Stainless steel pots and pans are deeply rooted in American culture. Though few people realize it, Americans have a fascination for food as well as a strong interest in finding new ways to use materials and resources. This entrepreneurial core of character combined with a love of food can cause a deep appreciation for mulling ideas over a good meal. The beauty and versatility of stainless steel pots and pans has even infiltrated the imagination of children’s stories. There is a book called The Cat With a Pot on Her Head that is entirely about a young kitten who decides to wear a stainless steel pot on her head like a hat. The difficult for this character lies in the fact the pot covers her ears and it becomes difficult for her to follow directions. Even in her mishaps however, it is interesting to note that the novelty of her actions and new ways of doing things with a pot on her head is very reflective of this innovative interest and appreciation for food.
In more recent years, television media has used this love of food and stainless steel pots and pans to create many new shows for audiences. From Hell’s Kitchen to Julie and Julia, there have been both large and small productions of food shows that play on the innovative spirit. Considering how deep-rooted these interests and tendencies lie in the culture, similar patterns will most likely continue for some time. On a more interesting note, no matter how popular these themes become, from literature to the big screen, stainless steel pots and pans continue to be a staple item of any well run kitchen. In fact, the material of stainless steel is usually a predominant feature in commercial kitchens. Counters, appliances, utensils, cookware, and sometimes even cabinets are entirely made from stainless steel.
This metal can be cut and formed to almost any shape and size, which makes it very adaptable for fabrication processes. In addition, it has many properties which make it practical and hygienic for culinary use. Stainless steel is a non-porous substance that does not house particles of food or other material. Because of this, stainless steel products can be cleaned with ease and little worry that ingredients from one dish can leave a residual that may affect the integrity of the next dish cooked with those same utensils. Considering the many allergies which people have and the possibility of violent allergic reactions, this assurance that ingredients will not infiltrate other dishes is essential for commercial kitchen settings. In addition to this, stainless steel is fire and heat-resistant. This means that the pots and pans made from these materials can last even when used at very high temperatures.
Though it is a common assumption that all pans should do this, it is not the case. Pans made of more delicate materials have been known to melt apart if used at too high of a heat setting. This simply is not a concern when stainless steel pots and pans are used. This metal is also very resistant to corrosion and damage. Though it can become discolored if left touching metal objects when wet, this discoloration is simply a cosmetic alteration and does not result in any damage to the actual metal materials. In addition, when more corrosive ingredients are used in cooking, these substances do not damage the pans either. From lemon juice, to chlorine that is present in city water systems, stainless steel can be used safely with all of these substances.
In addition, in some ways stainless steel is self-healing. There is a film on the outside of stainless steel that comes from it being an alloy metal that is combined with chromium. If the surface of that film is damaged in some way, it has the ability to reform so long as at least a little oxygen is present in the environment. The micro-structure of this metal is really quite astounding and its strength, damage resistance, and hygienic qualities make it a perfect match for the innovative efforts and culinary fascination in American culture.