The lack of quality of the cookware can be felt in your hand because it’s light. The pans’ handles are comfortable and stay quite cool while cooking, but the pot handles are a bit narrow, and the edges can get hot as you cook. Most stainless steel pans are dishwasher-safe, though we still recommend washing by hand for longevity reasons, as stainless steel can rust in the dishwasher. You can read more about why the Made tramontina pans In edged out the All-Clad as our top pick (price!) and our budget-friendly recommendation, which is, of course, from Tramontina. You can determine the best size for your needs by evaluating how much food you cook at a time for your family, as well as where you plan to store the pots and pans. Some high-end cookware sets can cost close to $1,000, but there is no need to break the bank when stocking your kitchen.
In our test kitchen, we long-term tested an older (now-discontinued) version of this set for two years, and all of the pots and pans distributed heat evenly. The skillets became a bit more discolored after searing meat over high heat, but their performance remained the same. We dismissed sets with plastic handles, since even those made to withstand high temperatures can deteriorate over time. Ideally, we wanted cookware that could safely withstand oven temperatures of at least 500 degrees Fahrenheit; that ruled out most cookware with plastic components. Several members of our staff have also seen plastic handles crack after they spent time in the dishwasher.
The pros we talked to said the All-Clad tri-ply cookware is the best for both professional and home use because it’s so durable. In our tests, the All-Clad pans heated evenly, were comfortable to hold, and tackled every cooking job without any hiccups. Though the largest skillet measures only 10 inches instead of 12, this set will outfit your kitchen with all the other pots and pans you’re ever likely to need. And if you’re partial to keeping your cookware bright and shiny, note that in our tests this set was one of the few that looked like new when we cleaned it—even after years of testing.
Their products are about the middle of the road when compared to similar cookware. You can find comfort in their warranties and long-standing reputation across the kitchen and cooking space. If you’re a fan of cast iron, this beautiful blue gradated cobalt skillet can be used for sauces, gravies, and even soup.
In our tests, the pans heated incredibly evenly and didn’t discolor over high heat. However, the pans took almost double the time to preheat tramontina pans as our picks and were heavier than we’d prefer. We think this set is worth the steep price only if you’re looking for rivetless cookware.
Lids should fit well but somewhat loosely, with just enough wiggle room to allow steam to escape. Many, but not all, Tramontina cookware products are dishwasher safe and sourced from FDA approved materials. This deep cast iron skillet has a pouring spout, but you’re going to need both hands and strong focus because this pan is heavy at 12.58 lbs. The set is oven safe up to 350, but it isn’t designed for baking. Whether you want to steam, stir-fry, sauté, simmer, boil, brown, or sear, the Tramontina Tri-ply Stainless Steel Cookware Set has the pots and pans you would need.
For the record, we’ve always recommended washing any stainless steel cookware by hand, regardless of the manufacturer’s claims. The harsh chemicals in some detergents plus the prolonged exposure to those cleaners over the course of a dishwashing cycle can cause damage to the pans (particularly the aluminum in the bonded cookware). All-Clad offers a wide range of cookware outside the main set, so you can grow your collection. In our cookware guides, we recommend several other All-Clad pieces, including the 12-inch skillet, the 8- and 10-inch nonstick skillets, the 2-quart saucier, and the flared roaster. In addition to your main set, you can always purchase other essential pieces, such as a Dutch oven, a cast-iron skillet, and a nonstick pan.
We were impressed by the quality of the Goldilocks Cookware Set Plus, especially for its low price. Its fully clad tri-ply stainless steel heats evenly across the surface of the pans. This set also includes almost all of the pot and pan sizes we prefer, including a 12-inch skillet—a rarity in most sets.