For the record, we’ve always recommended washing any stainless steel cookware by hand, regardless of the manufacturer’s claims. The harsh chemicals in some detergents plus the prolonged exposure to those cleaners over the course of a dishwashing cycle can cause damage to the pans . All-Clad offers a wide range of cookware outside the main set, so you can grow your collection.
While the cookware doesn’t include any helper handles, it is lightweight and balanced, making it easy to move from the stovetop to the sink or oven. Our testers found this unexpected from a just “out of the box” set; however, any chemical odor may cuisinart pots and pans set dissipate after repeated use. Like other professional brands, extra care is encouraged when cleaning to maintain the coating. With fewer pieces in this set, it might be the perfect fit for well-stocked kitchens that only need a few new pieces.
We did notice that some tomato sauce dripped down the side of the stockpot while we poured, but there were no splatters on the counter. In our Lab, these pans showed excellent, even heating, and gave a really good sear with minimal sticking. The riveted stainless steel handles stayed cool when cooking, making cuisinart soup maker it easy to grab pots and pans without having to search for a potholder. We liked how sturdy these pans felt, and they were also easy to clean, whether by hand or with a run through the dishwasher. Our collection of cookware sets feature all the essentials, including saucepans, saute pans and skillets.
If you’re partial to keeping your cookware looking bright and shiny, note that this was one of the only sets we tested that looked like new after we cleaned it. Of course, burned-on oil or grease can be more challenging to remove with just regular dish soap or a run through the dishwasher. But applying Bar Keepers Friend or a slurry of baking soda and warm water with a nonabrasive cuisinart pots and pans set sponge gets the job done. The All-Clad skillets discolored slightly over heat, though significantly less than almost any other cookware we tested. Buying a set of cookware can be a convenient and affordable alternative to tracking down pots and pans one piece at a time. I also spoke with several home cooks, including members of our own staff, who have used cookware sets for years.
Though the set is an investment, testers felt like the look of the brushed finish and felt that the high-quality pieces are worth it. In addition to making tri-ply cookware, most high-end manufacturers produce sets that are made from five or more layers of stainless steel, aluminum, and sometimes copper. In most of our tests, five-ply cookware didn’t heat as uniformly as regular tri-ply cookware, or the differences were negligible.