Stainless steel is one of the most popular materials for cookware because it is durable, non-reactive, and relatively inexpensive. However, not all stainless steel is the same quality, so you’ll want to keep these tips in mind as you shop. When you know what to look for, you’ll be able to choose the best stainless cookware set for your kitchen. While pure stainless steel cookware is durable and doesn’t corrode, it doesn’t retain heat well and can cook food unevenly. To solve this problem, stainless steel cookware often features aluminum or copper cores in To ensure that the cookware set you’re looking at will last, look at the types of metal used to make it. For example, an 18/10 stainless steel cookware set contains 18 percent chromium and 10 percent nickel and is considered very durable. Chromium protects stainless steel from stains and rust, while nickel makes chromium more effective and gives your pots and pans a glossy shine. The higher the numbers are, the more corrosion-resistant the cookware set is. While the quality of metal in your stainless cookware is important, you’ll also want to buy pots and pans that have sturdy handles and lids. You can often find stainless steel cookware with cool-touch, easy-to-grip handles, but you’ll also want to consider whether you need handles that can go from stovetop to oven for the recipes you like to make. Make sure the set includes lids, as many recipes will require them for food to cook properly.