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These stainless steel cookware sets are durable, functional, and versatile.

A variety of stainless steel cookware in a kitchen setting

Credit:Better Homes & Gardens

In addition to Gilson, we also consultedChef Jason Santos.

Plus, the handle on the pan remained cool to touch, which is a key safety feature.

Overall, the best stainless steel cookware set is theCuisinart MCP-12N MultiClad Pro Triple Ply 12-Piece Set.

Cuisinart MultiClad Pro 12 Piece Triple Ply Stainless Cookware Set

Credit: Amazon

Plus, it wasvery easy to clean.

This set isoven safe to 500 degreesand during testing, the temperature of the pan stayed pretty even.

Overall, the pan gave the shellfish an even, golden browning.

The Cuisinart MultiClad Pro 12 Piece Triple Ply Stainless Cookware Set on top of a countertop

The 12-piece set includes saucepans, skillets, a stock pot, lids, and a steamer insert.Credit: Better Homes & Gardens

After cooking, we noted that the pans could be easily cleaner and had little discoloration.

We also loved how durable this set felt.

Plus, the inside of the pans has measurements, which might make cooking easier for some.

Closeup of the handle on the pot that is a part of the Cuisinart MultiClad Pro 12 Piece Triple Ply Stainless Cookware Set

The set has fewer pieces included compared to other sets we tested.

We also didn’t notice any real warping or discoloration.

We also appreciated the traditional design on this set and noted that the pieces feel substantial.

Closeup of the lid of the pot included in the Cuisinart MultiClad Pro 12 Piece Triple Ply Stainless Cookware Set

We noticed discoloration when the pan was removed from the oven.

Overall, we found that the pieces in this cookware set felt well-built.

The pieces had sturdy handles and after cooking, we didn’t notice any warping.

Closeup of one of the pots in the Cuisinart MultiClad Pro 12 Piece Triple Ply Stainless Cookware Set

They specifically liked how easy the set was to clean, earning it a near-perfect score in that category.

With just water and a spatula, we were able to rid the pan of food remnants.

It’s dishwasher safe too, making it even easier to give it a thorough clean.

The Cuisinart MultiClad Pro 12 Piece Triple Ply Stainless Cookware Set on top of a countertop

The lids have a domed shape that might be hard to store.

However, the pan ended up being easier to clean than expected.

However, it didn’t leave any marks or discoloration.

Closeup of the handle on the pot that is a part of the Cuisinart MultiClad Pro 12 Piece Triple Ply Stainless Cookware Set

However, we felt that the handle felt loose.

We felt that the walls on the pan felt thin and there was minor discoloration and flexing.

We appreciated the set’s price point and liked that it offers even cooking and an easy clean-up.

Closeup of the lid of the pot included in the Cuisinart MultiClad Pro 12 Piece Triple Ply Stainless Cookware Set

Overall, we noted that the pans cleaned up very easily.

The eggs only needed a light brush to remove any leftover bits.

Product Details: Number of Pieces: 10 |Pieces Included:8-inch fry pan, 10-inch fry pan, 1.5-quart.

Closeup of one of the pots in the Cuisinart MultiClad Pro 12 Piece Triple Ply Stainless Cookware Set

saucepan with cover, 2.5-quart saucepan with cover, 3-quart saute pan with cover, and a 7-quart.

It’s more expensive than other sets on the market.

The bigger pans and pots have a helper handle for ease of holding anything heavier or hot as well.

Cuisinart Chef’s Classic Stainless Steel 7-Piece Cookware Set

Credit: Amazon

Overall, we felt that the set had a substantial feel that helped justify the price point.

When cooking, neither the scallops nor eggs stuck to the pan.

The set is easy to clean and offered an even sear while cooking.

Some of the pots included in the Cuisinart Chef’s Classic Stainless Steel 7-Piece Cookware Set displayed on a countertop

The 7-piece set includes two saucepans, a skillet, a stockpot, and lids.Credit: Better Homes & Gardens

Plus, the handle on the pan remained cool to touch, which makes it safer to use.

For a less expensive option, try theCuisinart Chef’s Classic Stainless Steel 7-Pieceset.

We used a pre-determined methodology, which includedcooking scallopsand frittatas in the sets.

Close up of one of the pots included in the Cuisinart Chef’s Classic Stainless Steel 7-Piece Cookware Set

The overall rating was determined by averaging the scores of each category.

Plus, a heavy-duty construction will even make for a better cooking experience.

However, it’s worth noting that they’re likely going to be a more expensive design.

Close up of the handle of one of the pots included in the Cuisinart Chef’s Classic Stainless Steel 7-Piece Cookware Set

“Also, pans with multilayer help to have better even heat.

“I’ve seen really cheap stainless steel pans that you might basically bend.

So I think a heavy set is good.

Some of the pots included in the Cuisinart Chef’s Classic Stainless Steel 7-Piece Cookware Set displayed on a countertop

It’s safe to say it’s probably decent quality.”

While many sets are dishwasher safe, some may recommend just usingdish soapand water instead.

Dishwashers often don’t do the trick and the drying cycle can actually bake on the stuck-on food.”

Close up of one of the pots included in the Cuisinart Chef’s Classic Stainless Steel 7-Piece Cookware Set

During our testing, theTramontina Tri-Ply Clad Stainless Steel Cookware Setwas the easiest to clean.

We noted that it cooked scallops well and clean up was about average, though some scrubbing was required.

Your Questions, Answered

How much do stainless steel cookware sets cost?

Close up of the handle of one of the pots included in the Cuisinart Chef’s Classic Stainless Steel 7-Piece Cookware Set

There are even stainless steel cookware sets over $1,000, but these are typically sets used by professionals.

How many pieces should I look for in a cookware set?

To start, Gilson recommends going for sets with five to seven pieces.

Tramontina 12-Piece Tri-Ply Clad Stainless Steel Cookware Set

Credit: Amazon

Just keep in mind that the number of pieces will also include lids.

Because of her prior experience, she is well-versed in cooking and cooking tools.

To make this list, she considered our testing insights and researched stainless steel cookware sets.

The Tramontina 12-Piece Tri-Ply Clad Stainless Steel Cookware Set on top of a table

Credit: Better Homes & Gardens

She also consultedJason Santos, a chef, andWill Gilson, chef and co-owner of Puritan & Company.

What Is BHG Recommends?

Next to all of the products on this list, you may have noticed ourBHG Recommends seal of approval.

Close up of the lid of one of the pots included in the Tramontina 12-Piece Tri-Ply Clad Stainless Steel Cookware Set

In these cases, we use the same testing criteria we use to test the purchased products.

Close up of the back of open of the pans included in the Tramontina 12-Piece Tri-Ply Clad Stainless Steel Cookware Set

Close up of one of the pots included in the Tramontina 12-Piece Tri-Ply Clad Stainless Steel Cookware Set

The Tramontina 12-Piece Tri-Ply Clad Stainless Steel Cookware Set on top of a table

Close up of the lid of one of the pots included in the Tramontina 12-Piece Tri-Ply Clad Stainless Steel Cookware Set

Close up of the back of open of the pans included in the Tramontina 12-Piece Tri-Ply Clad Stainless Steel Cookware Set

Close up of one of the pots included in the Tramontina 12-Piece Tri-Ply Clad Stainless Steel Cookware Set

six different stainless steal cookware pieces

Credit: Amazon

The full Anolon Nouvelle Stainless Cookware set on a stove and kitchen counter

Credit: Better Homes & Gardens

Person’s hand using tongs while cooking scallops on a pan from the Anolon Nouvelle Stainless 10-Piece Cookware Set

An Anolon Nouvelle Stainless pan with lid in an oven

Person making an omelette on a pan from the Anolon Nouvelle Stainless 10-Piece Cookware Set

A closeup of the specific size, materials and brand name under the Anolon Nouvelle Stainless saute pan

Closeup of the handle on the Anolon Nouvelle Stainless saute pan

The full Anolon Nouvelle Stainless Cookware set on a stove and kitchen counter

Person’s hand using tongs while cooking scallops on a pan from the Anolon Nouvelle Stainless 10-Piece Cookware Set

An Anolon Nouvelle Stainless pan with lid in an oven

Person making an omelette on a pan from the Anolon Nouvelle Stainless 10-Piece Cookware Set

A closeup of the specific size, materials and brand name under the Anolon Nouvelle Stainless saute pan

Closeup of the handle on the Anolon Nouvelle Stainless saute pan

Calphalon Classic 10 Piece Stainless Steel Cookware Set

Credit: Amazon

The full Calphalon Classic Stainless Steel cookware set on a stove and kitchen counter

Credit: Better Homes & Gardens

A Calphalon Classic Stainless Steel saute pan inside of an oven

Closeup of a pour spout and glass lid on a Calphalon Classic Stainless Steel pot

Closeup of the ounces measurement marks on the inside of a Calphalon Classic Stainless Steel pot

Closeup of the inside measurement markers on a Calphalon Classic Stainless Steel pan

Closeup of the handle on a Calphalon Classic Stainless Steel pan

The full Calphalon Classic Stainless Steel cookware set on a stove and kitchen counter

A Calphalon Classic Stainless Steel saute pan inside of an oven

Closeup of a pour spout and glass lid on a Calphalon Classic Stainless Steel pot

Closeup of the ounces measurement marks on the inside of a Calphalon Classic Stainless Steel pot

Closeup of the inside measurement markers on a Calphalon Classic Stainless Steel pan

Closeup of the handle on a Calphalon Classic Stainless Steel pan

All-Clad d5 Brushed Stainless Steel 10-Piece Set

Credit: Williams-Sonoma

The All-Clad D5 Stainless Brushed 5-Ply Bonded saute pan in an overn

Credit: Better Homes & Gardens

The full set of All-Clad D5 Stainless Brushed 5-Ply Bonded Cookware on a stove and kitchen counter

All-Clad D5 Stainless Brushed 5-Ply Bonded Cookware Set

Closeup of the All-Clad D5 Stainless Brushed 5-Ply Bonded pan’s handle

Closeup of the side handle on the All-Clad D5 Stainless Brushed 5-Ply Bonded cookware

The All-Clad D5 Stainless Brushed 5-Ply Bonded saute pan in an overn

The full set of All-Clad D5 Stainless Brushed 5-Ply Bonded Cookware on a stove and kitchen counter

All-Clad D5 Stainless Brushed 5-Ply Bonded Cookware Set

Closeup of the All-Clad D5 Stainless Brushed 5-Ply Bonded pan’s handle

Closeup of the side handle on the All-Clad D5 Stainless Brushed 5-Ply Bonded cookware

Person’s hand using tongs while cooking scallops on a pan from the Anolon Nouvelle Stainless 10-Piece Cookware Set

The scallops were fairly evenly seared, but there was a bit of crust left on the pan.Credit:Better Homes & Gardens

Person making an omelette on a pan from the Anolon Nouvelle Stainless 10-Piece Cookware Set

We had to scrape the pan a bit to get the eggs out without sticking to the pan.Credit:Better Homes & Gardens