The 9 Best Stainless Steel Cookware Sets to Buy in 2019
When choosing what type of cookware is right for you, the first question to ask is whether or not to go for pieces that are made from traditional stainless steel or those with a nonstick finish. There's lots to love on both sides, but we will say that stainless is best for high-heat searing (hello, steak night!), and most lines have a core or interior made from aluminum for even heating. Just get ready to scrub: Stainless steel pans are prone to staining, so we recommend stocking up on Bar Keeper's Friend if you want to keep them looking as gorgeous as they are out of the box.
Overall, the best stainless steel cookware sets to buy in 2019 are:
Top Lab Pick: Tramontina Domus Tri-Ply Base Stainless Steel 8-Piece Cookware Set
Best Value: Potluck Stainless Steel 7-Piece Cookware Set
Best Large Set: Williams-Sonoma Professional Stainless Steel 14-Piece Cookware Set
Best Small Set: Made-In Cookware's Starter Stainless Steel 3-Piece Cookware Kit
Best High-End Set: All-Clad D5 Brushed Stainless Steel 5-Ply 10-Piece Cookware Set
Most User-Friendly: KitchenAid Tri-Ply Stainless Steel 10-Piece Cookware Set
Most Durable: Hestan NanoBond Stainless Steel 5-Piece Cookware Set
Solid Performance: Anolon Tri-Ply Clad Stainless Steel 12-Piece Cookware Set
Stain-Resistant: Le Creuset Stainless Steel 14-Piece Cookware Set
The Good Housekeeping Institute Kitchen Appliances and Technology Lab evaluated 29 stainless steel cookware lines. We checked how well skillets were able to distribute heat on gas and electric ranges, their ability to evenly brown steaks, and how well their exterior surfaces resisted staining. Then we tested the ability of a saucepan to maintain a steady simmer and to cook tomato sauce without scorching. Ease of use evaluations included determining the thoroughness of the owner’s manual, whether the cookware and its lid are oven safe (and if so, to what temperatures), and whether pieces are dishwasher safe. Each piece is inspected for rivets, which attach handles to the pan, and create additional crevices that require cleaning. Lastly, an assessment is made as to how hot the handle and lid handle or knob become during use.
These are the ones that could handle the heat:
This is the year to make an investment in your cooking.