Stainless steel is the classic of the classics. It is the most durable material for cookware.
Also, if you take care properly of a stainless steel pan, it will look brand new after several years.
You can use any kind of kitchen tool without worry for peeling or scratching.
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Top 9 Stainless Steel Cookware Sets 2021
Why cook in stainless steel?
With this material, you would never have strange flavors issues on your meals. You don’t have to worry about peeling the coating that can be harmful to your health. It is 100% safe.
You can make unique plates that you would never get with a nonstick – ceramic or Teflon- pan. Making a deglazing is best with a stainless steel pan because you can use the stock food on the bottom adding wine or chicken broth and get a delicious gravy.
Also, if you want a perfectly cooked piece of meat you must use a stainless steel pan. That especial salty flavor will be missed with a nonstick one.
Is stainless steel cookware safe?
Yes, absolutlely, yes!
Before giving you the information about safety, I’d like to say that it’s HIGHLY improbable that a healthy person can be considerable poisoned or harmed by a pan. There is a lot if misinformation and alarmism about this topic.
Stainless steel by itself is a pretty safe material.
The main concern about this kind of pots and pans is the core. Usually, this core is made of aluminum which can be toxic if overheated. Try to buy pans that are of high quality to avoid this.
Nickel and Chromium can be released in a small amount when cooking with a stainless steel pan. This amount is basically harmless. But, there are people that have a high sensibility for nickel and chromium. I would suggest you buy a cookware set with a low amount of nickel like 18/8 or even 18/0 (I will explain these numbers in a moment).
Why is it so important to choose the best stainless steel cookware set?
Stainless steel is not a good heat conductor, which is why you should look a set with copper or aluminum core. This is called “clad core” and all the sets that I will put in this article have this feature. This will decrease dramatically the cold spots on the surface and will heat your pans quickly.
It is important to pick a pan that has riveted handles that are resistant. A good stainless steel pan is usually kind of heavy, and for that reason, the handles must hold on the weight of the pans and the meal.
What does 18/8; 18/10; 18/0 mean?
It´s pretty common to find these numbers on the specification of a stainless steel cookware set. And it´s possible that you don’t have any idea what that means, and it’s ok.
This combination of numbers relates to the chromium and nickel contents of the steel, respectively.
I won’t tell you all the technicalities that these figures imply, but the important thing is that the higher the nickel contents of the pans, the more resistant they are.
The most common kind of pan is the 18/8 and you never should buy a set of pans lower than this number, as they are more susceptible to corrosion and deformation of the surface.
Of course the higher number -18/10- are more expensive, and if you don’t cook so often it can be unnecessary to buy something so luxurious.
Basic cares for Stainless steel pans
- Let it soak: This is the perfect way to counter the big con of stainless steel, which is the stock food. Just wait for a while and the food will be released easier. Also, remember that you can use a more abrasive sponge without taking the risk of ruining your pans.
- Wait until cool off: to prevent your pans from bending you only need to wait a few minutes before cleaning them under the cold water.
- Don’t use abrasive detergent: If you want to keep your pans shiny and beautiful, avoid super-abrasive detergents. They clean your pans indeed but then you will have to deal with discoloration on the surface.
- Control the heat: This is a problem especially with this kind of cookware. You have to know the correct amount of heat that your pans are going to need to cook your meals perfectly. The secret is to preheat the pan on medium heat and then cook in low heat to prevent burning your meals. If you have a copper or aluminum core you won’t have to worry about hot spots.
You can read here how to properly clean stainless steel cookware.
Best Stainless Steel Cookware Set
All-Clad BD005714 D5 Brushed 18/10 Stainless Steel
This set is the best stainless steel set on the list — the most expensive by far — and you can’t get a better set out there. This is a cookware set for a lifetime. It is the definition of durability and reliability. It can take a lot of heat without showing any sign of damaging or discoloration on the surface.
The pots and pans are made in the U.S.A.
18/10 high-quality stainless Steel body and riveted handles. The body has 5 layers of bonded stainless steel what makes it extra durable and sturdy. The only downside is that the pans can be a little bit heavier.
- It is dishwasher, broiler, and oven safe.
- It’s remarkable versatility and you can deglaze, broil and sear meat with ease.
- Superior stick resistance as a result of starburst finishing on the pan’s stainless steel interior.
- Besides the glass top stove this set is compatible with all type of cooktops, including induction.
What’s included in this set?
- 10″ frypan
- 12″ frypan
- 2 qt. saucepan with lid
- 3 qt. saucepan with lid
- 3 qt. sauté pan with
- 6 qt. sauté pan with lid
- 12″ chef’s pan with lid
- 8 qt. stockpot with lid
Le Creuset Tri-Ply Stainless Steel Cookware Set
Let’s talk about one of the most reliable Brand on the market: Le Creuset.
Le Creuset is wildly known for their profesional dutch oven but they also make outstanding cookware sets.
Their 18/10 Stainless Steel cookware set is made in Portugal and it has a tri-ply construction features a full aluminum core with a magnetic exterior side-wall with precision-pour rim; in-vessel laser-etched capacity markings.
One of the high points of this set is that is designed to mimic the functionality of cast iron, the vent controls the flow of steam, keeping the 3-ring classic design lid securely in place while cooling.
- Stay-cool ergonomic handle makes for easy maneuvering, secured with stainless steel rivets
- Compatible with all types of stovetops, including induction
- Oven safe up to 500° F
- Lifetime warranty
What’s included in this set?
- 10″ fry pan
- 2Qt. Saucepan with lid
- 3Qt. Saute pan with lid
- 7Qt. Stockpot with lid
Viking 4515-1S05S Professional 5 pieces
This professional quality set is handcrafted in the USA. This is a high game stainless Steel cookware set that is perfect if you can not afford the All-Clad and the Le Cruset sets.
This set is kind of small (5 pieces) but it’s more than enough if you are just starting your culinary journey. The Viking Brand also offer a 7 and 10 pieces in case that you want to splurge and get a more complete set. Also, you can buy some of the pieces individually — of course, the Price will be higher than when you buy the pans in a set.
- 18/10 stainless steel interior is easy to clean and will not react with acidic foods.
- Oven, broiler, and grill safe up to 600 Degree F
- Dishwasher safe
- Riveted signature Viking handles are ergonomically designed to provide comfort balance and control
- Rim-to-rim cooking; five layers of stainless steel and aluminum maximize conductivity to ensure efficient and even heat transfer throughout the pans.
What’s included on this set?
- 10-inch fry pan
- 6-quart stock pot/Dutch Oven with Lid
- 3.4-quart everyday casserole pan with lid
Duxtop SSIB-17 Professional Stainless Steel Cookware Set
This set is incredibly resistant, and it will last for years and years.
It has an aluminum core that is encapsulated between two thick layers of pure 18/10 stainless steel. This provides even heat on the surface.
If you have an induction cooktop and you want the best set for your kitchen this must be your first choice. You won’t regret it. The only issue that I see of this set is the price.
For me, it’s worth every dollar, but it can be a little expensive if you’re on a budget.
- Constructed with 18/10 commercial grade stainless steel.
- Heavy gauge impact-bonded aluminum encapsulated bottom.
- Ergonomically shaped handle with an anti-slippery satin finish, the handle is riveted to pan to provide durability. Usually, stainless steel handles aren’t comfortable, so this is a point for this set.
- Suitable for all cooking sources: electric, gas, infrared, induction stove and ceramic cooktop
- Dishwasher safe
- Oven safe to 550 degrees F
- Lifetime limited warranty
What’s included in this set?
- 8-inch fry pan
- 10-inch fry pan
- 6-quart saucepan with lid
- 5-quart saucepans with lid
- 2-quart casserole with lid
- 6-quart stock pot with lid
- 5-quart sauté pan with helper and lid
- Boiler basket
- Steamer basket
Cuisinart MCP-12N Multiclad Pro Stainless Steel 12-Piece Cookware Set
This is without a doubt one of the best Cuisinart sets ever. It is a solid 18/10 stainless steel set.
It has a beautiful and unique look. It has a brushed matte exterior appearance that makes it sober and classic.
It also has a good price/value relationship. You can get close to a top-level cookware set that has a price of a medium range set.
- The polished cooking surface that doesn’t lose color or reacts with food and alters flavors.
- Cookware also features cool grip handles secured with stainless steel rivets and self-basting, tight-fitting lids.
- The construction includes the unsurpassed heat conductivity of the aluminum core. It ensures maximum heat retention and even heat distribution, eliminating hot spots
- Oven safe up to 550F.
- Dishwasher safe. Even the covers are dishwasher safe.
- Lifetime Warranty- This set will last a lot of years and it can even be passed on to another generation.
What’s included in this set?
- 1-1/2 covered saucepan
- 3-quart covered saucepan
- 8-inch open skillet
- 10-inch open skillet
- 3-1/2-quart covered sauté pan
Calphalon Classic Stainless Steel Cookware Set
This is such an incredible set that you wouldn’t believe its price. It is made of resistant 18/10 stainless steel. The set is sturdy enough but it’s really impressive how lightweight these pans are, considering that stainless steel is not a lightweight material.
For even heating, these pans have a technology called “impact bonding” that consists of a thick aluminum disc inserted on the bottom of the pans. Heats fast and you can cook perfectly with low heat. It is a really energy-efficient set.
- It is safe for the stove, oven, broiler, and dishwasher.
- Double-riveted handles that stay cold on the stoves. The manual user says that they remain cold on the oven but some consumers have claimed that it’s not so safe to use without kitchen towels.
- It has fill lines which make measuring easier.
- Full 10-year warranty. This is amazing because the majority of sets have limited warranty that usually doesn’t cover damage by hits, scratches, and banging of the surface.
What’s included on this set?
- 8-inch Fry Pan
- 10-inch Fry Pan
- 5-qt. Sauce Pan with cover
- 5-qt. Sauce Pan with cover
- 3-qt. Sauté Pan with cover
- 6-qt. Stock Pot with cover
Cooks Standard Classic Stainless Steel Cookware Set
If you have a small budget but you definitely want an 18/10 stainless steel set that can be in your kitchen for years the, Cook Standards won’t let you down.
It also has the “impact bonding technology” that makes it a good choice to cook well while spending less energy. This set is perfect for induction cooktops.
- Handles with air-flow technology that keeps them cooler and more comfortable to hold when cooking on the stovetop
- Cookware is suitable for all types of stove, gas, electricity, ceramic top, including induction,
- Dishwasher safe
- Oven safe up to 500F, Glass lid is not suitable for oven use.
What’s included on this set?
- 5-Quart covered saucepan
- 3-Quart covered saucepan
- 10-inch open skillet
- 6-Quart covered stockpot
- 5-Quart covered Deep Sauté Pan
Paula Deen Signature Stainless Steel II 12-Piece Cookware Set
I think that if you are a food lover and you like to see food tv shows is very probable that you are familiarized with Paula Deen. And if you are a fan this set may be appealing for you. This stainless steel cookware set includes also 2 aluminum skillets coated in non-stick DuPont Teflon.
If you want an inexpensive set that you can use to fully equip your kitchen The Paula Deen Signature set may be perfect for you. It’s a wide variety of pots and pans —with a medium quality — on a low price point.
- Dual-riveted, soft-touch handles are designed to provide a comfortable, secure grip
- This cookware is oven safe to 350 degrees Fahrenheit
- Dishwasher safe, except the non-stick skillets
- The stainless steel is 18/0, meaning there is no nickel used for the pans.
What’s included on this set?
- 1-Quart Stainless Steel Covered Saucepan
- 2-Quart Stainless Steel Covered Saucepan
- 3-Quart Stainless Steel Covered Saucepan
- 6-Quart Stainless Steel Covered Stockpot
- 8-Inch Aluminum Nonstick Skillet
- 10-Inch Aluminum Nonstick Skillet
- Tools: Slotted Turner, Slotted Spoon
Anolon Nouvelle Copper Stainless Steel 10-Piece Cookware
Anolon is one of the most reliable brands on the market. This cookware set is a professional-quality cookware set that is designed to last for many years in your kitchen. The most remarkable feature of the set is the bottom: The base has a layer of copper enclosed in aluminum and covered with stainless steel that makes it suitable for induction cooktops and improves the heat conduction.
Aesthetically the set is beautiful. The pots have a tulip form in an elegant polished exterior and brushed interior.
- Exceptional heat conduction thanks to a layer of copper on the bottom of the pots and pans.
- This cookware can be used on all stovetops, including induction.
- Stainless steel construction is both beautiful and durable.
- Dual-riveted handles
- Oven (up to 500ºF) and dishwasher safe
- The lid that seals in moisture. The dome-shaped stainless steel lids help seal in heat and moisture during cooking.
What’s included on this set?
- 1.25-Quart Covered Saucepan
- 2.5-Quart Covered Saucepan
- 6.5-Quart Covered Stockpot
- 8-Inch French Skillet
- 10.5-Inch French Skillet
- 3-Quart Covered Saute
Final Thoughts
Every kitchen should have a couple of stainless steel pans at the very least. But if you are decided to get the best stainless steel cookware set I suggest you look between the options on this article.
All these sets have an 18/10 stainless steel body and you can choose the one that suits you better in all range of prices. Always remember to look for an aluminum or copper core, as this is very important if you want a surface that heats evenly and can cook to perfection.
Remember, a pan will last as much as you are careful. Follow all the advice about how to take care of a stainless steel pan properly and your pans and skillets will last for years without a problem.
So, the decision is yours and I hope I’ve helped.
See you soon!
Owner and Food blogger on The Cookware Geek. She loves cooking, baking, traveling, playing with the cats, and knitting. She believes that eating delicious meals doesn’t require a culinary degree or a Michelin-star chef in your kitchen.