The Winners of Our Best Stainless Steel Cookware Tests

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These stainless steel cookware sets are durable, functional, and versatile.

Tanya Edwards is an award-winning writer and editor with bylines at The Boston Globe, CNN, Glamour, Yahoo, Allure, Refinery29, Aol, Huffington Post and many more. As a copywriter, she has worked on brand projects for Fresh Direct, Conde Nast, Meredith Publishing, and others.

Marcus Reeves is an experienced writer, publisher, and fact-checker. He began his writing career reporting for The Source magazine. His writing has appeared in The New York Times, Playboy, The Washington Post, and Rolling Stone, among other publications. His book Somebody Scream: Rap Music's Rise to Prominence in the Aftershock of Black Power was nominated for a Zora Neale Hurston Award. He is an adjunct instructor at New York University, where he teaches writing and communications. Marcus received a Bachelor of Arts degree from Rutgers University in New Brunswick, New Jersey.

In This Article

Better Homes & Gardens / Nick Simpson

Stainless steel pots and pans are a fantastic addition to your kitchen, whether you're just starting to build out your kitchen, or upgrading to a gorgeous new set. In addition to having a gleaming finish, stainless steel cookware sets are highly durable and can last a long time with the right care.

"Stainless is good for long-term investment as the finish, when kept clean, will not deteriorate," says Will Gilson, chef and co-owner of Puritan & Company.

To find the best stainless steel cookware sets, we put 28 sets to the test over the course of five days.

Using pre-determined methodology, we evaluated each set based on four categories: heating capability, durability, design, and ease of cleaning. In addition to Gilson, we also consulted Chef Jason Santos as well as Mary Rodgers, head of marketing communications at Cuisinart.

We evaluated 28 stainless steel cookware sets on their heating ability, design, and ease of cleaning.

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.

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 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.

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)

There are ergonomic handles that are easy to hold.

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)

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.

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 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.

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)

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.

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

Overall, the best stainless steel cookware set is the Cuisinart MultiClad Pro Triple Ply 12-Piece Set. The set is easy to clean and offered an even sear while cooking. Plus, the handle on the pan remained cool to touch, which makes it safer to use.

For a less expensive option, try the Cuisinart Chef's Classic Stainless Steel 7-Piece set. The set is dishwasher safe and the pans have measurements on the interior, making cooking with them even easier.

To find the best stainless steel cookware sets, we put 28 sets to the test in our lab in Birmingham, Alabama, over the course of five days. We used a pre-determined methodology, which included cooking scallops and frittatas in the sets.

We evaluated each set based on four categories: heating capability, durability, design, and ease of cleaning. The overall rating was determined by averaging the scores of each category.

When you're shopping for a stainless steel cookware set, it's important to note how many pieces there are and what's included.

According to Mary Rodgers, head of marketing communications at Cuisinart, seven to 11 pieces is an ideal range to start with, but you'll want to keep in mind that lids count in that number. In general, she recommends looking for a combination of saucepans, sautés pans, stainless steel skillets, and stock pots.

"If you are a family, you could consider 10- and 12-inch skillets and a 5-quart sauté pan, and an 8-quart stock pot," Rodgers says. "If you are a smaller household, you can choose the smaller sizes."

Larger households would benefit from a set with more pieces, such as the Cuisinart MultiClad Pro 12 Piece Triple Ply Stainless Cookware Set. For a small household, a five-piece set, like the All-Clad D5 Stainless Brushed 5-Ply Bonded Cookware Set, has an ideal number of pieces.

If possible, it's best to invest in a multi-ply set as the pieces are durable and long-lasting. However, it's worth noting that they're likely going to be a more expensive design.

"Multi-ply sets in three or five ply are the best performing and more expensive, but cookware is an item used every day in-home kitchens and is an investment," Rodgers says. "If you invest in a good multi-ply stainless-steel set, you will have it for an extremely long time if cared for appropriately."

Plus, a heavy-duty construction will even make for a better cooking experience.

"Heavier pans tend to have thicker vessel gauge which will help to even heat," a representative for the Calphalon research and development team explained to us. "Also, pans with multilayer help to have better even heat. Normally, when using multiple layers, the manufacturer is adding a material that has a better conduction of heat than stainless steel; thus it helps the pan to conduct heat better, helping avoid hot spots."

Stainless steel is going to feel heavier than more inexpensive construction items like aluminum but according to experts, that's the point.

"I like heavy just because I think common sense would say the heavier they are, the slightly better quality they are," says Jason Santos, a chef. "I've seen really cheap stainless steel pans that you can basically bend. So I think a heavy set is good. It's safe to say it's probably decent quality."

According to Rodgers, it's important to follow the directions from the maker of your stainless steel cookware set (like you would with a copper cookware set or any other kitchen essential) to ensure you're keeping it in the best shape. While many sets are dishwasher safe, some may recommend just using dish soap and water instead.

"If the food is very stuck on then I would recommend soaking them while hot," Gilson says. Barkeepers Friend and a scouring pad help bring the finish back to normal. Dishwashers often don't do the trick and the drying cycle can actually bake on the stuck-on food."

During our testing, the Tramontina Tri-Ply Clad Stainless Steel Cookware Set was the easiest to clean. Even though the set is dishwasher safe, we found that we could easily remove stuck-on food with just a spatula and water.

This set from Le Creuset performed well during testing, but we felt the price point was a bit too steep in comparison to other similar styles. We noted that it cooked scallops well and clean up was about average, though some scrubbing was required.

This Rachael Ray set performed well during testing, and we noted that it cooked evenly and was easy to clean. However, we didn't love the blue silicone handle and preferred a set to have more than one skillet. We did appreciate the 1-quart saucepan, however, and felt that it was an ideal set for someone who just needs the basics.

Overall, we found that the pans in this Calphalon set were fairly nonstick and the pans heated quickly. However, we concluded that the pans in this Calphalon set heated unevenly and there was some discoloring of the pan as well. Cleaning the pan after cooking the scallops took a bit of elbow grease, and the handles felt very hot during one of the cooking tests.

Stainless steel cookware sets can vary in cost depending on the quality, design, and number of pieces included. The most affordable set on our list is the Cuisinart Chef’s Classic Stainless Steel 7-Piece Cookware Set, which is a little over $100.

More expensive sets, like the All-Clad D5 Stainless Brushed 5-Ply Bonded Cookware Set, can cost upwards of $800. There are even stainless steel cookware sets over $1,000, but these are typically sets used by professionals.

When it comes to cookware sets, the number of pieces depends on your needs and the size of your household. To start, Gilson recommends going for sets with five to seven pieces. Just keep in mind that the number of pieces will also include lids.

"I like a large saute pan, a high-sided braising pan, a small saute pan, a saucepan, and a pasta pot," Gilson says.

Tanya Edwards is an award-winning writer and editor who was formerly the programming director at Food Network. Because of her prior experience, she is well-versed in cooking and cooking tools. To make this list, she considered our testing insights and researched stainless steel cookware sets. She also consulted Jason Santos, a chef, Will Gilson, chef and co-owner of Puritan & Company, and Mary Rodgers, head of marketing communications at Cuisinart.

Next to all of the products on this list, you may have noticed our BHG Recommends seal of approval. Products that earn the seal have been put through rigorous testing to make sure they're worth a spot in your home. We buy most of the products we test ourselves, but occasionally we are provided samples by companies if buying isn't an option. In these cases, we use the same testing criteria we use to test the purchased products.