Stainless steel cookwear

[Ramon]

My girlfriend always seems to butcher our stainless steel cook wear. I understand that cooking technique comes into play when using cook wear like this, but how hard should it be to maintain them. And, what is the best way to clean them? Thanks.

[shel]

What kind of stainless steel - clad (like all-clad, calphalon, viking) or plain, like inexpensive Revereware and the like?

shel

[foodpump]

There are various ways of cleaning s/s, and all are a matter of personal preferance. If the s/s has a high polish on it, the golden rule is never to use a scotchbrite or any other abrasive pad on it. Oven cleaner can remove burned on crud, but a powder called "bar keeper's friend" works very well too.

[phatch]

Buy some wooden and plastic tools for her to use in the pan. Get rid of the metal except for specialty uses that only YOU do. I do keep a thin metal spatula for use on my cast iron for pancakes and such.