How to cook with stainless steel

Once you understand what’s going on in the pan, your eggs will never stick again.

By Cody ReissCooking Editor

Sept. 25, 2026 10 AM PT

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You’ve probably seen videos of cooks online explaining the “water droplet test,” as a good way to test if a stainless steel pan is preheated enough. That’s part of the story, but there’s more, and it all comes back to “Terminator 2: Judgement Day.” Read this week’s newsletter to learn more.

Food

Cody Reiss

Cody Reiss is the cooking editor for Los Angeles Times Food, making videos focused on fundamental cooking techniques, philosophies and principles. Previously, he has worked as a cook in the Chez Panisse Café, as a private chef and a travel and food writer. Reiss has eaten his way through 46 states and over 30 countries, and is on a constant search for the best bean and cheese burrito in town.