The frittata slid right out of the pan with very minimal sticking as well, with testers noting that the handles didn’t stay hot for too long afterward. You also can’t use metal utensils or cook on a very high heat the way you can with a stainless steel set. All of the above can be accomplished with Cuisinart—so, though it’s a little more expensive than a nonstick set, it’s worth it for a thoughtful cook. My best guess is that the cookware sets are either made in France or from the company’s headquarters in Stamford, Connecticut.
Our testing team, led by our Kitchen & Cooking editor (who is also a professional chef) assessed this cookware set by putting each piece through a variety of tests. Investing in a cookware set that’s going to (hopefully) last for years to come can feel like a daunting investment. And while chef-approved brands like HexClad and Hestan may be fantastic, they come at high costs that can be unrealistic for the average home cook. The Cuisinart Chef’s Classic Stainless Steel Set earned our vote for the best value set in our tested analysis of the wider stainless steel cookware market. Ahead, learn more about the set’s features and why we’d quickly recommend it to anyone searching for budget-friendly cookware.
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. cuisinart griddler elite For a less expensive option, the Cuisinart Chef’s Classic Stainless Steel 7-Piece is the best stainless steel cookware set. The set is dishwasher safe and the pans have measurements on the interior, making cooking with them even easier.
Check out our picks for everything from picnic blankets to humidifiers. “If the food is very stuck on then I would recommend soaking them while hot. Barkeepers friend and a scouring pad help bring the finish back to normal,” Gilson says. “Dishwashers often don’t do the trick and the drying cycle can actually bake on the stuck-on food.” Stainless steel is going to feel heavier than more inexpensive construction items like aluminum but according to experts, that’s the point.
They also loved how durable this set feels, describing it as “a beast.” This set is oven safe to 500 degrees and during testing, the temperature of the pan stayed pretty cuisinart griddler elite even. The temperatures ranged from 350 to 400 to 334 around the pan, which means when you’re browning meat or fish it’s going to be evenly cooked without a lot of fuss.
However, it’s worth noting that they’re likely going to be a more expensive design. While cooking a frittata, the eggs took a bit of coaxing with the spatula to get them out of the pan without sticking. Overall, the handle stayed cool to the touch during the cooking process and there was no warping when the pan cooled off in the ice bath afterward. This caused the frittata to stick to the pan a bit while scallops quickly caramelized and left discoloration and marks on the pan. Testers found that they got similar results when they cooked a frittata as well, noting that there was little sticking and that the pan offers a nice, even sear. After cooking, they noted that the pans could be easily cleaner and had little discoloration.
Armed with a passion for French cuisine, he went to France in the early 1970s to seek inspiration. He came up with an idea for a cookware business and named it Cuisinart. ❌ Can be more difficult to clean compared to other materials such as non-stick or ceramic. If you’ve ever poured sauce or soups from a pot with a non-tapered rim, you’re almost guaranteed to have encountered that annoying issue of drops of sauce splattering all over the counter. Looking for more products that have earned our BHG Recommends seal of approval?
When it comes to stainless steel cookware, even heating is a key factor and this Anolon set certainly didn’t disappoint. Testers were impressed by the pools of melting butter the pans cuisinart griddler elite created during testing, earning it a perfect score in that category. While cooking, testers found that the pan heated evenly and gave the scallops a nice hard sear with even browning.
The versatility of our Conical Hard Anodized Induction Cookware makes this 11 piece Set perfect for any kitchen. Cook confidently on any surface using stylish tapered pans boasting a lifetime warranty. “Multi-ply sets in three or five ply are the best performing and more expensive, but cookware is an item used every day in-home kitchens and is an investment,” Rodgers says. “If you invest in a good multi-ply stainless-steel set, you will have it for an extremely long time if cared for appropriately.” If possible, it’s best to invest in a multi-ply set as the pieces are durable and long-lasting.
Each piece of cookware features a tapered rim for easy pouring of oils, sauces, and marinades. Plus, all pieces are oven-safe up to 500ºF, and they’re dishwasher-safe. Still, the Cuisinart pans’ cooking surface excels in other ways, particularly when it comes to surface adhesion. This essentially refers to food’s ability to stick to the bottom of the pan or pot just long enough to create a powerful flavor.