| PRODUCT | RATING | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| All-Clad Cookware Set | 4.4 | Check Price | Read More |
| Cuisinart Cookware Set | 4.3 | Check Price | Read More |
| Cook N Home Cookware Set | 4.1 | Check Price | Read More |
| T-fal Cookware Set | 4.3 | Check Price | Read More |
| Calphalon Signature Cookware Set | 4.4 | Check Price | Read More |
| Duxtop Cookware Set | 4.5 | Check Price | Read More |
| WearEver Cookware Set | 4.5 | Check Price | Read More |
| Magma Products Cookware Set | 4.5 | Check Price | Read More |
| Anolon Cookware Set | 4.3 | Check Price | Read More |
| Farberware Millennium Cookware Set | 4.0 | Check Price | Read More |
With stainless steel cookware, you get pots and pans that are resistant to rust, corrosion, denting, and scratches. They are durable, and the smooth shiny surface looks great. There are also inferior stainless steel cookware sets that may not last long in your kitchen.
When using low-quality pots and pans, food can easily get burnt to the interior, ruining the cookware almost instantly.
If you want cookware that can last, we have a few recommendations for the top-rated stainless steel cookware. We also have tips to help you understand what to look for in a quality set of stainless steel pots and pans.
Contents
- How to Find the Best Brand of Stainless-Steel Cookware
- Benefits of Choosing Stainless Steel Cookware
- What is Multiclad Stainless Steel Cookware?
- 300 Series vs 400 Series Stainless Steel
- What Criteria Did We Use to Select the Best Stainless-Steel Cookware?
- The Top-Rated Stainless-Steel Cookware Sets
- All-Clad Stainless Steel Cookware Set
- Cuisinart Multiclad Pro Stainless Steel Cookware Set
- Cook N Home Stainless Steel Cookware Set
- T-fal Stainless Steel Cookware Set
- Calphalon Signature Stainless Steel Cookware Set
- Duxtop Professional Stainless Steel Cookware Set
- WearEver Cook and Strain Stainless Steel Cookware Set
- Magma Gourmet Nesting Stainless Steel Cookware Set
- Anolon Nouvelle Copper Stainless Steel Cookware Set
- Farberware Millennium Stainless Steel Cookware Set
- Conclusion – What Is the Best Stainless-Steel Cookware Set?
How to Find the Best Brand of Stainless-Steel Cookware
Buying a cookware set requires research. It’s often a major purchase and includes items that you’ll likely use almost every day. To find the top-rated stainless steel cookware, pay attention to the following:
- Composition of the cookware
- The number of pieces and accessories
- The design and construction of the handles
- The overall value of the cookware set
Composition
The first consideration is the composition of the cookware. Stainless steel pots and pans are not created equally. Some stainless steel pots and pans are made with inferior metal, which may rust or corrode easily.
You may notice that some pots and pans are listed as 18/8 or 18/10 stainless steel. These numbers refer to the percentages of chromium and nickel added to the stainless steel.
With 18/10 stainless steel, the material contains 18% chromium and 10% nickel. The combination of materials is needed to improve the heating characteristics of stainless steel. As this material is not naturally good at conducting heat, the nickel and chromium help improve conductivity.
These alloys also help protect stainless steel. The chromium is used to prevent rust from acidic foods, while the nickel helps prevent corrosion.
Inferior stainless steel will contain a different combination of alloys. They may have too much nickel and not enough chromium, making the material more inexpensive and less resistant rust.
Quantity
Besides the composition of the cookware, consider the number of pieces and included accessories. Most sets include a variety of frying pans and saucepans. You may also get a stock pot, lids, and a few utensils.
Handle
The handle construction is an important detail. Some handles heat up quickly or create spaces for food to get stuck. These details help you determine the overall value of the cookware set.
Benefits of Choosing Stainless Steel Cookware
The most affordable cookware sets are typically made from aluminum. It’s a lightweight, inexpensive material. Aluminum also dents easily and doesn’t work on induction burners.
While aluminum pots and pans heat up quickly, they don’t retain heat well. Stainless steel addresses all of these issues. It’s durable and retains heat well. It can also work with induction burners if a copper layer is added to the bottom.
With a stainless steel cookware set, you get pots and pans that may last for many years. These cookware sets can withstand high heat and are often oven safe. They are also less likely to warp over time or get bent when dropped.
Stainless steel offers many advantages as a cookware material. It is one of the more durable materials, scratch resistant, and not prone to corrosion. With stainless steel pots and pans, you do not need to deal with metallic flavors or any negative reactions to alkaline or acidic foods.
There are only two drawbacks to stainless steel. It’s not the easiest material to clean and it’s not a good heat conductor.
Stainless steel pots and pans should be cleaned before food can harden. While the material is strong and scratch resistant, it can be difficult to remove dried or burnt food.
What is Multiclad Stainless Steel Cookware?
While stainless steel is a preferred choice for high-end cookware, stainless steel is not a good conductor of heat. With solid stainless steel construction, the pots and pans take a long time to heat, which led to the construction of multiclad pots and pans.
An additional layer is added, using a metal that offers better heat conductivity. Copper and aluminum are common choices. The cladding may be bonded directly to the bottom of the cookware or sandwiched between two layers of stainless steel.
The best stainless steel cookware brands tend to use copper cores for their multi-clad stainless steel pots and pans. Copper conducts heat better compared to aluminum, helping the cookware heat up faster. It also adjusts to temperature changes very quickly.
The drawback to copper is the cost. It’s a more expensive material, which is why most stainless steel cookware has aluminum. Aluminum is still a decent heat conductor, and it’s lighter.
For the average home cook, the difference between copper and aluminum is hard to detect. The main reason to choose copper instead of aluminum is for use on an induction stovetop. Copper works better with induction cooking, due to the magnetic properties of the metal.
300 Series vs 400 Series Stainless Steel
As mentioned, stainless steel is combined with different alloys to adjust its characteristics. The combination of alloys determines the quality of the cookware and its price.
Food-grade stainless steel belongs to one of three categories. The material is either part of the 200 series, 300 series, or 400 series. Most stainless steel cookware has 304 stainless steel, which contains either 18/10 or 18/8 combinations of chromium and nickel.
The 400 series includes 430 stainless steel, which is 18/0. It contains 18% chromium and no nickel. These pots and pans are not as corrosion-resistant and may start to lose their luster over time.
The 200 series stainless steel pots are the least expensive. They contain manganese instead of nickel, which further reduces the cost of production.
Basically, when looking for stainless steel cookware, you want 18/10 or 18/8. These pots and pans offer the best combination of anti-corrosive and anti-rust properties without sacrificing the strength and durability of the stainless steel.
What Criteria Did We Use to Select the Best Stainless-Steel Cookware?
To find the best stainless steel cookware set, we focused on the number of pieces in the set, the composition of the pots and pans, the accessories, cost, and customer rating.
| PRODUCT | NO. OF PIECES | COMPOSITION | ACCESSORIES | RATING | PRICE |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| All-Clad Cookware Set | 10 pieces | Multiclad with aluminum core | Lids | 4.4 | $$$ |
| Cuisinart Cookware Set | 12 pieces | Multiclad with aluminum core | Lids and steamer | 4.3 | $$ |
| Cook N Home Cookware Set | 12 pieces | Multiclad with aluminum core | Lids | 4.1 | $ |
| T-fal Cookware Set | 13 pieces | Multiclad with copper bottom | Lids and steamer | 4.3 | $$ |
| Calphalon Signature Cookware Set | 10 pieces | Multiclad with aluminum core | Lids | 4.4 | $$$ |
| Duxtop Cookware Set | 17 pieces | Multiclad with aluminum core | Lids, strainer, and spoons | 4.5 | $$ |
| WearEver Cookware Set | 10 pieces | 18/10 stainless steel | Lids and spoons | 4.5 | $ |
| Magma Products Cookware Set | 10 pieces | Multiclad with aluminum core | Lids and storage cords | 4.5 | $$ |
| Anolon Cookware Set | 10 pieces | Multiclad with aluminum core | Lids | 4.3 | $$ |
| Farberware Millennium Cookware Set | 10 pieces | Multiclad with aluminum core | Lids | 4.0 | $ |
The Top-Rated Stainless-Steel Cookware Sets
Now that you know what to look for, it’s time to compare the top options with the following stainless steel cookware reviews. Remember to consider the number of pieces and the type of cooking that you plan to do.
All-Clad Stainless Steel Cookware Set
Features:
- 5-ply bonded 18/10 Stainless Steel
- Dishwasher safe
- Oven and broiler safe
- 10-piece set
- With limited lifetime warranty
- Induction-compatible
- Heat-resistant handle
- Non-reactive to food
The All-Clad Stainless Steel Cookware Set is our first choice, due to the high-quality five-ply construction. The pots and pans are made with five layers to increase heat conductivity. This allows them to heat fast and evenly.
This is a 10-piece set and comes with 1.5-quart and 3-quart saucepans. You also get an 8-quart covered stockpot, 3-quart sauté pan, 8-inch skillet, and a 10-inch skillet. The set includes four lids to cover any of the pots and pans.
The lids, pots, and pans are dishwasher and oven safe up to 500 degrees F. They are rated for use in temperatures up to 500 degrees Fahrenheit.
With the five-ply construction, several layers of stainless steel are used, instead of simply sandwiching the core material between single layers. In the middle is a layer of aluminum, which is a better heat conductor compared to stainless steel. It’s also the most commonly used core material.
This set is easy to maintain as it stick-resistant. Unlike other stainless cookware, the All-clad will not react to your food.
Pros
- The five-ply construction and quality materials help make this one of the most durable sets available. The pots and pans should never warp. With proper care, this set may last a lifetime.
- The frying pans have a wide curve that helps increase heat distribution, allowing you to quickly prepare stir fry or egg dishes.
- This set comes with an 8-quart stockpot, which is a large pot for a cookware set.
- The lids set deep in the rims of the pots and pans, keeping the lids from accidentally sliding off or getting knocked off.
Cons
- The only drawback is the cost. This is the most expensive set that we recommend.
Cuisinart Multiclad Pro Stainless Steel Cookware Set
Features:
- Tri-ply polished stainless steel
- Dishwasher safe
- Oven safe
- 12-piece set
- Induction-compatible
- Drip-Free Pouring Rim
- Tightfitting cover
- Non-reactive to food
The Cuisinart Cookware Set features polished stainless steel for a shiny luster that shouldn’t dull. The pots and pans are rated oven safe up to 550-degrees Fahrenheit and are dishwasher safe.
With this set, you get 12 pieces, including a 1.5-quart saucepan, 3-quart saucepan, 8-inch skill, 10-inch skillet, 3.5-quart stockpot, and tight-fitting lids. The set also includes a steamer with an insert lid. All pieces feature the same polished stainless steel and are induction compatible.
The stainless steel handles are riveted to the sides. This is a common design feature for pots and pans, but it does provide a spot for food debris to collect.
Pros
- The handles are made from stainless steel, yet they tend to stay cool when cooking on the stovetop. They are also secured with tight-fitting rivets to ensure that they never loosen.
- The thick aluminum core increases the heat conductivity of the pots and pans, allowing them to heat up faster compared to some of the other aluminum core cookware sets.
- The glass lids are dishwasher safe and also include stainless steel handles, which are secured in the deep rims of the pots and pans.
- The frying pans have deep edges, designed to improve heat retention.
- The rims of the pots and pans are also tapered to allow you to pour liquids without spilling or splashing.
Cons
- This is not the most durable set of pots and pans. While they heat up quickly, they are prone to dents and warping if not stored properly.
Cook N Home Stainless Steel Cookware Set
Features:
- Mirror polished 18/10 stainless steel
- Dishwasher safe
- Oven safe
- 12-piece set
- Induction-compatible
- Stackable, flat base
The Cook N Home Cookware Set offers the best bang for your buck. It’s incredibly affordable for a cookware set made from 18/10 stainless steel and featuring a multi-clad bottom.
The set includes a 1.5-quart saucepan, 5.5-quart stockpot, a 10-inch frying pan, and three sizes of casserole pots. There is a lid for each pot and pan, instead of multiple items sharing the same lid.
The material is induction compatible and works on other cooking surfaces. You can use these on the glass, electric, ceramic, and halogen stoves. They are also oven safe up to 500 degrees Fahrenheit, while the lids are safe to use up to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
Pros
- The top reason to consider getting this set is the price. This is the most affordable set in our comparison and includes the standard pots and pans that you need in your kitchen.
- The lids are domed to allow more room to release the flavors. They also have tall handles that keep your knuckles from touching the hot glass.
- The interior and exterior are finished to provide a reflective surface, improving the appearance of the pots and pans and making the interior easier to clean.
- These pots and pans are compatible with induction burners.
Cons
- Due to the lower price, you get lower-quality materials. While these pots and pans are made from 18/10 stainless steel, they are not incredibly durable. Use caution when storing, and avoid letting food get burnt to the interior.
- The handles are not raised or angled. They stick straight out from the frying pans, which allows them to heat while cooking.
T-fal Stainless Steel Cookware Set
Features:
- 5 layer multi-clad with copper bottom
- Oven safe
- 13-piece set
- Induction-compatible
- PTFE, PFOA, Lead, and Cadmium-free
- Ergonomic riveted handle
- Non-reactive to food
The selection of pots and pans, the quality stainless steel, and the copper bottom help make this set one of the best value picks. You get 13 pieces, including 3 frying pans, 3 saucepans, a 5-quart stew pot, and lids. The set also includes a steamer basket made from the same stainless steel material.
These pots and pans include five-layer multi-clad construction. The interior and exterior layers are made from 18/10 stainless steel. The middle layers include a copper layer sandwiched between two aluminum layers.
The handles are riveted in place and ergonomically designed. The curved shape also helps keep the handles from getting in the way when using multiple pans on the stove. The lids are clear and include a small vent hole to let steam escape.
Pros
- These pots and pans heat fast and evenly. The pots and pans include a copper layer, which conducts heat better.
- You can use these pots and pans on induction burners, along with almost any other cooking surface.
- This is a durable cookware set. The stainless steel should not bend or warp, providing you with a set of pots and pans that may last for many years.
- You get a 10.5-inch frying pan with this set, which is one of the largest frying pans in the sets reviewed.
- The frying pans are designed with deep sides to help with heat retention. The pans heat quickly and retain their temperature.
Cons
- The lids that are included set around the upper portions of the rims. It’s possible to knock the lids off if you’re not paying attention.
- The frying pans don’t have lids, which may be an inconvenience when preparing certain dishes.
Calphalon Signature Stainless Steel Cookware Set
Features:
- 5 layer multi-clad
- Dishwasher safe
- Oven and broiler safe
- 10-piece set
- Induction-compatible
- Stay-cool handle
- Full lifetime warranty
The Calphalon Signature Cookware Set comes with a full lifetime warranty, letting you know that the manufacturer stands behind the quality of this set.
The 5-layer multi-clad construction includes a triple layer of aluminum sandwiched between two layers of stainless steel. The triple-layer aluminum core increases the durability of the pots and pans, while also allowing heat to distribute quickly and evenly.
This 10-piece set includes an 8-inch pan, 10-inch pan, 2-quart saucepan, 3-quart saucepan, 3-quart sauté pan and an 8-quart stockpot. The saucepans and stock pots have lids that are oven safe. While the frying pans don’t have lids, the lid from the 8-inch stockpot fits the larger frying pan.
Pros
- The triple-layer aluminum core makes the pots and pans more durable compared to most options. These layers also improve the overall performance of the pots and pans. You should not have to deal with uneven heating.
- The handles are angled to keep them from getting too close to the stovetop, which keeps them cooler.
- The glass lids include metal rims to increase their durability and provide a tight fit on top of the pots and pans.
- The pots, pans, and lids are dishwasher safe. You can place them in the machine right after cooking to ensure that food doesn’t dry on the interior.
Cons
- This is one of the more expensive options, but these pots and pans are also likely to last a long time.
Duxtop Professional Stainless Steel Cookware Set
Features:
- 18/10 Commercial grade stainless steel
- Dishwasher safe
- Freezer safe
- Oven safe
- 10-piece set
- Induction-compatible
- Ergonomic stay-cool handle
The Duxtop Cookware Set is a full set, with a selection of pots, pans, and utensils. This is a high-quality 18/10 stainless steel cookware set. The pots and pans have a heavy gauge aluminum core and are built to last.
The set comes with 10 pieces. The pots and pans include 2 standard frying pans, 2 saucepans, a 4.2-quart casserole pan, and an 8.6-quart stockpot. It also includes a boiler basket, steamer basket, and 3 kitchen tools.
The lids are included for the saucepans, casserole pot, stockpot, and sauté pan. Unfortunately, the lids are not made to fit the frying pans.
The handles are ergonomically designed and made from the same stainless steel material. They are riveted in place and extend far from the base of the pot, keeping your hands further away from the hot surface.
Pros
- The 8.6-quart stockpot is one of the largest pots available in these cookware sets. If you prepare a lot of broths or stews, you may enjoy the larger stockpot.
- The glass lids have wide handles that are riveted in place, keeping the handles secure and keeping your hand away from the surface of the lid.
- The handles also have an anti-slip finish, reducing the risk of dropping a pot or pan containing hot liquids.
- The cookware is oven-safe up to 550-degrees Fahrenheit, which is an extra 50-degrees more compared the other options.
- This is a good mid-range set, providing you with quality pots and pans at a decent price.
- This is also one of the largest sets. You get 17 pieces, which includes a spatula, fork, and spoon
Cons
- There are no major drawbacks, but some people may not like the design of the lids, with the thick metal rim around the edges.
WearEver Cook and Strain Stainless Steel Cookware Set
Features:
- 18/10 Commercial grade stainless steel
- Dishwasher safe
- Oven safe
- 10-piece set
- Induction-compatible
- Ergonomic handle
The WearEver Cookware Set provides an affordable option for adding stainless steel pots and pans to your kitchen. It is one of the least expensive options, yet it still gives you a great selection of cookware.
You get two saucepans, a casserole pan, and a large stockpot. The saucepans have their own lids while the stockpot and casserole pan share a lid. The set also includes a steamer basket and two metal spoons.
The other cookware sets in this list are made with triple-layer or five-layer construction. This set is made with a single layer of high-quality stainless steel. If you want the best stainless steel cookware without aluminum, this is a top recommendation.
The stockpot and saucepans feature pour spouts, which allows you to pour broths, soups, and other liquids directly from the pot. These items are also oven safe up to 500 degrees Fahrenheit.
Pros
- The pour spouts are a useful feature. Besides allowing you to pour directly from the pot, you can easily drain liquid, such as after browning meat.
- The ergonomically designed handles remain cooler, as they stand further away from the burners.
- The pots and pans heat evenly and retain their heat well. They also quickly react to minor temperature changes.
- The main benefit of this set is the price tag. This is another affordable option, making it a top choice for those with limited budgets.
Cons
- Without an aluminum or copper core, these pots and pans do not heat up quickly.
These are not incredibly durable. The stainless steel bottoms do not have extra layers to help prevent warping.
Magma Gourmet Nesting Stainless Steel Cookware Set
Features:
- 18/10 marine grade stainless steel
- Dishwasher safe
- Oven safe
- 10-piece set
- Induction-compatible
- Thumb release trigger handles
- Nestable
The Magma Products offers a unique cookware set. The pots and pans stack and secure together with bungee cord. The entire set takes up less than ½ a cubic foot of space, making it a convenient option for RVs, boats, and travel.
The set includes 3 saucepans, a 5-quart stockpot, and a 9.5-inch frying pan with removable handles. Lids are included for the saucepans, but not the frying pan.
The pots and pans are made from 18/10 stainless steel and feature triple-clad bottoms. The middle core is made from aluminum, like most of the cookware sets, but it also includes a magnetic-stainless steel layer on the bottom.
The bottom layer of marine grade stainless steel provides a superior connection for induction stovetops. If you plan on using your cookware with an induction burner, this is a compatible choice.
Pros
- You can stack this set and store all the pots and pans in one spot, taking up less space in your cupboards, RV, or boat.
- The removable handles on the frying pan come off easily. They are trigger activated. After removing the handles, the frying pan base stores easily inside the other pots.
- The marine-grade stainless steel bottom makes this set one of the most effective choices for using on an induction burner. Food-grade stainless steel is not as magnetic, which limits the ability to conduct heat on an induction burner.
Cons
- You don’t get a lot of pots and pans for the price tag. You get five pots and pans, and the largest stockpot is just 5-quarts; however, this set is intended for travel and designed to take up limited space.
Anolon Nouvelle Copper Stainless Steel Cookware Set
Features:
- 5 layer clad
- Dishwasher safe
- Oven safe
- 10-piece set
- Induction-compatible
- Dual-riveted handles
- Lifetime warranty
The Anolon Nouvelle set includes five-layer cladding. The middle layer is a thick layer of copper sandwiched between two layers of aluminum. These three layers are then encapsulated between the stainless steel interior and exterior.
The combination of layers creates an incredibly durable bottom. These pots and pans are built to last for many years without warping or bending.
The exterior of the pots is polished while the interiors have brush finishes, designed to hide scratches from using metal spoons and forks.
The set includes 2 covered saucepans, a 6.5-quart covered stockpot, an 8-inch skillet, a 10.5-inch skillet, and a 3-quart covered sauté pan. The stock pots and pans have lids, but the skillets are uncovered.
The lids are deep-seated, which ensures that they remain secure over the top of the pot or pan. They are also dome-shaped which help seal in heat and moisture during cooking.
The set is dishwasher safe and over safe up to 500 degrees F and is compatible with induction cooktop. The handles are dual-riveted which gives extra strength.
Pros
- The five-layer construction of the pots and pans increases the durability, heat retention, and heat conductivity. Thanks to these benefits, this set works well on all types of cooking surfaces.
- You get a large 10.5-inch frying pan and a 6.5-quart stockpot, which is great if you tend to cook for large groups.
- The polished exteriors have a dull surface that contrasts the shiny interior, resulting in a sophisticated look.
Cons
- The interior can stain easily. To get rid of stains, soak the pot or pan in vinegar or dish soap.
Farberware Millennium Stainless Steel Cookware Set
Features:
- Polished stainless steel
- Dishwasher safe
- Oven and broiler safe
- 10-piece set
- Induction-compatible
- Stay-cool handle
When you need a full cookware set on a budget, the Farberware Millennium Set deserves consideration. It is a ten-piece cookware set made from stainless steel with a thick aluminum core. The set also includes glass lids.
The lids, pots, and pans are oven safe up to 500 degrees Fahrenheit. The set also features stainless steel handles riveted to the pans. The handles are curved and have a high arch, which helps keep them cool when used on the stovetop.
With this set, you get a one-quart saucepan, two-quart saucepan, eight-quart stockpot, three-quart sauté pan, eight-inch skillet, and a ten-inch skillet. The lids are included for all the pots and pans except the skillets.
If you are looking for a stainless steel cookware set with nonstick inner coating, you should consider the Farberware Millennium Stainless Steel Nonstick collection.
Pros
- This is a low-cost option that includes quality pots and pans. While it is inexpensive, the pots and pans work great. The stainless steel material and thick aluminum core offer exceptional heat conductivity.
- The large skillet features deep sides. As mentioned, the deeper sides allow the pan to retain heat better.
- The thick aluminum core helps these pots and pans to heat up rapidly.
Cons
- The aluminum core is thick, but it still dents easily. The outer layers of stainless steel don’t prevent warping if the pots and pans are regularly exposed to extreme temperatures.
Conclusion – What Is the Best Stainless-Steel Cookware Set?
All ten cookware sets discussed are quality choices for any kitchen, but the All-Clad cookware set includes a few details that help make it our top recommendation. It includes a great selection of pots and pans, which are built using a high-quality five-ply bonded construction process.
The conductive aluminum layer allows the pots and pans to heat quickly, while the extra stainless steel layers prevent warping. You get the advantages of aluminum without the drawbacks. The price may make this a tough choice.
If you want a combination of lower prices and durable cookware, the T-fal cookware set offers the best overall value. It’s a 13-piece set and one of the only sets in this list with a copper bottom. You can use these pots and pans on almost any cooking surface, including induction burners.
The other cookware sets are also top choices, offering a range of options for every budget. Before purchasing a set, consider what size pots and pans you need and whether you want to spend more now to get a set that will last longer.
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