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.

Why Waterless Cookware?

When cooking foods in water, less is better! This is especially true if interested in healthy eating that preserves the nutritional value of your food. What does waterless cooking mean—it just means adding extra water is not necessary, for most meats and vegetables already contain water naturally. In fact, adding water actually removes nutrients from your food. With waterless cooking method, only 2% of your vitamins and minerals are lost in the cooking process, whereas with conventional cooking methods, there is about a 42% loss in nutrients when cooking in water.

Key Advantages of Waterless Cooking:

• Higher nutritional value of foods that are cooked. Nutrients are not lost or diluted in water.
• With waterless cooking, you don’t need to add oils or fats in the cooking process. When vegetables are sautéed in oil, they do not properly caramelize and release the aromatic flavors into the dish being cooked.
• Cleanup is easy and fast. An easy scrub with a high-quality stainless steel cleaner, using a damp cloth, and a good rinse in hot water is all that is necessary to keep your pans bright and shiny and to keep foods from sticking to the pan.
• Quality stainless steel waterless cookware disperses heat evenly—there are no hot spots. This type of cookware has a flat bottom that keeps more of the surface in contact with the gas burner or electric heat.

Most waterless stainless steel cookware sets are either 7- or 9-ply. The key difference between the two is that the 9-ply has more bonding agents between layers. However, the difference in weight between the two is negligible. For cookware to be considered waterless, it should be at least 5 layers or 5-ply. Most stainless steel cookware sold in department stores is only 3-ply, not meeting the waterless requirement.

Tight fitting lids are also a critical part of waterless cooking. Vegetables have high water content. For that reason, it is unnecessary to add additional water when cooking. All you need to do is rinse your vegetables in cold water, drain, and place in the pan. When cooking vegetables the waterless way, it is important to select the correct size pan. The vegetables should almost completely fill the pan. Once in the pan, follow these steps:
Cover vegetable with lid. Start cooking on medium head (never use high heat).
When the valve begins to whistle, close the value and turn the heat to low. Cook vegetables according to times given for that specific vegetable.

One of the most economical waterless cookware sets that offers all the required features of waterless cookware is the 17 pc. 9-element Surgical Stainless Steel Waterless Cookware Set by Maxam. This set include:

• 1.7 qt. Covered saucepan
• 2.5 qt. Covered saucepan
• 3.2 qt. Covered saucepan
• 7.5 qt. Stove-top covered roaster
• 11 3/8” skillet
• Double boiler unit with capsule bottom so you can use the double boiler as an extra 3 qt. Pan
• 5 egg poaching cups
• 5-hole utility rack for egg cups
• High dome cover for skillet or roaster
  

This waterless cookware set has several special features:

• Easy to clean and dishwasher safe
• Energy efficient
• Heat-resistant phenolic handles and knobs
• Warp-resistant bottoms
• Special Water-seal covers that lock in moisture and flavors
• Handy hang-up feature that allows hanging cookware to save space
• Self-storing lids that invert for easy storage
• 9-element construction consists of chrome, nickel, manganese, silicon, aluminum, iron, copper, molybdenum, and vanadium–these elements are located in the capsule bottom of the cookware
• 9-element construction allows you to stack cook. You can begin by cooking on individual burners. Then you can stack the pans to finish cooking—an energy savings!
• Handles stay cool and are resistant to heat and detergents.
  
  We hope you found this information helpful. Check out our site http://www.thegourmetscookware.com/for great cooking tips and recipes! We have also 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.