The major difference between stainless steel and non-stick cookware is the material used for the bottom of the pan. This non-stick material, as discussed earlier, is easy to clean but requires more frequent and gentle cleaning.

On the other hand, stainless steel pans can handle rough cooking and cleaning while requiring very little maintenance thanks to their sturdy nature.

    To summarize, the material a Dutch oven is made of, especially cast iron, has a huge impact on its use and functionality.  The cast iron Dutch oven's versatility, durability, and even heat distribution make it a valuable tool in the kitchen.  Whether you're frying, stewing, or baking, a cast iron Dutch oven is a reliable and essential piece of cookware for any home cook or professional chef.

Size Matters

For durable, long-lasting pans that are easy to clean and usable on induction cooktops, stainless steel frying pans offer a great solution. Their non-reactive properties make them an excellent pan for slow-simmering tomato sauces and other acidic recipes. Stainless steel does not conduct heat well, so most commercial stainless steel pans will have an aluminum-clad bottom to promote even heat distribution and eliminate hot spots. The main drawback of stainless steel pans is that they aren't naturally non-stick, but this can be combated with proper preheating and cooking oils.

No, most professional chefs do not use non-stick cookware, especially non-stick fry pans. Before knowing why, let’s understand what non-stick cookware is. Non-stick cookware refers to utensils with surfaces from which the food simply slides off.

Typically, a layer of Teflon makes up the non-stick surface of a non-stick fry pan.

Restaurants don’t have non-stick pans as they do not match the basic demands of a busy kitchen. For a chef who has to send a dish out every two minutes, non-stick cookware is not a viable option as it wouldn’t last longer than a week. 

Applications in Home Cooking and Professional Kitchens: