Here are the top 5 stainless steel cookware sets, as recommended by our extensive testing.

Best Overall Choice

All-Clad is known as the gold standard in stainless steel cookware. Often favored by professional chefs for its exceptional quality and longevity, investing in this set means you're choosing the best of the best. After testing the D5 Stainless Cookware Set, we can confidently say it lives up to its legendary reputation.

During our tests, this set demonstrated exceptional durability and was easy to clean. It felt balanced and sturdy in our hands. We achieved a perfect sear on our scallops without any sticking, and while there was slight sticking with the eggs, the cleanup was quick and hassle-free. Moreover, after removing the pan from a hot oven and plunging it into an ice bath, there was no warping or damage, further proving its durability.

This cookware set is constructed with five layers of metal, including three layers of stainless steel and two layers of aluminum. The aluminum plays a crucial role in performance by heating quickly, distributing heat evenly, and retaining it for a substantial amount of time. It includes 8- and 10-inch fry pans, 1.5- and 3-quart saucepans with lids, a 3-quart sauté pan with a lid, and an 8-quart stockpot with a lid—everything you need to prepare a range of dishes, from a single portion of marinated chicken to large batches of stew for a family. These pots and pans are compatible with a variety of cooktops, including induction, and are oven-safe up to 600°F.

Though on the pricier side, this cookware set continues to impress us even after six months of rigorous testing. Overall, we believe All-Clad’s stainless steel cookware is a reliable choice for home cooks who are looking to invest in a high-quality, long-lasting set.

Material: 5-ply stainless steel and aluminum | Pieces: 8- and 10-inch fry pans, 1.5- and 3-quart saucepans with lids, 3-quart sauté pan with lid, and 8-quart stockpot with lid | Compatible Cooktops: All | Oven-Safe: Up to 600°F

Best Value Option

In our tests, this Cuisinart set impressed us with its even heat distribution and the fact that food barely stuck, making cleanup a breeze. The scallops developed a perfect, golden-brown crust and flipped easily, while the frittata cooked beautifully with minimal sticking. This stainless steel cookware set is a reliable, durable choice that should last for years. It includes 8- and 10-inch skillets and pots that hold 1.5, 3, , and 8 quarts, perfect for everything from stews to pasta dishes.

This cookware can withstand up to 550°F in the oven and is dishwasher-safe. However, the lids are not transparent, so you'll need to remove them to check on the food inside your pots and pans.

One issue we encountered during testing was that the cookware tends to discolor easily from oil. After washing thoroughly, our skillet still had a slight yellowish tint. While this is common with stainless steel pans, you can easily restore its appearance using a cleaner like Bar Keeper’s Friend, which is highly effective at removing stubborn stains. Despite this, we still recommend this cookware for anyone looking for great value—the discoloration and lack of clear lids are small drawbacks for such an affordable set.

Material: 3-ply stainless steel and aluminum | Pieces: 1.5- and 3-quart saucepans with covers, -quart sauté pan with cover, 8-quart stockpot with cover, 8- and 10-inch skillets, 20-centimeter steamer insert with cover | Compatible Cooktops: Gas, electric, induction | Oven-Safe: Up to 550°F

Best Cookware for Beginners

If you're not prepared to spend a small fortune on a large 10-piece cookware set, the Cuisinart Chef’s Classic Stainless Steel 7-Piece Set is a fantastic, budget-friendly alternative. It provides all the essential tools every home chef needs, including a 10-inch skillet, 1.5-quart and 3-quart saucepans, and an 8-quart stockpot, with lids for the latter three. The smaller saucepan is perfect for quick pasta boiling. While this set only includes a single skillet, which may not be enough for some, it’s an ideal starting point if you're new to cooking and don’t need multiple pans just yet.

In our initial tests, the scallops and eggs didn’t stick much at all, making the pans easy to clean. Over time, however, we noticed that the nonstick performance began to fade. After about six months of use, the pans still perform well for tasks like making pasta or simmering sauces, but for cooking proteins and vegetables, you may see better results with a different set from our list.

A potential downside is that the aluminum core in this cookware doesn’t extend up the sides of the pots and pans. While this may seem like a minor issue, it can affect your cooking. Stainless steel alone doesn’t conduct heat as efficiently, which is why aluminum is used in cookware. But when the aluminum doesn't reach the sides, you end up with two different heating areas in the same pan. For example, when cooking a stew, the sides of the pot (made from stainless steel) won’t retain heat as effectively as the bottom (where aluminum is present).

Material: Stainless steel with an aluminum base | Included Pieces: 1.5- and 3-quart saucepans with covers, 8-quart stockpot with cover, 10-inch skillet | Compatible Cooktops: Gas, electric, induction | Oven-Safe: Up to 500°F

Easiest to Clean

Cleaning stainless steel cookware can be tricky since it’s not naturally nonstick, and abrasive sponges are not recommended. However, after using this Tramontina set, we found it surprisingly easy to clean. We were able to achieve a perfect sear on scallops with no sticking, and while our frittata did stick slightly, we were able to clean the cookware completely with just one quick swipe of soapy water—no scrubbing needed.

This cookware set includes 2- and 3-quart saucepans, a 5-quart Dutch oven, and 8- and 10-inch skillets. The pieces are constructed with two layers of stainless steel surrounding an aluminum core, and they are oven-safe up to 500°F. The glass lids allow you to monitor the cooking process without removing them, though it's important to remember that while stainless steel can withstand high oven temperatures, the glass lids have a lower heat tolerance.

We were impressed by how quickly and effectively this cookware heats up—the pan got so hot that it nearly burned the butter when making a frittata. This rapid heating caused the handle to become quite hot, so be sure to wear oven mitts when using this set.

Material: 3-ply stainless steel with an aluminum core | Pieces: 8- and 10-inch skillets, 1.5- and 3-quart saucepans with lids, 6-quart Dutch oven with lid | Compatible Cooktops: All | Oven-Safe: 500°F

Best for Consistent Heat Distribution

Even heat distribution in cookware is crucial because it ensures that all ingredients in the pan cook evenly. Hestan’s stainless steel and titanium construction claims to provide 35% better heat distribution than typical aluminum-based pans. In our tests, we found that the cookware indeed heated up uniformly without the excessive heat spots we encountered with other pans.

We didn’t observe any discoloration even after six months of use, likely because the cookware’s subtle charcoal hue hides any heat-related color changes. There was also no warping, though the handle did have a slight wobble after the ice plunge test.

The Hestan stainless steel set offers fewer pieces than others in this price range, including only an 11-inch skillet, a 2-quart saucepan with lid, and a -quart saucepan with lid. While this may feel lacking for some, especially considering the cost, it offers certain advantages like being dishwasher-safe, able to endure oven and grill temperatures up to 1,050°F, and comes with a lifetime warranty.

Material: Triple-bonded stainless steel and titanium | Pieces: 11-inch skillet, 2- and -quart saucepans with lids | Compatible Cooktops: All | Oven-Safe: 1,050°F

Final Verdict

We selected the All-Clad D5 Stainless Brushed 5-Ply Bonded 10-Piece Cookware Set as our top choice due to its impressive assortment of pots and pans, the multi-layer stainless steel and aluminum construction, and an oven-safe limit of 600°F. In our cooking tests, it performed better than many other options in terms of minimizing sticking, making post-cooking cleanup a breeze. For those on a budget, we recommend the Cuisinart MultiClad Pro Triple Ply 12-Piece Cookware Set, which offers comparable heat distribution but at a more affordable price while also providing a few extra pieces.

Our Testing Process

In our lab, we tested 28 different stainless steel cookware sets, rating them across various factors like design, durability, heat distribution, and ease of cleanup. We evaluated these by performing two key cooking tests: one involving scallops and the other a frittata. For the scallop test, we assessed whether the pans heated evenly by checking if we could achieve a perfect crust on all the scallops simultaneously, regardless of their placement in the pan.

For the frittata test, we evaluated the cookware's ability to transition from stovetop to oven. We began by cooking the egg on the stove and then moved the pan to the oven. To assess the pan's durability, we submerged it in an ice bath to see if any warping or discoloration occurred. Afterward, we cleaned the pan and measured how long the cleaning process took and how simple it was. All of this information was compiled to determine the best stainless steel cookware sets, which were then tested over six months and updated with fresh insights.

How to Shop for Stainless Steel Cookware Sets Like a Pro

Material

Despite common belief, stainless steel cookware isn’t purely made of stainless steel. "Stainless steel alone doesn’t conduct heat well," says Jinich. "It requires a layer of aluminum or copper—both of which are excellent heat conductors—to ensure even cooking. Copper heats quickly and adjusts to temperature shifts faster, but it’s more expensive. Aluminum, on the other hand, is more affordable and works perfectly fine for most cooks, including myself."

When shopping for stainless steel cookware, ensure it includes at least one layer of aluminum or copper that covers not just the base but also the sides of the pots and pans. Our top pick, the All-Clad D5 Stainless Brushed 5-Ply Bonded 10-Piece Cookware Set, stood out due to its impressive five-layer construction (three stainless steel layers and two aluminum layers).

Grade

For an added layer of consideration, you should also be aware of the cookware's grade. Food-grade stainless steel meets all safety standards for food preparation and is categorized into three main groups: 200, 300, and 400 series. The 300 series is the most common, with subcategories like 18/10 or 18/8, which indicate the percentage of chromium and nickel, respectively. The 200 series is a lower quality option that’s more affordable, but it’s less corrosion-resistant and has a shorter lifespan compared to the 300 series.

Set Size

Typically, stainless steel cookware sets include at least two skillets and three pots, some with accompanying lids. However, some sets may lean more toward pots than pans or vice versa, depending on the specific set.

It's essential to consider what you use most when choosing your set. If you often make skillet-based meals, opt for a set that includes at least two skillets. Pasta lovers should look for a set with more pots. And if you frequently cook dishes that require both stovetop and oven use, be sure the set comes with stainless steel lids (as glass lids can’t handle the high heat of the oven).

If you're new to cooking or outfitting your first apartment, a starter set is a great option. These sets are budget-friendly and include just the essentials. After testing several, our top choice is the Cuisinart Chef’s Classic Stainless Steel 7-Piece Cookware Set, which includes a 10-inch skillet, a 1.5-quart saucepan with lid, a 3-quart saucepan with lid, and an 8-quart stockpot with lid—perfect for those just starting to cook.

Price

High-quality stainless steel cookware sets can be pricey, with most costing several hundred dollars and some even exceeding $1,000. If you're ready to spend that kind of money, make sure the set includes pieces you’ll actually use. Sometimes, a cookware set might come with an array of pots and pans that, while a good deal, could end up gathering dust in your cabinets.

Here are additional stainless steel cookware sets you may want to consider.

Anolon Nouvelle Stainless Steel 10-Piece Cookware Set: While we appreciated the even heat distribution and the attractive design of these pans, which feature copper, we encountered issues with food sticking to the surface, making cleaning more time-consuming than expected.

Made In 6-Piece Starter Set: This set performed well in our ice test, proving its durability and long-lasting potential. It also cooked our dishes effectively, but we experienced significant sticking issues with the food.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is stainless steel cookware nonstick?

Although it's not ideal, Jinich has a few helpful tips to make up for it. "First, cold ingredients straight from the fridge are more likely to stick, so try to bring your ingredients to room temperature before cooking," she recommends. She also advises, "Always preheat your stainless steel pan for a few minutes over medium heat before adding anything. Once you add oil, make sure it shimmers or forms visible ripples, which signals that it's ready for your ingredients to be added."

Jinich explains that a common mistake for those switching to stainless steel cookware, particularly if they're used to using nonstick pans, is moving the food around too soon. "Once the food is in the pan, resist the urge to move it until it has seared and developed a crust that naturally releases it from the pan," she advises. "If you encounter resistance, just give it a little more time. With practice, you'll master it and appreciate the beautiful sear you can achieve."

As Jinich points out, transitioning from nonstick to stainless steel might require some adjustments. Be prepared to spend extra time after each use scrubbing off stuck-on food and stains. Additionally, most stainless steel pans require the use of non-abrasive sponges, which may make it take longer to remove stubborn residue. Before purchasing, carefully consider whether you're comfortable with this cleaning routine as a frequent task.

What sets stainless steel, cast iron, and nonstick cookware apart from each other?

There are some key differences between each type of cookware that are essential to know before investing in a cookware set. Nonstick cookware is easy to understand as it comes with a coating that prevents food from sticking to the surface. This makes it convenient for those who want easy cleanup. However, it's important to avoid high heat and dishwasher use, as these can damage the coating over time. Additionally, using metal utensils with nonstick cookware will scratch and ruin the surface.

Cast iron cookware is well-known for its durability, even heat distribution, and exceptional ability to sear food. However, it is quite heavy, heats up slowly, and cannot be washed in a dishwasher. In fact, soap should not be used to clean cast iron. Instead, you should only clean it with water, and for food stains, a mix of coarse salt and water is recommended. After cleaning, you must season it with oil. The layer of seasoning built over time gives it nonstick properties.

Similar to cast iron, stainless steel cookware with an aluminum core is long-lasting and excellent at heat conduction. It is lighter than cast iron but lacks nonstick features. As a result, cleaning can be challenging, especially since abrasive sponges shouldn't be used to remove stains. Some of these cookware pieces are dishwasher-safe, but it's better to wash them by hand to avoid thermal shock.

How can I make sure my stainless steel cookware lasts for years?

Stainless steel cookware can last for many years with proper care. Jinich points out that it's difficult to damage stainless steel because it's so durable, but she does offer valuable tips to help keep it looking great over the years.

"One important habit is to wash your cookware thoroughly with soap and water every time you use it, even if it doesn't look very dirty. Be sure to clean the exterior of the pan as well to avoid buildup," she advises. "Also, always dry your stainless steel pans right after washing to prevent water spots from forming."

For tough stains or burn marks, Jinich recommends using Bar Keepers Friend. For other residues, she suggests a simple homemade solution. "Sometimes you'll notice a white residue or a rainbow hue on your pans, caused by a buildup of proteins or minerals from water," she explains. "To remove it, just add a mixture of water and something acidic, like vinegar or lemon juice, and simmer it in the pan."

It's also important to wait for your stainless steel cookware to cool down before washing it by hand. This prevents thermal shock, which could cause your pan to warp. If your pan warps, it won't sit flat on your stovetop and will lose its ability to distribute heat evenly, which is one of its best features.

Remember, while some stainless steel pans are technically dishwasher-safe, it's still better to wash them by hand. The high-temperature water, long cycles, and detergent can cause more harm than good. (If you're concerned about removing stubborn food, the Tramontina Tri-Ply Clad 8-Piece Stainless Steel Cookware Set might be a good option. In our tests, it was the easiest to clean—requiring just a quick wipe with soapy water to remove stuck-on eggs.)

Trust Us on This

This article was written by Rachel Center, a home product reviewer for Mytour. To put together this list, we tested 28 different stainless steel cookware sets in our lab, evaluating each for design, durability, heating performance, and ease of cleaning. Rachel also consulted with Pati Jinich, the chef, cookbook author, and PBS host of Pati's Mexican Table and La Frontera, to get expert advice on how to select and use stainless steel cookware.