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Key Takeaways:
Why Stainless Steel Cookware?
As a professional chef (ok just kidding), but as someone who is constantly cooking, I always recommend stainless steel cookware as a top option when it comes to avoiding unwanted chemicals leaching into my food.
Why? Stainless steel is a popular material for cookware because of its non-reactive surface that ensures flavors remain in place and uncontaminated without the use of synthetic coatings that more inexpensive cookware brands use.
Additionally, stainless steel offers a level of durability, versatility, and ease of maintenance that’s hard to compete with when considering non-stainless steel options.
The Benefits of Using Stainless Steel
Stainless steel is a non-reactive material and won’t leach harmful chemicals or flavors into your food, even when using highly acidic ingredients. This makes it a safe and healthy choice for cooking. Additionally, stainless steel is incredibly durable and long-lasting. It won’t scratch, dent, or warp, even with heavy use.
Another advantage of stainless steel cookware is its versatility. It can be used on all types of stovetops, including induction, gas, and electric. Stainless Steel has a high heat index making it oven-safe at high temperatures – perfect for searing and roasting.
Stainless steel cookware is also easy to clean and maintain. It’s dishwasher safe and can be cleaned with soap and water. Unlike other materials, stainless steel won’t absorb odors or stains, so it will always look new like you just took it out of the box.
Concerns with Traditional Cookware
Traditional cookware often using a nonstick coating can have some major health concerns. Non-stick cookware is typically coated with a chemical called polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), more commonly known as Teflon, which can release toxic fumes when heated at high cooking temperatures.
Alternatively, synthetic coatings are also well documented to contain PFAS the “forever chemicals” that don’t break down naturally within the environment or inside the body and may lead to dangers when continually exposed.
Health concerns that are connected to PFAS include various forms of cancers, immune system deficiencies, and adverse effects on infant development to name a few.
Cast iron on the other hand is a good cookware option but is a pain to maintain and can rust quickly while also requiring seasoning to prevent food from sticking.
In contrast, stainless steel cookware doesn’t have these concerns. It’s a safe and healthy option that requires
360 Cookware Brand Overview
As a cookware enthusiast, I have come across many brands highlighting themselves as non-toxic cookware or chemical-free cookware. However, in my experience, this is usually far from the truth. 360 Cookware stands out as a true non-toxic stainless steel cookware brand. Their products are free from Teflon (PTFE), PFOA, PFAS, PFOS, and non-stick coatings. Here’s why:
High-Quality Surgical Grade Stainless Steel
Every piece of 360 Cookware is made of three primary metal components bonded together. The inside layer (cooking surface) is made from T-316 Surgical Grade Stainless Steel, “18/18” which refers to the percentage of chromium and nickel levels in their metal.
The outside layer that sits on the burner is made from T-400 surgical-grade steel which contains a lower nickel content and high carbon steel content to interact with heat. The third metal is a layer of aluminum for excellent heat distribution.
Aluminum is used in most stainless steel cookware sold today because stainless steel by itself is not a great heat conductor. However, aluminum is, but can leach harmful metals into your food.
THIS IS IMPORTANT FOR TWO REASONS:
Eco-Friendly Manufacturing
360 Cookware also offers one of the most eco-friendly manufacturing processes of cookware anywhere on earth. Yes, on earth!
How?
360’s Advanced Vapor Cooking Technology
One unique feature of 360 Cookware I like most is its waterless cooking method. Most cookware brands pride themselves on their high heat retention.
Instead, while 360 cookware does have high heat retention, their cookware specifically uses a Vapor Cooking technology through its use of their multi-ply construction and unique cookware shape. This makes the cookware so responsive to heat, that you only need to cook over medium heat or simmer on low to have the same desired effect.
The Vapor Seal helps lock in moisture and flavor instead of allowing it to escape the pan and instead gets recirculated back into the food and allows cooking without needing added water or fats/oils.
360 Offers a Wide Selection of Products
360 Cookware offers a vast range of products to choose from. Each product is designed to meet different cooking needs, and they all have a high-performance triple-ply construction. Their offerings include:
High-Quality Construction for the Best Stainless Steel Cookware
360 Cookware offers some of the highest quality construction and engineering to create their cookware products. Here’s how:
Construction Techniques
360 Cookware uses a unique construction technique that involves bonding layers of stainless-steel and aluminum together.
This technique is known as tri-ply or clad construction allowing for even heat distribution and retention. The aluminum layer in the middle of the cookware conducts heat quickly and evenly, while the stainless steel layers on the exterior provide durability and a sleek appearance.
Another notable construction feature of 360 Cookware is its fully-clad design. This means that the stainless steel layers extend from the bottom of the cookware up to the sides, ensuring that heat is distributed evenly throughout the entire pan. This design also makes the cookware more resistant to warping.
The Core Advantage: Bonded Aluminum Encased in Stainless Steel
When it comes to stainless steel cookware, one of the most important factors to consider is the core material. The core material is responsible for heat distribution and retention, which is crucial for achieving evenly cooked meals.
360 Cookware stands out from the competition with its unique core design. The company uses a bonded aluminum core that runs through the sides and lip of the pan.
Most cookware brands only have a core through the middle of their pan or pot. This design creates even heat distribution throughout the entire cooking surface.
Compared to other brands, 360 Cookware’s bonded aluminum core provides a significant advantage over other materials, such as copper or pure aluminum, because it is less reactive to acidic foods and more durable.
Additionally, the use of multiple layers of metal in the core of the pan allows for a thinner layer of stainless steel to be used on the cooking surface. This results in a lighter-weight pan that is easier to handle and maneuver.
Design and Aesthetics
Everyone loves good-looking cookware! Design and aesthetics play a significant role in the overall cooking experience. 360 Cookware offers beautifully designed pieces that look great in any kitchen. The shined stainless steel finish provides a premium look that will keep your kitchen looking timeless.
Visual Appeal
360 Cookware offers beautifully designed pieces that look great in any kitchen. The shined stainless steel finish provides a premium look that will keep your kitchen looking timeless. The interior has a matte finish, which not only adds to its visual appeal but also makes it easy to clean.
Ergonomic Features
The 360 Cookware is designed with ergonomic features that make it comfortable to use. The handles are designed to fit comfortably in your hand and are securely attached to the pots and pans. The lids have a unique design that allows for easy and safe handling, even when the cookware is hot.
Cleaning Instructions
Cleaning the 360 Cookware is easy. I clean mine with a mild non-toxic detergent and warm water. Avoid using steel wool or abrasive cleaners that can scratch the surface of the cookware. You can also use a non-abrasive scrub pad or a soft sponge to clean the cookware.
The 360 Cookware is dishwasher safe, but I recommend just hand washing right after use to maintain its quality and longevity. Stainless steel is resistant to rust and corrosion. However, I dry mine immediately after washing to prevent water spots or stains.
Performance Reviews: Standouts and Surprises During Testing
During my testing of the 360 Cookware several stainless steel pots and pans, a few standout pieces impressed me. Here are my thoughts on the 8.5-inch Stainless Steel Fry Pan, 3.5 Quart Saute Pan with Cover, and 6 Quart Slow Cooker.
8.5-Inch Stainless Steel Fry Pan
8.5 Inch Stainless Steel Fry Pan
Perfect medium-sized fry pan for your everyday cooking needs. Uses multiple layers of high-quality surgical-grade stainless steel. The core of bonded aluminum is encased around two levels of T-400 surgical-grade steel so there’s never any worry about aluminum leaching touching your food.
The 8.5-inch Stainless Steel Pan was one of the standout pieces in the 360 Cookware set. This pan heated up quickly and evenly while also maintaining a consistent temperature throughout cooking.
The pan was also easy to clean and left no residue behind. The handle stayed cool to the touch and the stovetop. Overall, this is a great pan for everyday use.
3.5 Quart Saute Pan with Cover
3.5 Quart Saute Pan w/ Cover
Perfect for full-size family meals and includes a full-size cover. Uses multiple layers of high-quality surgical-grade stainless steel. The core of bonded aluminum is encased around two levels of T-400 surgical-grade steel so there’s never any worry about aluminum leaching touching your food.
The 3.5 Quart Saute Pan with Cover was another standout piece in the 360 Cookware set. This larger pan was perfect for sauteing vegetables as well as being used as a saucepan and heated up just as quickly as the smaller fry pan.
The lid fits snugly on the pan, and the main handle and smaller handle are comfortable and stay cool to the touch during cooking. This one is definitely my go-to nonstick pan for everyday use.
6 Quart Slow Cooker
6 Quart Slow Cooker
Provides a generous 6-quart capacity and innovative design that acts as a little oven. 360 Cookware uses multiple layers of high-quality surgical-grade stainless steel. The core of bonded aluminum is encased around two levels of T-400 surgical-grade steel so there’s never any worry about aluminum leaching touching your food.
The 6 Quart Slow Cooker was a bit of a surprise during testing. I’ve used many awful slow cookers over the years. But this slow cooker heats up quickly and maintains a consistent temperature throughout cooking.
The stockpot is easy to clean and didn’t have any brown spots or discoloration after slow cooking for several hours. The base offers simple controls to adjust the temperature and cooking time. The lid fits snugly on top and allows me to cook a variety of dishes without losing any moisture. Overall, this is a great slow cooker for everyday use.
Price Comparison and Value
360 Cookware is a premium stainless steel brand which makes it pricier than some other options. However, I believe that the quality of the product justifies the cost. It’s hard to avoid the quality of materials used, how they ensure no metals are leaching into food as well as the included lifetime warranty.
In comparison to other high-end stainless steel cookware brands like All-Clad and Viking, 360 Cookware is competitively priced.
If you’re on a budget, 360 Cookware may not be the best choice for you. However, if you’re looking for high-quality, eco-friendly cookware that will last a lifetime, 360 Cookware is definitely worth the investment.
Final Thoughts and Recommendations
After thoroughly researching and testing 360 Cookware, I can confidently say that they produce some of the best stainless steel cookware around that is both long-lasting and truly non-toxic.
360’s eco-friendly manufacturing process and sustainably sourced materials offer a great option for environmentally-conscious consumers.
The construction and engineering around the stainless steel used to prevent the aluminum core from leaching out when cooking is unlike any other cookware brand I’ve seen.
Additionally, the waterless cooking technology used in some of their products allows for healthier cooking and helps to preserve the nutrients in your food. This is a great option for those who prioritize healthy eating.
Overall, I highly recommend 360 Cookware for those that are looking for a worthwhile investment in a cookware product that will last for years to come.
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Meet Devin Duff
