Q: The gas stove in my apartment has really old, beat-up grates over the burners. I didn't mind this with my old, beat-up pots and pans, but I have new polished stainless steel cookware now and I'm trying to maintain the finish. How can I cover or insulate the grates so that my cookware is protected?
Are there any materials (silicone tubing?) that are resistant to direct flame, pliable and inexpensive?
Sent by Andy
Editor: Andy, congrats on your new cookware! We have to confess, though, that we're a bit flummoxed by your question. Are you concerned that the bottoms of your pots and pans will get scratched by your stove? It is pretty hard to prevent this, even with a nice new stove. The bottoms of your pans should quickly darken and develop a patina of experience.
If you want to prevent the worst scratching, however, I would suggest either buying new grates for your stove (often easily found through the stove's manufacturer, and not too expensive) or try sanding down the worst of their sharp edges with some fine steel wool.
Readers, any other advice for Andy and his stove?
Related: Help Us Clean the Baked Grease Off Our New Stove!
(Image: Emma Christensen)
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Calphalon used to make these heat diffusers which were just flat discs of hard-anodized aluminum you put over the burner. They were super smooth, and prevented the kind of scratches Andy is talking about.
The downside is that they did diffuse the heat (requiring more energy for cooking) and they were really smooth -- like, full pot of food goes sliding off smooth.
Don't fight it! The wear on your cookware will speak only of your experience as a cook.
I'd much rather eat the cooking of someone with patina'd cookware than anything out of a pan that looks like it never gets used.
If the scratches really do bother you, however, I'd recommend using cast iron cookware whenever possible.
When your new cookware starts to discolor and scratch, it's super noticeable, but try to ignore it -- as you continue to cook, the hundreds and thousands of scratches will blend into an "experienced" look that you'll be proud of.
That said, grab some Bar Keeper's Friend to keep the important parts nice and shiny.
I agree! Don't trust a cook with shiny cookware! They probably only make reservations!
Why does it matter? My most expensive Staub and Le Cruset have worn bottoms and I love them. It makes them look comfy and experienced. No need to worry about keeping your pots shiny. Just cook with them and enjoy them.
i think the only way you're going to cook and not get them scratched up is by using the microwave...
Order out.
Really, someone is concerned about this?