The most common cookware we get to see in the kitchen is stainless steel but do you know there are different grades of stainless steel and they are not all the same?
The term “18/10” refers to the chromium and nickel content of the steel. 18/10 stainless steel contains 18% chromium and 10% nickel.
The most common and expensive grade is the 18/10 which is a non-magnetic stainless steel containing chromium, nickel, and manganese.
But the question is…..
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Is 18/10 stainless steel safe?
This is the most common question we get asked, and unfortunately, there is no easy answer. 18/10 stainless steel is not technically “safe” because it can still leach small amounts of chromium and nickel into food.
However, the amount of leaching is very low and is not considered to be a health hazard but when you take it in an excessive amount, it becomes toxic.
The leaching only occurs when the steel comes into contact with acidic foods or liquids, so it is perfectly safe to use 18/10 stainless steel cookware for everyday cooking tasks such as boiling water or baking.
If you are concerned about chromium or nickel leaching, you can choose to use 18/0 stainless steel cookware instead.
18/0 stainless steel does not contain any chromium or nickel, so there is no risk of leaching.
In general, we recommend using 18/10 stainless steel cookware if you are not concerned about the possibility of trace amounts of chromium or nickel leaching into your food.
Stainless Steel and its Types
Stainless steel is an alloy of iron, chromium, and nickel. It is rust-resistant and durable, making it an ideal material for a wide range of applications. The three main grades of stainless steel are:
304: The most common grade, also known as 18/8 stainless steel. This contains 18% chromium and 8% nickel(Source).
316: A higher grade of stainless steel, also known as marine grade or surgical grade stainless steel. This contains 16% chromium, 10% nickel, and 2% molybdenum.
430: The least expensive grade, also known as ferritic stainless steel. This contains chromium but no nickel.
So, now we know that 18/10 stainless steel is one of the grades of stainless steel which contains 18% chromium and 10% nickel.
18/8 stainless steel, on the other hand, contains 18% chromium and 8% nickel. As a result, 18/10 stainless steel is more corrosion-resistant than 18/8 stainless steel. It is also more expensive.
To some extent, chromium and nickel are safe for human health.
18/10 stainless steel is also known as 304-grade stainless steel and is a popular choice for high-end kitchens. If you are looking for superior-quality cookware then this is the grade you should be looking for.
5 Benefits of 18/10 Stainless Steel
Some of the benefits that are often touted about 18/10 stainless steel are:
- Greater corrosion resistance than other grades of stainless steel
- Higher heat resistance than other grades of stainless steel
- Non-reactive to foods
- Attractive finish
- Very strong and durable
- 18/10 is often used in high-end cookware such as All-Clad
- Additionally, it is non-reactive to foods and has a low maintenance cost.
- It also has an attractive finish.
Here are 5 things you should know about 18/10 stainless steel
- 18/10 refers to the composition of this steel. It has 18% chromium and 10% nickel. Chromium makes the steel shiny, while nickel makes it resistant to corrosion.
- This type of steel is also called surgical stainless steel or inox because it’s resistant to rust and corrosion.
- It is more expensive than other types of stainless steel because it contains more chromium and nickel.
- This type of steel is used in high-end cookware because it doesn’t react with food.
- 18/10 stainless steel is dishwasher safe and can be cleaned easily.
- It is a very good conductor of heat, which makes it ideal for cooking.
- 18/10 stainless reacts minimally with food
- It is easy to clean and maintain.
All-Clad Brand
One of the most famous cookware brands, All-Clad, uses 18/10 stainless steel for its products. 18/10 stainless steel is a specific kind of stainless steel that is made with 18% chromium and 10% nickel.
All-Clad D3 is made from a tri-ply construction of aluminum and stainless steel.
The three layers of metal bonded together create even heat distribution and prevent the formation of hotspots, so your food will always cook evenly.
The inner and outer layers of stainless steel are made of different grades of stainless steel(1). The inner layer is made of 18/10 while the outer layer is made of 18/0 because 18/10 is more resistant to corrosion and is not magnetic while 18/0 is less expensive and is magnetic.
The middle layer of aluminum is bonded to the other two layers using All-Clad’s patented process which ensures even heat distribution.
The aluminum core also provides superior heat conductivity, making All-Clad D3 the perfect choice for anything from searing to simmering.
Plus, the stainless steel exterior is easy to clean and maintains its shine for years to come.
FAQs
Is 18/10 stainless steel a good quality?
Can an 18/10 stainless steel dishwasher be safe?
However, it’s always a good idea to double-check your dishwasher’s instructions manual to make sure that it can accommodate 18/10 stainless steel.
Can 18/10 stainless steel go in the oven?
Additionally, 18/10 stainless steel is less likely to warp or dent than other types of stainless steel. When using 18/10 stainless steel bakeware, be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the best results.
Conclusion:
Overall, 18/10 stainless steel is safe to use. It is non-toxic and has a low maintenance cost. Additionally, it is dishwasher-safe and can withstand high temperatures.
The only downside to 18/10 stainless steel is that it is more expensive than other grades of stainless steel. Because this alloy offers good corrosion resistance and last long. So, we can say that it is safe to use.