There are tons of options when it comes to cookware sets these days, and it is easy to get lost in the terminologies. You will spot non-stick, ceramic, hard anodized, copper, green, etc. that are used to describe either the material or just for marketing hype. But with all these modern materials available, a lot still choose the traditional stainless steel cookware, which remains to be superior in terms of durability and performance.
Another advantage of stainless steel cookware is versatility. You can use it in gas, electric, and even induction cooktops. You do not need to buy different sets, saving you money.
Opting for a cookware set instead of buying piece by piece can save you money, but, you really have to choose the right one so you can maximize your purchase. You have to consider the pieces you’d likely use on a daily or frequent basis and make sure they are included in the set. You also have to include some bigger pots and pans when hosting parties or guests at home.
Getting a stainless steel cookware set is also more convenient since it usually contains the basic pieces you need for your home kitchen. It also makes a nice gift for newly-wed couples or someone who just purchased his or her first home. And of course, you also deserve your own stainless steel cookware set to replace an old one, or even just to add to your collection.
Professional cooks also choose to have a stainless steel pan set and then build their stainless steel pots and pans collection from there.
Are you looking for the best stainless steel cookware set to gift yourself today? We rated the most popular stainless steel cookware sets on Amazon and listed the top 3 here. See what products made it to our list.
Best Stainless Steel Cookware Set to Gift Yourself Today – (Comparison)
| Name | Key Feature | |
| All-Clad Brushed D5 Stainless Cookware Set, Pots and Pans – (Editor’s Choice) | Made of 5 layers of bonded alternating aluminum and stainless steel materials | Check Price |
| Cuisinart MCP-12N Multiclad Pro Stainless Steel 12-Piece Cookware Set | Heat Surround technology – even heat across the bottom and sides | Check Price |
| Calphalon Premier Stainless Steel Pots and Pans, 11-Piece Cookware Set | Heat control technology | Check Price |
All-Clad Brushed D5 Stainless Cookware Set, Pots, and Pans – Editor’s Choice
The first thing I noticed about this stainless steel cookware is that it is not as heavy as I expect them to be. But then, it looks and feels premium to the core. All of the pots and pans included in this All Clad cookware set are in a brushed stainless steel finish, which I also find easier to clean and maintain.
The All Clad D5 set comes with 6 types of pots and pans; 4 of which come with lids. This stainless steel cookware comes with two stainless steel frying pans (without lids) – an 8-inch and 10-inch, and a sautéing pan in 3 quarts capacity (with lid). It also includes saucepans with lids – 1.5 quarts and 3 quarts. You also get a large 5.5-quart Dutch oven that comes with a lid.
The All-Clad Brushed D5 Stainless Cookware Set is made of a combination of stainless steel and aluminum for optimum and consistent performance and long-lasting durability. Five layers of alternating aluminum and stainless steel are bonded so the pans and pots of this stainless steel cookware set to distribute the heat evenly across their surfaces. This also prevents hot spots and warping. Stainless steel also conducts heat easily, which enables the food to cook faster.
With proper care and maintenance, stainless steel cookware can last a lifetime. To help you achieve this, the pots and pans of the All-Clad Brushed D5 Stainless Cookware Set is engineered to resist warping and discoloration, as well as resist daily use and abuse.
This cookware collection from All Clad is compatible to use with all types of cooktops. They are especially optimized for induction cooktop use, too. Meanwhile, you can also use this stainless steel cookware safely on the broiler or inside the oven with up to 600 degrees Fahrenheit as a heat setting.
The pieces of this stainless steel cookware set also come with ergonomic and long handles that are riveted securely to the body. Meanwhile, the handles are also made of stainless steel and are also made heat-resistant. The rims are designed to be flared so they remain drip-free when you pour from them.
Pros
- Brushed stainless steel finish
- Comes with 6 types of pots and pans, 4 of which come with lids – frying pans, sautéing pan, Dutch oven, saucepans
- Made of 5 layers of bonded alternating aluminum and stainless steel materials
- Heat-resistant stainless steel handles
- Flared rims to minimize drips
- Can be used in all types of cooktops; can be used in broiler or oven and can resist temperature up to 600 degrees F
- Lids made of tempered glass
Cons
- Expensive
Conclusion
The All-Clad Brushed D5 Stainless Cookware Set is a great investment – it heats evenly, is easier to maintain, and comes with the basic pieces you’ll need for daily and special cooking for guests.
Cuisinart MCP-12N Multiclad Pro Stainless Steel 12-Piece Cookware Set
This stainless steel cookware set comes with 12 pieces of pots, pans, and lids. You get a huge 8-quart stainless steel pot for stocks that comes with a lid, great for stews and soups for a crowd, guests, and a huge family.
The Cuisinart cookware set also comes with sautéing pan with cover and 3.5 quarts’ capacity. You also get 2 sets of saucepans with lids – 1.5 quarts and 3 quarts’ capacities. And lastly, this stainless steel cookware set also includes 2 pieces of open skillets for frying, browning, and making pancakes and crepes. The skillets are measured 8 inches and 10 inches.
All of the pots and pans in this stainless steel cookware set are broiler-safe and can withstand temperatures in the oven up to 500 degrees Fahrenheit. Meanwhile, the lids are also made of stainless steel.
The Cuisinart Multiclad Pro utilizes a heavy-duty 3-ply stainless steel-aluminum construction. The core is made of pure aluminum so the cookware will heat or cool easily to your desired temperature, while the exterior is brushed 18/10 stainless steel for even heat distribution. This allows you to cook precisely that releases the natural juices from the food. Stainless steel is a great food-friendly material since it does not react to it, therefore, you will not experience discoloration.
Meanwhile, each piece of this stainless steel cookware set also uses the Heat Surround technology that enables heat to evenly distribute not just at the bottom but also on the sides. This leaves no area for hot spots. Stainless steel also does not need to be coated with chemicals so you will not experience peeling over time.
This Cuisinart stainless steel cookware set comes with tapered rims to refrain from drips when pouring your sauces and dishes. All of the pieces are dishwasher-safe and are also easy to clean manually.
Pros
- Comes with 12 pieces of pots, pans, and lids – 8-quart stockpot with lid, 3.5-quart sautéing pan with cover, 1.5-quart and 3-quart saucepan with cover, 8-inch and 10-inch open skillet pans
- 3-ply bonded construction – pure aluminum core, stainless steel interior, and brushed 18/10 stainless steel exterior
- Heat Surround technology – even heat across the bottom and sides
- Comes with tapered rims to refrain dripping
- Dishwasher safe
- Aluminum lids
Cons
- Handles tend to get too hot
Conclusion
The Cuisinart MCP-12N Multiclad Pro Stainless Steel 12-Piece Cookware Set is solid when it comes to durability and performance. I like that the lids are stainless steel so I will not worry too much about them falling and breaking.
Calphalon Premier Stainless Steel Pots and Pans, 11-Piece Cookware Set
This stainless steel cookware set includes the basic pieces just like the other sets on this list. The Calphalon Premier stainless steel set comes with stainless steel frying pans, saucepans, sautéing pan, and a stockpot. All the pieces are made of premium heavy-duty aluminum and stainless steel, with lids made of stainless rims and tempered glass.
The material used in this stainless steel cookware set includes a bond between a pure aluminum core and stainless steel exterior. The 3-ply construction makes it effective and at the same time, durable to use for a long time despite being subject to the highest temperatures frequently. The aluminum core serves as the heat conductor, which does so excellently. The same goes with heat retention, allowing you to cook food faster and conserve electricity or gas. It also helps distribute heat evenly across the bottom so there are no hot spots or areas with different temperatures from the rest.
The Calphalon stainless steel exterior allows for easy cleanup and maintenance, ensuring a long-lasting investment that performs the same as new all the time. It also allows your stainless steel cookware to be used in the oven or broiler, withstanding temperatures up to 450 degrees Fahrenheit.
Meanwhile, the Calphalon stainless steel set also utilizes heat control technology that enables the cookware to be responsive to the temperature from the heat source and regulate it in return. This furthers its capability to distribute the heat evenly at the bottom.
This stainless steel cookware also utilizes magnetic stainless steel, making it an induction cooker-compatible as well, aside from being used in gas, ceramic, and electric cooktops. Also, the set comes with pots and pans that are integrated with stay-cool handles, and are all dishwasher safe.
Pros
- Comes with 2 frying pans with cover (10-inch and 12-inch), a 1.5-quart saucepan with cover, 2 saucepans with cover (1.5-quart and 2.5-quart), a 3-quart sautéing pan, and an 8-quart stockpot with cover
- 3-ply construction; aluminum core and stainless steel exterior
- Compatible for use in oven and broiler up to 450 degrees Fahrenheit
- Heat control technology
- Gas, ceramic, electric, and induction cooktop-compatible
- With stay-cool handles
- Dishwasher-safe
- Lifetime warranty
Cons
- Some users find the pots and pan too heavy to carry with one hand
Conclusion
The Calphalon Premier Stainless Steel Pots and Pans, 11-Piece Cookware Set looks and feels premium, and I don’t mind having heavy pots and pans since they speak durability to me.
Final Verdict
There are tons of choices when it comes to stainless steel cookware sets in the market. However, not all can provide the same performance over time. Stainless steel may be a long-lasting material, but it does not automatically guarantee superior results. This is where engineering and design come in. To add, ergonomics is also a consideration since cookware is something that you will use daily.
With that, I find that the All-Clad Brushed D5 Stainless Cookware Set is the best on this list.
The All-Clad Brushed D5 Stainless Cookware Set is an investment in itself. The 5-ply construction, compared with the 3-ply of other models, is an extra mile when it comes to ensuring quality, performance, and durability. This stainless steel cookware set also has a higher heat resistance rating, all-around cooktop compatibility, and is surely built to last many years of cooking.