The Best Stainless Steel Cookware 2024

June 21, 2023 Paige Gilmore

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True or false? You love to cook, like the chef you are (cause we are all the queen/king of our own kitchen!!!). Now I’m not saying purchasing the best stainless steel cookware set is going to elevate your cooking skills to chef level but maybe I am.

When you think about it, sometimes all you need is the tools to create something spectacular because the rest is sitting in your food loving brain.

We all know that stainless steel cookware is loved from cooking newbie all the way to restaurant quality chefs alike but there is a plethora of stainless steel cookware sets on the market and they all come with their own quirks (and price tags!!!)

Well I’ve done all the research for you so just sit back and enjoy. You can either skim read (I love to skim) or if you want to get in-depth then grab yourself a cup of coffee and get a reading.

My Top Picks:

Best Stainless Steel Cookware 2024

When investing in stainless steel cookware you should consider the stainless steel grades, the other materials used, and whether your new cookware can go on all stovetops (induction included) and in the oven. 18/10 is the best grade for stainless steel, 18% chromium and 10% nickel, products with less than 10% nickel can be more prone to rust.

The 3-ply or 5-ply, typically the higher quality cookware is 5-ply. If your investing in new cookware you want the advantage of being able to use any stovetop, they are oven safe, and dishwasher safe.

Now lets round out the best stainless steel cookware in 2023:

Best Overall: Made In Cookware Stainless Steel 5-Ply 10 Piece Cookware Set

Made In Cookware offers the best stainless steel cookware sets! From the bespoke construction using 5 metal layers, being able to use these products on all stovetops and in the oven, to a competitive price compared to other brands, and overall features. Made In Cookware knocks it out of the park!

Material: 5-ply 304-grade 18/10 Stainless Steel, aluminum, aluminum alloy, and high-grade ferritic 403.
Usage: All cooktops and ovens.
Features: Made in Italy. Handles that stay cool (on stovetops). Dishwasher safe. Oven safe to 800F.
Price: $$$

Best Alternative: Misen Stainless Steel 5-Ply 12 Piece Cookware Set

Misen offers the best alternative to Made In Cookware!! They are competitively priced and the products are still to a high standard. The stainless steel used is of a slightly lower quality than some of the brands but the bespoke 5 layering and use of 18/10 stainless steel makes up for it!

Material: 5-ply 18/0 stainless steel, followed by layers of aluminum & aluminum alloy.Then food contact safe 18/10 Stainless Steel.

Usage: All cooktops and ovens.
Features: Handles that stay cool (on stovetops). Dishwasher safe. Oven safe to 550F.
Price: $$$

Best High-End: All-Clad Stainless Steel 5-Ply 10 Piece Cookware Set

All-Clad offers the best high-end stainless steel cookware! Now to be honest these guys would have made best overall if it wasn’t for the price but I have noticed Amazon discounts these cookware sets heavily at times, usually it’s $1,430 but at the time of writing this it’s heavily reduced to $869 (which isn’t far off from Made In Cookware and Misen). They made in the USA which I love and their stainless steel cookware is superiorly made.

Material: 5-ply patented construction of 18/10 stainless steel layers alternating with 2 x aluminum layers. The core is stainless steel.

Usage: All cooktops and ovens.
Features: Made in the USA. Handles that stay cool (on stovetops). Dishwasher safe. Oven safe to 600F. Flared rims for drip free pouring.
Price: $$$$$

Most Budget Friendly: Cuisinart Stainless Steel 3-Ply 12 Piece Cookware Set

Cuisinart offers the most budget friendly and starter set! It may not be as suave as some of the other brands but it definitely offers a great entry product that still comes with most the bells and whistles!

Material: 3-ply layered 18/10 stainless steel and aluminum core.
Usage: All cooktops and ovens.
Features: Handles that stay cool (on stovetops). Dishwasher safe. Oven safe to 550F. Tapered rims for drip free pouring.
Price: $$

Most Innovative: HexClad Hybrid Stainless Steel 10 Piece Cookware Set

HexClad offers the best innovative hybrid stainless steel cookware set! I love that they have found a way to create a non-stick stainless steel product that happens to be scratch resistant and free of PFOA (but their non-stick does contain PTFE). They have used a really interesting patented technology. Definitely worth a look!

Material: Patented technology combining stainless steel. Non-stick coating (non-toxic). Aluminum core.
Usage: All cooktops and ovens.
Features: Handles that stay cool (on stovetops). Dishwasher safe. Oven safe to 500F. Non-stick.
Price: $$$$

Most Stylish: Hestan Stainless Steel 3-Ply 10 Piece Cookware Set

Hestan stainless steel cookware offers the most stylish of the bunch! All their cookware is embossed with beautiful branding under the handle, on all the handles, and the base of the cookware. I really love their attention to detail and their products are made in Italy!

Material: 3-ply stainless steel and aluminum.
Usage: All cooktops and ovens.
Features: Made in Italy. Dishwasher safe. Oven safe to 600F.
Price: $$$

Selecting the Right Type of Stainless Steel

When it comes to selecting the right type of stainless steel for your cookware, there are a few things to keep in mind. First and foremost, you want to look for high-quality stainless steel that is durable and resistant to corrosion. Opt for 18/10 stainless steel, which contains 18% chromium and 8-10% nickel, as it is the highest quality and most reliable option.

Another factor to consider when selecting stainless steel cookware is the thickness of the material. Thicker stainless steel is better at distributing and retaining heat, resulting in more even cooking. Look for cookware that is at least 2.5mm - 3mm thick for optimal performance.

Understanding Heat Distribution and Retention

When it comes to stainless steel cookware, heat distribution and retention are important factors to consider. Unlike other materials, such as copper or aluminum, stainless steel is not the best conductor of heat. This means that heat may not distribute evenly throughout the pan or pot, leading to hot spots and uneven cooking. That is why most stainless steel cookware either has an aluminum core, aluminum bottom or a bespoke mix of metals either by layering or other patented technology.

However, stainless steel does have excellent heat retention properties. This means that once the cookware is heated, it will maintain a consistent temperature for a longer period of time, even when removed from a heat source. This is especially useful for dishes that require slow and steady cooking, such as soups or stews.

Caring for Your Stainless Steel Cookware

To keep your stainless steel cookware in top shape, it's important to follow a few simple care instructions. First and foremost, ideally you would wash each piece by hand after use rather than sticking it in the dishwasher (I know I prefer the dishwasher too!!!). Some dishwasher detergents can be abrasive and cause damage to the finish over time, so either follow the care instructions or if putting in the dishwasher find a gentle detergent.

To avoid scratches and dents, use only non-abrasive cleaners and utensils such as nylon pads or wooden spoons. Metal utensils can easily leave scratches on some stainless steel sets but they do differ. I noticed that HexClad stainless steel cookware had a scratch resistant coating (even though it’s non-stick), it’s due to their patented technology. That’s why they were named Best Innovative Stainless Steel Cookware because it really is so interesting.

When storing your cookware, avoid stacking pieces on top of each other as this can also cause scratches and dents in the finish. Instead, consider hanging them up or storing them separately in a cabinet. Again it's nice if you can but understandably due to space limitations we stack!

What is the Best Stainless Steel For Cooking?

When it comes to stainless steel cookware, not all options are created equal. The best stainless steel for cooking is one that combines durability, even heating, and ease of cleaning. One of the most important factors to consider is the grade of the stainless steel. Look for cookware made with 18/10 stainless steel, which contains 18% chromium and 8-10% nickel. This combination creates a more corrosion-resistant material that is less likely to rust or stain.

Another important factor is the thickness of the stainless steel. Opt for cookware that is at least 3-ply but I would go for 5-ply if you can, meaning it has three or five layers of metal. This construction allows for better heat distribution and retention, resulting in more consistent cooking. Additionally, thicker stainless steel is less prone to warping over time.

Finally, consider the overall design of the cookware. Look for pieces with ergonomic handles that are comfortable to hold and stay cool during cooking (on the stove, the oven will heat those handles up). Also, make sure the lids fit snugly to prevent heat and moisture from escaping.

By choosing high-quality stainless steel cookware, you'll be able to enjoy all the benefits this material has to offer. And with proper care and maintenance, your cookware can last for years to come.

Is Stainless Steel Non-Stick?

Stainless steel cookware is a popular choice among home cooks and professional chefs alike due to its durability and resistance to rust and corrosion. But a common question is whether stainless steel is non-stick. The answer is no, stainless steel alone is not non-stick. However, some stainless steel cookware may have a non-stick coating applied to the surface, which can enhance its non-stick properties.

If you're looking for a non-stick cooking experience, you may want to consider purchasing a non-stick pan made of materials such as ceramic, cast iron, or anodized aluminum. But keep in mind that these materials have their own set of pros and cons, as well as special care instructions.

Can You Use Stainless Steel on Induction?

When it comes to cooking with stainless steel, many people wonder if it can be used on an induction cooktop. The answer is yes and no (sorry that is such an irritating response!!). Some brands have built their product as stove top agnostic, they can go on any type of stove top including induction, while other brands are built just for the standard stove tops electric, gas etc. That’s why I made sure to list on the product reviews what type of stove tops they can handle.

I think it helps to understand how induction cooktops work. Unlike traditional gas or electric stovetops, induction cooktops use electromagnetism to directly heat the cookware, rather than the burner itself.

So, if you have stainless steel cookware and an induction cooktop, you're in luck. However, not all stainless steel cookware is created equal. In order for it to work properly on an induction cooktop, the cookware needs to have a magnetic layer on the bottom. This is usually made of a magnetic grade of stainless steel or another magnetic material.

I found that the more budget friendly brands were more likely to not work on induction stovetops.

Investing in high-quality stainless steel cookware is a game-changer for any home cook. By choosing the right type of stainless steel and understanding heat distribution and retention, you can elevate your cooking game to the next level and really feel like a chef in your own home. You know that creative buzz that you get from using the right kind of cookware? Yeah that’s what you’ll get when purchasing the best stainless steel cookware.

Whether you're looking into a budget friendly set, starter set or a chef quality stainless steel cookware set, there’s something for everyone. Have any questions? Drop a comment below and I will personally respond to them. Paige x