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 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.
The Quantanium® nonstick interior is engineered for extreme durability. Cuisinart® Chef’s Classic™ Nonstick Stainless Cookware features 18/10 stainless steel and pure aluminum encapsulated in the base for fast and even heating. Another nonstick option, we like the Gotham set for more than just their bright color . According to the manufacturer, this set’s superior quality is due to the nonstick cooking surface reinforced with Gotham steel titanium and ceramic.
Lids are made from stainless steel so you can’t see what’s cooking, but they’re unbreakable and you can use them in the oven along with the pots. The Cuisinart Multiclad Pro Stainless Steel 12-Piece Cookware Set was selected as the overall winner. Our tester loved its durable tri-ply stainless steel construction, even heating, heat retention, and compatibility with all cooktops.
If you’re partial to keeping your cookware looking bright and shiny, note that this was one of the only sets we tested that looked like new after we cleaned it. Of course, burned-on oil or grease can be more challenging to remove with just regular dish soap or a run through the dishwasher. But applying Bar Keepers Friend or a slurry of baking soda and warm water with a nonabrasive cuisinart griddler elite sponge gets the job done. The All-Clad skillets discolored slightly over heat, though significantly less than almost any other cookware we tested. Buying a set of cookware can be a convenient and affordable alternative to tracking down pots and pans one piece at a time. I also spoke with several home cooks, including members of our own staff, who have used cookware sets for years.
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.
While the cookware doesn’t include any helper handles, it is lightweight and balanced, making it easy to move from the stovetop to the sink or oven. Our testers found this unexpected from a just “out of the box” set; however, any chemical odor may dissipate after repeated use. Like other professional brands, extra care is encouraged when cleaning to maintain the coating. With fewer pieces in this set, it might be the perfect fit for well-stocked kitchens that only need a few new pieces.
Cuisinart lids are designed to fit tightly, creating a seal that locks in flavors and moisture. Some Cuisinart collections feature interior measurement markings and strainer holes for more efficient cooking and overall convenience . And, if you’re looking to make a statement, the Hammered collection features an elegant textured steel exterior. While the PowerBond base is thick, the pan’s sides are thin (one-ply) and do not conduct heat as efficiently as the bottom . Cuisinart offers several collections, all with unique design elements. But in this section, I give you an up-close look at one of their most popular collections, the Cuisinart Professional Series.
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. The lids for some models are made out of tempered glass, so cuisinart griddler elite you can see how the food is progressing without having to release any heat during cooking. “Stainless steel is great for browning meats and poultry, making soups and stews, sautéing veggies, and roasting and braising in the oven,” says Chernoff.
To maintain the appearance of your stainless steel cookware, use white vinegar and water to remove stains or Bar Keepers Friend to restore shine. KitchenAid has been a leader in culinary tools cuisinart pots and pans set since 1919, known best for the iconic stand mixer. Since then, the Ohio-based company has expanded its brand to include all kinds of appliances from dishwashers to induction cooktops.
Though the set is an investment, testers felt like the look of the brushed finish and felt that the high-quality pieces are worth it. In addition to making tri-ply cookware, most high-end manufacturers produce sets that are made from five or more layers of stainless steel, aluminum, and sometimes copper. In most of our tests, five-ply cookware didn’t heat as uniformly as regular tri-ply cookware, or the differences were negligible.