Altiva 18/10 Stainless pans?

16 years ago

Hey all

My DMIL just got a set of these and asked me if I knew anything about them. I can't find much at all - just that the company seems to be owned by Sears, and someone who posts on Allrecipes.com likes them for a smooth surface stove.

Are you familiar with this brand? Would you recommend them to a friend? An enemy? (okay, just kidding on the latter LOL)

Thansk in advance for any info!

Alexa

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Comments (9)

hawk307
16 years ago
Alexa:
I saw this and thought it might be helpful.
LOU

What is 18/10 Stainless Steel Cookware?
If you browse through any display of fine cookware, you're likely to see "18/10 Stainless Steel" advertised as if itÂs a benefit for the cook. However, most people have no idea what this designation actually means. Learn what 18/10 stainless cookware is so that you can decide for yourself if it's a priority for your home cookware.

What Makes Steel Stainless?

Stainless steel is one of the most popular materials for cookware because it is smooth, doesn't stick easily, is resistant to corrosion, and because its natural gleam is very attractive. But what makes stainless steel different from regular steel?

Steel itself is an alloy, or combination of different metals, that is made up mostly of iron. Steel is made harder and more durable than iron by adding other metals such as carbon. However, steel remains prone to corrosion, rusting and pitting easily Â which is far from ideal in cookware.

In order to make steel more suitable for use in the kitchen, another metal is added to the alloy Â chromium. Chromium has a chemical property that causes the steel to react with elements in the atmosphere, forming a protective layer over its surface. This protective layer resists corrosion, far removing the chance of stains and rust marring the surface of your pans.

The first number in 18/10 stainless steel refers to the percentage of the alloy that is made up of chromium. In order to be considered stainless steel at all, that number must be at least 10.5%. A higher value of chromium means that the protective layer will be thicker and will repair itself more quickly if damaged. Therefore, 18/10 stainless steel has a high level of chromium, and will be more resistant to staining and corrosion.

What Makes Stainless Steel Bright?

Chromium alone is not enough to create the most durable and beautiful stainless steel cookware possible. The addition of another element to the alloy increases the effectiveness of the protective layer that forms over the steel surface, and also makes the cookware gleam more brightly. That element is nickel.

The second number in 18/10 stainless steel refers to the percentage of nickel in the cookware. Although 18/8 also indicates high quality stainless steel cookware, the higher both numbers are, the better the cookware.

In Conclusion

The number 18/10 in stainless steel cookware indicates a very high-quality, durable construction that will be highly resistant to stains, rust, and corrosion while maintaining a bright, attractive shine.
caliloo
Original Author
16 years ago
Thansk Lou - I saw that info when I was searching, but it is pretty generic. Anyone have any additional info on this particular brand?

Thanks

Alexa
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Kate Breckon
6 years ago
last modified: 6 years ago
I realize that this is YEARS after you asked your original question, but here goes anyway: I bought a set of these shortly after I made the switch to a glass-top range. I absolutely love mine. They are easy to clean, but what I really appreciate about them is the extra-thick aluminum plate on the bottom, which distributes the heat evenly so there are no hot spots. I would buy them again, I would give them as a gift, and I would absolutely recommend them to anyone.
plllog
6 years ago
Sounds like very well crafted spam. Kate, if you've come to join us and just dipped in your toe about pans, you're welcome here! Introduce yourself and tell us what you like to cook. If you just came by at the behest of the pan company, then my compliments on the quality of your spiel.
Sooz
6 years ago
last modified: 6 years ago
This kind of necro-post does kind of beg the question of validity and veracity, doesn't it! We'll see, won't we?
HU-190231416
5 years ago
Excellent cookware, I have a pot that I bought in 1988; it is beautiful and I use it at least twice a week. I was looking to see where I could purchase a set for my daughter. Enjoy!
cloudy_christine
5 years ago
I always get fooled for a second by these old posts. I don't see the date right away, and I think, "Alexa's back, wow." Or whoever of our old forum members.
Grace Bradley
3 years ago
What I know about the 18/10 ratio is they don't work on Induction stove tops.
lizbeth-gardener
3 years ago
My 18/10 stainless steel pans work quite well on my induction cooktop. I know nothing about the particlar brand: Altiva.

Altiva 18/10 Stainless pans?

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hawk307

caliloo
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Altiva 18/10 Stainless pans?

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calilooOriginal Author

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