Good stainless steel cookware will have an aluminum or copper disc sandwiched between layers of stainless steel to aid in conducting heat. Another quality feature is riveted stainless steel handles—they are more secure than spot-welded handles, which are more likely to come off with heavy use. In the Lab, these pans showed excellent, even heating, and gave a really good sear with minimal sticking. The riveted stainless steel handles stayed cool when cooking, making it easy to grab pots and pans without having to search for a potholder. Testers liked how sturdy these pans felt, and they were also easy to clean, whether by hand or with a run through the dishwasher. We tested the Hestan 12.5″ Open Skillet to see if its NanoBond Technology made it less prone to discoloration than other cookware.
Overall, testers found that the pieces in this cookware set felt well-built. The pieces have sturdy handles and after cooking, testers didn’t notice any warping. They specifically liked how easy the set was to clean, earning it a near-perfect score in that category.
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 cuisinart pots and pans set 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.
Cuisinart cookware includes a limited lifetime warranty against manufacturing defects. I would also recommend that you verify the warranty and details in the provided information inside your cookware’s packaging. It provides the quality they are known for with an elegant design and affordable price. This article has been reviewed since its original publish date for accuracy, pricing and availability. Copper cookware is amazing at transferring heat, and its thermodynamics make managing temperature easy.
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.