Stainless steel cookware has come a long way. While pure stainless steel is heavy and doesn’t conduct heat well, the process of cladding—layering steel with heat-conductive metals like copper or aluminum—has revolutionized its performance. These sets are durable, heat evenly, and are nonreactive, making them a popular choice for both professional chefs and home cooks.
Buying a cookware set ensures you have a versatile mix of pots, pans, and lids, often at a better price than purchasing pieces individually. Below are the top-rated stainless steel cookware sets, including their pros and cons.
Our Top Picks At A Glance
Best Overall:
All-Clad D3 Stainless Steel Everyday 10-Piece Cookware Set| $565 at Amazon
Best Value:
Calphalon Classic 10-Piece Stainless Steel Cookware Set | $179 at Amazon
Best Professional-Grade:
Hestan Stainless Steel Cookware Set | $900 at Amazon
Best For Induction:
Tramontina Tri-Ply Clad 10-Piece Set | $299 at Amazon
Most Versatile:
Le Creuset Stainless Steel Cookware Set | $840 at Amazon
Best Stainless Steel/Nonstick Combination:
Made In 6-Piece Stainless Steel Cookware Set | $529 at Walmart
Best For Small Spaces:
Caraway Stainless Steel Cookware Set| $595 at Amazon
1
Best Overall
All-Clad D3 Stainless Steel Everyday 10-Piece Cookware Set
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Excellent heating and balanced design. | Expensive; sauté pan stains easily. |
All-Clad leads the market with this durable, high-performing set made with 18/10 stainless steel and an aluminum core. The pieces heat evenly with no hot spots, and the handles stay cool during use. However, the sauté pan is prone to permanent staining if overheated.
2
Best Value
Calphalon Classic 10-Piece Stainless Steel Cookware Set
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Affordable, durable. | Handles may heat up during cooking. |
This set is a great budget option without compromising quality. The pieces perform well and distribute heat evenly. However, the handles can get hot, requiring extra care during use.
3
Best Professional-Grade
Hestan Stainless Steel Cookware Set
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Ergonomic design; even heat distribution. | Stockpot is heavy and difficult to handle. |
The Hestan ProBond set is designed for professional use. These medium-weight pans distribute heat evenly, although the stockpot is very heavy. Cleaning requires some effort, as rice tends to stick to the pans.
4
Best For Induction
Tramontina Tri-Ply Clad 10-Piece Set
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Lightweight, easy to clean. | The stockpot is slightly heavy, with large rivets inside the pans. |
This set works well on all stove types, especially induction. The lightweight pans are easy to handle and have good heat distribution, although the stockpot may feel a bit heavy.
5
Most Versatile
Le Creuset Stainless Steel Cookware Set
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Lightweight; includes a strainer/steamer. | Handles get hot, and rivets require extra cleaning. |
Le Creuset offers a versatile set that includes a strainer insert, making it ideal for pasta and steaming. The pans heat evenly but have a hot spot in the center.
6
Best Stainless Steel/Nonstick Combination
Made In 6-Piece Stainless Steel Cookware Set
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Nonstick skillet included. | Pricey for a small set. |
This set combines the benefits of both stainless steel and nonstick cookware. It’s well-designed with even heating, though the stockpot may discolor over time.
7
Best for Small Spaces
Caraway Stainless Steel Cookware Set
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Space-saving storage solutions are included. | Handles are uncomfortable and get hot. |
The Caraway set is ideal for small kitchens with its included storage rack and lid holder. The pieces are easy to clean, but the handles can be uncomfortable and heat up during cooking.
Factors to Consider When Buying Stainless Steel Cookware
1. Pot and Pan Variety
A good set should include essential pieces like a sauté pan, saucepan, stockpot, and lids. Additional items like small omelet pans may be useful depending on your cooking needs.
2. Size, Weight, and Shape
Consider the weight and balance of each piece, especially if you have mobility or lifting concerns. Stackable designs are helpful for saving space.
3. Materials and Construction
Stainless steel cookware often includes layers of more conductive metals like aluminum to improve heating. The more layers, the better the heat distribution.
4. Care and Maintenance
Stainless steel is easy to maintain. Most sets can be cleaned with soap and water, though some are dishwasher-safe. Be careful with high heat, which can cause discoloration.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the best quality stainless steel for cookware?
The best quality stainless steel for cookware is often 18/10 stainless steel. This means it contains 18% chromium and 10% nickel, making it durable, rust-resistant, and non-reactive.
What is the healthiest stainless steel to cook with?
18/10 stainless steel is considered the healthiest option for cooking, as it doesn’t react with food and maintains its integrity over time without leaching harmful substances.
What is the healthiest cookware to use?
Stainless steel, cast iron, and ceramic cookware are among the healthiest options. Stainless steel is non-reactive and durable, making it a safe choice for most cooking tasks.
Which stainless steel is best?
18/10 stainless steel is the best for cookware due to its high resistance to rust and corrosion. It’s durable and performs well in high temperatures without reacting with food.
Which is better, 18/0 or 18/10 stainless steel?
18/10 stainless steel is better for cookware because the higher nickel content (10%) provides more resistance to rust and enhances durability. 18/0 contains no nickel, making it less resistant to corrosion.
What cookware do most professional chefs use?
Most professional chefs prefer stainless steel cookware, especially brands like All-Clad, because of its durability, even heating, and versatility. They also use cast iron and carbon steel pans for specific cooking needs.
