know the benefits and potential dangers of using 18/10 stainless steel.
We will also provide some tips for ensuring your safety when using this type of cookware.
What is 18/10 stainless steel?
18/10 stainless steel is a type of austenitic stainless steel. It contains 18% chromium and 10% nickel. Austenitic stainless steels are non-magnetic and have high levels of resistance to corrosion than other types of stainless steel. They are also very tough, making them ideal for use in cookware.
The main difference between 18/10 stainless steel and other types of stainless steel is the amount of chromium and nickel in the alloy. 18/10 stainless steel contains a higher percentage of chromium (18%) and nickel (10%). This makes it more resistant to corrosion than other grades of stainless steel(1).
Different Grades of stainless steel
It is important to note that not all stainless steel is created equal. Some manufacturers may add other metals, such as molybdenum, to improve the quality of the steel. However, the most common grades of stainless steel are 304 (18/8) and 316 (18/10).
- Grade 304 stainless steel is the most widely used grade of stainless steel. It contains 18% chromium and 8% nickel.
- Grade 403 stainless steel is less durable and more susceptible to corrosion than 304 stainless steel. It should be avoided for use in cookware.
- Grade 316 stainless steel is more resistant to corrosion than grade 304. It contains 16% chromium, 10% nickel, and 2% molybdenum
Benefits of using 18/10 stainless steel
There are many benefits to using 18/10 stainless steel cookware.
- Durable: 18/10 stainless steel is very durable and stronger than 18/8 stainless steel. This means that it is less likely to warp or bend.
- Easier to Clean: 18/10 stainless steel is that it is easier to clean than other types of cookware. You can simply wipe it down with a damp cloth or even put it in the dishwasher.
- Highly Corrosion Resistant: As we mentioned before, 18/10 stainless steel is highly resistant to corrosion. This makes it a great choice for cooking, as it will not rust or tarnish over time.
- Shiny Appearance: This type of stainless steel has a shiny, attractive appearance that can add a touch of elegance to your kitchen.
Potential dangers of using 18/10 stainless steel
There are some potential dangers to be aware of when using 18/10 stainless steel cookware.
1. Nickel Leaching
It can leach nickel into your food in minute quantities, especially when cooking acidic foods such as tomatoes.
Nickel is a trace element that is essential for human health in small amounts. However, the total quantity of nickel, released from 18/10 stainless steel and food, may exceed the consumable value and cause a nickel allergy.
Symptoms of a nickel allergy include itching, redness, and blistering of the skin. If you experience these symptoms, you should see a doctor.
2. Saltwater Corrosion
Saltwater can cause corrosion in stainless steel. If you live in a coastal area, you may want to avoid using 18/10 stainless steel cookware.
3. Expensive than Others
18/10 stainless steel cookware is more expensive than other types of stainless steel.
4. Not Induction Safe
because of the high nickel content, 18/10 stainless steel doesn’t contain magnetic properties.
Conclusion
In conclusion, 18/10 stainless steel is a great choice for cookware. It is durable, corrosion-resistant, and easy to clean. However, it is important to be aware of the potential dangers of using this type of cookware, such as nickel leaching.
You can also take some precautions to prevent nickel from leaching into your food. These include using only stainless steel cookware that is made of high-quality materials and not using it to cook acidic foods.
FAQs
Is 18/10 stainless steel a good quality?
18/10 stainless steel is a high-quality type of stainless steel. It contains 18% chromium and 10% nickel, which makes it very resistant to corrosion.
What is the best grade of stainless steel for cooking?
There is no definitive answer to this question. However, many people prefer 18/10 stainless steel because it is less likely to leach toxins into your food and is more resistant to corrosion.
Is 18/10 Stainless Steel Induction Safe?
As it clearly shows that it contains chromium and nickel in a good amount, it isn’t safe for induction cookware.
The induction cookware needs ferrous metals in order to create a magnetic field and since chromium and nickel are non-ferrous metals, they don’t work with the induction process.
Because it doesn’t come under the category of induction-friendly cookware, most of the manufacturers add 18/0 stainless steel in the base of the cookware to make it work with the induction stove.
