July 4, 2025

Are stainless steel pans really better for your health? (What science says)

July 4, 2025

When looking for a healthier alternative to non-stick pans, stainless steel often comes up in recommendations.

But is this justified ? Is stainless steel really safe for our health ? And what should we know before cooking with it?

This is what the facts say, not the beliefs .

The problem with non-stick pans (Teflon & co)

Before talking about stainless steel, let's take a quick detour to what we often use at home : non-stick pans.

The problem?

They are often coated with a fluorinated plastic-based coating (PTFE, formerly PFOA).
At high temperatures (above 260°C), the coating can degrade and release particles .
Over time, this coating flakes off , especially in case of scratches, aggressive washing or overheating.

🎯 Conclusion : even though modern pans are often "PFOA-free", they remain fragile , and their coating can migrate into food with wear.

And what about stainless steel in all of this?

✅ Stainless steel contains no chemical coating

Stainless steel is an alloy of iron, chromium and nickel .
He is :

stable at high temperature
non-porous (nothing seeps through)
No coating : therefore nothing can flake off

✅ Is there a risk associated with nickel or chromium?

That's THE question we sometimes hear.

Here's what the research says:

Yes, a tiny amount of nickel or chromium can migrate during the first few uses , especially if the pan is new.
But this remains very low , and poses no danger to a healthy person.
The risks only concern people with a severe allergy to nickel (rare case).

Simple tip: boil a little vinegar water once or twice in your new pan to eliminate manufacturing residues.

What science says

A study published in Science of the Total Environment (2020) showed that well-maintained stainless steel pans do not emit any significant amount of heavy metals .
The EFSA (European Food Safety Authority) does not issue any warnings against the use of stainless steel utensils.
In professional or hospital kitchens, stainless steel is the standard for reasons of hygiene and neutrality.

👉 Conclusion: no proven danger for stainless steel, except in extreme or inappropriate use (e.g., cleaning with acid, cooking very acidic foods for hours, etc.).

Why stainless steel is healthier for everyday use

Health criteria	Stainless steel	Non-stick
Zero chemical coating	✅ Yes	❌ No
High temperature risk	✅ None	❌ Yes (from 260°C)
Substance migration	✅ Low to none	❌ Possible with wear and tear
Durable & stable	✅ Yes	❌ No
Nickel allergy compatible	⚠️ To be verified	✅ Yes

And what about healthy pans in all of this?

At SAINE , we chose stainless steel for all the good reasons mentioned above :

18/10 food grade stainless steel
Zero coating, zero compromise
Triple thick base for stable cooking, without hot spots
Compatible with all hobs (including induction)

And since durability is also part of health , our pans are designed to last a lifetime .

👉 Discover them here:
🔗 Our durable & healthy stainless steel pans

Tip: Properly prepare your new stainless steel pan

Boil water with a little vinegar (2 tbsp per 1L).
Wash with hot soapy water, rinse well.
Dry with a soft cloth.

And there you have it, ready to use ✨

Frequently Asked Questions

Is stainless steel safe for health?
Yes. It is a stable, inert material used in professional and medical kitchens.

Can you cook acidic foods (tomatoes, lemons) in stainless steel?
Yes, but avoid leaving acidic foods to marinate in it for hours. For cooking, no problem.

Does stainless steel contain nickel?
Yes, but the amount released is tiny and risk-free, except in cases of confirmed allergy.