The Ultimate Guide to Buying Stainless Steel Cookware Sets

What is stainless steel? What should I be looking out for while I'm in the market for stainless steel cookware sets? Why would I want one in the first place?

If any of these questions have crossed your mind while browsing for the newest addition to your kitchen, we've got you covered. In this ultimate guide to buying stainless steel cookware, we cover everything you should consider while purchasing, plus five of the top-selling sets on the market.

What is stainless steel?

Before we get into the best stainless steel cookware sets, we first have to understand what stainless steel is, and what makes it so appealing to cookware buyers. Stainless steel is a form of steel with a minimum of 10.5 percent chromium content by mass. Stainless steel is corrosion-resistant, which means it's resistant to tarnishing, rust, and staining. This resistance increases while the chromium content increases.

Due to its high resistance to damage, this material is appealing to those in the market for low maintenance appliances. This material can be rolled into sheets, bars, plates, wire, and tubing, and is used in cookware, surgical instruments, major appliances, buildings, constructional material, and cutlery.

Another great feature of stainless steel is its easy cleaning and sterilization. Without the need for other surface coatings, you can easily steam clean and cleanse the material. This is what makes it so easily commercialized for kitchen and food items and appliances. Even most of the successful female chefs find themselves using stainless steel cookware most of the time.

What are the advantages of using stainless steel cookware?

The advantages of purchasing stainless steel cookware sets are endless. But we decided to break it down into four pros.

The first is, of course, durability. Like we've already covered, stainless steel cookware materials are tough and goof proof. Resistant to stains and scratches, you won't want to use any other type of cookware. Plus, it lasts forever, and you won't even have to worry about dents.

Next is the appearance of stainless steel. As a smooth and shiny material, many people purchase stainless steel appliances solely based off of the sleek look. Plus, it doesn't take much to clean the cookware and maintain its luster.

Stainless steel is also versatile. This means that you can cook anything using stainless steel cookware. From carrots, or other foods with alkaline, to foods with acids, like tomatoes, you can do it all without worrying about corrosion. Make chunky tomato soup with sweetcorn in 15 minutes without fear!

And best of all, the price is right. Stainless steel is priced moderately, especially considering cookware set pricing. So if you're on a budget, stainless steel is the way to go.

How can I choose the best cookware?

Now that we understand that stainless steel cookware is the way to go, how do you choose from all of the different brands providing these sets? If they all look the same, how can you tell which products are quality?

Depending on your culinary needs, there are plenty of different sizes and shapes of stainless steel. Manufactured with multiple materials besides stainless steel, you must find the best combination for your needs in the kitchen. We recommend choosing a set with an aluminum or copper core, which will help spread the heat evenly and avoid hot spots. Plus, certain sets provide different features.

What should I consider when purchasing?

So, what are the important features to consider when purchasing stainless steel cookware sets? For starters, some sets have heavier, thus more durable, cookware. This is great for people who spend a lot of their time in the kitchen. The heaviest stainless steel is 18/10, which means it has 10 percent nickel and 18 percent chromium. These will both protect the steel from rust, and provide a shine.

Another feature to consider is your level of necessity. Do you really need the 20-piece set or can you settle for something on more of a basic level? Once you've settled this, you should also consider the sturdiness of the handles and lids. This has a lot to do with the quality of the set, and how much use you will get out of it.

What can I use stainless steel cookware for?

So how can you use your cookware now that we've gone over the different types and advantages? Honestly, you can use stainless steel for all of your culinary needs. This ranges from frying to cooking, sautéing, baking, roasting, grilling, steaming, scrambling, poaching, boiling, barbecuing, and braising.

Stainless steel cookware can even be placed in the refrigerator. The only thing you can't do with this cookware is microwave it.

Now that you have all the basic information needed to choose the best stainless steel cookware sets for you, let's get into some of the best sellers on the market. Starting with a basic set, this cookware contains 10 pieces.

It's a great set for two main reasons: it's perfect for the cook with storage issues, and it provides a basic, yet versatile set of cookware for the average person. Each pot and pan is created with 100 percent mirror polish marine grade stainless steel. The set includes saucepans, stock pots, and frying pans with interchangeable lids, two removable handles, and a storage cord.

They are both oven and dishwasher safe, and will provide consistent and secure storage with an included bungee cord and stackable pieces.

As another simple set, this 10-piece has all the basics the average cook will need. The set also comes in either a seven or 14 piece set, depending on your needs in the kitchen. However, we chose the 10 piece for a happy medium.

This is one of the stainless steel cookware sets that includes frying pans, saucepans, sauté pans, and a stockpot, plus lids! The interior is polished with a starburst finish, which offers stick resistance and easy maintenance. Plus, the stainless-steel is 18/10. And best of all, each product includes a riveted stainless steel handle with venting an contouring meant for a comfortable and easy grip. Don't forget to make some simple vegan lunches with this set!

With a few extras, this set is by the Cuisinart brand and includes 12 pieces, each with a pure aluminum core. Ensuring maximum heat retention and even heat distribution in each of its products, the set includes 1 1/2 and 3 quart covered saucepans, eight and 10-inch open skillets, a covered sauté pan, a covered stockpot, and a steamer insert with a lid.

This set also provides drip-free pouring rims and tight-fitting seals to maintain moisture and retain nutrients. If you're looking for a cookware set that will give your flavorful results each time, this is it. Plus, it has just enough components to make this one step further than a beginner set.

Like we talked about earlier, copper bottoms are great for what? You guessed it, even heat distribution. This is one of the top-selling stainless steel cookware sets for copper bottoms. As a great set for everyday cooking, this set provides 13 pieces for a slightly more advanced option.

This includes frying pans, a covered frying pan, saucepans, and a covered stew pot, plus lids. Plus, the powerful stainless steel is pretty impressive; it can stand up to 500 degrees in the oven. Best of all, the handles are sturdy and strong.

Finally, we had to include a professional cookware set. As one of the most impressive stainless steel cookware sets, this includes 17, yes, 17, pieces. Described as being "built to last a lifetime," these pots and pans are oven-safe, freezer-safe, and dishwasher-safe.

With a lifetime limited warranty, the stainless steel is 18/10 and extremely durable. The bottom is heavy gauge impact-bonded with aluminum and is perfect for the advanced cook. Including frying pans, saucepans, casserole pans, and lids, 17 pieces are just enough to complete your impressive kitchen.