Stainless steel cookware still remains to be one of the most versatile cooking tools in the kitchen. No functional kitchen is complete without the fuss-free capabilities of this trusty cookware material. Whether you are looking for professional cooking tools or you just need pots and pans you can rely on for your home cooking needs, you definitely need to search for stainless steel cookware sets that will help you get the job done.
The market is saturated with all these stainless steel cookware sets so you might find yourself having a difficult time making a decision as to which one to buy. But don’t worry because we checked out what the market has to offer and found the ones that you won’t regret buying.
Quick Comparison: Top Stainless Steel Cookwares 2019
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**Below, you'll find our more detailed reviews, but you can also click the links above to see current prices or read customer reviews on Amazon.
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Stainless Steel Cookware Set - Why This is a Must in Your Home
Stainless steel material is known to be the safest to cook with. Unlike other cooking materials that might have a chance to leech on your food, this one stays intact because there are no coatings that can peel off. It's also a durable material, so you can expect your cookware set to last you for a long time.
Most stainless steel cookware sets are also beautifully made. You won't find them hard to display in your kitchen. You can hang them up or stack them for easier storage.
The benefits of stainless steel cookware trump those of other popular and competing cookware products like Teflon. This cookware can be prone to scratches so you can't just use any kind of cooking utensil. They are also difficult to maintain, given the delicateness of the surface material.
Stainless steel also has a marked advantage over other materials like Aluminum. This material is considered unhealthy because its properties might leech to the food you are eating. Cast iron is a good alternative as well but this material requires stringent maintenance as it can be prone to rusting. It is also made from a porous material that can hold on to food residues. If you don't like these disadvantages of other cookware materials, the stainless steel cookware is a sterling alternative.
You can even use any kind of cleaning material to get rid of food residues and grease. It’s not very sensitive when it comes to cleaning methods.
What To Look For In A Stainless Steel Cookware Set
While there are plenty of good stainless steel cookware sets out in the market, it’s still a good idea to be more discerning in your options. Your goal is to buy those that will last you for a long time, so you can make the most out of the money you spend on them. With that in mind, here are the things you need to consider to find the best stainless steel cookware sets:
#Design
Size is an important part of its design. Look for a size that is just right for your cooking needs. if it's too big, it can take up a large space in your home and you might not be able to use it to the fullest. Large pots and pans might also be difficult to clean.
Look for one designed with heat-resistant handles as well. If you have experienced burning your hands because you accidentally grabbed a pan with hot handles, you know how important stay-cool handles are. Also check how sturdy the handles are and what kind of mechanism is used to keep them in place. The handles should be large enough so if you want to hang your pots and pans, you can do so with ease.
Some cookware sets will come with lids. A see-through glass lid will allow you to check what you are cooking without needing to remove the lid. Also make sure the lid fits all the pots and pans in the set so you can use them interchangeably. Look for those lids with steam vents that will prevent liquids from boiling over.
#Number of Layers
Unlike other types of cookware with good heat conduction features, stainless steel lags behind when it comes to this property. This is why most stainless steel cookware are integrated with different layers of materials for better distribution of heat. When buying, make sure you find out how many layers of materials are used. This will help you determine whether what you are buying can distribute heat well or not.
Stainless steel cookware sets integrated with an aluminum or copper base are ideal options. They help the stainless steel pots and pans evenly distribute heat so that you can cook your food more efficiently and reduce the chances of you burning the food you are cooking.
#Different Stainless Steel Types to Choose From
It might not seem like it but stainless steel cookware sets are actually not created equal. They are available in various grades. You can find cookware sets with 200 and 400 stainless steel grade. While they are cheap, they aren't the most durable as they can be susceptible to corrosion.
You are better off buying the more expensive stainless steel cookware sets made from 300 grade of material. Also known as surgical steel, this material is more ideal for cooking as it is stronger and can withstand a good amount of abuse. Any cookware you have with this grade of stainless steel should last you for a long time. They are more expensive but you can get more usage out of them.
Which Stainless Steel Cookware Should You Get?
Budget-wise, this 11-Piece Stainless Steel Set from the brand Cooks Standard is a sterling option. It comes complete with the pots and pans that you need for all sorts of cooking. What is even better is that it is compatible with different types of stove tops such as glass, gas, induction and electric. If you plan on switching to a different stove top, you should still be able to use these pots and pans.
Although it is a budget-friendly option, it's still at par with more expensive brands. Construction-wise, it feels sturdy and has a good build. For easier cleaning, you can also just place it in your dishwasher. Not all stainless steel cookware sets are dishwasher-safe but this one is, perfect for those who don't like to do a lot of cleaning.
Pros
- You can put it in your dishwasher
- It's not hard on the budget
- Has a solid build and construction
- The handles are easy to grip
- You can use it for different types of stove tops
- Comes complete with the pots and pans you need for cooking
- A great starter set for families or home cooks
- Safe to use in the oven for a temperature of up to 500 degrees Fahrenheit
Cons
- The surface is not non-stick.
- The lids are not as snug as they should be
This cookware set is the best when it comes to its storage abilities. The pots and pans were designed in a "nesting" way, which means you can easily stack them up when you need to store them. There is a storage cord that you can use to keep the stacked pots and pans in place. You would want to get this if storage is an issue. It just makes organization in your kitchen a cinch.
Another amazing feature is its removable handles. When you need to store them, you can simply take the handles off. It's very compact so you can bring it with you when doing camping cookouts or cooking at parties as well.
The weight of the pans are just right. Even if you are using a glass top stove, you won't have issues using this.
Pros
- Is made with heavy-duty steel
- Comes with a nesting design for easy storage
- Comes with removable handles for easy storage
- Can easily be maintained
- Is easy to clean
- Superior heat distribution so you can cook food evenly
Cons
- Is a bit heavy
- Can be a bit difficult to carry
One of the cookware sets out there bereft of faults is this one from Cuisinart. It comes complete with 12 pieces that you can use for basic to advanced cooking needs. It is affordable and it boasts of an attractive design that you shouldn't have issues showcasing in your kitchen. It has a design that can compete with more expensive cookware sets.
It is very easy to clean and doesn't require rigorous maintenance. The handles also stay cool for easier usage. If you want a cookware set that you will be happy to use for many more years to come, get this one. You won't be disappointed.
Pros
- After-sale service is top-notch
- You won't have issues with the clean-up process
- The handles are resistant to heat so they are easy to use when cooking
- Handles are big enough to have a good grip
- The design is beautiful and classy
- The materials used are durable
- Can be used in the oven with temperatures of up to 550 degrees Fahrenheit
Cons
- The pots and pans are a little hefty
- Some steam might come off the sides even with the lid on
Using an induction stove top? Get this one then. It's one of the best cookware you can have for this kind of stove top. It comes with different sizes of pots and pans that all look nice and attractive. They are made from commercial-grade steel that will assure you of its durability and longevity. This can be a cookware set you will use for the rest of your life.
It performs well, thanks to its amazing heat conduction properties. You can cook your food evenly without worrying that some parts of the pot are hotter than others. The even heat distribution ensures your food will be cooked at the same time.
Some care and attention will give these pots and pans more years, so make sure you go out of your way to keep them clean.
Pros
- The design is good. The pots and pans look beautiful.
- It is durable, thanks to its commercial-grade stainless steel material
- Those using induction stove tops will find these easy to use
- It comes complete with all the pots and pans you need for cooking
Cons
- You can't put the pots and pans in the dishwasher
- Don't boil anything here or they might discolor
Although this cookware set is a pricey option, you are getting your money’s worth because of how beautiful the pots and pans look. You will love to hang the pots or display them in your kitchen.
Aside from its classic design, this stainless steel cookware set is made to impress with its build that’s as sturdy as a military tank. Needless to say, it’s surely a set that you can pass down to future generations.
Although you are spending more on this cookware set, it is backed by a good customer service, which brings a lot of peace of mind. If your pots and pans deteriorate easily, you can always contact customer service to escalate your concerns.
Pros
- The design is classic and can work with any kitchen design
- This will last you for many years
- The durability is unparalleled
- It has good heat conduction properties
- The handles are big enough for easy gripping
- You can get a good warranty from this set
Cons
- It is a bit more expensive than competing brands
- There is no non-stick coating
The Winner
We suggest scrutinizing your different options and determining which set will truly serve its purpose well. Understand your personal cooking needs as well and set a reasonable budget so you know just which of these sets to get.
We dub the Magma 10 Piece Gourmet Nesting Stainless Steel Cookware as the “Small Kitchen-Friendly” cookware. Since it is stackable, it’s perfect for those homeowners with not enough storage space in their kitchen.
The Cooks Standard 11-Piece Classic Stainless-Steel Cookware Set is the “Best for the Budget” cookware set. It has everything that you need but comes with a price that won’t put a dent on your wallet.
The Cuisinart Multiclad Pro Stainless Steel 12-Piece Cookware Set is the “Mid-Range Reliable Set” that is perfect for medium to large families. You get to cook all sorts of recipes with this set. You can also whip up delicious meals for parties and large events.
Shopping for the best stainless steel cookware is not easy and that is why we recommend Cuisinart's MCP-12N Multiclad Pro Stainless Steel 12-Piece Cookware Set. This cookware will not dissapoint you and it is easy to maintain.
Get the Duxtop Whole-clad Tri-Ply Stainless Steel Cookware Set if you are on the lookout for an “Induction Top-Friendly” stainless steel cookware set. Not all stainless steel cookware sets out there can be used for an induction system so if you have one at home, this is the set to get.
The All-Clad D5 Stainless Steel Cookware Set is the “Heirloom Piece”. It’s so sturdy, durable and beautiful that it can be passed down to the next generation.
Have you decided which one to get? Make sure you click the links of the products you are thinking of getting. You can also check out our homepage for more kitchen equipment reviews, buying tips and product recommendations.
