Every cookware brand claims tons of benefits for their consumers which makes choosing individual pieces or even cookware sets a daunting task to do. Especially if you are tight on budget.
It can be overwhelming filtering through all the brands out there for the right stainless steel cookware for your needs. For that reason, you will find below my list of the top 8 best stainless steel pots and pans that I think are worth adding to your cookware collection to improve your cooking skills.
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- Best overall Stainless steel cookware set: Duxtop SSIB-17 Stainless Steel Cookware Set
- Best budget Stainless steel cookware set: Cooks Standard Multi-Ply Clad Stainless Steel Cookware Set
Why Stainless Steel Cookware?
Stainless steel is considered to be one of the most durable materials used by most brands in manufacturing various pots and pans. It is often used in a combination with other materials (such as aluminum, copper, nonstick) in different types of cookware constructions since it’s very affordable and can easily promote excellent heat retention while securing high resistance to rust and corrosion.
Pros of Using Stainless Steel Cookware
High Resistance
It has a very high resistance to corrosion and is able to withstand any type of environment even the very extreme and harsh ones.
Bright and Attractive
The surface is usually smooth and shiny. It has a neat luster and is good and elegant to look at. It can be thick or thin without compromising its quality and can be used as a base for multi-clad cookware.
Affordable
A lot of high-quality stainless steel cookware can be bought for a very reasonable price. Due to its mass production, you can find several cookware sets for under $100. You don’t have to break your budget to get a couple of pots and pans that could last you for a lifetime.
Easy to Maintain
Aside from its high resistance, it is also easily wiped clean as compared to other types of material and It does not react to acids and other types of cleaning substances. That being said, most of the stainless steel cookware are dishwasher-safe.
Promising Quality
Whether it’s an ordinary type of stainless steel or considered high class, its quality is always ranging from good to excellent.
Long-Lasting Performance
Most of the stainless steel pans can last for years or even a lifetime with proper care without the need to be replaced unless the handle got wrecked or unless bent or misshapen.
Best Stainless Steel Cookware Sets
Cook N Home 12-Piece Cookware Set
Set includes:
- 1.5 qt saucepan
- 1.5, 2 and 3 qt casserole
- 5.5 qt stock pot
- 10 in. fry pan
- Tempered Glass lids for each pan
Cook N Home is not yet a very well-recognized brand but this inexpensive cookware set is indeed elegant and sophisticated since is it made of mirror-polished stainless steel. The bottom parts are manufactured with a capsuled aluminum disc for even heat distribution. All the lids are made with tempered glass that is perfectly matched with each pan and also have steam vents.
Every piece is crafted to tolerate higher temperatures degrees up to 500℉. However, what I like about this set is its compatibility. It can work perfectly on induction cooktops without losing its qualities guaranteeing you a great even heat distribution on any heat source. Also, they are dishwasher safe.
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T-Fal 13-Piece Cookware Set
Set includes:
- 8 and 10.25-inch Fry Pan
- 12-inch Covered Fry Pan
- 1, 2 and 3-quart Covered Saucepan
- 5-quart Covered Stew Pot
- 1 Steamer
This 13-piece stainless steel set features a copper-bottom, heavy-gauge multi-layer base. It is polished like silver and has wonderful glass lids that capture the moisture and nutrients of the ingredients while cooking.
The heat is evenly distributed throughout the cookware and the riveted handles provide an easy grip that stays cool despite the pots and pans temperature. It also comes with a handy steamer that is perfect for cooking steamed vegetables and can fit in the other included pans as well.
The large pans allow you to cook more food at once due to their wide flat surface and generous size. Overall, this is one of the best cookware sets under $200 that you could get your hands on.
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Cuisinart MCP 12-Piece Cookware Set
Set includes:
- 1-1/2- and 3-quart covered saucepans
- 8- and 10-inch open skillets
- 3-1/2-quart covered saute pan
- 8-quart covered stockpot
- Steamer with lid
Being one of the most requested cookware for gas stoves, Cuisinart’s 12-piece stainless steel set boasts high performance and excellent quality. Each piece is crafted through a combination of triple-ply construction and a Heat Surround™ technology to secure a quick, even heat distribution with no hotspots.
It is also flexible and can be used on any type of heat source including induction. However, what I like about this brand is that every pan is crafted with tapered rims to provide drip-free pouring convenience while maintaining a well-balanced size and weight. This set is perfect for both beginners and professionals and can be for home use or business use. You can never go wrong with this set.
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Duxtop Professional 17-Piece Cookware Set
Set includes:
- 1.6Qt Saucepan with lid
- 2.5Qt Saucepan with lid
- 4.2Qt Casserole with lid
- 8.6Qt Stock Pot with lid
- 8 inch Fry Pan
- 10 inch Fry Pan
- 5.5Qt Saute Pan with lid
- Boiler Basket
- Steam Basket
- 3 piece kitchen tools
You could never ask for a more complete set than Duxtop’s 17-piece Stainless steel cookware. Aside from the usual pots and pans, it comes with 3-piece kitchen tools: a spatula, a ladle, and a carving fork.
It has tempered glass lids intended for you to be able to easily monitor what you’re cooking and an aluminum-encapsulated bottom that distributes heat evenly in a matter of minutes which makes it one of the top cookware sets for glass top stoves. Each piece is created with impact-bond technology that boosts the durability of the cookware to last for a lifetime. As far as it goes, this is your one-stop professional stainless steel cookware set.
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Cooks Standard 12-Piece Cookware Set
Set includes:
- 1.5 and 3 qt saucepans
- 8 qt stockpot
- Covered steamer insert
- 8 and 10-inch fry pans
This set is perfect for beginners. The 3-ply set is made of layers of 18/10 high-grade commercial stainless steel as its exterior and aluminum as its core for both durability and functionality. The riveted handles feature a V-design for comfort and ease of use due to its air-flow technology that keeps them cool while cooking.
The set comes with lids that are oven safe for up to 500℉ and a universal steamer that fits inside the 1-1/2-quart and 3-quart saucepans. It is also dishwasher safe and easy to clean and maintain.
This is one of the best versatile cookware for your induction cooktop, it has everything you need to master even complex recipes.
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Chef's Star Premium 17-Piece Cookware Set
Set includes:
- 2 Saucepans with Lids
- Casserole with Lid
- Stock Pot with Lid
- 8" Frying Pan
- 9.5" Frying Pan
- Saute Pan with Helper and Lid
- 9.5" Boiler Basket
- 9.5" Steamer Basket
- 3 Piece Kitchen Tools
Made with 18/8 grade stainless steel, this collection by Chef’s Star is no pushover. It boasts elegance and excellence in both appearance and performance. Every piece in this set is not only dishwasher and oven safe, but also freezer safe and can serve as an additional storage space in your fridge.
This cookware set is also induction-ready and can be used with any type of cooking source. But, what I love about this brand’s design is that the handles are ergonomic and have an anti-slip satin finish for comfortable and safe handling.
If you have an extra amount to spare in your budget and looking for pots and pans that are suited for electric coil stoves as well as other types of cooktops then this set is the right choice for you.
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Calphalon Classic 10-Piece Cookware Set
Set includes:
- 8-inch and 10-inch fry pans
- 1.5-quart and 2.5-quart saucepans with covers
- 3-quart sauté pan with cover
- 6-quart stock pot with cover
Using impact-bonded aluminum bases, Calphalon introduces their classic 10-piece set that’s mainly made up of brushed stainless steel. The pans have fill lines that can be used as built-in measuring tools for liquids especially when following measurements in certain recipes. In addition, the covers have straining holes and pour spouts that help you drain liquid without having to use a colander or strainer.
The handles are secured with double-riveted by hand to ensure a safe grip and comfort in handling each piece. The glass lids also help monitor your food while cooking.
Overall, this is one of the best cookware sets under 300 that's considered versatile and durable with a limited lifetime warranty.
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Comparison Chart of The Best Stainless Steel Cookware Sets
Cookware Set | No of Pieces | Heat Tolerance | Unique Features | Current Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 12 pieces | 500℉ |
| |
| 13 pieces | 500℉ |
| |
| 12 pieces | 550℉ |
| |
| 17 pieces | 500℉ |
| |
| 12 pieces | 500℉ |
| |
| 17 | 550℉ |
| |
| 10 | 500℉ |
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Things to Consider Before Buying Stainless Steel Cookware
Should I Buy a Cookware Set or Individual Pieces?
It depends entirely on the type of cooking you usually do and on how many people are you willing to cook for. For instance, if you do all-around cooking where it requires you to use different types of cookware then I highly recommend you to get a cookware set that matches your needs, whether it is a 5-piece, 10-piece, 13-piece, or even 17-piece collection.
But, if you usually cook just a few recipes that rely on saucepans, frying pans, or skillets then choosing individual pieces is going to be a wise decision.
Do you have a tight budget or do you have extra money to spare?
Let’s face it. Not all of us have the means to buy a very expensive set such as All-Clad copper core, but that doesn’t mean we should compromise on quality either. Depending on your budget you may end up finding inexpensive cookware that can offer superb performance for decades.
Which brands are you familiar with?
Most of us have our preferred cookware brands such as Tramontina, All-Clad, or Calphalon cookware, etc. This alone can help you narrow down the list of choices you would want to look at. However, If you’re a beginner or confused, you can always ask for advice from either your friends, family, or professionals.
The Final Verdict
Stainless steel cookware remains to be one of the most trusted non-toxic cookware since it is easy to use, maintain, and clean. However, my top pick goes to Duxtop’s 17-piece Stainless steel cookware. It is a complete set that works on any type of cooktop including induction and has everything you need to master any desired recipe.
If you are looking for more of a budget choice then I highly suggest the Cooks Standard 12-Piece Stainless Steel Cookware Set. It is a great starter set that has a very practical number of pieces that work well in any kitchen. It is easy to clean and maintain and lasts for years or even a lifetime with proper care. It’s a good bang for your buck!