Understanding Normal Discoloration on SS Cookware | Tips & Advice

[hollye44]

What is normal for discoloration on the SS cookware? My SS pan is fine so I don't have any point of reference for this, but I have a host who just got the whole set and her 10" saute pan has turned a "coppery" color on the inside after its first use. She toasted walnuts in it. Maybe the oils from them did this? She tried the vinegar soak as sugessted in the Use and Care guide and it did not help at all. Anyway, I saw it myself today and I think the color change is significant. I told her the SS cleaner may be needed, but I would check to see if this type of discoloration is normal. The other pans she has used so far are fine. She is not upset, I think just bummed out maybe that her new pretty SS discolored so quickly. What do you all think? Advice?

 

[Liquid Sky]

It might be oxidation. It is suggested that you coat SS cookware with oil and heat on the stovetop for a bit (cool then clean) before your first use of cooking any food. This helps to prevent oxidation. I don't own PC SS set so I don't know if that is listed in the instructions. Other than that, I have no clue

 

[rennea]

Tell her to use SS cleaner on it, that should get it like new again. If that doesn't work call HO and have it replaced.

 

[chefann]

High heat will also cause them to discolor. They should be used on medium-high, at the highest. The SS cleaner should help take away the discoloration.

 

[jenniferm]

A host used mine to toast nuts and it discolored. I used the SS cleaner and it looks brand new again.

 

[PartiesbyJamie]

This shouldn't happen - they are supposed to be heat resistant to 500 degrees right??? I haven't had a problem with mine but don't really use it. pref exec

 

[chefann]

They're oven safe to 500. But the heat of a burner on high is higher than that, and is more concentrated, aimed directly at the bottom of the pan. It's like the difference between being in your living room with the furnace on, and sitting 2 inches from a fire in the fireplace.

 

[OhmyDLM]

My pots have all done this to me as well, it's so copper that you almost wouldn't know it was stainless steel. I used the stainless cleaner and had to do several applications but it does look better now.