When shopping for new cookware, there are a lot of types to consider. And most households have more than one! Take Ree Drummond, for instance. She loves her trusty cast-iron skillet, of course, but you’ll also find her often times using her nonstick cookware for everyday meals. And then there’s stainless steel. “A good stainless skillet has always been one of my favorites,” she admits.
Why does The Pioneer Woman (plus most of the professional world and cooking enthusiasts across the globe) like stainless steel so much? Because it’s just so gosh darn durable and reliable! Stainless steel will last for years and doesn’t require much special care. You can scrub the dickens out of it in the sink or pop it in the dishwasher with ease. And when constructed correctly, it heats up fast and evenly for consistent cooking results.
Now, here’s the thing: You don’t have to spend a ton of money if you’re looking to get a set! Ree actually has two options available in The Pioneer Woman collection at Walmart that are both excellent values. Choose between a 14-piece set with all the must-haves or a whopping 28-piece set if you want a full kitchen reset.
Each set features a tri-ply construction, which means an aluminum core (for excellent heat conduction) sandwiched between two pieces of 18/8 stainless steel (for durability). Stainless steel won’t rust like cast iron and won’t warp like aluminum alone. Plus, it won’t peel as some coated nonstick cookware can. That also means no chemicals like PFOA are used.
Stainless steel is compatible with any type of stovetop you may have, from gas and electric to induction cooktops. It’s also oven-safe up to 500 degrees, with riveted and forged handles for a secure and safe grip. Both sets feature glass lids that allow for safe, easy monitoring of cooking progress.
The 14-piece set includes two lidded saucepans, a lidded Dutch oven, a sauté pan, two frying pans, and various kitchen utensils made from acacia wood. The 28-piece set builds on that to include a grill pan, a steamer basket, a lidded mixing bowl, measuring cups, measuring spoons, and a few more utensils like a whisk and tongs. If you do the math, that’s just about $7 per item, which are all everyday essentials.
And before you bemoan the fact that stainless steel isn’t naturally nonstick, just know that it only needs a light coating of fat like oil or butter to ensure everything releases from the pan. Plus, another reminder that stainless steel is dishwasher-friendly and can soak in the sink without rusting. Plus, you don’t have to worry about metal utensils scratching the surface, like you do with other materials.
So, there you have it! 14 (or 28!) reasons to upgrade your cookware for consistent results. Whether you’re cooking an easy 30-minute meal on the stovetop or braising something low or slow in the oven, stainless steel will be there for years to come, ready for all of your cooking adventures.
