Stainless Steel Cookware--What exactly is Multi-Ply?

As a vendor of stainless steel cookware, a question that we encounter frequently is “What is Ply?” and it is almost always followed by “How is that different from element?” Ply or element (the two terms are used interchangeably) refers to the number of layers in the bottom of the encapsulated pan. Many believe the more ply the better! These layers are important because they allow even heat flow and durability. The aluminum conducts the heat well in the inner layers. However, it is not desirable on the outside because it corrodes and comes off on the food. The multi-layers spread the heat evenly, insuring that there are no "hot spots." The thickness of the cookware also reduces chances of the piece warping. Stainless steel protects the food and the cookware itself.

Recently there has been an increase in the number of layers or ply added to the cookware. For cookware to be classified as waterless, it must be at least 5-ply or have five layers. Many companies now feature waterless cookware that has 7-ply, 9-ply and even 12-ply construction. While extra ply will slightly increase the weight of the pan, it does not mean that your food will cook any better or taste any different because of the extra layers. The weight difference in the 7-ply versus the 9-ply, for example, is so slight that if you were blindfolded and picked up the two different ply pans, you would not be able to make a distinction between them. When considering the purchase of cookware, use other factors, such as the number and type of pieces included in the cookware set, rather than multi-ply feature to determine which set is the best choice for you. Below is a picture describing the layers in a pan with 7-ply construction.

The construction of Maxam’s 7-ply KT17Ultra set was initially made for induction-top stoves. If you have an induction-top stove, you must use this type of cookware. This set, however, may be used on any stove-top, including gas.

The KTUltra 7-Ply Layer Construction

Layer-1 304 Surgical Stainless Steel
Layer-2 Carbon Steel
Layer-3 304 Surgical Stainless Steel
Layer-4 Aluminum Alloy
Layer-5 Pure Aluminum
Layer-6 Aluminum Alloy
Layer-7 AISI 430 Stainless Steel

Maxam also offers a KT17 set that is similar to the KT17ULTRA set. Both sets offer the same pieces as part of the set and have many of the same features, such as ability to stack cook, steam-control knobs, phenolic handles, and encapsulated bottoms. The extra ply simply adds more bonding agents in the layering process. Because the KT17 does not use carbon steel in its layering, the cost of this cookware set is typically about $100 less than the KT17ULTRA induction set.

Encapsulated (Warp Resistant Bottoms)

The special design of the bottom of each our pots provides extra strength and rigidity that will always prevent warping. The pans stay flat and hug the burner for maximum heating efficiency during the entire cooking process. A flat bottom is important because it allows as much of the surface as possible to be in contact with the heating surface. The thickness of the (encapsulated) bottom inside the stainless steel shell is also necessary for even heat distribution. Not only will hot spots be eliminated that can often result in burnt foods, but the flat cooking surface also sends out heat evenly in all directions. It is important to note that all pans (not lids) are oven safe up to 350°. However, they should not be used under a broiler.

There are many reputable vendors on the Internet that offer quality waterless stainless steel cookware at affordable prices. Before making that purchase, shop around. Most importantly, learn all you can about waterless cookware and waterless cooking. Once you’ve made an informed decision, I can assure you that you will absolutely love preparing meals for you and your family. To learn more about waterless cooking, you can visit our site—www.thegourmetscookware.com

If you are interested in owning a quality waterless cookware set, check out http://www.thegourmetscookware.com for some great deals on stainless steel cookware, stockpots, skillets, flatware, cutlery and other gourmet essentials. In addition, we offer tips for cooking with waterless cookware, cleaning your stainless steel cookware, and great recipes to try with your new waterless stainless steel cookware.

State Fair Cookware vs. World’s Finest by Maxam

Have you ever attended the State Fair and watched a cookware demonstration? If you are like me, you were soon captivated by the sales pitch. You were already envisioning using this cookware in your kitchen. Then they mention the price which, depending on the composition of the specific set, can range from $1,500 to $3,000. West Bend and Regal are excellent brands. I am sure that the claims made by the demonstrators are all true. The unfortunate reality, however, is that not everyone can afford to spend a couple of thousand dollars for a quality cookware set.

The good news is that you do not have to. There are many companies on the Internet that offer comparable cookware at a fraction of the cost. One set to consider that is comparable to the expensive brands shown at the State Fair is Maxam’s 17 pc. 9-element Steam-control set. Maxam even offers a Salad Maker with 5 cutting blades similar to that offered at the State Fair for a little over $100.

The KT17 set is truly one of Maxam’s finest! Cooking will be a dream with this set! This 17 pc. set is considered to be one of the highest quality Steam Control Surgical Stainless Steel "Waterless" cookware sets that Maxam makes. Each piece of this KT17 set is constructed of extra heavy surgical stainless steel and guaranteed to last a lifetime. The 9-element (layer) construction spreads the heat quickly and evenly. The 9-ply construction includes the following elements:

• Chrome
• Nickel
• Manganese
• Silicon
• Aluminum
• Iron
• Copper
• Molybdenum
• Vanadium

The chrome adds longer life, the iron adds strength and the copper adds durability to this quality cookware. The steam control valve makes "waterless" cooking easy. You can cook healthier in this cookware because it eliminates the need for grease or oil in cooking. To use the steam control valve, start cooking on medium heat (never use high heat). Then, when the valve begins to whistle, close the valve and turn the heat down to low and finish cooking. The 9-element construction allows you to stack cook with this cookware. Begin cooking on individual burners and when the valve whistles, you can stack the pans to finish cooking. The phenolic handles are superbly styled and are resistant to heat, cold and detergents. This set includes a cookbook with instructions and comes with a limited lifetime warranty. Before you invest up to $2000 in cookware, consider our advantages and superior features. Waterless cookware Set Contents

• 1.7 qt covered saucepan
• 2.5 qt covered saucepan
• 3.2 qt covered saucepan
• 7.5 qt covered roaster
• 11-3/8" skillet
• Double boiler unit with capsule bottom that can also be used as an extra 3 qt pan
• 5 egg cups
• 5 hole utility rack
• High dome cover for skillet or roaster
  
  Some additional key features about this product:


• Stack Cooking - The 9 element construction allows stack cooking with this cookware. Start by cooking on individual burners. When valve whistles, you can stack the pans to finish cooking. Double Boiler Unit - the double boiler unit has an encapsulated bottom so that it can be place directly on your stove-top as a cooking utensil when not being used as a double boiler unit.


• Size - A description of the size of each pot is clearly visible on the bottom of the pan


• Handles - The phenolic handles are resistant to heat, cold, and detergents and have been tested for durability in ovens up to 350 degrees. However, the manufacturer does not recommend placing the pots in an oven. They are really made to be used on a stove top. This cookware actually allows you to bake food right on top of your stove. Each handle is molded with a large eyelet that permits you to hang your utensils. Also, for convenient storage, you can invert the cover, nest it in the proper pan, and hang or stack your cookware.
  

Shop around. There will be quite a variance in price but you should be able to purchase this set for between $230 and $280. Though the price difference between State Fair sets and those sold on the Internet is considerable, you will notice that, upon comparison, the actual differences between this set and the more expensive State Fair sets are negligible. Maxam also offers the KT17ULTRA set that sells on the Internet for approximately $100 more than the KT17 set. The reason this set is more expensive that the KT17 set is that it contains a carbon steel core between the stainless steel layers. If you have an induction stove, then this is the cookware for you. Induction stoves use a magnetic field to heat the cooking pan, which then heats the contents of the pan. The cook top itself stays relatively cool. With induction cooking, you need a cooking pan that will attract a magnet and has a flat bottom. The carbon steel in the construction makes this possible. A flat-top or ceramic top stove is not an induction cook stove.

If you are interested in owning a quality waterless cookware set, check out http://www.thegourmetscookware.com/ for some great deal of stainless steel cookware set as well as other gourmet accessories.In addition, we offer tips for cooking with waterless cookware, cleaning your stainless steel cookware, and great recipes to try with your waterless cookware.

Advantages of Using Waterless Stainless Steel Cookware

Whether an experienced cook or just a novice, stainless steel cookware will make your life in the kitchen easy and pleasurable. Stainless steel cookware has become increasingly popular. Why? Stainless steel cookware is made up of a mixture of metals. It combines iron, nickel, chromium, and several metals. Because stainless steel by itself is not a good conductor of heat, the additional metals offer the user the best of all worlds. The encapsulated bottoms normally have copper or aluminum components that allow for even distribution of heat. You never have to worry about hot spots!

Stainless Steel Cookware Advantages

The popularity of stainless steel can be attributed to its advantages. They include:

• Surgical stainless steel is both durable and tough. With proper care, it should last for a lifetime. It is not prone to chipping, rusting, or even staining. It won’t dent or scratch easily. You don’t have to worry about particles from the pan getting into your food. While stainless steel cookware is made up of steel and other metal alloys, it is only stainless steel that is on the outer portion of your cookware. Therefore, you will never taste any of the metal alloys in the food that you cook. The non-stick protective coating prevents that from happening.


• Stainless steel is hard and non-porous. This makes it crack proof and leak proof. Because of its surface, it is typically found in hospital environments because it one of the most sterile surfaces. The 304 surgical stainless steel prevents the growth of bacteria because it is corrosion resistant, temperature resistant and is not easily scratched or warped. With proper care, stainless steel cookware will remain looking like new for quite some of time.


• Easy Maintenance. Proper maintenance is not time-consuming; yet, it can insure will look like new 10 to 20 years from now. Stainless steel contains nickel, an alloy that helps it maintain that polished new look.


• Multi-ply stainless steel cookware disperses heat evenly. Stainless steel is not a good conductor of heat. However, the aluminum added to the bottom improves this heat transfer process. This ensures that heat is distributed throughout the pan and food is cooked evenly and quickly.


• Stainless steel cookware is perhaps the safest cookware to use. Unlike Teflon, particles from the pot or pan will never chip off and enter into your foods. You do not have to worry about metal poisoning. However, there is one exception. If you are allergic to nickel, you should avoid using stainless steel cookware.
  

If you use waterless stainless steel cookware, cooking and eating will be a pleasure. Not only will you be cooking healthier because you are using less fats and oils in the food preparation process, but going waterless means that your foods are cooked in their own juices. The result—enhanced flavor and texture with minimal loss of vitamins and minerals.

The set we are currently recommending is Maxam’s 17-piece Waterless Stainless Steel Set. This is one of Maxam’s finest! Cooking will be a dream with this set! This 17 pc. set is considered to be one of the highest quality Steam-Control Surgical Stainless Steel "Waterless" Cookware Sets that Maxam makes. Each piece of this KT17 set is constructed of extra heavy surgical stainless steel and guaranteed to last a lifetime. The 9-element construction spreads the heat quickly and evenly. The 9-ply construction includes the following elements: chrome, nickel, manganese, silicon, aluminum, iron, copper, molybdenum, and vanadium. The Chrome adds longer life, the iron adds strength and the copper adds durability to this quality cookware.

The steam control valve makes "waterless" cooking easy. You can cook healthier in this cookware because it eliminates the need for grease or oil in cooking. To use the steam control valve, start cooking on medium heat (never use high heat). Then, when the valve begins to whistle, close the valve and turn the heat down to low and finish cooking. The 9-element construction allows you to stack cook with this cookware. Begin cooking on individual burners and when the valve whistles, you can stack the pans to finish cooking. The phenolic handles are superbly styled and are resistant to heat, cold and detergents. This set includes a cookbook with instructions and comes with a limited lifetime warranty.

Waterless Cookware Set Contents:

1.7 qt. covered saucepan

2.5 qt covered saucepan

3.2 qt covered saucepan

7.5 qt. covered roaster


11-3/8" skillet


Double boiler unit with capsule bottom that can also be used as an extra 3 qt pan


5 egg cups


5 hole utility rack

High dome cover for skillet or roaster

Some additional key features about this product:

Stack Cooking - The 9 element construction allows stack cooking with this cookware. Start by cooking on individual burners. When valve whistles, you can stack the pans to finish cooking.
Double Boiler Unit - the double boiler unit has an encapsulated bottom so that it can be place directly on your stove-top as a cooking utensil when not being used as a double boiler unit.
Size - A description of the size of each pot is clearly visible on the bottom of the pan
Handles - The phenolic handles are resistant to heat, cold, and detergents and have been tested for durability in ovens up to 350 degrees. However, the manufacturer does not recommend placing the pots in an oven. They are really made to be used on a stove top. This cookware actually allows you to bake food right on top of your stove. Each handle is molded with a large eyelet that permits you to hang your utensils. Also, for convenient storage, you can invert the cover, nest it in the proper pan, and hang or stack your cookware.


This set is a great all-around set and will serve you well and it is currently selling at a great price--$234.95. If you have an induction stove, however, you will need special cookware. We have a model KTULTRA that is similar to this one. However, it has special carbonized steel in the inner layers and is more expensive.

We hope you found this information helpful. Click on http://www.thegourmetscookware.com/ for other great cooking tips and recipes and great deals on waterless cookware! We have included some great waterless cooking recipes on our site http://www.thegourmetscookware.com/healthywaterlessrecipes.html This month we are featuring a fantastic Father’s Day Menu plus some great summer chicken recipes!