Overall, the best stainless steel cookware set is the Cuisinart MultiClad Pro Triple Ply 12-Piece Set. Plus, the handle on the pan remained cool to touch, which makes it safer to use. For a less expensive option, the Cuisinart Chef’s Classic Stainless Steel 7-Piece is the best stainless steel cookware set.
Testers commented that the grip is excellent, and while the pans are slightly more shallow than some, the depth might be beneficial when tossing and sautéing food. Stainless steel pots and pans are a fantastic addition to your kitchen, whether you’re just starting to build out your kitchen, or upgrading to a gorgeous new set. In addition to having a gleaming finish, stainless steel cookware sets are highly durable and cuisinart griddler elite can last a long time with the right care. We think this set is a really good choice if you don’t mind slightly heavier cookware or the fact that it stains slightly with use. It cooked on a par with the Tramontina and All-Clad sets we recommend. But because Goldilocks is a newer direct-to-consumer brand, we don’t know yet how it will perform over time (though we’ll keep using it and update this guide accordingly).
If possible, it’s best to invest in a multi-ply set as the pieces are durable and long-lasting. However, it’s worth noting that they’re likely going to be a more expensive design. It’s worth noting that the lids on this set have a rounded, dome shape that might be hard to store in a kitchen. Testers also found that the pots were a bit heavy and might be hard to stack, so the set may be more ideal for someone who stores their set on a hanging rack.
The Viking Hard Stainless 10-Piece Cookware Set has a small stockpot so we didn’t test it. We think most people will be happier with the All-Clad set we recommend. We dismissed the Cooks Standard Multi-Ply Clad Stainless Steel 12-piece Cookware Set because the rivets weren’t secure on some of the pot handles, causing them to wiggle. The Duxtop Whole Clad Tri-Ply Stainless Steel Premium 10-Piece Cookware Set did poorly in our caramel test, as areas of the saucepan started to burn the sugar before the center had fully dissolved. The skillets in the Cuisinart French Classic Stainless 10-Piece Cookware Set have higher sides, so tossing vegetables is a bit more challenging than with our top picks.
When a product has been “clad,” the core is surrounded by a second metal like stainless steel. For pans like those made by Cuisinart, this process helps to balance the material drawbacks of an aluminum core. Overall, testers found that the pans in this Calphalon set were fairly nonstick and the pans heated quickly. However, testers found the pans in this Calphalon set heated unevenly and there was some discoloring of the pan as well.
I graduated from the Institute of Culinary Education, and I have my master’s degree in food studies from New York University. The handles on all three lines are sturdy and comfortable, cuisinart soup maker and there aren’t any gimmicks or fancy features to muddle things up. Three layer (tri-ply) cladding is common, and offers a great balance of price, performance, and weight.
Pay attention to the material and sizes of the included lids—bear in mind that glass lids are usually less heat-proof than metal , but do allow you to visually monitor your cooking. Whether you’re putting together your first apartment kitchen or wanting to upgrade your mismatched pans to a more cohesive collection, a full set of cookware is a solid investment. It takes the guesswork out of picking out the pieces you need and is often a much better value than buying one piece at a time. While stainless steel pans can require a little more elbow grease to remove stuck-on food, proper maintenance can keep them looking practically new for their entire lifespan. For an everyday cookware set that meets the needs of most busy home kitchens, we always recommend nonstick or stainless steel cookware.
The pots and pans in the Tramontina Gourmet 12-Piece Tri-Ply Clad Cookware Set heat evenly and are a comfortable weight, so they aren’t cumbersome to lift. Their rounded, ergonomically shaped handles are also comfortable to hold. We’ve long-term tested an older (now-discontinued) version of this set for two years, and we’re confident that this durable cookware set will provide you with many years of use. Cookware is the cornerstone of your kitchen, so it’s worth investing in a set that is beautiful and durable and that heats evenly.