What is the difference between a stainless steel frying pan and an iron frying pan?

What is the difference between a stainless steel frying pan and an iron frying pan?

❶In terms of appearance, there is basically no casting process for stainless steel pots. Most of the shapes are similar to carbon steel pots in iron pots. It seems that there is no one-piece short handle like cast iron pots.

❷Most people seem to be obsessed with 304 stainless steel, but 304 stainless steel has very poor thermal conductivity and is easy to warp. It is not recommended to buy a single-layer 304 frying pan. Most mid-to-low-end products will have a composite bottom or a single-layer aluminum sandwich to improve thermal conductivity. , the thermal conductivity effect is similar to that of a 1.2-1.6mm iron pot, which is cheaper, but the bottom damage rate of the bottom composite bottom is higher. High-end 304 stainless steel frying pans from big brands will add aluminum or copper interlayers or even silver interlayers to make five or seven layers of composite stainless steel. The thermal conductivity is similar to or even better than 2-3mm iron, but the price is also much more expensive than iron pans. many.

❸Many people say that stainless steel pots can be placed in the dishwasher and are easier to wash than iron pots. In fact, this is not the case. After frying meat and fish, stainless steel pots often need to be soaked in water and boiled or pre-washed by hand before they can be machine washed. This is similar to the energy required to clean iron pots. In addition, please note that washing multi-layer composite stainless steel in a dishwasher may cause interlayer corrosion and the composite bottom to fall off. One more thing to add: There should be a layer of iron oxide or oil film on the surface of the iron pot. Some people mind that it seems unclean. In fact, it is an inert substance. Don’t worry. If you really mind, just buy stainless steel.

❹The thermal conductivity of 190 and 444 stainless steel is slightly close to that of carbon steel and cast iron. It can be made into a thick single-layer frying pan and can be put into the dishwasher without worry. However, it is relatively rare in China. Many 304 purists have never heard of it and always think of other stainless steels. Don’t dare to buy anything that is poisonous or anything like that.

❺Stainless steel pots are more acid-resistant than iron pots. You can add vinegar, tomatoes, etc. for cooking (but generally fried foods are not very acidic). They do not require additional maintenance. The contrast between the silver color and the food is more obvious, making it easier to observe the cooking situation.

❻Stainless steel is less prone to rust than iron pots, and iron pots treated with high-end sulfated iron are also less prone to rust.

❼Stainless steel pots are more likely to stick. There is no 304 stainless steel pot with multi-layer composite aluminum or copper interlayer. To achieve the non-stick effect, the preheating temperature required is higher than that of iron pots. There may be more oil smoke, so the whole pot must be preheated. It is more suitable to fry eggs and meat when the temperature reaches 200℃.

❽In terms of portability, under the premise that the cooking performance is similar, Japanese iron pots made of carbon steel or ductile iron will be much lighter, while stainless steel pots will be heavier. Ordinary cast iron pots and European and American carbon steel pots are the heaviest. In short, the two are typical products that exist and are reasonable, and no one can completely overwhelm the other.

The conclusion is

❶If you fry a lot of acidic foods, buy stainless steel and practice your skills;

❷If you are looking for economy, practicality and lightness, choose an iron pan. Carbon steel is often more suitable than cast iron, and you need to know how to maintain it;

❸If you are a high-end enthusiast, you can choose those seven-layer composite stainless steel pots, high-grade suffocated iron pots or more exquisite vermicular graphite ductile iron pots;

❹If you are a fan of cast iron pots, there are various styles of cast iron pots in various countries around the world. You should choose according to your own aesthetics and financial resources.