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Roasted whole chicken on a serving pan with gravy, cranberry sauce, salad, rice and a baked casserole for a holiday meal.

Cooking With Stainless Steel

New to stainless steel? You’re in the right place.

Cooking with stainless steel may feel different if you’re used to coated cookware, but it doesn’t have to be intimidating. A few simple techniques can make all the difference.

We’ll show you how to get the heat right, prevent sticking, care for your cookware, and feel confident using stainless steel every day.

Because the goal isn’t to master your cookware. It’s to make healthier, delicious meals you feel good about putting on the table.

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Top view of three nested stainless steel frying pans showing brushed finish and welded handles on white background Top view of three nested stainless steel frying pans showcasing curved welded handles on a plain background

Cooking with Stainless Steel Made Simple

Start With Lower Heat

Stainless steel holds heat extremely well, so you probably need less heat than you’re used to. For most everyday cooking, low to medium heat is all you need. Too much heat is one of the biggest causes of sticking and burning.

Preheat Your Pan

Give your pan a few minutes to heat before adding your food. Proper preheating helps food cook evenly and can help prevent sticking.

Quick tip: Add a few drops of water. When they form beads that glide across the surface, your pan is ready.

Let Your Food Release

When cooking proteins, don’t force the flip. Food may initially stick to stainless steel, but as it develops a proper sear, it will naturally begin to release. If it’s sticking, give it a little more time.

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Stainless steel pan and stovetop controls demonstrate the water droplet test under How To Use Stainless SteelHow to use stainless steel: water droplet test and heat control

Proper Preheating

Learn how to tell when your stainless steel pan is ready for food and why getting the temperature right helps prevent sticking. See how proper heat, preheating and timing work together to help food release naturally from stainless steel.

Steak flipped in a stainless steel pan for cooking the perfect steakSteak being flipped in a stainless steel pan with tongs, titled How to Cook the Perfect Steak in Stainless Steel

Know When It’s Ready to Flip

Learn why proteins may initially stick to stainless steel and how to recognize when they’ve developed a proper sear and are ready to release.

Fried egg cooking in a stainless steel pan with headline How to Cook Eggs on Stainless SteelFried egg cooking in a stainless steel pan with headline How to Cook Eggs on Stainless Steel

How to Cook Eggs Without Sticking

Eggs are one of the #1 questions we get about cooking with stainless steel. Learn the simple heat, timing and cooking techniques that make all the difference.

Chef’s Tips

Common Mistakes & How to Avoid Them

#1 Using Too Much Heat

Stainless steel holds heat extremely well. Cranking up the burner can lead to sticking, burning and discoloration.

Start with low to medium heat and adjust from there. Less heat is usually more with 360.

#2 Adding Food Before the Pan Is Ready

Putting food into a pan before it has properly preheated is one of the most common causes of sticking.

Give your pan time to preheat before adding your food.

#3 Trying to Flip Too Soon

Proteins may initially grab onto the stainless steel surface. That’s normal. As they develop a proper sear, they’ll begin to release naturally.

If your food is sticking when you try to flip it, give it a little more time.

Caring for your Cookware

  • Everyday Cleaning
  • Stuck-On Food
  • Spots & Discoloration

EVERYDAY CLEANING

One of the benefits of stainless steel is that it’s made for real, everyday cooking. It doesn’t have a delicate coating to protect, and with a little basic care, it can stay beautiful and perform for decades.

Most everyday messes clean up easily, and even when food gets stuck or your cookware develops spots or discoloration, it can usually be restored with a few simple steps. Don’t be afraid to use your 360. It's built to be cooked in, cleaned up, and used again and again.

TIP #1 — HAND WASH FOR BEST RESULTS

Once your cookware has cooled, wash it with warm water, mild dish soap and a soft sponge or cloth. In most cases, that’s all you’ll need. We do not recommend putting 360 Cookware in the dishwasher. Harsh dishwasher detergents can damage exposed aluminum within the cookware’s construction and may affect warranty coverage. For the best results, make hand washing your everyday routine.

TIP #2 — LET IT COOL FIRST

Always let hot cookware cool before washing it. Putting a very hot pan directly into cold water creates a sudden temperature change that can cause cookware to warp. If food residue remains, don’t immediately reach for something abrasive. Let the pan soak in warm, soapy water for a few minutes to loosen the food.

TIP #3 — RINSE & DRY

Rinse thoroughly to remove any soap or food residue, then dry your cookware with a soft towel rather than letting it air dry. Hand drying helps prevent mineral deposits that can leave white or cloudy water spots on stainless steel and keeps your 360 looking its best.

STUCK-ON FOOD

Stuck-on food happens and it doesn’t mean you’ve damaged your cookware. Stainless steel is incredibly durable, and even stubborn messes can usually be cleaned up with a few simple steps.

TIP #1 — SOAK IT FIRST

Let the cookware cool, then fill it with warm, soapy water and allow it to soak. This is often enough to loosen food without heavy scrubbing.

TIP #2 — LET HEAT HELP

For stubborn food, add a little water to the pan and gently warm it on the stove. As the water heats, use a wooden or silicone utensil to gently loosen the residue.

TIP #3 — USE 360 COOKWARE CLEANER

For food or buildup that needs a little extra help, use 360 Cookware Cleaner to help get your stainless steel back to looking its best.

SPOTS & DISCOLORATION

Don’t panic, it’s usually cosmetic. Water spots, cloudy residue and blue or rainbow-colored discoloration can happen with stainless steel. They don’t mean your cookware is damaged and they won’t affect how it cooks.

TIP #1 — WATER SPOTS

Minerals in water can leave white or cloudy spots behind. Hand drying your cookware after washing can help prevent them.

TIP #2 — BLUE OR RAINBOW MARKS

Blue or rainbow-colored marks can appear after cooking and are harmless. To remove them, use a little vinegar and water with a soft cloth or sponge, then rinse and dry thoroughly.

TIP #3 — BRING BACK THE SHINE

For spots, discoloration or a deeper clean, use 360 Cookware Cleaner to help restore the stainless steel finish.

One of the benefits of stainless steel is that it’s made for real, everyday cooking. It doesn’t have a delicate coating to protect, and with a little basic care, it can stay beautiful and perform for decades.

Most everyday messes clean up easily, and even when food gets stuck or your cookware develops spots or discoloration, it can usually be restored with a few simple steps. Don’t be afraid to use your 360. It's built to be cooked in, cleaned up, and used again and again.

TIP #1 — HAND WASH FOR BEST RESULTS

Once your cookware has cooled, wash it with warm water, mild dish soap and a soft sponge or cloth. In most cases, that’s all you’ll need. We do not recommend putting 360 Cookware in the dishwasher. Harsh dishwasher detergents can damage exposed aluminum within the cookware’s construction and may affect warranty coverage. For the best results, make hand washing your everyday routine.

TIP #2 — LET IT COOL FIRST

Always let hot cookware cool before washing it. Putting a very hot pan directly into cold water creates a sudden temperature change that can cause cookware to warp. If food residue remains, don’t immediately reach for something abrasive. Let the pan soak in warm, soapy water for a few minutes to loosen the food.

TIP #3 — RINSE & DRY

Rinse thoroughly to remove any soap or food residue, then dry your cookware with a soft towel rather than letting it air dry. Hand drying helps prevent mineral deposits that can leave white or cloudy water spots on stainless steel and keeps your 360 looking its best.

Stuck-on food happens and it doesn’t mean you’ve damaged your cookware. Stainless steel is incredibly durable, and even stubborn messes can usually be cleaned up with a few simple steps.

TIP #1 — SOAK IT FIRST

Let the cookware cool, then fill it with warm, soapy water and allow it to soak. This is often enough to loosen food without heavy scrubbing.

TIP #2 — LET HEAT HELP

For stubborn food, add a little water to the pan and gently warm it on the stove. As the water heats, use a wooden or silicone utensil to gently loosen the residue.

TIP #3 — USE 360 COOKWARE CLEANER

For food or buildup that needs a little extra help, use 360 Cookware Cleaner to help get your stainless steel back to looking its best.

Don’t panic, it’s usually cosmetic. Water spots, cloudy residue and blue or rainbow-colored discoloration can happen with stainless steel. They don’t mean your cookware is damaged and they won’t affect how it cooks.

TIP #1 — WATER SPOTS

Minerals in water can leave white or cloudy spots behind. Hand drying your cookware after washing can help prevent them.

TIP #2 — BLUE OR RAINBOW MARKS

Blue or rainbow-colored marks can appear after cooking and are harmless. To remove them, use a little vinegar and water with a soft cloth or sponge, then rinse and dry thoroughly.

TIP #3 — BRING BACK THE SHINE

For spots, discoloration or a deeper clean, use 360 Cookware Cleaner to help restore the stainless steel finish.

Ready to Get Even More From Your 360?

Discover Vapor® Cooking

Your 360 can do more than traditional stainless steel cooking. Our unique Vapor® Cooking method uses the natural moisture in your food to help create flavorful, nutritious meals with less added water and fat.

Once you’re comfortable with the basics of stainless steel, Vapor® Cooking gives you another simple way to get even more from your cookware and your food.

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LEARN VAPOR® COOKING
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Fall Apple Chicken Recipe

Indulge in a perfect blend of savory and sweet with our Apple Chicken with Scallions recipe. This quick and easy dish combines tender chicken pieces with the crisp freshness of apples and scallions, all brought together in a delightfully tangy apple cider vinegar sauce.

What You'll Need:

Angled view of 3.5 Quart Sauté Pan with Cover showcasing stainless steel construction and long handle on a white background

3.5 Quart Sauté Pan with Cover

Sale Price:$ 279.95 Regular Price:

Make This Now Fall Apple Chicken Recipe recipe
Recipe images. Scroll for more.
Hand holding tongs lifting browned fried chicken thighs from a skillet on a gas stove; stove display shows 350
Overhead of skillet with browned chicken thighs, white beans, wilted spinach, and lemon wedges on a white tabletop
Make This Now Fall Apple Chicken RecipeRecipe

Recipe Starter Pack

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  • 20 mins
  • Easy
Roasted cherry tomatoes, lemon, garlic, and vegetables in a 9 x 13 Bake and Roast Pan with handles

Bake & Roast Veggies

Whats You'll Need:

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9" x 13" Bake & Roast Pan with Handles

$ 189.95
$ 189.95
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Hasselback potatoes in a stainless steel pan with Parmesan, parsley, and butter

Baked Potatoes

Whats You'll Need:

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Whats You'll Need:

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10 Inch Fry Pan

$ 159.95
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Have more questions or need personalized advice? Our team of cookware specialists is here to help you make the best choice for your kitchen.

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Whether you’re buying cookware for the first time, or planning a major upgrade to your kitchen equipment, it’s worth investing in pots and pans that will stand the test of time and provide superior performance. Two of the main contenders are nonstick and stainless steel: which material is the best for the home cook?

Read More , Stainless Steel or Nonstick: Transforming Kitchens with 360 Cookware
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Enjoy peace of mind with our comprehensive lifetime warranty, covering defects in materials and workmanship for as long as you own the product.

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Give Yourself a Few Meals

If you’ve been cooking with nonstick or coated cookware for years, stainless steel is going to feel a little different at first. That’s completely normal.

Give yourself a few meals to learn how your cookware responds to your stove, how much heat you really need, and when your food is ready to release.

Start simple, adjust as you go, and don’t be discouraged if something sticks. Before long, you’ll stop thinking about the technique and simply start cooking.

You’ve got this and we’re here to help along the way.

Need Help to Get Started?

Need to contact our expert team? Find all the answers you need in our help center.

Help Center

Yes, all our cookware will work on induction stovetops. Our bakeware will not though.

Absolutely! 360 Cookware comes with a lifetime warranty. While standard cookware may wear out in about 10 years, we commonly receive letters from happy customers who have been using their cookware daily for 40 years or more.

Need Help to Get Started?

Need to contact our expert team? Find all the answers you need in our help center.

Help Center
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Start Simple

Choose something familiar for your first few meals. The goal isn’t perfection, it’s getting comfortable with your cookware.

Try eggs, vegetables, chicken or another recipe you already know and love.

 Exlpore Now, Start Simple
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Adjust As You Go

Every stove and every kitchen is a little different. Pay attention to your heat, give your pan time, and make small adjustments as you cook.

You’ll quickly learn what works best in your kitchen.

 Explore Now, Adjust As You Go
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Don’t Worry If Something Sticks

It happens, even to experienced cooks! Sticking usually means your heat or timing just needs a small adjustment.

Keep cooking. You’ll get the feel for it faster than you think.

 Explore Now, Don’t Worry If Something Sticks