🌟 Just had an incredible visit to a stainless steel cookware source factory in Jinhua, Zhejiang! This factory produces many models of IKEA's stainless steel frying pans and pressure cookers and has its own shop on 1688. 🥘✨

The factory owner, a warm and welcoming gentleman in his 50s, not only guided us through his own factory but also took us next door to a fascinating coffee pot factory, which I can’t wait to share with you in my next post!

We began our tour in the showroom, where we were greeted by hundreds of stainless steel frying pans, steamers, and pressure cookers. The range included discontinued models, high-end options typically made entirely of 304 or 316 stainless steel, as well as more affordable items made with composite materials that include some stainless steel but aren’t fully made from it.

Next, we ventured into the production line, where around a dozen workers were busy at various tasks, from cutting to polishing. The polishing workshop had the most workers, as it’s a critical step—ensuring the pots shine brightly directly impacts their overall quality.

One standout product was the induction stove heat transfer plate. This clever device allows you to use clay pots, which usually only work on open flames, on induction stoves—truly a game changer for induction stove enthusiasts! 🔥🔄

After the factory tour, we took a moment to chat with the owner about industry insights and how to choose quality stainless steel cookware. Here are two valuable tips to keep in mind:

Understanding Stainless Steel Grades: Not all stainless steel labeled as 304 is the same. Some cheaper options may only have certain parts made of 304, like the handles or edges, while the rest is lower quality. If the entire product is made of 304, the price will reflect that higher quality.

Composite Bottoms: Most stainless steel frying pans or steamers feature a composite bottom, where the top and bottom are 304 stainless steel, but the middle may not be. This can be hard to identify visually; a good rule of thumb is to be wary of overly cheap prices, as they often indicate lower quality.

In summary, you truly get what you pay for. When buying such products, it's essential to stay vigilant. If you're unsure, don't hesitate to ask questions or opt for the slightly more expensive option. 💡