Best Overall
Cuisinart MultiClad Pro 12 Piece Stainless Cookware Set
- Heating Ability5/5
- Design3/5
- Ease of Cleaning3/5
- The set is easy to clean and we were able to get an even sear while cooking. Plus, the handle on the pan remained cool to touch, which is a key safety feature.
The set is easy to clean and we were able to get an even sear while cooking. Plus, the handle on the pan remained cool to touch, which is a key safety feature.
- The lids on this set aren't glass, so you'll have to remove them to take a look at what you're cooking.
The lids on this set aren't glass, so you'll have to remove them to take a look at what you're cooking.
Overall, the best stainless steel cookware set is the Cuisinart MCP-12N MultiClad Pro Triple Ply 12-Piece Set. During our testing, we found that the cookware set felt durable and like it would last a long time. Plus, it was very easy to clean.
This set is oven safe to 500 degrees and during testing, the temperature of the pan stayed pretty even. The temperatures ranged from 350°F to 400°F to 334°F around the pan, which means when you're browning meat or fish it's going to be evenly cooked without a lot of fuss.
After heating up one of the pans, we cooked up several scallops and found they did not stick, had clean flipping, and were easy to remove from the pan. Overall, the pan gave the shellfish an even, golden browning.
We found that they got similar results when they cooked a frittata as well, noting that there was little sticking and that the pan offers a nice, even sear. After cooking, we noted that the pans could be easily cleaner and had little discoloration.
We liked that the handle of the pan remained cool to the touch even with high heat, an ideal safety feature especially if you have small children at home. We also loved how durable this set felt.
It's worth noting that since the lids aren't glass, you'll have to lift them to check on your dishes as they cook. However, all of the pieces are dishwasher safe, so they'll be easy to clean in case anything spills over.
Product Details: Number of Pieces: 12 | Pieces Included: 1.5-quart saucepan with cover, 3-quart saucepan with cover, 3.5-quart sauté pan with helper handle and cover, 8-quart stockpot with cover, 8-inch skillet, 10-inch skillet, and 20-centimeter steamer insert with cover | Construction: Triple ply construction, aluminum core, and a brushed stainless finish | Dishwasher Safe: Yes (cookware and covers)
- THE 12-PIECE SET INCLUDES SAUCEPANS, SKILLETS, A STOCK POT, LIDS, AND A STEAMER INSERT. BETTER HOMES and GARDENS / NICK SIMPSON
BETTER HOMES and GARDENS / NICK SIMPSON
Best Budget
Cuisinart Chef’s Classic Stainless Steel 7-Piece Cookware Set
- Heating Ability4.5/5
- Design4.5/5
- Ease of Cleaning4.5/5
- Value5/5
- The set is dishwasher safe and has glass lids, so you'll be able to easily check on what you're cooking. Plus, the inside of the pans has measurements, which might make cooking easier for some.
The set is dishwasher safe and has glass lids, so you'll be able to easily check on what you're cooking. Plus, the inside of the pans has measurements, which might make cooking easier for some.
- The set has fewer pieces included compared to other sets we tested.
The set has fewer pieces included compared to other sets we tested.
If you're looking for a set that's less expensive than other options, consider the Cuisinart Chef’s Classic Stainless Steel 7-Piece Cookware Set—this set received one of the highest ratings overall.
While cooking, we found that the pan heated evenly and gave the scallops a nice hard sear with even browning. The egg frittata slid right out of the pan with very minimal sticking as well, and we noted that the handles didn't stay hot for too long afterward. We also didn't notice any real warping or discoloration.
In terms of design, the set received a near-perfect score, and we loved the glass lids and the included steamer pot attachment. We also appreciated the traditional design on this set and noted that the pieces feel substantial.
Plus, another detail that makes this one of the best sets is that the inside of the pans has measurements, so even beginner chefs can cook up something.
Product Details: Number of Pieces: Seven | Pieces Included: 1.5-quart saucepan with cover, 3-quart saucepan with cover, 8-quart stockpot with cover, 10-inch skillet, and a steamer basket attachment | Construction: Stainless steel, aluminum | Dishwasher Safe: Yes (cookware and covers)
- THE 7-PIECE SET INCLUDES TWO SAUCEPANS, A SKILLET, A STOCKPOT, AND LIDS. BETTER HOMES and GARDENS / NICK SIMPSON
BETTER HOMES and GARDENS / NICK SIMPSON
Easiest to Clean
Tramontina Tri-Ply Clad Stainless Steel Cookware Set
- Heating Ability4/5
- Design4.5/5
- Ease of Cleaning4.5/5
- There are ergonomic handles that are easy to hold.
There are ergonomic handles that are easy to hold.
- We noticed discoloration when the pan was removed from the oven.
We noticed discoloration when the pan was removed from the oven.
Whether you entertain often or just dislike doing the dishes, the Tramontina Tri-Ply Clad Stainless Steel Cookware Set is the best stainless steel cookware set for you. This comprehensive set won us over with how easy it was to clean, making it a must-have for any kitchen.
Overall, we found that the pieces in this cookware set felt well-built. The pieces had sturdy handles and after cooking, we didn't notice any warping. They specifically liked how easy the set was to clean, earning it a near-perfect score in that category. With just water and a spatula, we were able to rid the pan of food remnants. It's dishwasher safe too, making it even easier to give it a thorough clean.
When it came to cooking, we noted that the pan we tried heated quickly and very evenly—around 400°F all across the pan—to the point that the butter for the frittata seemed on its way to burning. This caused the frittata to stick to the pan a bit while scallops quickly caramelized and left discoloration and marks on the pan.
We found the pan had some serious discoloration after removing it from the oven too, and the scallop marks have gotten even darker. There was even more discoloration around the sides and edges, which we thought was probably from the cooking oil.
Product Details: Number of Pieces: 12 | Pieces Included: 8-inch fry pan, 10-inch fry pan, 6-quart covered deep sauté pan, 1.5-quart covered saucepan, 2-quart covered saucepan, 3-quart covered saucepan, and an 8-quart covered stock pot | Construction: Tri-Ply clad construction, stainless steel, aluminum, magnetic stainless steel | Dishwasher Safe: Yes (cookware and covers)
- BETTER HOMES and GARDENS / NICK SIMPSON
BETTER HOMES and GARDENS / NICK SIMPSON
Best for Even Heating
Anolon Nouvelle Stainless Cookware Set
- Heating Ability5/5
- Design4/5
- Ease of Cleaning4/5
- The pans offered an even sear and the handle stayed cool to touch while cooking.
The pans offered an even sear and the handle stayed cool to touch while cooking.
- The lids have a domed shape that might be hard to store.
The lids have a domed shape that might be hard to store.
When it comes to stainless steel cookware, even heating is a key factor and the Anolon Nouvelle Stainless Cookware Set certainly didn't disappoint. We were impressed by the pools of melting butter the pans created during testing, earning it a perfect score in that category.
During testing, we found that the pan heated evenly at all points, with the average temperature being around 325°F. The scallops cooked with a little stick on the first flip but when they were removed from the pan but they had a nice, even "crusty crust."
Overall, we felt that the pan did a great job searing the shellfish, but there was a bit of a crust left on the pan. However, the pan ended up being easier to clean than expected.
While cooking a frittata, the eggs took a bit of coaxing with the spatula to get them out of the pan without sticking. However, it didn't leave any marks or discoloration. Overall, the handle stayed cool to the touch during the cooking process and there was no warping when the pan cooled off in the ice bath afterward. However, we felt that the handle felt loose.
It's worth noting that the lids on this set have a rounded, dome shape that might be hard to store in a kitchen. We 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.
Product Details: Number of Pieces: 10 | Pieces Included: 1.25-quart saucepan with lid, 2.5-quart saucepans with lids, 6.5-quart stockpot with lid, 8-inch frying pan, 10.5-inch frying pan, 3-quart sauté pan with lid | Construction: Stainless steel, copper | Dishwasher Safe: Yes (cookware and covers)
- THE SCALLOPS WERE FAIRLY EVENLY SEARED, BUT THERE WAS A BIT OF CRUST LEFT ON THE PAN. BETTER HOMES and GARDENS / RUSSELL KILGORE
BETTER HOMES and GARDENS / RUSSELL KILGORE
Best Starter Set
Calphalon Stainless Steel Cookware Set
- Heating Ability4/5
- Design4.5/5
- Ease of Cleaning5/5
- Value5/5
- The 10-piece set includes essential cookware pieces and offered even heat distribution.
The 10-piece set includes essential cookware pieces and offered even heat distribution.
- We felt that the walls on the pan felt thin and there was minor discoloration and flexing.
We felt that the walls on the pan felt thin and there was minor discoloration and flexing.
Whether you're moving into a new home or just tapping into your cooking skills, the Calphalon Stainless Steel Cookware Set is a set you should consider. We appreciated the set's price point and liked that it offers even cooking and an easy clean-up.
During cooking, we liked that this pan heated up fast and reached 400°F—it cooked both the scallops and frittata perfectly, without any sticking. It's worth noting, however, that while testing durability, there was some discoloration and flexing of the material. They also felt that the pan walls feel thin and the pieces were not as well constructed as some of the other tested sets.
Overall, we noted that the pans cleaned up very easily. The eggs only needed a light brush to remove any leftover bits. The seared scallops did leave a mark however it was easy to remove with the help of Bar Keepers Friend.
Although we were concerned about the set's durability, we felt it was very well designed and had solid handles that felt comfortable to grip. We did note that the stock pot felt a bit small for batch cooking; however, we liked that the set had glass lids that make it easy to monitor food.
Product Details: Number of Pieces: 10 | Pieces Included: 8-inch fry pan, 10-inch fry pan, 1.5-quart. saucepan with cover, 2.5-quart saucepan with cover, 3-quart saute pan with cover, and a 7-quart. dutch oven with cover | Construction: Stainless, aluminum | Dishwasher Safe: Yes (cookware and covers)
Best Design
All-Clad D5 Stainless Brushed 5-Ply Bonded Cookware Set
- Heating Ability4.5/5
- Design4.5/5
- Ease of Cleaning4.5/5
- Value4/5
- We felt that it was a durable, reliable set and liked that it was easy to clean.
We felt that it was a durable, reliable set and liked that it was easy to clean.
- It's more expensive than other sets on the market.
It's more expensive than other sets on the market.
The All-Clad D5 Stainless Brushed 5-Ply Bonded Cookware Set one of our highest-rated picks and is the best choice if you're in the market for a stylish and durable design. Though the set is an investment, we felt like the look of the brushed finish and the high-quality pieces are worth it.
In terms of design, we noted that the pan handles had a balanced feel and found that the squared-off lid handles fit comfortably in our hands. The bigger pans and pots have a helper handle for ease of holding anything heavier or hot as well. Overall, we felt that the set had a substantial feel that helped justify the price point.
When cooking, neither the scallops nor eggs stuck to the pan. In fact, both cooked with a nice, even heat, and there was no noticeable warping when we dipped the pan into ice after cooking. The set was noticeably easy to clean, which is a plus given that it's not recommended to put the pieces in the dishwasher.
Product Details: Number of Pieces: 10 | Pieces Included: 8-inch fry pan, 10-inch fry pan, 1.5-quart saucepan with lid, 3-quart saucepan with lid, 3-quart sauté pan, and an 8-quart stock pot | Construction: 5-ply bonded construction with alternating layers of stainless steel and aluminum | Dishwasher Safe: Not recommended