Unlike so many options out there, stainless steel cookware is non-toxic and healthy to use. Especially if the cookware is made of high quality steel like the Mealthy 10-Inch Stainless Steel Frying Pan I will be reviewing in this post.
Aside from reviewing the now popular Mealthy pan, I am going to go over the pros and cons of cooking with stainless steel cookware. So stay with me!
IMPORTANT: If you want to skip straight to the product listing, CLICK HERE! You can use code LEELA to get $10 OFF your purchase over $59.95.
Since Mealthy has stopped producing small appliances, I recommend you check out this comparable 10-inch stainless steel pan from Cuisinart or - if I may - check out my Gotham Steel Pans Review.
My first experience with stainless steel cookware was a wedding gift we received almost 9 years ago. It was a big set of stainless steel pots & pans with glass lids.
At the time I couldn't even appreciate that gift for how awesome it was. I was a rather inexperienced cook. My kitchen adventures at the time were focused more on baking than cooking.
And I wasn't yet aware about the possible health implications with non-stick coated cookware. I was actually disappointed we hadn't received easy to use non-stick pans. And frankly, we had no idea how to use stainless steel pans.
It was easy enough to cook soup and pasta in the saucepans, but when it came to sauteing and frying neither me nor my husband had any clue how to use a stainless steel pan. And definitely not how to take care of or clean it properly.
In fact, my husband ruined the frying pan the very first time he used it. Or so I thought.
He didn’t know that stainless steel (same as cast iron cookware) needs to be preheated before adding any oil or food. So that first meal resulted in burnt rice at the bottom of the pan.
After lots of soaking and scrubbing I was able to remove most food residue, but there still were charcoal like stains on the pan. I could see exactly where individual grains of rice had been burnt to oblivion.
I am not sure if I used baking powder back then, but I surely didn’t know about Bar Keepers Friend yet. So essentially I thought the pan was beyond saving.
I even tried cooking in it despite the stains, but everything kept sticking like crazy and I was certain my husband had ruined the pan forever. Keep in mind though, that I still had no idea how to fry in stainless steel.
Long story short, I am a little ashamed to admit that we ended up throwing out the stained pan and went out to get a large non-stick frying pan to replace it.
However, in the course of the next 4 years I learnt how to be a better and healthier cook. On top of transitioning to healthier ingredients, we also moved away from non-stick cookware.
Luckily I still had my stainless steel pots and saucepans, but for frying we completely transitioned to cast iron pans. Which are great! I have loved using them for the last 5 years. But they are undeniably heavy.
So I was very excited when Mealthy offered to send me their latest product: a 10-inch frying pan! And I have to say that I seriously love having this lightweight, non-toxic frying pan in my cookware arsenal.
Benefits of the Mealthy Stainless Steel Frying Pan
- Lightweight
This frying pan is is only 3 millimeters thick and weighs 3 pounds.
It is constructed of a 5 layer composite. The outer stainless steel layers protect the pan from corrosion, while the aluminum alloy core allows for even heating and ensured heat retention.
The hollow handle further keeps the weight to a minimum. - Stay-cool handle
The ergonomic, stainless steel handle stays cool during stovetop cooking. With my cast iron pans I always have to use a silicone sleeve or a dish towel on the handles. But I can safely touch this Mealthy pan handle throughout the entire cooking process. - Oven safe
Thanks in part to the stainless steel handle this skillet can go from stove to oven without any issues. There are no plastic parts that would melt in the oven. Start your meal on the stovetop for a nice sear, then finish cooking it in the oven. This is perfect for steaks, crispy skin chicken thighs, or anything that benefits from a broiled topping. - Dishwasher safe
In general I prefer handwashing my cookware, but it's great to know that if I don't feel like it I could also let the dishwasher clean this kitchen pan. - Healthy + Non-toxic
Stainless steel cookware is considered healthy and safe to use. Unlike non-stick cookware there is no coating that you need to be careful not to scratch or damage. Flaking non-stick coating can make its way into your food and the pans are more likely to release harmful toxic compounds. - Good Size
The 10-inch diameter with high sides is a really good size for our family. I can easily make a 4-6 serving meal in it. But it isn't so large that I'll hesitate pulling it out to make something quick for just 1 or 2. - Versatile
You can use the Mealthy stainless steel pan for searing, frying, or sauteing. Furthermore, it is compatible for use with gas, induction, ceramic, and electric stovetops - Lifetime Warranty
Mealthy stands by its product to such an extent that this pan is backed by a lifetime warranty!!
(Excludes damage from misuse or abuse, such as improper cleaning, overheating, neglect, accident, and does not apply to scratches, stains, and discolorations. Minor imperfections and slight color variations are not covered under the lifetime warranty.)
Disadvantages of Stainless Steel Cookware
- Learning curve to cooking with stainless steel pans
From my little story above you already know that we had no idea how to use our very first stainless steel pan and therefore ended up thinking we had ruined it beyond saving. But we have learned a lot since then, and I will be sharing my best stainless steel cooking tips below. - Takes effort to maintain shiny finish
Unlike non-stick coatings, stainless steel pans may need more than a simple wiping out to clean. And even once all food residue is removed, there is another step to give it back its original shine. Keep reading to learn my best cleaning tips for stainless steel. - No Lid
Unfortunately, there is no lid included with this frying pan. Which is fine for most uses, but sometimes (when braising, or making curries) you just need a lid. It is a large pan, so that even my largest glass lid doesn't quite cover it. But luckily my Dutch oven lid is a perfect fit for this pan too, so I could even use it in the oven.
How to use a stainless steel skillet
- Season the pan
Apparently stainless steel pans can be seasoned similarly as cast iron. I will admit here though, that I didn't do this before using my Mealthy pan for the first time and still didn't run into any sticking issues thanks to the following tips & tricks: - Preheat
Always preheat the pan on medium-high heat before adding oil. Then let the oil heat up for a minute or so, before adding any food - Dry food/meat work best
When preparing your ingredients, especially thawed meat, be sure to pat it dry with paper towels as much as possible. I've only ever run into sticking issues with my stainless steel pan when using wet ingredients. - Deglaze
After searing, frying, or sautéing in the Mealthy pan be sure to deglaze it (with some wine, broth, water, etc.). This will help loosen any browned and stuck on bits that actually hold a lot of delicious flavor.
How to clean stainless steel frying pan
As mentioned above, the Mealthy pan is dishwasher safe. However, I usually remove any food residue by hand with a non-scratching dish scrubber. Also, soaking does wonders for stuck-on food.
However, if you find your stainless steel cookware has lost it beautiful shine and mirror finish, you may need more than dish soap and a scrubber.
Bar Keepers Friend is a wonderful gentle cleaner for stainless steel. I also use baking soda in a pinch. It works almost as well as Bar Keepers Friend, although it requires a little more elbow grease.
If you still find you want more shine on your stainless steel pan after scrubbing, use this tip that I found on the instructional flyer that came with the pan:
Wash the stainless steel pan with plain vinegar, then rinse with water, and towel dry it. I found this works wonderfully to remove any rainbow-y stains that are usually created by high heat.
How much is it? And Where to Buy the Mealthy Stainless Steel Frying Pan
The Mealthy frying pan is listed for $59.95 on both Amazon as well as the Mealthy website.However, there you can use code LEELA for $10 OFF the frying pan.
Since Mealthy has stopped producing small appliances, I recommend you check out this comparable 10-inch stainless steel pan from Cuisinart.
Random Questions
Stainless steel is an excellent material for frying pans due to its durability, even heat distribution, and non-reactive nature. It's also known for being non-toxic and easy to clean.
Chefs prefer stainless steel pans for their excellent heat conductivity, durability, and non-reactive nature. They allow for precise temperature control, making them ideal for searing and sautéing.
Preheating the pan, using dry ingredients, and deglazing after cooking are crucial when cooking with stainless steel. These steps help prevent food from sticking and ensure even cooking.
Stainless steel cookware is considered a safe and healthy option for cooking. It doesn't leach harmful chemicals into food, making it a popular choice among health-conscious individuals.
High-quality stainless steel cookware is characterized by its durability, even heat distribution, and resistance to corrosion and stains. Look for reputable brands like Gotham Steel known for their superior craftsmanship and materials.
Stainless steel is preferred over nonstick for its durability, ability to withstand high temperatures, and non-reactive properties. It's also considered a healthier option, as it doesn't release potentially harmful chemicals into food.
Non-toxic cookware options include stainless steel, cast iron, ceramic, and glass. These materials are known for their safety, durability, and non-reactive properties, making them popular among health-conscious consumers.
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