Stainless Steel Cookware: Pots And Pans Guide

Stainless steel is a common material for pots and pans, but not all stainless steel is created equal. Stainless steel is a poor heat conductor, so to improve its performance, it is often ''clad'' with a more conductive metal like copper or aluminium. This process involves layering stainless steel with the conductive metal, resulting in a stainless steel sandwich.

The number of layers varies, with some pans having a minimum of three to five layers, while others have up to five-ply construction. The more layers, the better the heat distribution throughout the pan.

When choosing the best stainless steel pots and pans, it is important to consider factors such as size, durability, performance, and ease of cleaning. Additionally, the weight and balance of the pans are crucial, as uncomfortable or heavy pans are likely to be underutilised.

Some of the best stainless steel pots and pans sets available include the Tramontina Tri-Ply Clad 10-Piece Set, the All-Clad D3 Stainless 3 Ply Bonded Cookware Set, and the Le Creuset Stainless Steel Cookware Set. These sets offer even heating, comfortable handles, and good value for money.

Best stainless steel cookware sets for large households

When shopping for a stainless steel cookware set for a large household, it's important to consider the number of pieces included and what types of pots and pans are in the set. For larger households, a set with more pieces is ideal, such as the Cuisinart MultiClad Pro 12-Piece Set

Cuisinart MultiClad Pro 12-Piece Set

This set includes saucepans, skillets, a stock pot, lids, and a steamer insert. It received high ratings for its durability and ease of cleaning. The pieces in this set are oven-safe up to 500 degrees Fahrenheit and provide even heating, making it a great choice for large households.

Tramontina Tri-Ply Clad 10-Piece Set

This set includes an 8-inch and 10-inch fry pan, a 6-quart covered deep sauté pan, saucepans, and an 8-quart covered stock pot. It is induction-compatible and dishwasher-safe. While some users found the pots to be unbalanced, it offers great performance for searing and browning and is very durable.

All-Clad D5 Stainless Brushed 5-Ply Bonded 10-Piece Set

This set includes two frying pans, two saucepans, a sauté pan, and a stockpot. It is constructed with five layers of stainless steel and aluminum for warp-free strength and even heating. The pieces have flared rims for easy pouring and ergonomic handles that stay cool during cooking. While this set is an investment, it is a high-quality and durable option for large households.

Calphalon Stainless Steel 10-Piece Set

This set includes an 8-inch and 10-inch fry pan, a 1.5-quart saucepan with a cover, a 2.5-quart saucepan with a cover, a 3-quart sauté pan with a cover, and a 7-quart Dutch oven with a cover. It offers even heat distribution and is easy to clean. The pieces have secure, riveted handles and glass lids, making it a great value option for large households.

Hestan ProBond Clad Stainless Steel 10-Piece Set

This set includes 8.5-inch and 11-inch skillets, 1.5-quart and 3-quart saucepans with lids, a 3.5-quart sauté pan with a lid, and an 8-quart stockpot with a lid. It is made of forged stainless steel with an aluminum core, providing beautiful browning and even simmering. The handles are curved for a comfortable grip, and the rivets are flush with the interior surface for easy cleaning. While it is a splurge, the Hestan set is a well-balanced and elegant choice for large households.

Best stainless steel cookware sets for small households

Stainless steel pots and pans are a great addition to your kitchen. They are highly durable, can be used for a variety of cooking tasks, and can last a lifetime with proper care. Here are some of the best stainless steel cookware sets for small households:

Tramontina Tri-Ply Clad 10-Piece Set

This set is an excellent choice for small households, offering a good balance of performance and price. It features tri-ply construction with an aluminium core, ensuring even heating and quick temperature response. The set includes two skillets, a sauté pan, a saucepan, and a stock pot, providing versatility for various cooking tasks. The handles stay cool during cooking, and the lids fit snugly. While the sauté pan handles are a little thin, and the internal rivets can interfere with stirring, the set is generally comfortable to use and easy to clean.

Cuisinart Chef's Classic Stainless Steel 7-Piece Set

If you're looking for a more compact set, the Cuisinart Chef's Classic Stainless Steel 7-Piece Set is a great option. It includes all the basic pans you need, such as saucepans, a stockpot, and a skillet. The pans heat up quickly and evenly, and the riveted stainless steel handles stay cool during cooking. The set is dishwasher-safe and has glass lids, allowing you to monitor your food as it cooks. It's an excellent choice for those on a budget, offering good performance and a stylish design.

Calphalon Stainless Steel 10-Piece Set

The Calphalon Stainless Steel 10-Piece Set is another great option for small households. It offers even heat distribution and easy cleanup. The set includes essential cookware pieces such as fry pans, saucepans, a sauté pan, and a Dutch oven. The handles are securely riveted and provide a comfortable grip. The lids are made of tempered glass, allowing for easy monitoring of your food. While the walls of the pan may feel a bit thin, and there might be minor discoloration over time, this set provides good value for its price.

All-Clad D5 Stainless Brushed 5-Ply Bonded Cookware Set

Although a bit more expensive, the All-Clad D5 Stainless Brushed 5-Ply Bonded Cookware Set is a high-quality option for small households. The 5-ply bonded construction ensures warp-free strength and even heating. The set includes all the necessary pieces, such as frying pans, saucepans, a sauté pan, and a stockpot. The ergonomic handles stay cool during cooking, and the flared rims make pouring easy and mess-free. While the lids are made of stainless steel, making it impossible to see inside, they are unbreakable and oven-safe.

Made In 10-Piece Stainless Set

If you're looking for a set that includes both stainless steel and non-stick options, the Made In 10-Piece Stainless Set is a great choice. It features five layers of alternating stainless steel and aluminium, providing excellent heat distribution and conductivity. The set includes a non-stick fry pan, a regular fry pan, saucepans, a sauté pan, and a stockpot. The handles are well-balanced and ergonomic, making them comfortable to grip. While the set may be a bit bulky for small households, it offers excellent performance and a beautifully designed look.

Best stainless steel cookware sets for professional chefs

Stainless steel is a popular choice for professional chefs due to its durability, ability to handle high temperatures, and even heat distribution. When choosing the best stainless steel cookware set, there are several factors to consider, including the number of pieces, the grade of stainless steel, the core and construction, and the oven safety of the set. Here are some of the best stainless steel cookware sets for professional chefs:

All-Clad D3 Tri-Ply Stainless Steel 10-Piece Cookware Set

This set is often considered the gold standard for stainless steel cookware. It features a 3-ply construction, with a layer of aluminium sandwiched between two layers of stainless steel, ensuring even heat distribution and retention. The set includes a range of pots and pans of various sizes, making it versatile for different cooking needs. While it is on the pricier side, it is a worthwhile investment for professional chefs who require durable and high-performing cookware.

Tramontina Tri-Ply Clad 10-Piece Set

The Tramontina set is an excellent choice for those seeking a balance between performance and price. It is made of 18/10 stainless steel wrapped around an aluminium core, ensuring even heating and compatibility with induction cooktops. The set performed well in tests, delivering consistent results when searing steak and cooking eggs. However, some users found the pots to be unbalanced, and the pieces do not stack together nicely. Nonetheless, it is a durable and well-built option backed by a lifetime warranty.

Cuisinart Chef's Classic Stainless Steel 10-Piece Cookware Set

For those on a budget, the Cuisinart Chef's Classic set offers excellent value. It includes all the basic pans needed in a kitchen, such as saucepans, a stockpot, and a skillet. The pans heat up quickly and evenly, and the riveted stainless steel handles stay cool during cooking. While there may be some sticking with certain types of food, the set is generally easy to clean and maintain.

Made In 10-Piece Stainless Set

The Made In set is a well-balanced and durable option, featuring 5-ply stainless steel construction. It includes a variety of essential pans, such as frying pans, saucepans, a saucier, and a stockpot. The set performed well in tests, with even heating and browning. However, some users noticed a slight variance in temperature across the pan when searing steak. The pans are oven-safe up to 800 degrees Fahrenheit and come with a lifetime warranty.

Le Creuset Stainless Steel Cookware Set

The Le Creuset set is a high-end option that delivers exceptional performance. It includes a range of useful pieces, such as a frying pan, saucepans, a sauté pan, and a stockpot. The full aluminium core ensures even heating with no hot spots, and the exterior layer contains titanium for added durability. The set is easy to clean and oven-safe up to 500 degrees Fahrenheit. While it is pricey, it is a worthwhile investment for professional chefs seeking quality and performance.

Best stainless steel cookware sets for beginners

If you're a beginner in the kitchen, you'll want a stainless steel cookware set that's durable, easy to clean, and has all the essential pieces. Here's a list of the best options currently on the market:

Calphalon Stainless Steel Cookware Set

This 10-piece set includes all the essential cookware pieces and offers even heat distribution. The set is dishwasher-safe and features glass lids, making it easy to monitor your food while cooking. However, the walls of the pans feel thin, and there was minor discoloration and flexing during testing. Nonetheless, at $200, it's a great option for those on a budget.

Cuisinart Chef's Classic Stainless Steel 7-Piece Cookware Set

This set is perfect for those who want a stylish set without breaking the bank. It features a traditional design with glass lids and a steamer pot attachment. The pans heat evenly and are easy to clean, with only minor sticking. The inside of the pans also has measurements, making cooking a breeze for beginners. This set is available for $110.

Tramontina Tri-Ply Clad 10-Piece Set

This set offers incredible value for money, proving to be a welcome addition to any kitchen. The pieces are made of 18/10 stainless steel wrapped around an aluminum core, ensuring even heating every time. They performed exceptionally well during testing, searing steak beautifully and warming up thoroughly for more subtle heating tasks like cooking eggs. The riveted handles also stay cool during cooking, making them comfortable to grip. The only downsides are that the set doesn't stack together nicely, and some may find the weight of the pots centred in the middle, making them feel unbalanced. The Tramontina set is available for $230.

All-Clad D5 Stainless Brushed 5-Ply Bonded Cookware Set

If you're looking for a stylish and durable set, the All-Clad D5 is a great choice. This set includes all the essential pieces, such as frying pans, saucepans, a sauté pan, and a stockpot. The 5-ply bonded construction with alternating layers of stainless steel and aluminium ensures warp-free strength and thorough heating. The ergonomic handles stay cool during cooking, and the flared rims make it easy to pour liquids. While this set is more expensive at $800, it's built to last.

Le Creuset Stainless Steel Cookware Set

If you're looking for a large set with a variety of pieces, the Le Creuset set is a great option. It includes a frying pan, two saucepans, a sauté pan, and a stockpot—all the essentials for any home cook. The full aluminum core ensures gradual heating and even browning, and the titanium exterior layer guards against scorching. This set performed exceptionally well during testing, producing one of the best batches of rice. It is, however, quite pricey at $830.

Best stainless steel cookware sets for induction cooktops

Induction cooktops have become increasingly popular due to their heating precision, energy efficiency, and safety. However, they require special cookware with a magnetic bottom. Here are some of the best stainless steel cookware sets for induction cooktops:

Tramontina Tri-Ply Clad 10-Piece Set

This set offers excellent performance, durability, and design. It includes pieces made from 18/10 stainless steel with an aluminium core, allowing for the magnetism necessary for induction. The handles are riveted for durability and are ergonomically designed for comfort during long cooking sessions. While some may find the weight of the pots to be very centred, the set provides great value for its price.

Cuisinart MultiClad Pro 12-Piece Set

The Cuisinart set is made from stainless steel with an induction-compatible aluminium core. The pans heat quickly, retain heat well, and are great for searing and sauteing. The high sides prevent splatter, but they can make it difficult to see into the pan. The set is dishwasher-safe and easy to clean by hand.

All-Clad D3 Tri-Ply 10-Piece Set

Each piece in this set is made of stainless steel, sandwiching an aluminium core. The skillet heats up quickly and evenly, and it sears steak nicely. The handles are long and thin, with a deep indent for a good grasp, but they are heavy for stainless steel. While this set is relatively expensive, it is a high-quality investment that will last a lifetime.

Tramontina Tri-Ply Clad 10-Piece Set

Tramontina's set offers a three-layer construction of stainless steel surrounding an aluminium core, allowing for even heating and induction compatibility. The stockpot is excellent for quick pasta nights, and the fry pan is great for browning steak. The set is dishwasher-safe, but some scrubbing by hand may be required for tougher stains.

All-Clad D5 Stainless Brushed 5-Ply Bonded Cookware Set

This set includes an 8-inch frying pan, a 10-inch frying pan, a 1.5-quart saucepan with a lid, a 3-quart saucepan with a lid, a 3-quart saute pan with a lid, and an 8-quart stockpot with a lid. The pieces have a 5-ply construction, giving them heft and sturdiness. They heat evenly and demonstrate excellent heat conductivity. However, the handles can get a bit hot, and some may find them uncomfortable to hold.

Misen 9-Piece Stainless Cookware Set

Misen's set includes a 10-inch fry pan, an 8-inch sauteuse with a lid, a 2-quart saucepan with a lid, a 4-quart saucepan with a lid, and a 6-quart Dutch oven with a lid. The pieces are made with 5-ply construction and have a sleek, modern design. They heat quickly and evenly, and the handles stay cool while cooking. The set is also dishwasher-safe.

Made In 10-Piece Stainless Steel Cookware Set

This set includes a 10-inch fry pan, a 12-inch stainless clad fry pan, a 2-quart saucepan with a lid, a 3-quart saucepan with a lid, a 6-quart stock pot with a lid, and an 8-quart stock pot with a lid. The pieces are made with 5-ply construction and have a sleek, modern design. They heat quickly and evenly, and the handles are comfortable and stay cool. The set is also dishwasher-safe.

Frequently asked questions