Yes, both the ALCHIMY and AFFINITY lines are stainless steel cookware, but there are 2 main differences between the two. First, they are aesthetically different with ALCHIMY featuring a unique brushed exterior, while AFFINITY features the classic polished stainless steel exterior. The second (and biggest) difference is the construction. The ALCHIMY line features a 3-ply construction of 18/10 stainless steel, a heat conductive aluminum middle layer, and a durable and induction-compatible exterior, while the AFFINITY collections features a 5-ply construction made up of 3 layers of conductive aluminum sandwiched 2 layers of high-quality stainless steel, also induction-compatible.

Stainless steel cookware with an aluminum encapsulated base conducts heat only throughout the bottom base of the utensil. With the ALCHIMY and AFFINITY collections, the multi-layer technology extend throughout the base as well as up the sides of the utensil, allowing for better heat conductivity and circulation, cutting down your cooking times and making your time in the kitchen even more efficient.

Cleaning your stainless steel cookware is easy – to start, our Alchimy and Affinity lines are dishwasher safe, although we recommend handwashing with dish soap and hot water as much as possible to preserve the like-new quality of your stainless steel cookware. Continuous use of the dishwasher can lead to potential alterations of the material due to extreme heat and harsh detergents. To remove any stuck or burnt-on food, you can soak the utensil in hot, soapy water and scrub it off with a kitchen sponge. For stubborn messes, you can boil some water and scrape off any stuck-on bits.

To keep your Alchimy and Affinity cookware looking like-new you can use a non-abrasive cleaner, like Bon Ami or Bar Keepers Friend for stubborn stains. To restore the shine, you can also rub it gently with some white vinegar and water.

Depending on what you are cooking, food may stick to your stainless steel cookware if the temperature is either too hot or too cold, but when used correctly, stainless steel cookware will be your favorite in the kitchen. It might take some trial and error to figure out what works with your cooking style, but a good tip is to always pre-heat your pan.