I Tested Dozens of Stainless Steel Cookware Sets and Found 4 Worth the Investment

While stainless steel cookware sets tend to overpromise and underdeliver, sometimes buying a set actually makes sense. For one, buying each piece individually is more expensive than purchasing them in a package. Also, it’s much easier to buy a single set from one brand than it is to source and purchase items from different brands and stores. And if the quality and performance of each item is stellar, then you’ve got years of confident cooking to look forward to. 

Whether you’re outfitting your first kitchen or just want a clean, fresh start, a great stainless steel cookware set can be a great investment. I tested 20 sets, narrowing them down to four top-performing ones that deserve a spot in your kitchen. 

The Winners, at a Glance

The Best Stainless Steel Cookware Set

All-Clad D3 Stainless Steel Everyday 10-Piece Cookware Set

$800 at Amazon $800 at Sur La Table View on All-clad.com

All-Clad’s stainless steel pans never miss, no matter how many times we've tested them. The D3 line isn’t the cheapest out there, but the quality is top-notch, and the pans will last a long time. They are responsive and sear incredibly well.

The Best Budget Stainless Steel Cookware Set

Cuisinart Professional Series Cookware 11 Piece Set

$280 $232 at Amazon $280 at Wayfair $380 $280 at Kohls.com

I enjoyed the versatility this set offers, and the shockingly low price tag makes it feel like a steal. This is the set to pick if you want to trash your old mismatched pieces and start fresh with a set that has everything, including a solid skillet and a sauce pot with a steamer basket. It also performed well in my tests, boiling water quickly and searing steak to a nice golden brown. 

The Best Basic Stainless Steel Cookware Set

Goldilocks 7-Piece Cookware Set

View on Cookgoldilocks.com

If you just want a few key pieces, this Goldilocks set is just right. It comes with four crucial pans (plus three lids) that all have easy-pour flared rims, tri-ply stainless steel construction, and riveted stay-cool handles.

The Best, Most Responsive Stainless Steel Cookware Set

Williams Sonoma Thermo-Clad Copper 10-Piece Cookware Set

View on Williams Sonoma

This set pairs copper cladding with stainless steel, and all of the pots and pans were quick, with precise responses to temperature changes. The stainless steel interior, with its gently sloping sides, is non-reactive and easy to clean.

The Tests

• Heat Conduction Test: To assess the evenness of heating of the sets’ skillets, I heated each over medium heat and, using an infrared thermometer, took the temperature in the center, left, and right at 30-second intervals for four minutes.
• Boiling Test: I boiled water in one saucepan and one stockpot from each set. I added four cups of 75°F water to each and heated it on high, timing how long it took to reach a boil.
• Steak Searing Test: I heated each skillet over medium-high heat, added oil, and seared a piece of NY strip steak. I flipped each piece, noting if it stuck, and took notes about the overall quality of the sear. I also noted if cooking over higher heat damaged the pan at all or led to any lasting hard-to-clean residue.
• Everyday Use Tests: After completing these tests, I used each set for several days, cooking a wide array of dishes, including scrambled eggs, beurre blanc, and chicken larb. While this testing didn’t exactly give me the kind of equivalent data that side-by-side testing can, it did give me insights into the day-to-day usability of each set and if any pieces felt superfluous. 
• Cleaning and Ease of Use: Throughout testing, I noted any spots that were tricky to clean or held onto residue. I also judged if the handles were comfortable to hold.

What We Learned

Even Heating Led to Better Searing

After completing my heat induction test, I had a ton of information from various temperature readings, but no readily apparent answers. After wrangling the data, I parsed out some clear patterns. I could see which pans heated evenly and which had huge fluctuations.

Some pans maintained even heat across the surface from start to finish, like the pans from Cuisinart. Others, like the Tramontina, had hot spots that only grew as the pan sat on the burner, leading to a whopping 22-degree temperature swing. My winning cookware set from All-Clad initially had a slightly wider heat distribution, narrowing as time passed, demonstrating top-tier construction that dispels hot spots.

So, how did this translate to actual cooking? More even heating meant more consistent browning, fewer scorched edges, and better control when searing or sautéing. Ingredients cooked evenly without needing constant stirring or rotation, leading to a smoother overall cooking experience. Pans with more erratic heat dispersion, like the Tramontina, produced uneven results. One side of a steak would sear while the other burned, or onions would caramelize in one area but barely soften in another.

Stainless Steel Wasn’t Always Stainless

One thing that stood out during my tests was how easily some pans, especially lower-priced or lighter-weight ones, developed discoloration and staining. Yes, stainless steel isn't completely stainless, but it shouldn't get loads of discoloration right out of the gate.

High heat, in particular, seemed to bring out rainbow tinges, dark blotches, and stubborn grease residue that clung to the surface even after scrubbing. While some of this is purely cosmetic and doesn’t interfere with cooking, it can be a bummer to invest heavily in a set you intend to use for years, only to have it stain after a few uses. Better construction doesn’t just mean better performance, but often superior durability. The Tramontina skillet, for example, was left with dark spots and an overall bronzed finish after searing a single steak, while the Cuisinart skillet was completely blemish-free after the same test.

Ease of Use Matters More Than You’d Think

Throughout testing, I paid close attention to comfort and usability. Some pans, like those in the Cuisinart Multiclad Pro Triple Ply 12-Piece Set, had handles that were awkward to grip and felt unbalanced when the pan was full. Instead, I preferred nicely weighted handles that didn't dig into my hands—the Goldilocks' were particularly nice, with a slight indent that helped me get a grip.

Helper handles made a noticeable difference when lifting a full stockpot or sauté pan, but if they were too thin, like on the Cuisinart Chef’s Classic Stainless Steel 10-Piece Cookware Set, they dug into my hands uncomfortably. Wide, rounded ones were best.

I also appreciated features like flared rims for easy pouring and tight-fitting lids that sealed in moisture without rattling.

Pick a Set With the Essentials

Pretty much any stainless steel set will include a skillet, a saucepan, and a stockpot at a bare minimum. Even the smallest set I tested, the Goldilocks 7-Piece, has these three items. Two saucepans are better than one, ideally in different sizes for added flexibility. A sauté pan or braiser is a versatile piece that offers more surface area than a saucepan and more depth than a skillet. Beyond that, any other pieces are nice-to-haves. The expanded Cuisinart set I tested adds a handy steamer basket that fits snugly onto one of the saucepans and also comes with a nonstick pan for scrambled eggs, two items that I would use constantly in my kitchen. If you’re short on space or not cooking that often, skip sets with specialty pans that will just end up collecting dust and go for a more affordable set with just a few key pieces.

The Criteria: What to Look for in a Stainless Steel Cookware Set

First, let’s start with what’s in the set. Any set worth buying should have, at minimum, a skillet, a saucepan, and a stockpot. Most sets include two saucepans, which can be helpful for a range of tasks such as cooking grains and warming pasta sauce. For a more complete set, I like ones that include the ever-useful braiser/sauté pan, a wide, versatile pan that can sauté vegetables or contain a sauce that would otherwise overflow in a skillet.

Beyond the lineup, construction is key. Triple-layered stainless steel helps to even out temperature and keep hot spots from popping up. Glass lids are handy for keeping an eye on cooking, but they likely aren’t oven-safe beyond low temperatures, so I would recommend metal lids for maximum longevity. Comfortable, rounded handles are a must, and helper handles are a huge plus on larger pans. 

Our Favorite Stainless Steel Cookware Sets

The Best Stainless Steel Cookware Set

All-Clad D3 Stainless Steel Everyday 10-Piece Cookware Set

$800 at Amazon $800 at Sur La Table View on All-clad.com

What we liked: The skillet from this set earned top marks when tested against 26 other stainless steel pans, so it came as no surprise when all the other pieces in the line performed similarly well. I’ve been using the All-Clad D3 skillet for 15 years, and it still looks almost as it did when it was brand new. The three-quart saucepan was our best splurge pick in our review of saucepans, and we praised the slightly larger 12-quart stockpot for longevity and durability in our stockpot review.

When it came to the All-Clad D3 stainless steel cookware set, I had consistently great results across the board, whether I was frying an egg, popping stovetop popcorn, or whisking a tricky beurre blanc, a sauce with zero patience for uneven heat. This delicate emulsion can break in seconds if the temperature fluctuates or hotspots sneak in—issues I did not have when I made it in the All-Clad saucepan. 

One easily overlooked detail that I particularly liked with this set was that the two saucepans were different: The larger saucepan is squat and wide, while the smaller one is taller and narrower. Whether you’re reducing a sauce or boiling grains, you’ll have the right geometry for the job. Beyond the saucepans themselves, you’ll find comfortable, sturdy handles, flared rims suited for drip-free pouring, and stable, flat bottoms that don’t warp even when subjected to high heat. I’ve been cooking on the full set in my kitchen for a few years now, and it still looks gorgeous–no stains, no warping, no discoloration. This pro-level set is worth buying as a long-term investment that won’t need to be replaced in a few years.

What we didn’t like: There’s not much not to like about any of the pieces in this set, though some folks aren’t fans of the indented All-Clad handles. And while I think it's worth the price, it is admittedly expensive.

Key Specs

• Number of pieces: 10
• Price per piece: $108.33
• What’s included: 8.5-inch, 10.5-inch skillet, 1.5-quart saucepan, 3-quart saucepan, 3-quart sauté pan, 8-quart stockpot with lid
• Materials: Tri-ply clad 18/10 stainless steel with aluminum core
• Dishwasher-safe: Yes, but hand washing recommended
• Induction-compatible: Yes
• Max oven temp: 600°F

The Best Budget Stainless Steel Cookware Set

Cuisinart Professional Series Cookware 11 Piece Set

$280 $232 at Amazon $280 at Wayfair $380 $280 at Kohls.com

What we liked: The pots and pans in this set clock in at about 30 bucks a piece, making this is one of the more affordable sets that money can buy. While other sets offer just the basics, the Cuisinart Pro Series set gives you a few useful extras, like a wide sauté pan and a steamer basket that fits onto the smaller saucepan. 

Despite the cheaper price, the pieces could hang with the best of them and delivered fast heating time and even browning. As a bonus, this set includes a slick nonstick pan, which I used to make several batches of picture-perfect scrambled eggs. I appreciated the smooth, round handles of this set, which stayed cool even when the pan was heated to searing temperatures. 

What we didn’t: The metallic surface stained readily, and color variations appeared after the first use. The glass lids have a low heat limit and aren’t safe for oven use.

Key Specs

• Number of pieces: 11
• Price per piece: $31.42
• What’s included: 8-inch nonstick skillet, 10-inch skillet, 2-quart saucepan with lid and accompanying steamer insert, 3-quart saucepan with special straining lid, 3-quart sauté pan with lid, 8-quart stockpot with lid
• Materials: Stainless steel
• Dishwasher-safe: Yes
• Induction-compatible: Yes
• Max oven temp: 500°F (lids 350°F)

The Best Basic Stainless Steel Cookware Set

Goldilocks 7-Piece Cookware Set

View on Cookgoldilocks.com

What we liked: This set is a solid choice if you just want a few quality, essential pieces and don’t need or desire a full overhaul. A skillet, a stockpot, and a couple of saucepans can get you very far, whether you’re simmering soup, cooking a chicken breast, or just boiling pasta on a Tuesday night. It’s a practical upgrade without unnecessary clutter. I made multiple batches of my morning oatmeal in the larger saucepan without so much as a grain sticking to the bottom, and also made a neat little cup of apple compote in the smaller saucepan to top it. Whether I was searing a steak or browning diced sweet potato, the pan helped achieve deep color, even over medium heat. Senior editor Grace Kelly has had this set for almost two years, and it’s held up super well. “I use the saucepan pretty much every day and appreciate its responsiveness, light weight, and durability.” 

What we didn’t: During my heat conduction test, the difference between temperatures from the middle to the edges grew as the average heat went up. In other words, this set is prone to hot spots. Fast boiling times are a plus, but also indicate thin layers of metal and a lack of heat retention. Great for speed, not so much for control.

Key Specs

• Number of pieces: 7
• Price per piece: $43.75
• What’s included: 10-inch skillet, 1.5-quart and 3-quart saucepans with lids, and an 8-quart stockpot with a lid
• Materials: Tri-ply stainless steel
• Dishwasher-safe: Yes
• Induction-compatible: Yes
• Max oven temp: 550°F

The Best, Most Responive Stainless Steel Cookware Set

Williams Sonoma Thermo-Clad Copper 10-Piece Cookware Set

View on Williams Sonoma

What we liked: The copper cladding in this gorgeous set does an awesome job of giving the pans superior heat sensitivity. Coupled with durable stainless steel and you hit that sweet spot between performance and approachability. The copper allows the pan to be sensitive to heat changes, while the stainless steel keeps things from going out of control for anyone new to cooking with this material. The skillets have nicely sloped sides that make it easy to stir and sauté. The round handles are comfortable to grip and feel well balanced with the weight of the pan, translating to seamless lifting and carrying. During testing, the pans came up to temperature very quickly. Water came to a boil in the stockpot in less than six minutes and achieved the perfect heat for searing chicken breast in just three. 

What we didn’t: None of the pieces are oven safe past 450°F, nor are any compatible with an induction cooktop. Also, copper is reactive and notoriously prone to patina. Be sure to brush up on the best practices for cleaning copper cookware before you dive into ownership. Like most copper cookware, the price is much higher than pure stainless steel sets and qualifies as a “splurge” buy. 

Key Specs

• Number of pieces: 10
• Price per piece: $250
• What’s included: 10- and 12-inch skillets, 1.5- and 4-quart saucepans with lids, 4.5-quart sauté pan with lid, 8-quart stockpot with lid
• Materials: Tri-ply clad 18/10 stainless steel with aluminum core
• Dishwasher-safe: Lids, yes. Pans, no.
• Induction-compatible: No
• Max oven temp: 450°F (lids 375°F)

The Competition

• Le Creuset Tri-Ply 10-Piece Stainless Steel Cookware Set: The winners beat this cookware set, but only by a little. I think one more skillet or a nonstick pan would be more valuable than the colander, but the set's still a great option. Plus, I really love Le Creuset's stainless steel skillet.
• All-Clad D5 Brushed 5-Ply Stainless 10-Piece Cookware Set: This set is also great, but pricier than our All-Clad D3 recommendation, though it performed similarly.
• Cuisinart Multiclad Pro Triple Ply 12-Piece Set: I found some of the pieces in this set felt unbalanced, though I do like its price point.
• Cuisinart Chef’s Classic Stainless Steel 10-Piece Cookware Set: This set was prone to discoloration, and the handles were too thin.
• Cuisinart Classic Multiclad Stainless 11-Piece Cookware Set: The handles on this cookware set were bulky, and the 3.5-quart sauté pan in particular was too heavy.
• Cuisinart Custom-Clad 5-Ply Stainless Steel 10-Piece Cookware Set: This set was too expensive for how long it took the water to reach a boil in the stockpot.
• Anolon Nouvelle Stainless Steel 10-Piece Cookware Set: The ring of copper around the base is all flash, no function, and the pieces are too heavy for average use.
• Calphalon Classic 10-Piece Stainless Steel Cookware Set: It’s a so-so starter set, but for $35 more, you could get our budget winner from Goldilocks, which has a bigger, better stockpot.
• Calphalon Premier 11-Piece Stainless Steel Cookware Set: The stockpot in this set is too narrow to be useful. It no longer seems to be available.
• Viking Contemporary 3-Ply 10-Piece Stainless Steel Cookware Set: The flared sides on these pieces don’t add anything to cooking performance, and the skillet heated unevenly.
• Martha Stewart Stainless Steel Tri-Ply 10-Piece Cookware Set: The handles come in gold, if that appeals to you, but when it came to performance, this set fell short across the board. The pretty handles get very hot.
• OXO Tri-Ply Stainless Mira Series 10-Piece Set: The high sides and steep walls of the skillet performed poorly, and the set as a whole was just average.
• Misen 12-Piece Stainless Steel Cookware Set: I like the smooth, rounded handles of Misen’s cookware, but ultimately, this set is too pricey, and you can get better equipment for less. If you want a great piece from Misen without investing in the entire set, go for just one solid performer, like the roasting pan.
• Hestan ProBond Collection Professional Clad 10-Piece Stainless Steel Cookware Set: The price tag is high, but the performance just didn’t match.
• Made In 10-piece Stainless Set: While this set performed mostly well, I did have some qualms. The larger saucepan is a bit too large and has a similar capacity to the saucier, making it redundant. Foods stuck more readily, too.
• Tramontina Tri-Ply Clad Stainless Steel 10-Piece Cookware Set: This brand often gives us good budget performance, and the set did the same, however, there are cheaper sets with similar performance and better usability. The rondeau/braiser is small but useful, however, the stockpot is way too small at six quarts. It can barely fit a single chicken carcass for a batch of stock, and by comparison, Le Creuset’s stockpot holds double the liquid with the same amount of mirepoix.

FAQs

Is a cookware set worth it?

Ah, the million-dollar question. If you go with a reputable brand, it’s absolutely worth it. My top choice from All-Clad has won the top spot in a variety of equipment reviews, including stainless skillets, sauciers, and saucepans. You can be sure that if you invest in an All-Clad set, you’ll see lifelong returns on every piece in it. Anyone looking to build a kitchen toolset from scratch or wanting a major overhaul could do with a good set. Beyond just the aesthetic pleasure of a gleaming, matching line of cookware, sets often come at a discount over buying each piece individually.

Should you buy a nonstick cookware set?

Nonstick pans have their place in the kitchen, and I turn to one to make scrambled eggs and pancakes even when I have the skill to make either in a stainless steel or cast iron pan. That being said, we at Serious Eats will always insist that cheaper nonstick pans are better, as the coating will wear out over time, no matter how careful you are. Instead of buying a set of nonstick cookware, we'd buy a skillet or two, and that should suffice.

Should you clean stainless steel cookware in the dishwasher?

Can you? Yes. Should you? No. Just like you’d never toss your favorite chef’s knife in a drawer without a cover, a little care and consideration for your stainless steel pans will greatly extend their lifetime. Most of the pans I tested in this review can withstand temperatures of over 500°F, so the occasional run through a dishwasher won’t ruin them. I’d recommend soaking the pan and scrubbing with a hard-bristled brush for stubborn residue.

Why We’re the Experts

• Taylor Murray has worked in food and food media for over 10 years, including in award-winning restaurants like Eleven Madison Park. She has written extensively for Serious Eats. (Check out her reviews of enameled cast iron skillets and vacuum sealers.)
• We tested 20 sets of stainless steel cookware by frying eggs, searing steak, whisking beurre blanc, boiling water, and using each piece in our kitchens for several days.