The 7 Best Stainless Steel Cookware Sets, Tested and Reviewed

How We Tested

We've tested more than 40 different stainless steel cookware sets in our Lab's dedicated test kitchen over the past two years. We gathered this data, along with feedback from home testers, and gave each set a rating. Our top picks have been put through their paces more than once, proving time and again why they deserve a spot on our list.

We Observed

• How evenly the pans heated: One of a pan's most important functions, we watched for even heating and heat distribution as we sauteed mirepoix, made bechamel sauce, and browned butter on both gas and induction cooktops. In addition to visual assessment, we used an infrared thermometer to monitor for hot spots.
• The usefulness of the assortment: The sizes and shapes included in a set determine its real-life versatility in a home kitchen. We evaluated each pans capacity and silhouette, making sure our top-rated sets included pieces that could multitask and function across a variety of cooking applications.
• Comfort and maneuverability when handling: The ability to transport cookware on and off the stove, into the oven, and otherwise manipulate it during cooking is an important factor to consider. We considered balance, handle ergonomics, and overall control and comfort when it came to handling each set.

We Rated

• Overall performance: We tested these sets with a variety of cooking tasks, from searing scallops and making rice, to creating sauces and bringing liquid to a boil. The best sets excelled across the board, providing quick, even heating without scorching.
• Durability: We subjected out sets to thermal shock and impact testing, observing whether or not there was any warping or visible damage to the cookware.
• Ease of cleaning: Stainless steel is generally low maintenance, but may be a bit harder to clean when stuck on or burnt bits of food remain. While many of the sets we tested were dishwasher safe, those that could be easily cleaned with dish soap and warm water ranked at the top of our list.

About Our Testers

Our Lab team has spent collective decades working in professional kitchens, developing recipes, and testing kitchen gear.

Other Options We Tested

• Rachael Ray Create Delicious Stainless Steel Cookware Set, 10-Piece: While this set was a budget-friendly favorite on previous versions of this list, when we put it through testing in the Lab, we found that though it performed well and was easy to clean, it wasn't as durable as we thought. The silicone grips also made this set feel more "cutesy" and only right for certain decors, but it could make an excellent starter set for a first apartment or new cook.
• Lagostina Martellata Hammered Copper 10-Piece Cookware Set: While we absolutely love the performance of these pans, we didn't include it on this list because of one main reason—discoloration. Many people who opt for stainless steel cookware want the ease of maintenance that comes with it, which means pieces are typically dishwasher safe and resistant to stains. This set, while beautiful, also requires a significant amount of upkeep to maintain its copper finish. Therefore, we've moved it over to our list of Best Copper Pans instead.
  
• Cuisinart Chef's Classic Stainless Color Series 11-Piece Set: This affordable set has an attractive copper-toned exterior, and the pans did a great job when it came to searing, frying, braising, and more. But we left it off of the list since the copper exterior is decorative, and doesn't actually contribute to the set's heat responsiveness.

What to Look for When Buying Stainless Steel Cookware

Included Pots and Pans

Stainless steel is great for all-purpose cooking—it can be used for braising and browning as well as creating sauces and soups. The non-reactive properties of stainless steel make it ideal for cooking sauces with acidic ingredients (think tomato sauce or meats stewed in wine). Many stainless steel pieces are oven-safe, allowing you to finish a dish under the broiler if needed. When purchasing a set of cookware, you’ll want to consider how many pieces you actually need, along with how much space to have to store them.

A large set offers variety in sizes and styles, but if you rarely cook for a crowd, you may not need a larger-capacity saute pan or stockpot that might come in a bigger set. Also consider the accessories included with a set, which are included in a set’s piece count, and decide if they are the material and type that you need. Pay attention to the material and sizes of the included lids—bear in mind that glass lids are usually less heat-proof than metal (particularly in the oven), but do allow you to visually monitor your cooking.

Below we break down the essential pieces.

Grade of Stainless Steel 

Oftentimes, the grade of stainless steel is stamped on the cookware, with 18/10 being the most commonly used grade for good quality cookware. This fraction tells you the percentage of chromium and nickel in the alloy used—18/10 contains 18 percent chromium and 10 percent nickel and will resist rust while also retaining its shine and polish.

Weight

While the ideal thickness of a good pan is subjective to a cook’s preference, a quality stainless steel pot will have a certain heft in your hand. A weighty pot means that it won’t move around on the stove, and its weight also means it is more likely to distribute heat evenly and less likely to have “hot spots.” Heavier pans also stand up well to the rigors of daily use and are less susceptible to dents, warping, and dings than lighter, thinner pans.

Core and Construction

Look for a fully-clad pan with an aluminum or copper core. Good stainless steel cookware will have an aluminum or copper disc sandwiched between layers of stainless steel to aid in conducting heat. The full layers of stainless steel that make up the bottom and sides of the pot are called “cladding,” and the number of layers will be described by its “ply.” The most common is tri-ply, which describes two layers of stainless steel with an aluminum or copper core, but pans can also come in 5-ply or 7-ply (commonly referred to as “multi-clad”). Another quality feature is riveted stainless steel handles—they are more secure than spot-welded handles, which are more likely to come off with heavy use.

Heating Capacity

Most stainless steel cookware is also oven-safe, but its heating capacity depends on the quality of the cookware. Less expensive, lighter pans may only be oven-safe to 350 degrees, and higher-quality, heavier pans can often withstand temperatures well above 500 degrees (including use under the broiler). Be sure to always check the manufacturer’s instructions to determine the maximum heating capacity of your cookware (and their lids) before use.

Warranty

Many major manufacturers offer a limited lifetime guarantee on stainless steel cookware as long as they are purchased from an authorized dealer. These guarantees protect against defects in material, construction, or workmanship but may exclude damage arising from improper use, thermal shocks, drops, or normal wear and tear. Before you buy, be sure to check on the manufacturer’s terms and warranty coverage to make sure it’s what you need.

Maintenance

The durability of stainless steel allows it to stand up to daily use and does not limit you to using only certain utensils while cooking. It can also be used for several types of ranges, including gas or electric. It is a great choice for those looking for cookware for glass stoves. Though stainless steel is less reactive than some other types of cookware, it is not recommended that you store food (especially acidic foods) in your stainless steel pots for long periods of time. Before cleaning, always let a hot pan cool down before soaking—this will help prevent warping—then gently scrub away food particles with mild, soapy water (avoid abrasive pads like steel wool). To maintain the appearance of your stainless steel cookware, use white vinegar and water to remove stains or Bar Keepers Friend to restore shine. 

FAQs

Is stainless steel cookware nonstick?

No, not unless it has an added nonstick coating on top of the stainless steel construction. You can reduce the "stick" of stainless steel by using oil while cooking, but a shiny stainless steel surface will not release as easily as a dedicated nonstick pan.

Do you need to season stainless steel cookware?

No. The beauty of stainless steel is that it's relatively low maintenance compared to carbon steel or cast iron, both of which require seasoning and special upkeep.

How do you remove burnt food from stainless steel cookware?

The best way to remove burnt food is to add water to the pan, gently heat it on the stove, and use a stiff spatula to scrape away any food particles. If that doesn't work, you can turn to more abrasive cleansers, like Bon Ami or Barkeepers Friend, in conjunction with a scrubber to aid in removing any stubborn burnt residue.

What is the difference between stainless steel and hard-anodized cookware?

While stainless steel is made from, well, steel, hard-anodized cookware is made of electrochemically treated aluminum that features an oxidized top layer that acts as a nonstick coating. While they are both very durable and available at an array of price points, the biggest difference is that stainless steel is non-reactive while hard-anodized aluminum could potentially react to acidic sauces and ingredients.

Can you use metal utensils on stainless steel cookware?

Yes, as stainless steel is fairly resistant to scratching. But if you want to prolong the life of your pans, avoid using sharp utensils whenever possible.

Why Trust The Spruce Eats?

The author of this piece, Donna Currie, is a food writer and product tester for The Spruce Eats. A self-professed "kitchen geek," she's written many roundups on a range of essential kitchen items, from the best holiday gadgets to the top seafood kitchen tools of the year.

The Spruce Eats Editor Siobhan Wallace compiled testing data from our official Lab as well as insights from our home testers' full product reviews to update this roundup.