When we prepared caramel, the dissolved sugar bubbled uniformly across the bottom of the All-Clad 3-quart saucepan; this wasn’t the case with saucepans in the other sets we tested. Also, because the All-Clad saucepan distributed cuisinart soup maker heat so well, our testers didn’t have to swirl the sugar in the pan as frequently as they did in the other saucepans. While simmering tomato sauce, there was no scorching in the stockpot, even with minimal stirring.
The main incentive for buying piece by piece is that most sets come with smaller pan sizes. When you set out on a cookware set shopping expedition, it’s all but expected that you’ll be looking at higher price tags. That was certainly the case with most of the pan sets we tested in our larger review of stainless steel cookware.
The attractive Cuisinart Multiclad Pro 12-Piece Stainless Steel Cookware Set is our top choice because of its durable stainless steel, as well as its balance of quick heating and solid heat retention. If you’re looking for a more budget-friendly option, the Cuisinart Chef’s Classic 7-Piece Set not only looks great but works cuisinart pots and pans set wonderfully. Wirecutter is the product recommendation service from The New York Times. Our journalists combine independent research with over-the-top testing to save people time, energy and money when making buying decisions. Whether it’s finding great products or discovering helpful advice, we’ll help you get it right .
The Tramontina skillets produced perfectly brown chicken pieces with nice fond development, and the saucepans and stockpot simmered liquids without scorching. We found the wide handles on the cookware and the lids comfortable to hold. This cookware did discolor over high heat, but the effect was a common one among all the sets we tested in this price range.
She adds that her food ends up not only evenly browned, but also with none of it stuck to the pan once done doing so. If you’re intrigued by a complete set, we’ve put together the best stainless steel cookware sets to help you choose. Though a lot of stainless steel cookware claims to be dishwasher-safe, we still recommend washing it by hand whenever possible. A sponge does a much better job of getting into a pan’s nooks and crannies . For difficult-to-remove items like burnt-on oil or lime deposits, a sponge and some Bar Keepers Friend usually do the trick. In the Wirecutter test kitchen, to remove burnt-on oil or discoloration we often use a slurry of baking soda and warm water, along with a sponge and a little elbow grease.
We made a list of the safest cookware brands that promise to last a lifetime. Some cookware sets might also feature pressure cookers, French ovens, and braiser pans. Most cookware sets label the pots and their lids as separate items, cuisinart soup maker so keep that in mind when shopping—an 8-piece cookware set is often just four pots and four lids. According to food editor and journalist Julie Chernoff, stainless steel cookware is easily cleaned and generally dishwasher-safe.