best stainless steel cookware 2019

The first thing that struck me about the Cuisinart 77-11G Stainless Steel 11-Piece Cookware Set wasn’t just its sleek look but how quickly and evenly it heats. After hands-on testing, I noticed the aluminum encapsulated base eliminates hot spots, making precise cooking easier. The cool grip handles stayed comfortable and safe, even when boiling or searing for long periods.

This set’s glass lids are a game-changer, locking in flavor and nutrients without the mess. Plus, it’s dishwasher and oven safe up to 500°F, so cleanup and versatility are effortless. Compared to larger sets like the EWFEN or the 12-piece Cuisinart, I found the 11-piece set offers a perfect balance of essential pieces without overwhelming your kitchen space, plus professional riveted handles for durability. I genuinely recommend this as a top pick because it pairs quality with real-world usability—ideal whether you’re simmering sauces or sautéing vegetables.

Top Recommendation: Cuisinart 77-11G Stainless Steel 11-Piece Cookware Set

Why We Recommend It: This set’s premium stainless steel material features an aluminum encapsulated base for quick, even heating—crucial for preventing hot spots. Its cool grip handles and glass lids ensure safety and flavor preservation, while the dishwasher and oven safety provide convenience and versatility. Unlike the larger, more expensive sets, its compact, well-designed pieces excel in daily performance and durability.

Best stainless steel cookware 2019: Our Top 5 Picks

• Cuisinart 77-11G Stainless Steel 11-Piece Cookware Set – Best Overall 2019
• EWFEN Stainless Steel Cookware Set, 3 Ply 17 Piece – Best Value 2019 list
• Cuisinart 12-Piece Cookware Set, MultiClad Pro Triple Ply – Best for Durability 2019 2020
• Cuisinart 17-Piece Chef’s Classic Steel Cookware Set 77-17N – Best for Versatility 2019 uk
• Made In 10-Inch Stainless Steel Frying Pan – Best Premium Option 2019

What Should You Consider When Choosing Stainless Steel Cookware?

When choosing stainless steel cookware, several important factors should be considered to ensure you select the best option for your cooking needs.

• Material Quality: Look for cookware made from high-grade stainless steel, often labeled as 18/10, which indicates 18% chromium and 10% nickel content. This combination provides excellent resistance to rust and corrosion, ensuring durability and longevity in your cookware.
• Construction: Consider cookware with a multi-ply construction, which includes layers of aluminum or copper between stainless steel. This design promotes even heat distribution, preventing hot spots and allowing for more consistent cooking results.
• Handle Design: Check the handle design for comfort and safety; it should be ergonomically shaped and preferably made of heat-resistant material. Riveted handles are often sturdier than welded ones, providing better durability and stability during use.
• Compatibility with Heat Sources: Ensure that the cookware is compatible with your heat sources, whether it’s gas, electric, or induction. Induction-compatible cookware must have a magnetic base, while other types can generally be used on different heat sources without issue.
• Ease of Cleaning: Stainless steel cookware can be easier to maintain and clean than other materials, but some designs are more prone to staining and sticking. Look for options that are dishwasher-safe or have a non-stick surface for easier cleaning, especially if you cook frequently.
• Size and Shape: Consider the size and shape of the pots and pans you need for your cooking style. A versatile set should include various sizes to accommodate different recipes, while specific shapes like sauté pans or stockpots can enhance your cooking versatility.
• Brand Reputation: Research brands known for their quality stainless steel cookware, as reputable brands often have better warranties and customer service. Reviews and recommendations can help you gauge the performance and reliability of the cookware you are considering.
• Price Point: Determine your budget while also considering the long-term value of your investment. Higher-quality stainless steel cookware may come at a premium but can often save you money in the long run due to its durability and performance.

Which Stainless Steel Cookware Brands Are Highly Rated in 2019?

The highly rated stainless steel cookware brands in 2019 include:

• All-Clad: Renowned for its superior craftsmanship and performance, All-Clad cookware is made in the USA and features a bonded construction that ensures even heat distribution. The brand is particularly favored by professional chefs and home cooks alike for its durability and resistance to warping.
• Cuisinart: Cuisinart offers a range of stainless steel cookware that balances quality and affordability, making it a popular choice for everyday cooks. Their cookware often features a brushed stainless steel finish and aluminum encapsulated bases, providing excellent heat conductivity and a sleek design.
• Calphalon: Known for its innovative designs, Calphalon stainless steel cookware combines durability with user-friendly features, such as ergonomic handles and a non-stick interior in some lines. Their cookware is also oven-safe and dishwasher-friendly, catering to modern cooking needs.
• Mirro: This brand is celebrated for its affordability and reliability, making it a suitable choice for beginner cooks. Mirro cookware typically features a polished stainless steel exterior and aluminum core, providing good heat distribution without breaking the bank.
• Viking: Viking cookware is designed for serious culinary enthusiasts, featuring professional-grade materials and construction. Their stainless steel products often include a triple-layer base for superior heat conduction and are compatible with all cooking surfaces, including induction.
• KitchenAid: KitchenAid offers stylish and functional stainless steel cookware that is built to last, with features like tempered glass lids and ergonomic handles. Their products are designed to cater to a variety of cooking styles and preferences, making them a versatile addition to any kitchen.

What Are the Unique Features of Each Brand?

The best stainless steel cookware brands of 2019 each offer unique features that cater to various cooking needs and preferences.

• All-Clad: Known for its high-quality construction, All-Clad cookware features a bonded stainless steel design that ensures even heat distribution and durability.
• Cuisinart: Cuisinart’s stainless steel cookware provides excellent value with a polished finish and heat-resistant handles, making it a popular choice among home cooks.
• Calphalon: Calphalon combines stainless steel with an aluminum core for optimal heat conduction and has a brushed finish that resists scratches and stains.
• Farberware: Farberware is recognized for its affordability and offers stainless steel cookware that is easy to clean and often includes features like a non-stick interior.
• While primarily known for its cast iron, Le Creuset’s stainless steel line is distinguished by its vibrant colors and ergonomic design, providing both style and functionality.

All-Clad cookware is celebrated for its professional-grade quality, featuring a tri-ply construction that includes a copper or aluminum core, which enhances heat retention and responsiveness. This makes it ideal for serious cooks who demand precision in their culinary creations.

Cuisinart offers a variety of stainless steel cookware that is not only stylish but also designed for practical use. Its cool-grip handles and tempered glass lids allow for easy monitoring of cooking progress without losing heat.

Calphalon stands out with its use of a brushed stainless steel finish that not only looks sleek but also helps in hiding scratches from regular use. The addition of a thick aluminum base ensures quick heating and reduces cooking time.

Farberware appeals to budget-conscious consumers while still delivering quality performance. Its stainless steel cookware sets often feature a base that is compatible with all stovetops, including induction, making them versatile and practical for any kitchen.

Le Creuset stainless steel cookware is notable for its aesthetic appeal and ergonomic designs, making it not just a cooking tool but also a statement piece in the kitchen. The combination of stainless steel with a colorful enamel exterior adds a pop of color while ensuring durability and ease of cleaning.

How Do You Identify the Best Stainless Steel Cookware for Your Cooking Style?

Identifying the best stainless steel cookware for your cooking style involves understanding the key features and types available in the market.

• Material Quality: Look for cookware made from high-grade stainless steel, such as 18/10 stainless steel, which contains 18% chromium and 10% nickel. This combination offers durability, resistance to rust and corrosion, and a shiny finish that is easy to clean.
• Construction: Consider the cookware’s construction, such as whether it has a core of aluminum or copper sandwiched between layers of stainless steel. This tri-ply or multi-ply design enhances heat conductivity and even cooking, making it ideal for various cooking techniques.
• Handle Design: Evaluate the handle design for comfort and safety, ensuring that it is ergonomically shaped and heat-resistant. A well-designed handle will provide a secure grip while preventing burns during cooking.
• Compatibility with Heat Sources: Ensure the cookware is compatible with your heat sources, including gas, electric, induction, or even oven use. Induction-compatible cookware has a magnetic base, which is essential for efficient cooking on induction stovetops.
• Oven Safety: Check the maximum oven-safe temperature of the cookware. Many stainless steel pieces can withstand high temperatures, making them suitable for a variety of recipes, from stovetop to oven cooking.
• Ease of Maintenance: Look for cookware that is dishwasher safe or easy to clean by hand. Stainless steel cookware can often be cleaned with minimal effort if it has a polished finish that resists staining.
• Brand Reputation: Research reputable brands known for high-quality stainless steel cookware. Established brands often provide better warranties and customer service, which can be vital for long-term cookware investments.

What Are the Key Benefits of Using Stainless Steel Cookware Compared to Other Materials?

Benefit	Stainless Steel	Other Materials
Durability	Highly resistant to scratches and dents, offering long-lasting use.	Can be prone to warping or scratching, especially non-stick varieties.
Heat Conductivity	Good heat distribution, often enhanced with aluminum or copper cores.	Varies widely; some materials heat unevenly, causing hot spots.
Maintenance	Easy to clean and dishwasher safe; retains shine with minimal effort.	May require special cleaning methods, especially non-stick coatings.
Reactivity	Non-reactive; safe for cooking acidic foods without altering taste.	Some materials react with acidic foods, affecting flavor and safety.
Weight and Handling	Lightweight options available; generally easy to handle.	Can be heavier (e.g., cast iron) or very lightweight (e.g., aluminum), affecting handling.
Compatibility with Different Heat Sources	Compatible with all heat sources, including induction.	Some materials not suitable for induction or direct flame.
Cost-Effectiveness	Long-term investment due to durability and longevity.	May have lower upfront costs but can wear out faster.

How Can You Properly Maintain Stainless Steel Cookware for Longevity?

Proper maintenance of stainless steel cookware ensures its longevity and performance over time.

• Regular Cleaning: It’s important to clean stainless steel cookware after each use to prevent food buildup and staining.
• Avoiding Harsh Chemicals: Using abrasive cleaners or harsh chemicals can scratch the surface and diminish the cookware’s shine.
• Proper Drying: Always dry your cookware immediately after washing to prevent water spots and maintain its appearance.
• Use of Appropriate Utensils: Using wooden or silicone utensils can help avoid scratching and damaging the cookware.
• Correct Heat Settings: Cooking on medium heat rather than high heat helps prevent warping and discoloration.
• Periodic Polishing: Using a specialized stainless steel cleaner or a homemade solution can restore the shine and keep the surface smooth.

Regular cleaning after each use is essential to maintain the quality of stainless steel cookware, as food residues can lead to staining and discoloration if not removed promptly. A gentle dish soap and a soft sponge are usually sufficient for cleaning without causing damage.

Avoiding harsh chemicals is crucial, as these can not only scratch the surface but also strip away the protective layer that keeps stainless steel looking good. Instead, opt for mild detergents and avoid steel wool or scouring pads that can leave permanent marks.

Proper drying of your cookware immediately after washing prevents water spots and maintains its sleek appearance. You can use a soft cloth to buff the surface dry, which helps in keeping it shiny and looking new.

Using appropriate utensils like wooden or silicone spatulas and spoons is recommended as they are gentle on the surface and prevent scratches that can accumulate over time. Metal utensils may cause unwanted scratches, leading to tarnished appearance and rough surfaces.

Cooking on correct heat settings, ideally medium, ensures that the cookware does not warp due to excessive heat or suffer from discoloration. Stainless steel is designed to distribute heat evenly; therefore, high heat is often unnecessary and can be detrimental.

Periodic polishing with a stainless steel cleaner or a homemade solution such as a vinegar and baking soda paste can rejuvenate the cookware’s surface and enhance its shine. This not only improves the appearance but also helps in maintaining a smooth surface that is easier to clean.

What Are Common Usage Mistakes with Stainless Steel Cookware to Avoid?

Common usage mistakes with stainless steel cookware include:

• Not Preheating Properly: Many users fail to preheat their stainless steel cookware, leading to uneven cooking and food sticking to the surface.
• Using High Heat: Applying high heat can warp the cookware and degrade its surface, as stainless steel is designed to conduct heat evenly at lower temperatures.
• Neglecting to Use Enough Oil: A common mistake is not using enough oil or fat when cooking, which can result in food sticking and an unpleasant cooking experience.
• Cleaning with Abrasive Materials: Using steel wool or harsh scouring pads can scratch the surface of stainless steel, leading to a loss of its non-stick properties and aesthetic appeal.
• Ignoring Food Residue: Failing to properly clean and remove food residue can cause flavors to mingle and affect the taste of future dishes.
• Using Metal Utensils: Metal utensils can scratch the surface of stainless steel cookware, which not only affects the appearance but can also lead to the leaching of metals into food.

Not preheating properly can result in sticking and uneven cooking because stainless steel needs time to reach the right temperature for optimal performance. Preheating allows the surface to expand and create a natural non-stick layer, making it easier to cook delicate foods like eggs.

Using high heat is another mistake as stainless steel cookware is designed to distribute heat evenly. Cooking on high heat not only risks warping the pan but can also lead to burnt food, as the food may cook too quickly on the outside while remaining raw on the inside.

Neglecting to use enough oil can lead to food sticking to the stainless steel surface, as the cookware relies on a layer of fat to create a barrier between the food and the pan. Ensuring a sufficient amount of oil or fat can dramatically enhance cooking results and ease cleanup.

Cleaning with abrasive materials can damage the cookware’s surface, leading to scratches that not only impact the visual appeal but can also compromise its non-stick capabilities. Instead, using gentle sponges and mild detergents is advisable to maintain the integrity of the stainless steel.

Ignoring food residue is detrimental as it can accumulate and affect the flavor of subsequent meals. Properly cleaning your cookware after each use will help maintain its performance and keep flavors distinct in your dishes.

Using metal utensils can scratch and damage the surface of stainless steel cookware over time. Opting for wooden, silicone, or plastic utensils can help preserve the integrity of the cookware and extend its lifespan.

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