We Tested 60+ Stainless Steel Cookware Sets—Here’s What We Recommend
Plus, some tips and tricks on how to clean and cook with the best stainless steel cookware.
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When someone asks me for a cookware set recommendation, I often suggest stainless steel. As the senior director of the Good Housekeeping Institute Kitchen & Cooking Lab, I’ve gotten my hands on hundreds of pots and pans over the years, from ceramic nonstick to carbon steel. However, I prefer stainless steel because it handles high temps for a good sear on proteins and veggies and is typically lighter than cast iron and easier to clean and maintain. Though it can be pricier than other options, its durability makes it more affordable and sustainable in the long run.
Our top picks:
Best overall: Hestan NanoBond Stainless Steel 10-Piece Cookware Set
Best value: Tramontina Gourmet Tri-Ply Clad 8-Piece Cookware Set
Best tri-ply: All-Clad D3 Tri-Ply Stainless Steel 10-Piece Cookware Set
Best Mid-Priced: Cuisinart MultiClad Pro Tri-Ply 12-Piece Cookware Set
Best Restaurant-Quality: Made In Starter Stainless Steel 6-Piece Cookware Kit
Since 2015, my colleagues and I have tested more than 170 cookware sets in the Lab. We evaluate each set's ply, or the number of layers of metal it’s made from (favoring durable tri- or five-ply designs), heating performance, searing ability, simmer control, and boiling speed. We also assess comfort, handle temperature during cooking, and ease of cleaning.
The Hestan NanoBond Stainless Steel 10-Piece Cookware Set has been a top pick in the Lab for several years for its excellent performance and long-term durability.
Best Deal
Pros
- Sturdy construction
- The easiest-to-clean stainless steel cookware pieces we tested
Cons
- Some users don't like that the pans darken over time (even though they can be restored with Hestan's cleaner)
Who it’s best for
Regular home cooks willing to invest in a long-term cookware solution.
What you’re getting (and what you’re giving up)
The pots and pans in this unique set from Hestan are infused with titanium, which makes them practically nonstick. They have a sturdy, comfortable handle that makes them easy to maneuver in the kitchen, even when the pans are full.
They’re oven-safe to an impressive 1,050°F and dishwasher-safe. We’ve run them through the Lab dishwasher many times, and while they sometimes develop a water pattern on the inside, it goes away with subsequent use and washing. While pricey, this set is comparable in cost to other high-end cookware.
How it performed in testing
The 11-inch skillet in this set heated evenly and made a beautifully browned steak. Tomato sauce simmered gently in the saucepan and cleaned up easily without staining.
One of our Kitchen Lab experts has used this cookware set at home for over five years and has added more pots to her collection over time. She particularly loves how easy the 11-inch skillet is to handle and use—it has a wide cooking surface and base, heats evenly, and feels balanced when she swirls oil around, flips veggies, and even serves food. The best part? It’s easier to clean than any other stainless steel pan she’s used and only requires soaking for stubborn stains.
Though some users have complained that the cookware's color darkens over time, our Lab expert doesn’t mind the blue hue; it can also be restored with Hestan’s stainless steel cleaner.
Pros
- Excellent heat distribution
- Stock pot boiled water quickly
Cons
- Rivets on the inside of the cookware can collect food
Who it’s best for
Cooks who aren’t ready to invest in premium cookware but want a solid everyday set.
What you’re getting (and what you’re giving up)
This set offers the perfect combination of affordability and great performance. The handles are wide and comfortable to hold, and the tri-ply cookware is relatively light but durable.
We noticed that the interior rivets could sometimes collect food, but that wasn’t a big deal since the set is dishwasher-safe. It’s also oven-safe up to 500°F. If you're looking for a larger cookware set, Tramontina also sells a 10-piece and 12-piece set, both at affordable prices.
How it performed in testing
The skillet in this Tramontina set heated more evenly than most skillets I’ve tested. It also impressed our consumer testers, and in fact, we use this pan to test heat distribution on gas and electric ranges in the Lab.
In our scorch test, where we simmer tomato sauce in the saucepan to test for sticking, we easily removed the burnt-on sauce without staining. The stock pot boiled six quarts of cool water in under 18 minutes on both a gas and an induction stove, which is faster than some of the sets tested that cost quadruple the price. We also noticed that the handles and lids remained cool, even after simmering tomato sauce for 15 minutes.
Pros
- Top-tested All-Clad cookware set
- Easy to maneuver handles
- Saucepan handle remained cool to the touch in testing
Cons
- Heavy
- Harder to clean than others
Who it’s best for
Cooks looking for nimble pots and pans that easily transfer from the stove to the oven.
What you’re getting (and what you’re giving up)
When we tested eight different All-Clad sets in the Lab, this one came out on top for its great performance. They’re constructed with three layers: a stainless steel interior and exterior and an aluminum core.
The skillets and saucepans feature a uniquely shaped handle: thin, with a long, deep indent that promotes a good grasp. The pans have good balance, and we particularly like the angled handle on the saucepans, which is similar to pans used by restaurant chefs.
The 2-quart saucepan is one of our favorites for boiling eggs. It has a small surface area and tall, straight edges, so it fills faster at the sink than other saucepans we’ve used.
Note that these pans are heavier than other stainless steel sets we tested, and the brand recommends handwashing. We found them a little difficult to clean, especially around the fry pan's rivets.
How it performed in testing
In the Lab, the skillet heated evenly and produced a uniformly browned steak. The gently sloped edges helped the meat retain heat and made it easy to access the steak using tongs.
After our scorch test, the saucepan required more scrubbing to remove the burnt-on tomato sauce than competitors. Still, the handle remained cool to the touch after cooking sauce for 15 minutes.
Pros
- Stainless steel steamer basket included
- Stock pot boiled water in under 14 minutes
- Skillets have even heat distribution
Cons
- Tarnished slighly after use on high heat
Who it’s best for
Anyone looking for a comprehensive cookware set to fully outfit their kitchen.
What you’re getting (and what you’re giving up)
This is the largest cookware set on this list, with two saucepans, a sauté pan, a stock pot, two skillets, a steamer insert, and five lids. We're especially excited about the steamer insert, a rare inclusion that's great for steaming veggies or draining pasta water. We appreciated this cookware's square handles, which offer plenty of surface area for your thumb.
This easy-to-hand-wash cookware is dishwasher-safe and can be used on an induction cooktop.
How it performed in testing
This tri-ply cookware had relatively even heat distribution, but the skillet's walls heated faster than the center. After simmering the tomato sauce for 30 minutes in the 2-quart saucepan, the sauce stuck a bit to the bottom and sides, but did not burn, and it cleaned away easily.
When we boiled six quarts of water in the 8-quart stock pot on an induction range, it took less than 14 minutes to come to a boil and only 18 minutes on a gas stove. The cookware did tarnish a bit from the high heat, so we recommend keeping Bar Keepers Friend by your sink for cleaning.
Pros
- Conducts heat well and evenly
- Durable
- Nonstick pan included
Cons
- Hard to clean stains with only soap and water
Who it’s best for
Cooks who like the versatility and durability of stainless steel and the ease of use of nonstick for certain tasks.
What you’re getting (and what you’re giving up)
Made In's solid pots and pans look and feel like they belong in a restaurant kitchen. They're five-ply, meaning they're made with five layers of stainless steel and aluminum, so they heat evenly and are super durable.
They’re sturdy, with long, ergonomic handles that make them easy to maneuver in the kitchen and on the stove. Plus, they're oven-safe up to 800°F (except for the nonstick skillet, which shouldn't exceed 500°F).
This smaller set includes four cookware essentials: a 10-inch skillet, a 10-inch nonstick skillet, a 2-quart saucepan with a lid, and a 5-quart stockpot with a lid. The nonstick skillet is a unique inclusion that adds versatility compared to other stainless steel sets, and it's ideal for cooking eggs, pancakes, and other delicate ingredients. Made In also sells a 10-piece set with additional frying pans and a 13-piece set with a wok and a roasting pan.
How it performed in testing
Both skillets heated evenly in our tests and produced a nicely browned steak, though the stainless steel skillet was hard to clean. Eggs slid off the nonstick pan with no added oil, and water boiled faster in this saucepan than in others we tested.
One of our GH analysts says this set is a favorite. "I love Made In. I used these in my house for about six months and reached for them constantly over other cookware; they are a good size and weight. The stainless steel heats nicely, and I like that they have a nonstick pan, too."
Other stainless steel cookware sets to consider
• All-Clad D5 Stainless Steel Cookware Set: We like the sturdy five-ply construction of this set, which performs well over high heat, though the pans are on the heavy side and tend to stain after use.
• Calphalon Premier Space-Saving Cookware Set: This set is worth considering if saving space is a priority; it stacks for easy storage. We couldn’t remove stains on the rivets with only soap and water after use, however.
• Caraway Stainless Steel Cookware Set: Known for its trendy nonstick cookware, we were impressed when testing Caraway’s stainless steel version, though we experienced some staining. The skillet did produce an evenly browned steak that was nicely cooked in the center.
• Goldilocks Cookware Set: This set from Goldilocks includes seven pieces and retails for under $250. The seven-piece set includes a 10-inch skillet, 3-quart and 1.5-quart saucepans, and an 8-quart stock pot. During testing, we noted that the set wasn’t as heavy as other models tested and was comfortable to hold. When browning the steak in the skillet, it had some uneven browning but was still juicy medium-rare inside. We also noted staining that couldn’t be removed with standard soap and water, and heavy cleaners were required to remove the stains after cooking. Overall, this could be ideal for new cooks looking for a starter set, especially for the price.
• Heritage Steel Titanium Series 8 Piece Core Set: While we are still testing this set from Heritage Steel, we are impressed with the results we’ve seen thus far. According to the brand, the eight-piece set is made from a five-ply-clad stainless steel. When performing the browning test using the 10.5-inch fry pan, the steak received high scores for even color, though we noticed some staining on the pan after cooking. Our team still needs to test the other pieces included in the set, but this is another set to consider.
• Le Creuset Signature Stainless Steel 6-Piece Cookware Set: This set from Le Creuset looks gorgeous, which was a common note from experts in our Lab. The shiny six-piece set includes an 8-inch nonstick pan, a 10-inch stainless-steel fry pan, a 2-quart saucepan, and a 3.5-quart nonstick saucier. While the set is beautiful, we noted that the stainless-steel 10-inch fry pan didn’t heat evenly during our test and developed scorching at the bottom, which we were able to clean off. The handles are comfortable and easy to hold, similar to the brand’s popular Dutch ovens.
• Viking Contemporary 3-Ply Stainless Steel Set: The uniquely shaped curved handles and transparent lid stood out the most when experts were testing this set. When performing the heat distribution test, the pan produced mostly even results, and the handles stayed cool while cooking. The 10-piece set includes an 8-inch and 10-inch fry pan, a 2.4-quart and 3.4-quart saucepan, a 3.6-quart sauté pan, and a 5.2-quart Dutch oven. When testing the included Dutch oven, we noted that the lid's handle gets hot when cooking and requires a glove when handling.
How we test stainless steel cookware sets
In the Good Housekeeping Institute Kitchen & Cooking Lab, we've been testing cookware for decades. We've tested more than 170 sets over the years, including nonstick cookware and stainless steel cookware.
When testing, our experts evaluate ease-of-use factors, including comfort of holding, staining, and cleanability. We then test performance by evaluating boiling, scorching, browning, and heat distribution.
✔️ Heat distribution test: When we test cookware, we test how evenly it heats, first with no food in the pan and then by searing a steak. We also assess how quickly it reaches temperature and how well it retains it over time. Pictured here is how we test each stainless cookware set's heat distribution using Crisco and flour.
✔️ Browning and scorch tests: Several tests, including our steak browning test and a sauce scorching test, help us determine how easy they are to clean. Steak and the oils it cooks in tend to stick, making cleanup hard. We also intentionally scorch sauce to see how well the pans release a burnt-on mess.
✔️ Boil test: We also boil water in the saucepans and stock pots to assess how quickly they heat. After performing the boiling test on the stock pots, we then use that water to boil pasta. Once cooked, we strain the pasta into a colander to evaluate the ease of lifting and pouring from the pot. We also examine the pasta for even cooking and al dente texture. The best cookware heats evenly, sears a steak well on both sides, brings water to a boil quickly, maintains a steady simmer, and cleans well.
What to look for when shopping for stainless steel cookware sets
✔️ Material: All stainless steel cookware is made of stainless steel, right? Yes and no. Stainless steel is often the primary material in stainless steel cookware, but it's usually not the only one. Since stainless steel isn't the greatest conductor of heat, it's usually paired with other materials like aluminum and copper to help it heat quickly and evenly. Stainless steel is heavy, tough, and durable, making it a material that lasts for years.
✔️ Number of layers: You'll often see stainless steel cookware touted as being three-ply or five-ply; that number represents the layers of metal that make up the pot or pan. The more layers, the more durable it's thought to be, but more layers typically make the pieces heavier.
✔️ Included pots and pans: Cookware sets are notorious for including products that aren't always useful, but we like having pots and pans that match, so we lean towards sets in our own kitchens. Our favorite sets include at least one fry pan that's 10 or 12 inches, but having a couple is even better. We also like having at least one small saucepan—about 2 quarts to boil eggs easily—and another larger one for sauces and sides. Stock pots are essential for boiling full boxes of pasta, and a braiser or sauté pan is beneficial for rounding out your set so you can make saucier dishes than a fry pan could handle.
✔️ Handles: Larger, longer, and wider handles make maneuvering easier and stay cooler during cooking. Stainless steel handles, rather than plastic or other types, make the cookware look more cohesive and indicate a higher-quality piece. They can also typically withstand higher oven temps, so you can move pots and pans from the stovetop to the oven confidently.
✔️ Lids: Lids are often made of matching stainless steel or tempered glass so you can see inside. If you like watching your cooking, this is something to consider when shopping.
What is the best quality stainless steel for cooking?
You'll also often see high-quality cookware made of 18/10 stainless steel. This type of stainless steel is known for its long-lasting, rust-resistant properties, thanks to its nickel and chromium composition. Manufacturers will often tout that they use this type of steel, but they won't mention whether they use a lower-quality, more affordable alternative. As a whole, stainless steel is durable, but the lower grades may not last as long. Note that 18/8 is a lower-quality stainless steel, which is great if you're on a budget, but it may not last as long as 18/10.
What is the best cooking technique for using stainless steel cookware?
There is a technique for mastering your stainless steel cookware to reduce sticking and achieve better results. Here are our steps for cooking on stainless steel:
1. Always preheat your stainless steel cookware. Stainless steel is porous when cold, and preheating the material closes the pores, creating a smooth cooking surface. If you add a drop of water to the pan and it sizzles, you know you're at the right temperature.
2. Oil your pan after it's preheated, and let that oil heat up before adding your food. The oil is ready once it shimmers in the pan and moves freely, coating the entire cooking surface.
3. Allow your ingredients to cook thoroughly on one side before flipping; there is no need to flip sporadically, as that will increase the chance of sticking.
4. Allow your cookware to cool thoroughly after cooking and before cleaning to ensure the best results the next time you use it.
What is the best way to clean stainless steel cookware?
The best way to clean stainless steel cookware is by hand with dish soap and a non-scratch sponge. While many stainless steel cookware pieces are dishwasher-safe, hand-washing with a non-scratch sponge yields good results and can help prolong the pan's life.
If a stainless steel pot or pan has burnt-on stains, it's still best to use a non-scratch sponge (nothing abrasive) and a stainless steel cleaner like Bar Keeper's Friend or baking soda. Make a paste with the cleaner and scrub it in circular motions over the affected areas until the stains are removed. It may take a few rounds of this method if there are layers of burnt-on staining.
Why trust Good Housekeeping?
Nicole Papantoniou has run the Good Housekeeping Institute Kitchen & Cooking Lab since 2019; she oversees all content and testing related to kitchen and cooking appliances, tools, and gear. She's a trained cook and published recipe developer, and cooks all the time. She conducted the last side-by-side cookware test and continues to test all types, including stainless steel, nonstick, ceramic, cast iron, etc. There are few things she hates more than scrubbing dishes, so the pans that stand out the most to her are the ones that require the least amount of cleaning.
Lizzy Briskin is a contributing analyst in the Kitchen Lab. She’s tested stainless steel, nonstick, and ceramic cookware in the Lab, and though she uses a cast iron skillet most frequently at home, she only uses stainless steel stockpots and saucepans.
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