Then, to evaluate how uniformly the skin browned, we sautéed chicken pieces in the skillets. Using the large saucepan from each set, we prepared small batches of caramel to check for hot spots; then we simmered a large batch of tomato sauce in each stockpot to test for scorching. The ideal weight and balance of cookware will be different for everyone.
Although this fry pan does not come with a matching lid, there are similar options with lids, such as the Chef’s Classic skillet or the upgraded construction of the Multiclad Pro 12-inch skillet. The quality construction, durability and longevity make this set—and all stainless steel sets, for that matter—a worthwhile investment. The Cuisinart Chef’s Classic cooks, cleans and stores beautifully, all at a price that’s surprisingly affordable. And because it should last for years , it becomes a no-brainer investment.
However, we’ve tested similar pieces from All-Clad’s D3 Stainless Everyday line, which you can read about above. In terms of design, testers noted that the pan handles had a nice feel and found that the squared-off lid handles fit comfortably in their hands. The bigger pans and pots have a helper handle for ease of holding anything heavier or hot as well. Overall, they felt that the set had a substantial feel that helped justify the price point. After heating up one of the pans, testers cooked up several scallops and found they did not stick, had clean flipping, and were easy to remove from the pan.
Since then, the Ohio-based company has expanded its brand to include all kinds of appliances from dishwashers to induction cooktops. Naturally, the company has also added cookware to its offerings, with affordable stainless steel pieces and complete sets made with the same lasting quality as the KitchenAid mixers. The triple-ply construction includes an aluminum core for heat retention and even heating. In our Lab, our tests found that the pans performed as promised, delivering nice golden-brown crusts on seared scallops without scorching. Our product tester can also attest to the pans’ ability to maintain their heat, saying that, with the lid on, a pot’s contents stay warm while she’s doing other tasks.
The impact-bonded disc makes the cookware induction compatible and keeps the pan completely flat and stable. The Cuisinart Contour Stainless 13 piece cookware collection offers home chefs all the tools they need to prepare a family cuisinart pots and pans set breakfast, a simple weeknight dinner, or a multi-course gourmet dinner for guests. Free from PFOAs and PFAs, they offer optimum performance whether you are preparing crepes, a classic seafood stew, baking, roasting, or frying.
Most people are inclined to buy sets because doing so is cheaper than buying pieces individually, but sets involve a compromise. To reduce the overall price of a set, most manufacturers include smaller pot and pan sizes. The pans in this top-of-the-line fully clad tri-ply set continue to impress us with their even heat distribution. Each piece of cookware is extremely durable and an ideal weight for holding.
For easy cleaning, all pieces are dishwasher safe; however, our reviewer warned that harsh dishwasher detergents could discolor or leave a film on the stainless steel. Since the lids are stainless steel rather than glass, you can’t watch what you’re cooking, but it means the lids are also oven-safe and unbreakable. The base has a layer of copper enclosed in aluminum and cuisinart soup maker covered with stainless steel that makes it suitable for any cooktop, including induction. We should note that at the time of this writing , All-Clad is in the middle of a class action lawsuit. The plaintiffs in the case allege that their cookware was damaged after they washed it in the dishwasher, even though All-Clad’s website used to claim it was dishwasher-safe.
Our picks contain a selection of pot and pans that we think will meet most of your cooking needs. In addition, Cayne tells us that stainless steel heats up and cools down much faster than cast iron. Stainless steel pans generally have layers of aluminum or cuisinart pots and pans set copper to conduct heat and retain even heat, but cheaper ones could have pockets that get hotter and don’t retain heat. Just like a fully cast iron item, if the handle is oven safe, you can easily transfer a well-made stainless steel pan to the oven.