Best Stainless Steel Cookware Reviews 2020 – Buying Guide

Stainless steel has become very popular when it comes to “must haves” in homes. Whether it be stainless steel appliances or stainless steel cookware, myself included has a ton of stainless steel in my house because it not only looks beautiful, it is durable. You are maybe looking to buy stainless steel cookware, but you do not really what is the best for your home and needs. This article will list different cookware products to help you decide what the best stainless steel cookware are.

What Is The Best Stainless Steel Cookware?

The best stainless steel cookware would be cookware that isn’t coated and long-lasting. You can check about how long the cookware lasts by the reviews people leave. Also, what type of warranty the company uses. Some stainless steel cookware can have “clad” at the bottom of the pan. This is a good thing because clad is a material that enhances transfer of heat. Most if not all, have a metal handle that is medium in weight. This can allow you to get a firm grip of the pan and the pan can go into the oven. However, you always want to check the instructions to make sure your specific pan can go into the oven.

Benefits Of The Stainless Steel Cookware

Like any product, there are benefits to having stainless steel cookware. However, there are cons to the cookware also. Here are some benefits that you will get when you choose stainless steel cookware:

• The advantages are that stainless is perfect when it comes to braising or browning your foods.
• Stainless cookware is usually sold in sets; therefore you can get all of your cookware that you need in one box.
• This cookware can cook just about everything, from pasta sauces to even pickling.
• Stainless steel does not react with your foods, therefore more easy to care for and durable.
• Provides all of the heating and more when you are cooking with this cookware.
• Oven, dishwasher, and broiler are safe. This all depends on the manufacturer and the handle material.

With pros, there are always cons that come with it. Here are some of the cons you have to think about when choosing stainless steel:

• Stainless steel are tougher to clean sometimes. This depends on the heat and what you are cooking.
• Uncoated doesn’t always mean nonstick. Because of this, you still need couple of nonstick pans in your cabinet.

How To Choose the Best Stainless Steel Cookware?

Stainless steel cookware is priced very reasonably. Having $500 cookware or $50 cookware does not matter. Buying celebrity cookware does not mean that cookware is the best. Research is always important when trying to decide what to cook your food in!

The best way to buy is go to a store and try out the pans in person. Feel the handle and see if you can lift the pan without any problems. Ask the seller if you can put the pan into the oven, dishwasher, so forth and so on.

Most stainless steel cookware have three layers in each pot. This increases in weight but also increase in the heat and cooking you can do. Once the first layer starts to come apart, that is when you need to start replacing with new cookware.

Most manufacturers have a warranty with their cookware. It can be a lifetime warranty or a couple of years. Some will even have a return policy. These are the manufacturers who are serious about their product and doesn’t have any fear about people returning it.

Stainless steel cookware goes by series. This means each cookware will be stamped on the bottom with a number. The number indicts the resistance and durability to corrosion and rust.

300 Series: The best quality posts and pans will always be marked in the 300’s, usually 304 or 316. 304 cookware have 18/8 or 18/10 numbers on the bottom. This is the percentage of how much nickel and chromium is in the cookware. For example, 18% is the chromium, and 8% is the nickel. Most cookware you will find is 18/10.

The 316 is less common than the 340. However, it contains a small amount of titanium and molybdenum. Because of this, the cookware is more pricey than the 304’s, and it does have more corrosion resistant. You may of heard the other terms when describing the 316, “marine stainless steel” or “surgical steel.” The reason this is, surgical steel used in these pans are also used in biomedical implants. This cookware also can resist erosion better by using salt water.

400 Series: This series of stainless steel cookware is more corrosive than the 300 series. This means as time goes on, the cookware is going to rust. You will usually see the 400 series in kitchen utensils, stockpots, and mixing bowls. I would suggest trying to find these in the 300 series if possibly. If not, don’t be surprised after a couple of years you have to replace the 400 series.

You might have heard of “nickel-free stainless steel cookware,” this is the 400 series. 18/0, which is 0.75% of nickel in the cookware. Nickel is not magnetic so you can tell if the cookware has nickel by placing a magnet against the pot. The magnet will stick to the pan on any nickel-free spots. For example, stainless steel pots will be nickel-free to work on induction stovetops.

How To Minimize The Reactivity

Here are steps you can take to help reduce the reactivity that can happen with the stainless steel cookware:

• Once the food has been cooked, quickly remove the food from the cookware. If you are cooking long-term foods, try to use ceramic instead of stainless steel.
• Salt and any acid will help corrode stainless steel cookware. When you are using wine, lemon, vinegar, or salt brine, try to use a ceramic pot.
• Never try to scrap stainless steel. If you burn food, you can cover it with baking soda and soak the pan for about a day. You can then wipe the pan without a non-scratch scouring pad.

Top 8 Best Stainless Steel Cookware Reviews 2020

1 .Cooks Standard 10 Piece Multi-Ply Clad Cookware Set, Stainless Steel

This set includes 3 and 1.5-quart saucepan, 4-quart, 11-inch sauté pan with a cover and a covered stockpot that is 8-quart. Steamer with a cover will fit 3 quart and 1.5-quart saucepan. Has an aluminum core with clad metal which is between 2 layers of the stainless steel. The stainless steel is all over the pan and not just at the bottom, perfect for induction ovens. All of the handles are stainless steel which makes it oven-safe up to 500 degrees. Warranty is a limited lifetime, and you can put it in the dishwasher.

The lids are not see-through. Some like see-through glass, however, I personally do not care. The steam is going to cover the glass anyways. You have to clean around the rivets. Make sure that you do not use a scratch pad. Take a brush (preferably plastic) to clean them. Some of the pans can easily get scratched up within the first year. That is a little bit concerning because of the money you are going to spend. Most foods stick to the bottom leaving a huge mess to clean up. You always have to clean the pans once you buy them and before your first use. According to the company, you have to clean the cookware before the first use to get “residue” off.

Check Price and Rating on Amazon

2 .Chef’s Star Professional Grade Stainless Steel 17 Piece Pots & Pans Set – Induction Ready Cookware Set with Impact-bonded Technology

18/8 stainless steel commercial grade. Bottom has aluminum that is impact bonded. Handles are ergonomically shaped with an anti-slip finish. The handles are also riveted to all of the pans which helps with durability. All of the cookware can cook on any stove/cooktops there is. This cookware set is dishwasher safe, can be put into the oven up to 550 degrees, freezer safe, and the company has a lifetime limited warranty. All of this and it comes with; 10 and 8 inch frying pans, 2.5 and ⅙ quart saucepans with lids, 8.6 quart stock pot with a lid, 4.2 quart casserole pan with a lid, 5.5 quart sauté pan with a lid and a helper, steamer and boiler basket, slotted spatula, spoon, and 2 prong fork.

After using each pot on their first go around, you will notice discoloration in the cookware. You will have to clean the cookware for the stain to disappear.  The cookware seems not to get clean when using the dishwasher and if something sticks to the pans, you have to scrub and just using soap and water will not help. You have to buy a special cleaning agent the company recommends you purchase. Some of the cookware are thin and sharp on some edges. Could be a problem because you do not want to cut yourself.Besides the discoloration, the cookware will also show all of the scratches you put on them. Turns even the most expensive cookware into cheap products. These pans are very easy to have your food stick to. Even when follow all of the instructions, the company gives you. Hence, why they want you to buy a cleaning agent from them.

Check Price and Rating on Amazon

3.Cook N Home 12-Piece Stainless Steel Set

This cookware is stainless steel on the outside and inside with a capsulated bottom, so you have even heat throughout. The stoves you can cook on is gas, electric, glass, and ceramic. The handle is stainless and riveted to the pan to help provide durability. All of the lids are glass so you can see what is inside the cookware. This set contains; 1 ½ quart saucepan, 1 ½, 2 and 3-quart casserole, 10-inch fry pan with a lid, and 5 ½ quart stock pot. All comes with lids.

You can request the manufacturer’s warranty if you wish. Your cookware from this company does not come with it unless you ASK for it. The pans WITHOUT the lids on can only go in the oven up to 350 degrees. This might be a good and plus depending on how you are using this cookware. If you need to add the lid to the cookware, the lid can only be in the oven 270 degrees or below. Again, this might not be a bad thing for you. The glass has been known even to shatter when it is on the stove top being used. This set is more of a “functional set.” Great price, however, it looks cheap. I do not care how they look as in “cheap,” but I know some people do.

Check Price and Rating on Amazon

4. Calphalon Classic Stainless Steel Cookware Set, 10-Piece

All of the cookware has an aluminum base. This helps with fast and even heating. Also safe while cooking on the stove, broiler, oven, and even the dishwasher. The handles are long which help provides a firm grip and stays cool while the rest of the pan is hot. The handles are also double-riveted, meaning the handle is not going to come loose when the pan is heavy with food. This stainless steel cookware also have fill lines, so measuring is very easy. They also have covers which have straining holes that will line up with the pour spouts to drain any liquid you want. This is a big plus because you do not have to get a separate colander. Full lifetime warranty! Calphalon set includes; 8 and 10-inch fry pan, 1.5 and 2.5-quart saucepans with lids for each, 3 quart sauté pan with lid, and 6-quart stock pot and lid.

The fry pans do not have any lids to them. You will have to buy them separately unlike other sets where the covers come with them. Some foods especially eggs can very well stick to the bottom of the pans. You will have to let the pots soak for a while to get all of the food off. Some of the metal that is on the pans does show some stains after using them. The pan bottoms do seem a little bit thin.

Check Price and Rating on Amazon

5.Cuisinart MCP-12N Multiclad Pro Stainless Steel 12-Piece Cookware Set

The cooking surface is polished and does not react with your food, discolor, or alter flavors. The handles are secured with rivets that are stainless steel and has a relaxed grip to it. The lids are tight fitting, so no lids slipping off when you are moving the pot around. The cookware does have triple-ply in it and aluminum core. This can ensure maximum heat and even heat throughout. Cuisinart cookware is oven safe up to 550 degrees. The rims are built where you have drip-free pouring. Dishwasher safe, including the lids. Also able to cook on induction cooktops. This set includes; 1. ½ and 3-quart saucepans that are covered, 8 and 10-inch skillets, 3 ½ quart sauté pan with a cover, 8-quart stockpot also with a cover, and a steamer with a lid. There is a lifetime limited warranty against defects.

The saucepans do not include any kids to him. This means that you not only have to purchase these but also have to buy lids for them. You do have to get used to these, so be prepared to burn much food if you are just now buying stainless steel cookware. If you have to ship them back, you do have to pay to ship both ways. Be prepared to clean more on this set of cookware than non-stick cookware. After first use and after cleaning, there have been reports of the film coming off of the pans. Also, rust has been a huge con for this set of cookware because this is stainless steel.

Check Price and Rating on Amazon

6 .T-fal E469SC Tri-ply Stainless Steel Multi-clad Dishwasher Safe Oven Safe Cookware Set, 12-Piece, Silver

This type of cookware has tri-ply stainless and aluminum for heat and cooking performance. All of the stainless steel cookware in this set is suitable for electric, gas, ceramic glass, and induction stovetops. This set is oven safe up to 550 degrees and for all stove types. Dishwasher safe and has a lifetime warranty. The lids are tempered glass, have flared rims so you can have a clean pour every time. This stainless steel cookware comes with; 8, 10, and 12-inch frying pans, 2.5, 3, and 1.5-quart saucepans with lids to all, 6-quart dutch oven with a lid, and a 3-quart steamer insert. The handles are long, riveted and can resist heat. Then on the larger pots, they have loop easy-grip handles and on the lids. Each pan on the bottom has a stamped capacity marking.

The glass lids can go into the oven, however only up to 350 degrees.  Overheating can cause blue or brown stains to appear on the pans. If you do not take care of these stains, it will discolor your pans fast. If you have a large amount of iron in your water, your pot can look rusty. If you add salt before the water starts boiling or food has not started cooking, then white spots can start forming in the pan.

Check Price and Rating on Amazon

7. All-Clad BD005714 D5 Brushed 18/10 Stainless Steel 5-Ply Bonded Dishwasher Safe Cookware Set, 14-Piece, Silver

This cookware is 18/10, which means 18% chromium and 10% nickel. This means the cooking surface will not react with food. The cookware is compatible but is optimal for induction cooktops. Oven, dishwasher, and broiler safe up to 600 degrees. All of the handles are stainless steel and are permanently secured with stainless steel rivets.5-ply constructions, alternating between aluminum and stainless steel for even heating.

One major con would have to be that it was difficult to clean. Even when you use special cleaners for the cookware, it is still hard to clean. Some foods stick to the bottom of the pans while cooking. This could issue the “hard to clean” part. Once cleaned, some of the pans show water spots making the newish wear off. Cooking meats in this type of cookware from this brand are difficult to get the perfect temperature. Even though it does say “induction ready” on the cookware, some ovens might not recognize it. Mainly the newer models. You have to ask for the warranty.

Check Price and Rating on Amazon

8 .WearEver A834S9 Cook and Strain Stainless Steel Cookware Set, 10-Piece, Silver

Durable stainless steel construction. The lids have pour spouts which can strain liquids and pour. The handles are ergonomically designed for a comfortable grip. The pots and pans deliver heat throughout for the best cooking results. All of the pans are oven safe up to 500 degrees.

You have to ask if you would like a warranty on your cookware. After you cook, place the pans into hot water and let soak for a while. After that, you will have to scrub until all of the food is off. Even though it says it is an 18/10, there have been some complaints of the pans rusting after a while. This is a company con: this set is supposed to be all stainless steel. However, the company will replace some stainless steel with non-stick instead. The lids have been known to explode when using them on the stovetop.

Check Price and Rating on Amazon

Conclusion

The one I feel like I would buy is the Cook Standard. It had just about everything that I would want and was talking about when it comes to stainless steel cookware. Has the three layers that most stainless steel cookware has. It is perfect for all cook/stove types, so I do not have to replace my stove. The cookware can go into the oven for 500 degrees which are another plus. Most of the food I cook is around 450-475. Not having glass lids are fine by me because steam will just cover up the glass anyways. I am a little off-put with the residue that is on it, but I usually clean everything I buy before the first use anyways. These are some reasons why I feel like this brand is the brand to go for when you want to buy stainless steel cookware.