Buying guide for best stainless steel cookware
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Stainless steel cookware isn’t just for professional chefs. With the proper technique and care, the best stainless steel cookware can serve home chefs well for years. Plus, stainless steel pans are now layered with materials such as aluminum or copper, making them lighter and easier to use than ever.
If you’re trying to decide between stainless steel and nonstick cookware, the main difference is that stainless steel can withstand higher temperatures (you can even put it under the broiler); it also offers stellar heat retention and even heating to really bring out the flavors in your food.
It’s main drawback, of course, is that even if you oil the pan first, food will sometimes stick to the surface, making it more time-consuming to clean. But unlike nonstick pans that typically need to be replaced every few years once the coating wears out, stainless steel can last a lifetime if well cared for.
To help you find a quality set you’ll love, we researched dozens of options and compared their price, heat resistance, durability and longevity. We think the best choice for most home chefs is the Caraway Stainless Steel Cookware Set. Its lightweight-yet-tough pans can withstand temperatures up to 550 degrees, and it’s backed by a limited lifetime warranty.
Expert tip
You can greatly reduce meat’s tendency to stick to hot stainless by minding the temperature differences. A cold piece of meat sticks to a very hot pan like crazy. Room-temp meat and a warm pan can make things a lot easier for you.
BestReviews Cooking and Baking Expert
Which stainless steel cookware is best?
Caraway 12-Piece Stainless Steel Cookware Set
Best of the Best
Grade of steel: 5-Ply stainless steel | Dishwasher: No | Oven-safe temperature: Up to 550 degrees | Induction Compatibility: Yes
Launched in 2019, Caraway quickly became an Instagram darling for its beautiful, modern-looking cookware. The Caraway Stainless Steel Cookware Set is a prime example of the sleek design that the brand is known for. Each piece is shiny and attractive, with easy-to-grip handles on the lids.
The set includes the basics you need to get started in the kitchen: a 6.5-quart Dutch oven, 10.5-inch fry pan, 4.5-quart sauté pan and 3-quart saucepan. If you purchased them individually, it would cost $790, but Caraway offers this set for $695 and even throws in a storage system to keep it all neat and organized.
Granted, it’s still on the pricey side, but it’s not a bad deal for high-quality five-ply stainless steel, which features three layers of aluminum in between the two stainless steel layers. This adds up to pots and pans that are lightweight and evenly distribute heat for the best performance.
With a bit of oil, the pots and pans resist sticking and clean with ease. To clean, all that’s needed is a gentle scrub with soap and water to keep your pans in optimal condition, according to Caraway. You’ll also get added peace of mind with Caraway’s limited lifetime warranty.
Cuisinart 11-Piece Stainless Cookware Set
Best Bang for the Buck
Grade of steel: Tri-ply stainless steel | Dishwasher: Yes | Oven-safe temperature: Up to 500 degrees | Induction Compatibility: Yes
If you want to get the most value for your money, the Cuisinart 11-Piece Cookware Set is a terrific option. Featuring a beautiful mirror finish, it provides a solid performance thanks to the aluminum-encapsulated base in each piece.
You can easily prepare multiple dishes at once with this set. Included are a 1.5-quart saucepan with glass cover, 2.5-quart saucepan with glass cover, 3-quart saucepan with helper handle and glass cover, 8-quart stockpot with glass cover, 8-inch skillet, 10-inch skillet and steamer insert.
There are a lot of features in this set that we love. We appreciate the glass cover, letting you check on the progress of your cooking without letting out steam. Additionally, the steamer insert allows frozen foods to cook above boiling water. Each riveted handle includes side grips and helper handles to ensure balance while you’re serving or pouring.
The set is dishwasher safe and also provides measurement markings, which can save you time in the kitchen. Plus, Cuisinart offers a lifetime warranty, so you can feel confident it’s made to last.
Tramontina Gourmet 12-Piece Tri-Ply Clad Cookware Set
Most Versatile
Grade of steel: Tri-ply stainless steel | Dishwasher: Yes | Oven-safe temperature: Up to 500 degrees | Induction Compatibility: Yes
Whether you’re setting up a new home kitchen, updating your current one or cooking for a larger group, the Tramontina Gourmet 12-Piece Tri-Ply Clad Cookware Set is a great investment at an unbeatable price. Like all of our top picks (except for the Viking set below), it’s made with 18/10 stainless steel, which is a high-end grade of stainless steel (containing 18% chromium and 10% nickel) that is known for even heating and excellent heat conductivity.
This well-made set includes an 8-inch fry pan, 10-inch fry pan, 1.5-quart covered sauce pan, 2-quart covered sauce pan, 3-quart covered sauce pan, 6-quart covered deep sauté pan and an 8-quart covered stock pot. The stainless steel handles on all the pieces are riveted for added support and rounded for comfort, and the lids are mirror-polished for a shiny, attractive look. Plus, the set is protected by a lifetime warranty.
As for heat, Tramontina is oven-safe up to 500 degrees, so it offers slightly less heat flexibility than other stainless steel brands. However, customers were impressed by the heat retention and that the handle stays cool while cooking, which is a sign of a high-quality set.
All-Clad D3 3-Ply Stainless Steel Fry Pan
Best Stainless Steel Fry Pan
Grade of steel: 3-ply stainless steel | Dishwasher: Not recommended | Oven safe temperature: Up to 600 degrees | Induction compatibility: Yes
If you just need one solid fry pan you can rely on for years, the All-Clad D3 3-Ply Stainless Steel Fry Pan is made to last. The All-Clad brand has long been trusted by professional chefs for its durable cookware. This fry pan features a high-quality 18/10 stainless steel surface that sears, sautés and simmers whatever you’re whipping up in the kitchen. Plus, the double-riveted stainless steel handles ensure a strong grip.
Handcrafted by skilled craftspeople in Canonsburg, Pennsylvania, All-Clad cookware is fully bonded, so it heats up faster and distributes the heat evenly for excellent results. The most impressive feature is that you can put this fry pan in the oven and under the broiler, as it can withstand temperatures up to 600 degrees. That’s the highest heat capability our team has seen when comparing other leading brands.
Hand washing with mild detergent and a sponge is recommended for this piece. Offering a limited lifetime warranty on all its products, All-Clad promises the pan’s mirror-polished surface will look pristine, meal after meal.
Viking 10-Piece 3-Ply Stainless Steel Hammered Copper Clad Cookware Set
Best Copper-Clad Set
Grade of steel: Copper-clad stainless steel | Dishwasher: No | Oven-safe temperature: Up to up to 500 | Induction compatibility: No
Beautiful and durable, the Viking 10-Piece 3-Ply Stainless Steel Hammered Copper Clad Cookware Set combines a layer of aluminum sandwiched between a copper exterior and a heavy-gauge stainless steel interior for a professional-chef experience at home. Not just pretty to look at, the copper exterior works to heat foods evenly, so your food is cooked to perfection.
Backed by a limited lifetime warranty, the set includes an 8-inch fry pan, a 10-inch fry pan, a 2.25-quart sauce pan with glass lid, a 3-quart sauce pan with glass lid, a 5.25-quart sauce pan with glass lid, a 5.25-quart sauté pan and an 8-quart stock pan with glass lid. One thing to note is that these pans aren’t induction capable, but they’re compatible with all other cooking surfaces.
The vented glass lids allow you to see the progress of your meal without letting heat escape. Plus, there’s internal volume markings on the pans, making measuring quick and precise. The riveted signature Viking stay-cool handles are designed for balance, comfort and control.
Expert tip
Stainless steel can scratch – especially when it has a chrome-like finish. To avoid scratching, place paper towels between nested pots and/or lids, and never bang them into each other while pulling pots in and out of the cabinet or off a pot rack.
BestReviews Cooking and Baking Expert
How we analyzed the best stainless steel cookware
We analyzed the best stainless steel cookware through extensive research in areas such as price, heat resistance, durability and longevity. We read through hundreds of customer reviews to look for pieces that were comfortable to handle and retained heat well. When it came to cookware sets, we looked for options with a nice range of sizes that would be practical for regular use.
Stainless steel cookware key factors to consider
Don’t wander into your local discount store or specialty cooking supply retailer and grab whatever cookware set is on sale. It’s wise to arm yourself with the facts on what to look for in your ideal set of pots and pans.
Material quality
Stainless steel has many upsides, including that it’s durable, resists warping and has a high ranking on the quality-for-price scale. When shopping for stainless steel cookware, you’ll notice different numbers that indicate the grade of the stainless steel. Here are the considerations for each.
- 18/0 stainless steel: Typically found in the cheapest stainless steel cookware sets, this grade of stainless steel has zero nickel and 18% chromium. It’s more susceptible to staining and corrosion and is weaker than higher-grade stainless steel.
- 18/8 stainless steel: This is a common grade used in kitchen cookware and is known for its durability and moderate corrosion resistance. It contains 18% chromium and 8% nickel.
- 18/10 stainless steel: This higher-end type of stainless steel contains 18% chromium and 10% nickel. However, its composition may also include 2% molybdenum as well, which enhances corrosion resistance, particularly against salt and acidic foods. It’s ideal if you do a lot of cooking with acidic ingredients or live in a high-salinity area.
Our top picks: Material quality
- The Viking 10-Piece 3-Ply Stainless Steel Hammered Copper Clad Cookware Set uses the more standard 18/8 stainless steel, which offers some resistance to corrosion.
- If you’re looking for the highest corrosion resistance, the Caraway Stainless Steel Cookware Set, Cuisinart 11-Piece Cookware Set, Tramontina Gourmet 12-Piece Tri-Ply Clad Cookware Set and All-Clad D3 3-Ply Stainless Steel Fry Pan all contain 18/10 stainless steel.
Heat conductivity
Some companies make pots and pans with three-ply or five-ply stainless steel construction, which offers excellent heat retention and is likely to last longer. What’s more, stainless steel pieces that are crafted of multiple layers do a great job delivering even heat distribution.
- Three-ply or five-ply stainless steel: Expect to pay more for five-ply stainless steel, which is slower to heat but retains heat better than three-ply stainless steel. Because of its excellent heat retention, however, it also takes more time to cool if you need to lower the temperature. Ultimately, while five-ply is nice, most home chefs won’t notice a big difference between the two.
- Aluminum or copper core: Both materials are excellent conductors of heat. Aluminum is lightweight and less expensive than copper, which provides superior heat conductivity but at a higher price point. Decide based on your cooking needs and budget.
Our top picks: Heat conductivity
- Caraway Stainless Steel Cookware Set: Constructed with five-ply stainless steel, these pans are made for higher-heat cooking (oven-safe up to 550 degrees). They feature three layers of lightweight aluminum in between two layers of stainless steel and retain heat beautifully.
- Cuisinart 11-Piece Cookware Set: This three-ply set features an aluminum core and heats quickly (oven-safe up to 500 degrees). It spreads heat evenly, eliminating any hot spots.
- Tramontina Gourmet 12-Piece Tri-Ply Clad Cookware Set: This set features impressive heat retention (oven-safe up to 500 degrees) with an aluminum core, and the handle stays cool while cooking.
- All-Clad D3 3-Ply Stainless Steel Fry Pan: You can crank the heat with this fry pan both in the oven and under the broiler, as it’s safe up to 600 degrees. It features three-ply construction with an aluminum core pressed together with two layers of stainless steel.
- Viking 10-Piece 3-Ply Stainless Steel Hammered Copper Clad Cookware Set: This set is oven-safe up to 500 degrees and features an aluminum core sandwiched between a gorgeous copper exterior and a durable stainless steel interior.
Design and features
When it comes to design and features, not all stainless steel cookware may work for your needs. Consider these points before purchasing a set.
- Riveted handles: Ensure handles are securely attached, with rivets being the preferred method for durability.
- Grab handle: Some pieces have a secondary handle on the side to help transfer hot food from the pan to a serving dish or to make it easier to move the pot or pan to the oven.
- Glass lids: Glass allows you to peek at your food while it cooks, however, it’s also more prone to cracking or breaking. Some glass lids cannot go in the oven.
- Lid fit: Tight-fitting lids help retain moisture and flavor during cooking, but they shouldn’t be so tight that they prevent steam from escaping.
- Compatibility: Consider if the cookware is compatible with your stovetop type (e.g., induction) and whether it’s oven-safe for recipes that require finishing in the oven.
- Hole on handle: This is handy when you need to hang your pot or pan to save space.
Our top picks: Design and features
- Caraway Stainless Steel Cookware Set: Well-fitting lids and organizers for storage are included with each set. Plus, it’s compatible with all stovetops. Like all of our top picks, it has holes on the handles for hanging.
- Cuisinart 11-Piece Cookware Set: We love the included glass cover, steamer insert and handle side grips. Plus, it’s compatible with all stovetops.
- Tramontina Gourmet 12-Piece Tri-Ply Clad Cookware Set: These stainless steel handles are riveted, which enhances the experience of pouring and serving. Plus, it’s compatible with all stovetops.
- All-Clad D3 3-Ply Stainless Steel Fry Pan: The double-riveted stainless steel handles ensure a strong grip. Plus, it’s compatible with all stovetops.
- Viking 10-Piece 3-Ply Stainless Steel Hammered Copper Clad Cookware Set: We loved the vented glass lids, allowing home chefs to see the progress of the meal without letting heat escape. This is the only set on our list that’s not compatible with induction stovetops.
Ease of maintenance
No one wants to spend a lot of time cleaning and polishing their cookware. Here are some things to keep in mind.
- Polished vs. brushed finish: Polished cookware offers a mirror-like finish that’s visually appealing but can show fingerprints and scratches more readily. A brushed finish may hide wear better and offers a more consistent look over time.
- Dishwasher safe: While most stainless steel cookware is dishwasher safe, hand-washing is recommended to maintain the appearance of the cookware over time.
Our top picks: Ease of maintenance
- Caraway Stainless Steel Cookware Set: All that’s needed to clean this set is a gentle scrub with soap and water to keep your pans in optimal condition.
- Cuisinart 11-Piece Cookware Set: This set is dishwasher safe, making cleanup feels effortless.
- Tramontina Gourmet 12-Piece Tri-Ply Clad Cookware Set: While this set is dishwasher safe, Tramontina recommends hand-drying immediately after the rinse cycle to preserve the original finish.
- All-Clad D3 3-Ply Stainless Steel Fry Pan: Hand-washing this fry pan is required if you want to keep it looking pristine meal after meal.
- Viking 10-Piece 3-Ply Stainless Steel Hammered Copper Clad Cookware Set: Hand-washing is required, as well as polishing regularly after washing.
Expert Tip
Some pot sets are sized just right to allow for some nesting for easier storage. Keep this in mind when mapping where your sets are stored when not in use.
BestReviews Cooking and Baking Expert
What comes in a stainless steel cookware set?
The right combination of pots and pans for you directly relates to what you plan to cook. If you rarely pan fry, your best bet may be an open cookware set where you can pick and choose the right tools for your trade. Because most cooks perform a variety of kitchen tasks, an array of pots and pans that provide the freedom to experiment is a good option.
A standard 10-piece set usually includes 8-inch and 10-inch skillets (with lids) that are versatile enough to make everything from omelettes to crepes suzette. The set will have 2- and 3-quart sauce pans and a 3-quart sauté pan (also with lids) that can handle a wide range of meat, poultry, and fish dishes. A large 8-quart stockpot (with lid) rounds out the set. The stockpot can be used not only for soups and soup stocks but also for boiling potatoes and cooking pasta.
A 12-piece set usually includes a steamer insert with a lid. This allows a cook to steam vegetables as well as reheat leftovers. It may also include a Dutch oven for preparing casseroles, stews and even whole chickens.
Although not a common item, a wok with a lid is available in some sets. What’s more, the lids that come with quality stainless steel sets are tight-fitting and well-made.
FAQ
Q. I’d like a stainless steel cookware set with handles that are cool to the touch. What should I look for?
A. Consider a set with handles made of silicone or wood. These generally can be held while the pot or pan is on the stove. Also, some of the best cookware sets have “cool to the touch” handles, meaning they are constructed in a way that does not transfer heat from the pan to the handle.
Q. What should I not use on stainless steel?
A. Though metal utensils will scratch stainless steel, this shouldn’t affect its overall performance. Steel wool or any abrasive cleaners can also lead to scratching. If you want to keep your cookware looking its best, use wood, silicone or plastic utensils while cooking as well as gentle sponges and soaps for cleaning.
Q. What is the difference between coating and cladding?
A. Coating is the layer of material that sits on the bottom of your pot or pan, whereas cladding is the bonding of the materials along the sides of your cookware.
