Stainless steel cookware has become a classic tool in the kitchen.These staple pots and pans are durable and known for their even heating ability, and can be used to whip up just about anything in the kitchen.Whether you’re just getting started with a stovetop, a seasoned cook like Ryan Gosling, or just enjoy cooking at home, a set of stainless steel cookware is a smart investment for your future meals.
While non-stick cookware has been popular over the years, some degree of peeling of the non-stick coating is inevitable, which means changing cookware regularly.But take good care of the stainless steel suit, it could last for decades.
We put 28 stainless steel cookware sets to work in our people-tested kitchens and found three clear favorites, with a range of features and price points.
The Cuisinart MCP-12N MultiClad Pro Triple Ply 12-Piece earned our top award, but the budget settings and splurge options also stand out.Read on for our picks in stainless steel cookware.
Pros: This 12-piece set is solid, solid, solid.It heats evenly, is easy to clean, and has everything you need in a one-time purchase to stock your kitchen.
Cons: The stainless steel lid doesn’t allow you to easily check cooking like a clear lid.
In the words of our testers: “This set of pans is a beast” (in the best way possible).If you’re looking for a complete set of stainless steel pots and pans that perform well and look good for your kitchen, this 10-piece set might be one of them.Our testers reported that the brushed stainless steel felt very strong and durable in every test.
When we baked the scallops in these pans, there was no sticking and the scallops had a very nice crust, golden brown and overall browned.”[This] felt like a pan toasted,” our tester noted after preparing the scallops.After 5 minutes of standing in the heat of a gas flame, the handle stays cool everywhere except the bottom.We also used this set to make a very nice frittata in a pan with very little sticking at the end (though a little more butter probably fixed that!).
The pan lip helps keep oil from splattering, and we found this set to be easy to clean.We ended up with a little discoloration after testing, but a little cleaner washed it off.Overall, we enjoyed using this set and found it to meet almost all your needs.We would recommend it to friends and buy it ourselves.If we’re picky, it’s better to have a clear lid, like the tempered glass on other sets, so that it can be seen while cooking.
Pros: This high-performance set is affordable and has the added benefit of a tempered glass lid.The measurement markers inside are also handy.
Cons: After cooking, we felt some movement in the handle – and a little residual heat.You may also need to add another pan to complete your kitchen set.
If you’re a novice cook, on a budget, or both, this cookware set has just about everything you need on the stovetop.Even heating produces impressive results, and the set has useful little extras that really add value, like a steamer attachment for the sauce pan, and hash marks for measuring the inside of the pan.Not to mention those tempered glass lids we love – it’s a great way to check inside without opening the lid.This is a fairly comprehensive set, although you may want to buy an extra nonstick pan to have a well-stocked kitchen.
This set doesn’t have the weight and solid feel of our overall winner, but our testers liked using pots and pans and said the handles were comfortable to hold.After cooking on a gas flame, the end of the handle is cool to the touch but warm near the bottom.
When preparing our scallops, testers found no sticking and the pan produced a great hard char with good browning.The frittata turned out fluffy and cooked evenly with minimal sticking out of the pan.This set is super easy to clean, and the pan discoloration is very light—the least we’ve tested.
Pros: This is a very comprehensive, professional, high-quality set with lots of thoughtful details.
Cons: Dishwasher cleaning is not recommended, but considering how well this set performs, it’s not a deal breaker.
This is a great option if you want to invest in high quality and solid construction.All of your cooking bases are covered in small to medium pans, small to medium saucepans, stockpots, and high-sided sauté pans (though we wish this one was bigger).Our testers noted that the handle “feels nice and satisfying.”"It’s heavy and feels sturdy. The square handle on the lid fits comfortably in your hand.” While we prefer clear lids, we do appreciate that the lids on this set fit multiple pans.
The scallops we prepared didn’t stick to the pan, it produced an almost even browning and a nice crust.The handle is not hot after cooking the scallops.After our frittata test, the eggs did stick a bit to the sides and rivets of the pan, but they came out easily.Speaking of simplicity, cleanup is really, really easy.The soft side of the sponge was all we needed to clean up after testing, which is good news since the manufacturer doesn’t recommend a dishwasher.Although there was some discoloration after searing, a little cleaner wiped these pans back to their original state.
For those looking for a high-end, durable stainless steel cookware set, our testers said it’s “a very safe bet.”They go on to say that this unit provides “even cooking and incredibly easy cleaning. Simple in appearance, it is a reliable ‘first choice’ for the home or professional chef.”
We know price is always a factor, so when comparing price points, consider how often you cook at home and whether you need to purchase additional items to round out your cookware collection.Celebrity chef and nutritionist Serena Poon, CN, CHC, CHN recommends opting for “full clad” stainless steel cookware, a material made from an aluminum core sandwiched between two layers of stainless steel.”These pans are engineered to distribute heat evenly, and many professional chefs choose stainless steel cookware,” she notes.Poon adds that while these tend to be more expensive, you can view the purchase as an investment: “Cheap stainless steel cookware is less reliable in terms of quality output, and you have to replace them more frequently.”
If you can’t stand washing pots and pans by hand, you may want to think twice about choosing our all-inclusive brushed D5 stainless steel cookware set, as the manufacturer does not recommend dishwashers.(Though our testers emphasized that it’s easy to clean up in the sink!) Poon agrees: “Most stainless steel cookware can be cleaned in the dishwasher, but if you insist on non-abrasive handwashing, you’ll probably extend the life of your pans. Soap and sponge.”
A pound or so can make a big difference to the operation of your pans and frying pans.If you’re not used to the heavier ones, expect an adjustment period.
Some chefs value visibility when cooking; others are content to cover up their pots and pans, peeking in as needed.When evaluating your options, pay attention to which sets have stainless steel lids and which ones have glass.
Our testers tried a total of 28 stainless steel cookware sets.In addition to checking the design, weight and feel, they ran four tests.In the temperature test, a thermocouple is placed on the surface of the pot during use to evaluate whether the pot is heated evenly.In the searing test, scallops are cooked and evaluated for browning and searing.In the stick/bake test, a frittata was prepared and removed from the pan.Finally, do an ice bath test to see if a hot pan will warp in cold water.We use a numerical system to rate each cookware set for design, durability, heating power and ease of cleaning.
We created the PEOPLE Tested seal of approval to help you find the best products for your life.We use our unique methodology to test products in three labs across the country and our network of home testers to determine their effectiveness, durability, ease of use, and more.Based on the results, we rate and recommend products so you can find the one that suits your needs.
But we don’t stop there: we also regularly re-examine the categories for which we’ve awarded the PEOPLE Tested seal of approval – because the best product today may not be the best product tomorrow.By the way, companies will never buy our recommendation: their product has to earn it, fair and impartial.
Post time: Jul-18-2022