Cookware Sample Inspection Checklist

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Use this checklist when reviewing cookware samples before approving a bulk order, requesting modifications, or sending a sample for lab testing. Keep photos, measurements, and supplier comments together with the checklist.

Technical Guidance: Defect Classification & AQL Limits

For a professional B2B cookware inspection, defects found in samples or bulk shipments are classified into three severity levels according to ISO 2859-1 standards. Sourcing teams typically apply the following Acceptable Quality Limits (AQL):

1. Critical Defects (AQL 0.0)

Defects that violate regulations, pose a safety hazard, or could cause injury to the end user.

Examples: Sharp metal edges or burrs, loose rivets/welds prone to sudden shear failure, glass lid without safety tempering, heavy metal migration above regulatory limits, toxic coating materials.

2. Major Defects (AQL 2.5)

Defects that reduce the product’s usability, performance, or commercial value.

Examples: Non-stick coating peeling or bubbling out of the box, bottom warping (not sitting flat on a stove), incorrect capacity or dimensions outside tolerances, wobbly handles, steam vent blocked, mismatched lids.

3. Minor Defects (AQL 4.0)

Superficial issues that affect product appearance but do not compromise performance, safety, or functionality.

Examples: Minor surface scratches, small cosmetic polishing marks, slight color deviations on painted exteriors, slightly misaligned brand logos, minor packaging print smudges.

Sample Information

Field	Details
Supplier	`[e.g., Jiangmen Goldensea Housewares Limited]`
Product Name / Code	`[e.g., Tri-Ply Stainless Steel Cookware Set GS-01652-6PC]`
Sample Version	`[e.g., First Sample / Revised Sample / Golden Sample]`
Date Received	`[e.g., June 17, 2026]`
Reviewer	`[e.g., John Doe (QC Manager)]`
Intended Market	`[e.g., Germany / EU]`
Related RFQ / Brief	`[e.g., RFQ-2026-GS-01652]`

1. Packaging Received

Checkpoint	Severity	Result	Notes / Photos
Outer carton arrived in acceptable condition (no crushing, tears, or wetness)	Major	Pass / Fail / N/A	`[e.g., Double wall BC flute carton undamaged]`
Product protected from scratches and dents (bubble wrap, polybags, cardboard dividers)	Major	Pass / Fail / N/A	`[e.g., Cardboard spacers prevent handles rubbing body]`
Sample label, SKU code, and barcode are clear and match the spec	Minor	Pass / Fail / N/A	`[e.g., Barcode label positioned on bottom right]`
Retail packaging (color box, sleeve) matches requested materials and thickness	Major	Pass / Fail / N/A	`[e.g., Matte lamination gift box looks premium]`
Manuals, inserts, or care labels are present and printed correctly	Minor	Pass / Fail / N/A	`[e.g., English & German manual included]`

2. General Appearance

Checkpoint	Severity	Result	Notes / Photos
Overall shape matches drawings and benchmark samples	Major	Pass / Fail / N/A	`[e.g., Straight-sided body aligns with CAD model]`
Surface finish (mirror polish, brushed, satin) is consistent and free of clouding	Minor	Pass / Fail / N/A	`[e.g., Exterior mirror finish is uniform, high reflectivity]`
No sharp edges, metal burrs, or rough metal corners	Critical	Pass / Fail / N/A	`[e.g., Rim polished smooth, no burrs or sharp spots]`
Rim is smooth and even all the way around	Major	Pass / Fail / N/A	`[e.g., Sealed rim is closed perfectly, no gaps]`
Logo position, centering, alignment, and depth are correct	Minor	Pass / Fail / N/A	`[e.g., Stamped logo centered on bottom base]`

3. Dimensions and Weight (Tolerances)

Measure the sample and compare against target tolerances. Do not rely solely on supplier declarations.

Item	Target Specification	Actual Measurement	Tolerance Allowed	Pass / Fail
Diameter (Inner Rim)	`[e.g., 24.0 cm]`	`[e.g., 24.1 cm]`	$\pm 1.0\text{ mm}$	Pass / Fail
Height (Wall)	`[e.g., 12.0 cm]`	`[e.g., 11.9 cm]`	$\pm 1.0\text{ mm}$	Pass / Fail
Capacity (Full Volume)	`[e.g., 5.4 L]`	`[e.g., 5.42 L]`	$\pm 3.0\%$	Pass / Fail
Body Thickness	`[e.g., 2.5 mm]`	`[e.g., 2.52 mm]`	$\pm 0.1\text{ mm}$	Pass / Fail
Base Thickness (for disc-base)	`[e.g., N/A (Tri-ply body)]`	`[e.g., N/A]`	$\pm 0.2\text{ mm}$	Pass / Fail
Product Net Weight	`[e.g., 1.85 kg]`	`[e.g., 1.84 kg]`	$\pm 3.0\%$	Pass / Fail
Handle Length / Clearance	`[e.g., 20.0 cm]`	`[e.g., 20.1 cm]`	$\pm 2.0\text{ mm}$	Pass / Fail

4. In-House / DIY Sample Testing Protocols

Perform these practical tests on the received samples to verify engineering quality and durability:

Test 1: Flatness & Thermal Stability Test (Warping Check)

Objective: Check if the cookware base remains flat under heat, preventing rocking and uneven cooking (especially on induction/glass cooktops).
Method:
1. Place the cold pan on a precision flat surface (e.g., glass plate). Measure base flatness with a feeler gauge. Sourcing standard: bottom should have a slight concave curve of 0.1% to 0.5% of the diameter toward the interior (never convex/bulging out).
2. Heat the dry pan on a stovetop to approx. 180°C to 200°C for 3 minutes.
3. Place it back on the flat surface. Verify if it rocks, wobbles, or spins.
Pass Criteria: No rocking or spinning allowed in either cold or hot states. Concavity must remain within specification.
Result: [ Pass / Fail / N/A ] Notes: [e.g., Cold concavity is 0.25%, hot concavity is 0.30%, stable on induction stove]

Test 2: Thermal Shock Test (Bonding & Coating Integrity)

Objective: Ensure the bonded layers of tri-ply or the non-stick coating do not crack, peel, or delaminate under sudden temperature changes.
Method:
1. Heat the empty pan to 200°C (check with an infrared thermometer).
2. Plunge the pan immediately into a basin of cold water ($15^\circ\text{C}$ to $20^\circ\text{C}$).
3. Repeat this cycle 5 times.
4. Inspect the cladding seams and interior surface under a magnifying glass.
Pass Criteria: Zero delamination (splitting) of the metal layers, zero cracking or peeling of the coating.
Result: [ Pass / Fail / N/A ] Notes: [e.g., Cladding seam is intact after 5 cycles, zero splitting or paint blistering]

Test 3: Cross-Hatch Adhesion Test (For Coated Cookware)

Objective: Verify the bonding strength of the non-stick (PTFE) or ceramic coating.
Method:
1. Use a razor blade or cross-hatch cutter to make a grid of 25 small squares ($1\text{ mm} \times 1\text{ mm}$ each) on the cooking surface, cutting through the coating to the metal.
2. Brush the grid area clean. Apply a strip of high-adhesion tape (e.g., 3M 610) firmly over the grid, rubbing with a fingernail to ensure good contact.
3. Pull the tape off quickly at a $90^\circ$ angle.
Pass Criteria: Classification 5B or 4B (zero or less than 5% of the coating squares detached).
Result: [ Pass / Fail / N/A ] Notes: [e.g., Passed with 5B rating, zero coating squares detached from grid]

Test 4: Polishing Residue & Black Oil Check

Objective: Ensure the cookware was washed properly post-polishing, avoiding hazardous industrial grease residues.
Method:
1. Take a clean white cotton cloth or cosmetic cotton pad and wet it with isopropyl alcohol or warm water.
2. Wipe the interior cooking surface, especially around the rivets, rim, and corners, with firm pressure.
Pass Criteria: The cloth must remain white. Zero gray or black streaks (polishing wax/oil residue) are permitted.
Result: [ Pass / Fail / N/A ] Notes: [e.g., Cloth is completely white, zero grease residue around rivets]

Test 5: Handle Deflection and Load Test

Objective: Verify the mechanical strength of the handle and its rivets/welds.
Method:
1. Secure the pan body in a test jig or place it flat.
2. Load the vessel with weights equal to 1.5 times its maximum water capacity.
3. Lift the pan by the handle tip and hold it suspended for 5 minutes.
4. Inspect the rivet/weld attachment points for deflection, bending, or loosening.
Pass Criteria: Zero wiggling, bending, or structural cracking of the handle or attachment joint.
Result: [ Pass / Fail / N/A ] Notes: [e.g., Loaded with 8.1 kg weight, handle remains solid, zero bending at weld joint]

Test 6: Induction Compatibility Magnet Test

Objective: Quick check of outer layer magnetic properties.
Method: Place a neodymium magnet on the center of the outer base.
Pass Criteria: The magnet must snap strongly to the base (proving the presence of magnetic SS430).
Result: [ Pass / Fail / N/A ] Notes: [e.g., Magnet snaps strongly, compatible with induction stovetops]

5. Handle, Rivet, Weld, and Knob Check

Checkpoint	Severity	Result	Notes / Photos
Long handle and helper handle are perfectly aligned (no tilt or offset)	Minor	Pass / Fail / N/A	`[e.g., Helper handle perfectly parallel to long handle]`
Rivet heads are flush and flat, with no cracks or visible gaps around the stem	Major	Pass / Fail / N/A	`[e.g., Rivets are tight, no gap visible under magnifying glass]`
Weld points are clean, free of burn marks, and show no weld spatter	Major	Pass / Fail / N/A	`[e.g., Welds are smooth, no black burn marks on body]`
Ergonomic grip: handle remains comfortable and does not twist in hand	Minor	Pass / Fail / N/A	`[e.g., Long handle thumb rest prevents rotation when pouring]`
Lid knob is secure, centered, and does not wobble under load	Major	Pass / Fail / N/A	`[e.g., Stainless steel knob tightened with screw, stable]`

6. Lid Fit and Function

Checkpoint	Severity	Result	Notes / Photos
Lid fits snugly onto the pot rim without excess rattling ($< 1.5\text{ mm}$ lateral movement)	Major	Pass / Fail / N/A	`[e.g., Gap is approx. 0.8 mm, fits perfectly]`
Lid sits perfectly level with no high/low spots	Major	Pass / Fail / N/A	`[e.g., Glass lid sits flat, zero wobble when pressed]`
Steam vent hole is clear and correctly positioned	Major	Pass / Fail / N/A	`[e.g., Vent hole is 3.5 mm diameter, clear]`
Strainer lid holes (if applicable) align perfectly with pour spouts	Major	Pass / Fail / N/A	`[e.g., Straining holes align with flared pour lip]`
Glass lid is free of scratches, bubbles, or glass inclusion defects	Critical	Pass / Fail / N/A	`[e.g., Safety tempered glass is clear, zero bubbles]`

7. Review Decision

Decision Item	Details
Sample Approval Status	[ ] Approved (Meets all specs, zero critical/major defects) [ ] Approved with Modifications (Minor defects to fix in production) [ ] Revise & Resubmit (Major defects found; new samples required) [ ] Rejected (Critical failures or multiple major defects)
Critical Issues Identified	`[e.g., None]`
Required Modifications	`[e.g., Laser logo depth needs to increase by 0.05 mm for better visibility]`
Questions for Supplier	`[e.g., Can you provide the final carton print artwork proof?]`
Golden Sample Status	[ ] Retained as QC baseline [ ] Returned to supplier [ ] Rejected

Reviewer Signature: _________ Date: _______