When looking for the best stainless steel cookware for your kitchen, there are various factors to take into consideration. Budget, of course, and the range of products offered. What do you use the cookware for so what is a must-have item?
| Best High-End Stainless Steel Cookware | Best Economic Stainless Steel Cookware | Best Budget Stainless Steel Cookware |
|---|---|---|
With stainless steel, you are purchasing a long lifetime product which will not be scored by metal utensils and lose its properties. There is also less of a likelihood of food being tainted by the cooking vessel.
So with these factors in mind, here are a few suggestions to help you make a decision.
Top End
Cuisinart MCP-12N MultiClad Pro Stainless Steel 12-Piece Cookware set
This Cuisinart set is everything you would expect of this high quality brand; 18-/10 stainless steel with an aluminium core, mirrored finish on the inside for easy maintenance and brushed steel look on the outside.
These pans also feature a solid stainless steel handle which stays cool no matter what the temperature of the pan and is riveted to extra strength. The newer style used on this range gives a clean, professional look to the cookware while losing nothing in comfort of use and controlling grip.
The pan lids are tightly fitting to retain heat inside the pan, and the rims are tapered to avoid drips when pouring liquids. The triple-ply construction also means the pans have good heat conductivity and don’t have hot spots which could lead to spoiling of food.
The set contains:
- 1 -1/2 quart saucepan
- 3 quart saucepan
- 8 inch skillet
- 10 inch skillet
- 3 – ½ quart sauté pan
- 8 quart stockpot
- Steamer insert
These pans are oven safe up to 500 degrees F and can also be used in a broiler. They are dishwasher safe and easy to clean manually as well as having a lifetime warranty for some defects for peace of mind.
Best Economic
All-Clad’s Emeril range contains their bonded tri-ply core which uses aluminium and stainless steel to make cookware which heats evenly. The set is finished with a highly polished stainless steel look.
The pans can be used on gas, electric, induction and ceramic glass stovetops and in the oven up to 550 degrees F.
The lids are also oven-safe up to the heat of 350 degrees and are made from tempered glass. Handles are designed to be comfortable to use, stay cool and are riveted to the base with stainless steel rivets to ensure no accidents take place.
The set includes:
- 10 inch fry pan
- 8 inch fry an
- 1.5 quart saucepan with lid
- 2.5 quart saucepan with lid
- 3 quart sauté pan with lid
- Steamer insert
- 6 quart dutch oven with lid
- Universal splatter screen
Best Budget
Cuisinart 77-10 Chef’s Classic Stainless 10-piece Cookware Set
This Cuisinart set is made of stainless steel and finished with the classic mirror look both inside and outside the pans. It is constructed with an aluminium base for even heating and solid handles which are fixed to the base with rivets to avoid accidents. The handles also have stay cool technology to prevent heat transferring along the length.
The set comprises:
- 8 inch skillet
- 10 inch skillet
- 1 – ½ quart covered saucepan
- 3 quart covered saucepan
- 3 – ½ sauté pan with cover
- 8 quart covered stockpot
These pans are dishwasher safe and can be used in the oven up to a temperature of 500 degrees F. they work easily on the stovetop but also under a broiler and can even be safely used in the freezer for storage pending cooking.
Using Stainless Steel
Once you have decided which stainless steel cookware set is best for you, there are some quick tips to remember to help maximise the cookware and avoid common problems. These include things such as adding oil to the pan once it is hot, but before adding the food to avoid it sticking to the pan. If the food does stick to the pan, and a gentle, non-abrasive cleaner hasn’t removed it, then submerging in boiling soapy water can often do the trick.
There are more tips of this nature at http://www.foodnetwork.com/how-to/articles/Solutions-for-Common-Issues-with-Stainless-Steel-Cookware.html
