Stainless steel cookware is the first choice of professional chefs and experienced home cooks alike.
It is easy to work with, incredibly durable, and with high-quality products, there’s minimal leaching of iron and other metals into food.
It’s no surprise that stainless steel cookware is what people look for when they’re ready to “move up” from a budget cookware set.
The problem for many is finding the best quality stainless steel cookware.
Countless brands produce stainless steel cookware but not every piece is created alike.
In this guide, you’ll learn what to look for, and see it all come together in one impressive set that you can buy today.
Look For Weighty Stainless Steel Cookware
In most cases, the heavier the cookware, the more durable it is.
Some stainless steel cookware is made from basic plate steel that won’t last and won’t provide the advantages that you’re looking for.
Heavier sets mean that quality metal has been used and that there’s more of it.
18/10 stainless steel is the standard for professional cookware.
It contains 18% chromium and 10% nickel, which is where the name comes from.
These materials are safe and only trace amounts are leached into some food like acidic sauces.
They help to protect the pots and pans and give them an incredible luster that will last for years.
What’s Inside the Stainless Steel?
The best quality stainless steel cookware isn’t made only from stainless steel.
High-quality sets are made up of several layers with a core of secondary metal.
In more affordable pots and pans, the core is aluminum.
In higher-quality sets, the core is often copper.
The laminated design should be used on the bottom as well as the sides of the cookware set.
It ensures that heat is retained and spread evenly, so there are no hotspots when cooking.
If you want the best quality stainless steel cookware that is reliable and predictable in how it cooks food, it’s essential to choose layered products.
These are marketed as three-ply and sometimes five-ply pots and pans, depending on how many layers are used.
How Many Pieces Do You Need in Your Cookware Set?
If you’re looking for versatility then you’ll need a set with at least five individual pots and pans.
A frypan is essential, and most premium sets come with two to make it easy to prepare meals of different sizes.
Other essentials include saucepans and stockpots.
Anything else on top of this is a bonus, but it will also add to the cost.
If you’re not that experienced and plan to cook traditional and modern European, American, and Asian-influenced meals, five pieces should be all that you need.
If you know specific sizes or types of pots and pans that you want in your kitchen, then by all means, jump up to a larger set.
How Much Should You Pay for the Best Quality Stainless Steel Cookware?
You can get an incredible cookware set made from heavy-grade stainless steel for around $300.
If you want to go for premium products that will last a lifetime, then you’ll find that prices can reach $1,000 and only go up from there.
When you want lasting quality, avoid sets around $100 and expect to pay at least $250.
The Best Stainless Steel Cookware Set Under $1000
If you’re looking to make a significant investment but want to spend less than $100, stick to a price range between $300 and $500. T
his Anolon Nouvelle Stainless Steel Cookware Set includes ten pieces with two saucepans and lids, a large stockpot, two frypans, and a sauté pan with a lid.
It is made from heavy-duty polished stainless steel and features a copper core to ensure excellent heat control and consistency.
Handles are riveted, just like you’d find on the most expensive sets.
Anolon Novelle offers a lifetime warranty with this set.
The Best Stainless Steel Cookware Set For Over $1000
If you’re ready to make a larger investment then the All-Clad Copper Core 5-Ply Bonded Cookware Set is the perfect one to consider.
This is one of the best stainless steel cookware sets on the market and can stand up to some of the high-end premium sets that cost twice as much.
All-Clad uses a 5-layer bonded manufacturing process with 18/10 stainless steel and a copper core to ensure the best heat retention and consistency.
These pots and pans could be used by experienced professional chefs and would exceed all expectations.
Inside the set is two frypans, two covered saucepans, a large covered sauté pan, and an extra-large 8-quart stockpot.
All-Clad is made in the USA to exacting quality standards and every pot and pan in this set is offered with a lifetime warranty.
The pots and pans are made to work with induction and other cooktop surfaces and can be used in ovens and broilers at temperatures up to 600°F.
The Best Stainless Steel Cookware is a Pleasure to Cook With
Whether you go for the more affordable Anolon Nouvelle set, or the premium All-Clad Cookware, you’ll find that the best stainless steel cookware offers an experience that is both impressive and inspiring.
Cook with stainless steel like a pro and enjoy long-lasting durability with our suggestions.