And it has a ceramic coating, which we’ve found quickly loses its nonstick properties. The set’s only other skillet, a 10¼-inch skillet/sauté pan hybrid, is also on the small side. We tested 28 different stainless steel cookware sets side-by-side in our Lab.
During cooking testers, our testers liked that this pan heated up fast and reached 400 degrees—it cooked both the scallops and frittata perfectly, without any sticking. It’s worth noting, however, that while testing durability, there was some discoloration and flexing of the material. They also felt that the pan walls feel thin and the pieces were not as well constructed as some of the other tested sets. Whether you entertain often or just dislike doing the dishes, this Tramontina set is the best stainless steel cookware set for your need.
Another reason I love stainless steel is that it’s easy to care for, and almost impossible to ruin. It also means that you get a seamless pan, which looks good and adds more durability. The downside is that it’s more expensive to produce, and more expensive to buy. The full tri-ply construction also means there’s a seamless transition from the bottom to the sides of each pot.
It might take some reading, YouTubing, and trial and error but you’ll get there if you keep at it. All three Cuisinart cookware lines are built from stainless steel, plus a little aluminum. But, their construction and cladding-style make a world of difference. As you would expect, Multiclad Pro can be used on any cooktop and is dishwasher safe. When it comes to cooking performance, the Professional series functions very similarly to the Chef’s Classic stainless steel. The thick and wide base delivers marginally better heat distribution.
This fully clad tri-ply set performed better than any other set we’ve tested under $250. We like that it includes larger skillets, but the pans are heavier cuisinart soup maker and don’t have the proven longevity of our other picks. No, not unless it has an added nonstick coating on top of the stainless steel construction.