The 5 Best Stainless Steel Cookware Sets, According to Our Tests

Best Overall

All-Clad D5 Stainless Brushed 5-Ply Bonded Cookware Set

$900 at Amazon


$900 at Nordstrom


$900 at Williams-Sonoma

All-Clad is considered the gold standard of stainless steel cookware. It is frequently used and lauded by professional chefs for its quality and long lifespan, so if you decide to splurge on this set, rest assured you are getting the best of the best. After putting the D5 Stainless Cookware Set through our tests, we can confirm it lives up to the hype.

Throughout our tests, this set was extremely durable and easy to clean, and it felt balanced and sturdy in our hands. We were able to get a nice crust on our scallops with no sticking, and although there was some minor sticking with the eggs, cleanup was quick and easy. Plus, there was zero warping or distress after we removed the pan from a hot oven and plunged it into an ice bath, which attests to its durability.

This cookware set is made up of five layers of metal, including three layers of stainless steel and two layers of aluminum. The aluminum is key to great performance, as it heats up quickly, provides even heat distribution, and holds onto that heat for a good amount of time. It comes with 8- and 10-inch fry pans, 1.5- and 3-quart saucepans with lids, a 3-quart sauté pan with lid, and an 8-quart stockpot with lid—everything you need to whip up a variety of recipes big and small, ranging from marinated chicken for one to big batches of stew for an entire family. The pots and pans are compatible with multiple types of cooktops, including induction, and are oven-safe for up to 600°F. 

Though expensive, this cookware set continues to impress us, even after six months of testing. Overall, we think All-Clad’s stainless steel cookware is a solid pick for home cooks who want to invest in a high-quality, long-lasting set.

Material: 5-ply stainless steel and aluminum | Pieces: 8- and 10-inch fry pans, 1.5- and 3-quart sauce pans with lids, 3-quart sauté pan with lid, and 8-quart stockpot with lid | Compatible Cooktops: All | Oven-Safe: Up to 600°F