Stainless steel is a popular material for cookware because it won’t chip or crack. It’s also easy to clean and won’t rust, making it great for those who don’t want to deal with the hassle of maintaining their cookware. If you’re looking for stainless steel cookware sets, look no further than this article. We’ve done all the leg work and compiled a list of the best stainless steel cookware sets out there that will provide you with fantastic cooking results for years to come.
Why Should Cook In Stainless Steel Cookware?
Cooking in stainless steel, instead of non-stick cookware, will have many benefits.
1. Healthy
Stainless steel is a healthier material than Teflon or other non-stick materials. It is free of PFOA and has no chemical smells or leaching concerns so you can enjoy your food worry free.
It’s almost impossible to overheat stainless steel cookware because the metal conducts heat so well so there are no hot spots that might burn your food. Stainless steel also distributes heat evenly across the entire pan which makes it an ideal choice for cooking eggs since they usually stick to low or unevenly heated pans. So not only does stainless steel cookware distribute heat well it also heats up quickly which means that your food will not spend too much time in the pan where it can overheat.
2. Versatile
Stainless steel cookware has more uses than just cooking with heat on the stove top or oven. You can easily use it on any type of heating surface including induction, electric, gas or glass stovetops and you can also use it in ovens up to 500 degrees Fahrenheit. When properly cared for stainless steel is also very easy to clean so if you want to go from frying an egg one minute and baking some cookies the next there won’t be any trouble getting your cookware ready for whichever task you need it for.
Stainless steel is also perfect for making chowers because since there are no hot spots in the pan you won’t burn any of your food. Not to mention that stainless steel makes it easy to monitor the food without disturbing it so your chower will come out perfect every time!
3. Durable
Stainless steel cookware is extremely durable and will last for many years if properly cared for. It is also very scratch resistant which means that over time even with daily use there isn’t a single scratch on your pans! That means more protection for your non-stick coating which can be damaged by utensils or metal spatula’s used during cooking. Stainless steel will also not rust or corrode so no matter how often you use it or how long it sits in the dishwasher waiting to be put away or used there won’t be any damage to the pan’s.
4. Economical and efficient
Stainless steel is a much more economical material than Teflon and other non-stick coatings because these leave off over time and need to be replaced – often within a year or two of purchasing them. The non-stick coating also has to be reapplied after every time that you use the dishwasher which means even more money wasted on replacement costs, not to mention all the chemicals that goes into it! Stainless steel will last for years without having to replace anything so your cookware really becomes an investment rather than just another piece of equipment in your home.
5. Safe around children and pets
Non-stick coatings are toxic and aren’t a safe option when you have children or pets in the home. Stainless steel is a much safer alternative because it is not made with any of the harmful chemicals that can be found in non-stick pans and Teflon materials. You don’t have to worry about taking care when cooking at high temperatures, you don’t have to worry about hot spots causing your food to burn so there isn’t any reason to worry about heating up the pan on high.
Best Stainless Steel Cookware Sets Reviewed
1. Hestan – NanoBond Collection – Stainless Steel 5-Piece Titanium Essential Cookware Set
Work smarter in the kitchen with this 5-Piece Cookware Set. Featuring an exclusive triple-bonded stainless-steel base for better heat conductivity, your dish will cook quicker and smell fresher more quickly than ever before. The heavy gauge handles are comfortable to hold even on top of a hot stove while their all-new titanium bonded design will stay rust free without any seasoning needed.
Remember though that these metal utensils should not be put under high heats or boiled dry because they’re oven and broiler safe up to 500 degrees Fahrenheit but shouldn’t be used over open flame with extreme caution still advised when overheating occurs which is why the included lid has measurements right on it, hence its clear glass design.
2. Anolon 30822 Triply Clad Stainless Steel Cookware Pots and Pans Set
You’ll have everything you need in this 100% dishwasher safe, oven-safe to 500° F Anolon triply clad stainless steel 12-piece cookware set. The durable three-ply construction features an aluminum core between layers of stainless steel for excellent heat distribution, and the deep set lids with clean lines seal in heat and moisture with a professional look that is perfect for your modern kitchen appliance.
Enjoy gorgeous cooking food after food from pots and pans made with thick handles that are easy to grasp with confidence when maneuvering them on stovetop surfaces. From ravishing rices to luscious lamb roasts, these nonstick pots and pans will make it easier than ever to prepare your favorite recipes quickly without having any waster or stress. With this 12-piece set, you will have all the pots and pans you need for daily cooking, entertaining or holiday baking.
3. Calphalon Premier Stainless Steel Pots and Pans
The Calphalon Premier Stainless Steel 11-Piece Set is perfect for advanced chefs or novice cooks looking to upgrade. The ergonomic handles are balanced and designed with both style and function in mind, while the aluminum core is coated in three layers of stainless steel to retain heat longer.
But what really sets this pan apart from others on the market is its durability. Made with 3 ply metal construction, it heats up evenly without allowing hot spots, sears food beautifully by locking-in juices, browns flawlessly every time with superior nonstick properties that cleans away with just soap and water – no messy scrubbing needed!
This dishwasher-safe cookware can withstand 450°F oven temperatures so you won’t have to worry about it warping, chipping or cracking.
4. Cuisinart MCP-12N Multiclad Pro Stainless Steel 12-Piece Cookware Set
For the cook who loves to cook and wants their experience to be as perfect as possible, look no further than Cuisinart’s Multiclad Pro Stainless Steel Cookware Set. Not only will this 12-piece set cover any cooking need you may have, but it also features a polished interior surface that self-basts your food for an experience that is both convenient and delicious.
The triple-ply construction with an aluminum core for even heating, cool grip handles so you never burn yourself with hot pans again, and tight fitting lids so nothing spills out in transit plus they are all oven safe up to 550 degrees Fahrenheit! All pieces are dishwasher safe for easy clean up too.
5. Anolon Nouvelle Stainless Steel Cookware Pots and Pans Set
Prepare and serve food with the utmost luxury. This set of quality cookware is made from copper at its heart so you can know you’re preparing your favorite dishes, desserts, and breads with the best materials available.
With a beautiful European design this Anolon Nouvelle Copper Cookware Set will never go out of style. It not only looks perfect on your countertop but will last for decades to come because it’s oven safe up to 500°F and dishwasher safe too!
Stay stylish in any kitchen or dining room by adding this exceptional cookware set today. Add color and flair into your kitchen that complements every other professional and elegant item already there!
6. Tramontina 10-Piece Cookware Set Stainless Steel
Bring the heat – and the flavor. Bring it with Tramontina 10-Piece Cookware Set! You’ll love how this tri-ply clad cookware heats from every side, not just down below on your burner. Plus 2 precision fitting lids keep nutrition locked in and help make cooking more efficient.
And ergonomically designed handles will give you a boost as hot oil spits out of that skillet or pour off those pots and pans into waiting dish towels (trust us).
Add to that oven safe up to 500 degrees Fahrenheit and compatibility on any type of stove: gas, electric, induction – even microwave – yep! Quality means durability so these gorgeous pieces can withstand repeated use without cracking or peeling like some detergent commercials would have you believe.
7. Duxtop Professional Stainless Steel Pots and Pans Set
Duxtop cookware offers a range of sizes and pieces, such as skillets, sauté pans with lids, stock pots with lids and more. This set offers 18 pieces that can serve your cooking needs for any dish type: breakfast to dinner. Cook up our most popular dishes—lasagna and macaroni and cheese—all in one pot! It’s so easy when we have the right tools on hand.
The Duxtop SSIB-17 is made of premium food grade 18/10 stainless steel so all you taste is flavor from whatever delicious meal you spruce up in these pots or pans. These impact bonded aluminum encapsulated bottom ensures quick even energy efficient heating which makes it perfect for induction stoves and practically universal for all other cooktops. You’ll love how easy these pieces are to clean and maintain.
All the Duxtop cookware we see here feature a glass lid that lets you keep an eye on your dish as it simmers, boils or bakes. Cleanup is quick and easy when you add your favorite soap to running water and dishwasher safe.
8. Demeyere 5-Plus Stainless Steel 10-piece Cookware Set
The Demeyere 5-Plus Stainless Steel 10-piece Cookware Set is of the highest quality and made in Belgium. This cookware includes pans that heat quickly, distribute heat evenly, won’t overheat, nor will it produce an acidic dish if has had dish soap on it.
The ergonomic handles stay cool when hot which make them perfect for stovetop use; these are also coated with thermo-protective resin which makes it easy to clean up while maintaining the coating’s properties. It also comes with tight fitting lids to ensure energy efficiency during cooking– this means less fuel is needed while cooking at the same time guaranteeing food stays warm until you’re ready to serve it.
9. Viking Professional 5-Ply Stainless Steel Cookware Set
It’s time to change the way you think about cooking. The cookware industry isn’t what it used to be, and Pioneer Professional 5-ply construction is higher-end design at a more competitive price point. Magnetic stainless steel exterior coating provides even heat transfer while a triple aluminum core eliminates hot spots for even cooking results.
Maximum heat conductivity extends from outside into the 18/10 stainless steel interior that assures food will not stick or burn on any pan surface during performance testing. Perhaps most importantly, stay cool riveted handles ensure absolute control over every recipe with balance and comfort – designed to provide unmatched versatility for whatever your culinary needs might be!
How We Tested
This review looked at the quality of heat distribution through our tests to see how evenly heat is spread across the bottom and up the sides. We also tested how well it cooks on a variety of stovetops including coil, gas, electric induction and glass-ceramic. We observed how quickly and easily one layer comes up to temperature and monitored for hot or cold spots in the pan when in use.
We also assessed product warranties and durability issues by checking out customer reviews online over time with an eye toward whether there were any problems cropping up in multiple independent experiences with a given product.
Some cookware is sold as sets that include lids, while some do not come with them at all or just have one lid that fits several pieces in the set. Some sets include tools like spoons or spatulas while others do not even come with pot holders. Make sure you know what is included in the package before checking out so that you have a complete set when it arrives at your door, and so that you can compare prices from different sellers to get the best deal.
The next step in choosing a stainless steel cookware set is to see what kinds of pans are included in the set aside from just saucepans and frying pans, because these other pieces will influence which stoves you can use them on. You’ll need to find cookware that comes with lids for all items if they aren’t sold separately, since many modern electric stovetops come with a simmer function that requires lids. Some sets have lids that fit multiple pieces, while some only come with one lid that will work for everything in the set.
All of our reviews of stainless steel cookware set include a section on customer reviews from amazon to give you an idea of how people who have used the product feel about it and whether they have had problems with durability or problems with nonstick surfaces flaking off over time.
The final piece is to compare different products and brands so that you can choose a set option which offers exactly what you want at a price point that fits your budget. Make sure there are enough pieces included if you plan on cooking for larger groups more often as smaller sets will not provide enough pots and pans for those occasions.
Look for sets with tools like spoons or spatulas that are included, or at least sold separately as you will definitely need them for all of the pots and pans. If they aren’t sold by themselves you can often find them offered in bundles with other pieces. Make sure to know what kinds of lids come with your cookware whether sold separately or not since induction stovetops require lids on most pans if they are to be used on the simmer setting.
Finally, make sure there is a good warranty offered by the manufacturer which covers problems like warping or breaking so that you can rest assured knowing that your pot or pan will last if something goes wrong over time.
What To Look For When Buying Stainless Steel Cookware
Core and Construction
The first thing you need when choosing a stainless steel cookware set is to analyze its core and construction.
Stainless steel pots and pans can be made up of several layers or just one solid piece of metal that has been bent into shape in an oven. To create one layer, aluminum discs are sandwiched between two layers of stainless steel which rolled together under pressure with thousands of pounds per square inch. This creates a smooth and even base with no seams in the metal. The price of this construction is that it is rather thin and lightweight, which can cause problems over time.
Multi-layer stainless steel pots and pans are made up of several layers of different materials: stainless steel, aluminum, copper. The more layers the better as each layer adds specific qualities to your cooking experience. Stainless steel conducts heat well but doesn’t spread it evenly so the other materials help to correct this problem and allow for better control over your cooking temperature. It also ensures that the cookware heats quickly on all sources whether on a battery or on an open flame. Copper helps improve on conductivity further by allowing for more even heat distribution and is very responsive to changes in temperature. A professional quality stainless steel set will often have copper discs between the layers of stainless steel.
Weight
While the perfect pan size is a matter of personal preference, it’s important to have one that can stand up against abuse and wear. This means heavier pans are better for frequent use as they won’t move around on your stovetop or warp easily from heat exposure while lighter ones may not distribute evenly when cooking with multiple dishes at once due their lack in density/weight
A quality stainless steel pot will give you peace-of-mind knowing its heftiness makes holding onto this tool less tiring during long sessions; however if weight isn’t an issue – choose accordingly!
Versatility
A cook’s needs vary depending on their level of expertise. Some people like to have every single tool at his or her disposal, and this may require a set with 14+ pieces in order not be too limited when cooking for loved ones; but if you think that your repertoire will never grow beyond what’s included with basic sets then there is money saved by opting out!
Heating Capacity
If you want to get the most out of your cookware, make sure that they are oven safe and can withstand high temperatures. All stainless steel is not created equal; some may only go up 350 degrees while others have a much higher maximum capacity such as 500 degrees Fahrenheit under broiler conditions or even more if it’s made for use on an open flame! Make sure before using any type with no instructions provided by the manufacturer about their max temperature limit so there aren’t any surprises later down in usage.
Grade of Stainless Steel
Stainless steel is made up of two very fine metals, chromium and nickel. Chromium creates the stainless steel’s silver color while nickel allows it to be heat-resistant. The upper range of stainless steel grades contains 13-14% chromium and 7% nickel, so the higher the percentage of one or both of these ingredients in your cookware, the better quality it will be. A dishwasher safe set with 18/10 stainless steel will usually last longer than a cheaper set that uses less expensive alloying elements like 18/0.
Handle
Generally speaking, stainless steel handles are formed into their shape with molds rather than being welded or riveted together as copper handles often are – this process makes them stronger and I have never had a problem with corrosion from stainless steel handles despite their being exposed to moisture. However some people find they don’t fit comfortably in their hands so look at reviews before buying.
Stainless steel is generally less conductive than other metals used in cookware but that doesn’t mean you need to go for copper handles if you can find a good heat resistant material. Silicone coated wooden, heat-resistant plastic or even metal are all very common with stainless steel sets. You can also buy separate silicone caps for stainless steel handles if they slip around too much when your pots and pans are full of food.
Stainless Steel Cookware FAQs
Is Stainless Steel Cookware Safe?
A: Yes, stainless steel cookware is safe to use as long as you take care not to scratch the surface. This will remove the non-stick coating that is often on these pans so it’s best to either hand wash them or use a dishwasher.
How Do I Use Stainless Steel Pans?
A: Stainless steel pans are perfect for frying eggs, making soups, boiling vegetables and simmering sauces. You can also use this material for baking cakes or breads if you’d like but be sure that you don’t put your pan near an oven’s broiler because it can damage the handle.
Can I Use Stainless Steel Pans On High Heat?
A: Yes, you can cook anything on high heat with stainless steel pans as long as you have a thick bottom – however if you do have a thick bottom then cooking at medium or low temperatures is recommended so you don’t overcook your food and this means less energy used too.
What Is The Best Way To Clean My Stainless Steel Pans?
A: Just fill up your pan with warm water and some dish soap then use a soft sponge to wipe down the entire area – avoid using any metal sponges because this can scratch the surface of your pan. Let your pan soak with the warm water and soap mixture for about 5-10 minutes then wipe it down again using a cloth or dishcloth with lots of warm water on it
How Do I Know When My Stainless Steel Cookware Is Too Hot To Touch?
A: If you’ve ever touched your hand against a non-stick cooking surface after it’s been in an oven, without any protection, you would know that it will be very hot to touch! Stainless steel pans will not be heated up nearly as much so touching the exterior of the pan won’t be such a big deal but if you want to avoid burning yourself then just wait until there is no steam or condensation on the pan to touch it.
What Are The Benefits Of Owning Stainless Steel Pans?
A: Stainless steel pans are non-reactive which means they won’t react with acidic ingredients in your food, there is no need to season them before using, they won’t absorb any flavors from previous meals you cooked and cleaning them is super easy. They are great for cooking fatty foods because they conduct heat quickly so you can get your pan nice and hot without having to wait around. The only downside is that stainless steel doesn’t have a non-stick surface but this isn’t an issue if you just use some oil while cooking then scrape off anything that sticks once it’s done cooking.
Conclusion
Stainless steel pans are a great choice for any kitchen and many chefs will tell you that they prefer stainless steel cookware simply because it’s so versatile. You can use these pans just about anywhere without worrying about damaging the surface or changing its look, feel or effectiveness. Regardless of whether you’re cooking breakfast, lunch or dinner, your stainless steel pan will last you years if not decades!
