The 5 Best Stainless Steel Cookware Sets, According to Our Tests

Final Verdict

We chose the All-Clad D5 Stainless Brushed 5-Ply Bonded 10-Piece Cookware Set as our No. 1 pick because of its great selection of pots and pans, multiple layers of stainless steel and aluminum, and oven-safe temperature of 600°F. It didn't stick during our cooking tests as much as other options, either, making it much easier to clean after use. For a more affordable alternative, we recommend the Cuisinart MultiClad Pro Triple Ply 12-Piece Cookware Set, which boasts even heat distribution like our top pick but costs significantly less for a couple more pieces.

Our Testing Process

We tested 28 stainless steel cookware sets in our lab and rated them based on a number of factors, including design, durability, heating capability, and ease of cleaning. We measured all of this by doing two cooking tests: one where we made scallops and the other where we made frittata. For the scallop test, we measured to see if the pan offered even heat distribution by seeing if we were able to get a nice crust on all of our scallops at the exact same time, with the scallops scattered around the pan.

For the frittata, we tested the cookware's stovetop-to-oven capabilities by cooking the egg on the stovetop then transferring it into the oven. After that, we tested the strength of the pan by submerging it into an ice bath and noting any warping or discoloration that occurred after. Once that was done, we cleaned the pan, noting how long it took to clean and how easy it was. At the end, we gathered all of this information and used it to come up with the best stainless steel cookware sets. Winners were long-term tested for six months and updated with new insights accordingly.

How to Shop for Stainless Steel Cookware Sets Like a Pro

Material

Contrary to what you might think, stainless steel cookware sets are not just made of stainless steel. "Stainless steel by itself isn't a great conductor of heat," Jinich says. "It needs a layer of aluminum or copper, both excellent heat conductors, to retain heat for even cooking. Copper heats faster and is quicker to adapt to temperature changes, but it is pricier. Aluminum is more standard, and I find it works perfectly well for most cooks, myself included."

While shopping for stainless steel cookware sets, make sure it contains at least one layer of aluminum or copper and that this layer isn't just on the bottom, but wrapped on the sides of the pots and pans, as well. Our Best Overall pick, the All-Clad D5 Stainless Brushed 5-Ply Bonded 10-Piece Cookware Set, impressed us with its five-layer construction (three stainless steel and two aluminum).

Grade

To take it a step further, you may also want to take note of the cookware's grade. Food-grade stainless steel passes all the criteria for food preparation safety and belongs to three categories: 200, 300, or 400 series. The most common series is 300, which can be further broken down to 18/10 or 18/8 (which is the percentage of chromium and nickel, respectively). 200 series is lower quality and therefore more affordable, but it's not corrosion-resistant and won't last as long as 300 series will.

Set Size

Most stainless steel cookware sets come with at least two skillets and three pots, some of which come with lids. However, other sets may come with more pots than pans and vice versa.

It's important to understand what you use most and base your decision off of that. If you find yourself making a lot of skillet-based meals, get something with at least two skillets. If you are a pasta lover, look for a cookware set with more pots. If you typically make meals that require being cooked on the stovetop and oven, make sure you get a set that has stainless steel lids (glass lids aren't able to handle high-heat oven temperatures).

People who are just beginning to cook at home and those who are shopping for a first apartment should look for a starter set. Starter sets are priced a lot lower and contain only the basics. Based on our testing, our favorite starter set is the Cuisinart Chef’s Classic Stainless Steel 7-Piece Cookware Set. It comes with a 10-inch skillet, a 1.5-quart saucepan with lid, a 3-quart saucepan with lid, and an 8-quart stockpot with lid, making it ideal for those who are just starting out.

Price

Stainless steel cookware sets can get expensive. Most high-quality sets cost hundreds of dollars, with many running higher than $1,000. If you are planning to spend that much money on a cookware set, make sure that you get one that comes with stainless steel pots and pans you’ll actually use. Sometimes cookware sets contain plenty of pots and pans that, while offering a great value for the price, could end up sitting in your cabinets unused. 

More Stainless Steel Cookware Sets to Consider

Anolon Nouvelle Stainless Steel 10-Piece Cookware Set: Although we really liked the even heat distribution and the overall look of these pans, which include copper, our food stuck to the pan pretty tightly and cleaning took longer than we'd like.

Made In 6-Piece Starter Set: This set did quite well during our ice test, leading us to believe that it is super sturdy and will last a long time. It also cooked our items quite well, but we had major problems with sticking food.

Questions You Might Ask

Is stainless steel cookware nonstick?

Not really—however, Jinich gave us a few tips to make up for this. "First, cold food straight from the fridge is more likely to stick, so try to remember to set out your ingredients ahead of time so they can come up to room temperature," she says. Then, "always preheat your stainless steel pan for a few minutes over medium heat before adding anything. Once you add oil to your preheated pan, make sure it shimmers or is visibly rippling, which signifies it's ready for you to add your ingredients."

Jinich says one of the biggest mistakes people make when getting accustomed to stainless steel cookware, especially if they are used to using nonstick, is moving the food around in the pan too soon. "Once your food is in the pan, don't attempt to turn it until it has had time to sear and form a crust that will let it release itself from the pan," she says. "If you try to move it and there's any resistance, give it a little more time. You'll get the hang of it, it just takes a little practice. And you'll come to prize the beautiful sear you can achieve."

As Jinich says, if you're switching to stainless steel from using nonstick, it may be an adjustment. Expect to dedicate extra time after each use to scrub off stuck-on food and the stains they leave behind. Plus, considering most stainless steel pans require the use of non-abrasive sponges, it could take longer than you'd like to properly remove stuck-on food or stains. Before you buy, really assess if this kind of cleaning routine is something you'd be OK with doing frequently.

What is the difference between stainless steel, cast iron, and nonstick cookware?

There are big differences between each material that are super important to know before you splurge on a cookware set. Nonstick cookware is pretty self-explanatory, as it's finished with a nonstick coating that prevents your food from sticking to the pans or pots. This kind of cookware is convenient for people who want cookware that is super easy to clean. It should be noted, however, that it's not recommended you use high heat or put the cookware in the dishwasher, as this will damage the coating over time. You also can't use metal utensils with nonstick cookware because it will scratch and ruin the coating.

Cast iron cookware is renowned for its long lifespan, even heat distribution, and excellent searing abilities. That said, cast iron cookware is very heavy, takes some time to heat up, and cannot be put in the dishwasher. In fact, you can't even use soap to clean cast iron cookware. You clean it with just water, and for food stains, a mixture of coarse salt and water. Then you need to season it with oil. The coating that it builds up over time from use and oil is what will give it nonstick properties.

Like cast iron cookware, stainless steel cookware that has an aluminum interior is durable and great at conducting heat. It is lighter in weight than cast iron but does not have nonstick properties. Because of this, this type of cookware can be hard to clean, especially since you shouldn't use abrasive sponges to get stains out. Some are dishwasher-safe but should be washed by hand to prevent thermal shock.

How do I ensure my stainless steel cookware lasts a long time?

Stainless steel cookware can last many years if cared for properly, and according to Jinich, there's not much you can do to damage stainless steel since it's so strong and durable. However, she did give us great guidance on how you can keep it looking great for years to come.

"For one, get in the habit of washing it thoroughly with soap and water every time you use it, even if it doesn't get very dirty, and be sure to wash the exterior of the pan in addition to the inside to prevent buildup," she says. "And thoroughly dry your stainless steel pans immediately after washing to prevent water spots."

For stubborn stuck-on food stains or burn marks, use Bar Keepers Friend. For other types of residue, Jinich says you can use a simple mixture of common household goods. "Over time, you might see either a white residue or a rainbow tint on your pans caused by a buildup of proteins or minerals from water," she says. "You can remove this simply by adding a mixture of water and something acidic, like vinegar or lemon juice, to the pan and bringing it to a simmer."

Another thing to do is wait until your stainless steel cookware has cooled down before you wash it by hand. This helps prevent thermal shock, which can result in your pan warping. If your pan warps, it will sit unevenly on your stovetop and won't be able to achieve the even heat distribution it is famous for. 

And remember: Although some stainless steel pans are technically dishwasher-safe, it's always best to wash your pan by hand. The high-heat water, long washing cycles, and detergent can do more harm than good to your pans. (If you’re worried about removing burnt-on food, consider the Tramontina Tri-Ply Clad 8-Piece Stainless Steel Cookware Set. In our testing, this set was the easiest to clean—it only required a quick wipe with soapy water to remove stuck-on eggs.)

Take Our Word for It

This article was written by Rachel Center, a product reviews home writer for Real Simple. To compile this list, we tested 28 stainless steel cookware sets in our lab and evaluated each model on its design, durability, heating capability, and ease of cleaning. Rachel also spoke to Pati Jinich, chef, cookbook author, and host of PBS' Pati's Mexican Table and La Frontera, for advice on selecting and using stainless steel cookware.

What Is Real Simple Selects?

Next to each product on this list, you may have noticed a Real Simple Selects seal of approval. Any product appearing alongside that seal has been vetted by our team—put through tests and graded on its performance to earn a spot on our list. Although we buy most of the products we test, sometimes we do get samples from companies if purchasing a product ourselves isn’t an option. All products go through the same rigorous process, whether they are purchased or sent by the company.

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