Why I Switched To Stainless Steel Cookware

When I became a first-time mom, I started looking at everything differently — what we eat, what we wear, and especially what we use in the kitchen. My oldest son, Theo, was born with eczema-prone skin, and like many moms, I went into full “research mode” to reduce unnecessary chemicals and allergens in our home.

That’s when I made the decision to slowly transition all our cookware and kitchen tools to stainless steel.

🥄 Why Stainless Steel?

At first, I was totally fine with non-stick pans — they were light, easy to clean, and popular. But I started learning more about potential health concerns around non-stick coatings, especially when scratched or overheated. I wanted something more durable and safer for long-term use, especially as I cooked daily for a growing child with sensitive skin.

So I started switching — little by little, because let’s be honest, stainless steel cookware isn’t cheap. But it’s also an investment. I didn’t buy a full set at once. Instead, I chose pieces that made sense for our family: one saucepan, then a frying pan, and eventually moved on to utensils, straws, cups, and even the kids’ drink bottles. Almost everything in our kitchen is stainless steel — from pots, pans to straws!

💡 Pro tip: If you’re switching, look for 304 or 18/8 stainless steel. It’s food-grade and rust-resistant — perfect for long-term daily use.

🧽 How to Prep New Stainless Steel Cookware (Remove Factory Polishing Residue)

A lot of people don’t know this, but new stainless steel products often come with a polishing compound or residue from the manufacturing process. It’s important to clean them before using them for the first time.

Here are safe, effective ways to remove that factory residue:

Vinegar + Water: Mix equal parts vinegar and water. Wipe the cookware inside and out, then rinse well.
Baking Soda Paste: Make a paste using baking soda and water. Rub gently with a soft sponge and rinse thoroughly.
(Optional) Olive Oil Polish: Some people use olive oil on a cloth to wipe the surface after cleaning. While this doesn’t remove residue, it can add a natural shine.

No, you don’t need to heat or do any special “burn-in” process. Just clean it properly before use.

🍳 Getting Used to Cooking with Stainless Steel

I won’t lie — stainless steel pans take some getting used to. Just for the nice sunny side up eggs, I watched YouTube videos on how to use a stainless steel pan!

But once you figure out how to preheat properly and add oil at the right time, it gets easier. Here’s what worked for me:

Preheat the pan on medium heat – Depending on the thickness, 1–2 minutes or 3- 5 minutes.
Add oil and swirl
Wait about 15–30 seconds, then add your food

💡 Pro tip: To check if your stainless steel pan is adequately preheated, use the water droplet test as follows:

The exact time will depend on your stovetop and the thickness of the pan (as mentioned above). Flick a few drops of water onto the surface of the pan. If the water droplets bead up and dance or roll around the surface of the pan before slowly evaporating, the pan has reached the ideal temperature for cooking and is less likely to cause sticking. These droplets are sometimes referred to as the “Leidenfrost effect.”

🔥 How to Clean Stuck-On Food

Don’t panic when things stick — it’s part of the stainless steel journey. But luckily, there are ways to clean stuck-on food without damaging your pans:

Vinegar + Baking Soda Method
- Add 1 part vinegar and 1 part water to your pan
- Bring to a boil, then remove from the heat
- Sprinkle baking soda
- Let it fizz, scrub gently, rinse
Baking Soda Scrub
- Mix baking soda with water to create a paste
- Apply it to stuck areas
- Let it sit for 10–15 minutes and scrub
Bar Keepers Friend (for heavy-duty messes)
- Sprinkle a small amount on the wet surface
- Scrub with a soft sponge
- Rinse thoroughly

These methods work wonders and help your pans look shiny again without harsh chemicals.

👶 Stainless Steel for Kids Too!

Yes, even my kids’ utensils and cups are stainless steel. We use:

Small stainless steel tumblers
Reusable stainless steel straws
Leakproof bottles

They’re safer than plastic, super durable, and easy to clean.

Here are a few Amazon links to products I recommend:

💬 Final Thoughts

Switching to stainless steel has been a slow and intentional journey, but I honestly feel it’s one of the best decisions I’ve made as a mom. It gives me peace of mind knowing that what I cook with daily is safe, durable, and long-lasting. If you’ve been thinking about making the switch — start small. One good pan can make a big difference.

Let me know in the comments if you’ve tried stainless steel or have any tips too!

Why I Switched to Stainless Steel Cookware – A Mom’s Honest Experience