The Best Stainless Steel Cookware Sets for Stovetop Rice Cooking for 2023
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Your Ultimate Guide to Stainless Steel Cookware Sets for Cooking Rice
When choosing the best cookware sets to purchase for your household, you’ll first have to decide what type of cookware you’ll get. Out of all cookware types, stainless steel is considered a must-have due to its consistent heat distribution, which is ideal for cooking rice.
These long-lasting sets are convenient, easy to find, and can greatly aid you in your cooking process. Investing in the right stainless cookware set is one of the first measures you can take to get both product longevity and kitchen work convenience.
If you have your heart set in getting the best stainless steel cookware for your family but aren’t sure what to get, you can read more below.
Which is the Top Stainless Steel Cookware Set?
Editor's Choice  Best Overall |  Best Value |  Best Quality |
Cuisinart MultiClad Pro Triple Ply Cookware SetThe Cuisinart 12-Piece Stainless Steel Cookware Set is a must-have for any home or professional cook. | Calphalon Classic Stainless Steel Cookware SetThe Calphalon Classic Stainless Steel Cookware Set is second only to the MCP-12N in terms of overall features. | All-Clad Brushed D5 Stainless Cookware SetIf you’re up to splurge for quality cookware, the Brushed D5 is one of the best stainless steel cookware sets to own in terms of quality. |
Functionality: Quality: Price: | Functionality: Quality: Price: | Functionality: Quality: Price: |
Let’s Go Over Each Top Stainless Steel Cookware Set
#1: Cuisinart MCP-12N MultiClad Pro Triple Ply Cookware Set
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The Cuisinart 12-Piece Stainless Steel Cookware Set is a must-have for any home or professional cook. This top cookware set is considered the best out of this list for its simple maintenance, dishwasher-safe pots, bright stainless steel, and tight-fitting covers.
The MCP-12N is meticulously engineered for exceptional performance and long-lasting durability. An aluminum core is included in the triple-ply design of the set for heat retention and even heat distribution.
This cookware’s rims are tapered for simple, mess-free pouring and the set may be used on any cooking surface, including an induction stove. The pans are also oven-safe up to 550 degrees F. A 3-quart saucepan with a lid, a 1.5-quart saucepan with a cover, an 8-inch skillet or frying pan, a 3.5-quart sauté pan with a lid, a 10-inch skillet, an 8-quart stock pot with lid, and a steamer insert with lid are all included in the set.
Pros and Cons of the Cuisinart 12-Piece Stainless Steel Cookware Set
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✔️ Triple Ply Construction ✔️ Polished and smooth cooking surface ✔️ Oven safe up to 550 degrees F ✔️ Heat Surround Technology | ✖️ May slightly warp after prolonged use |
#2: Calphalon Classic Stainless Steel Cookware Set
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The Calphalon Classic Stainless Steel Cookware Set is second only to the MCP-12N in terms of overall features. The cool grip handles of this cookware set provide heat resistance, and its structure boasts long-lasting sturdiness along with its modern style. Its dishwasher-safe finish makes cleanup a breeze. The base can distribute heat evenly for superb browning and searing on a range of different types of stoves, such as electric ranges.
The set includes an 8-inch fry pan, a 10-inch fry pan, 7-quart saute pan, a 1.5-quart saucepan, a 2.5-quart saucepan with a lid, a 3-quart saucepan with a lid, and a dutch oven. It’s oven-safe up to 450°F, so you can simply transfer your food from stove to oven without any worries. Convenient etched measurement markings, pour spouts, and straining lids make it possible to cook pan sauce and other meals efficiently.
Pros and Cons of the Calphalon Classic Stainless Steel Cookware Set
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✔️ Impact-bonded aluminum base ✔️ Convenient measuring marks ✔️ Tempered glass lids ✔️ Oven-safe up to 450 degrees F | ✖️ Loses their glossy finish after several use |
#3: All-Clad Brushed D5 Stainless Cookware Set
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If you’re up to splurge for quality cookware, the All-Clad Brushed D5 Stainless Steel Cookware Set is one of the best stainless steel cookware sets to own in terms of quality. It has a gorgeous and easy-to-maintain brushed interior and stainless-steel lids. Aside from its smooth aesthetics, the cookware is also built for heavy-duty use.
The 5-ply bonded construction with alternating stainless steel and aluminum layers of the set provide it with warp-free durability and extraordinarily uniform heating that avoids hotspots. It’s compatible with all cooktops and is oven and broiler safe, with temperatures of up to 600°F. The set also has heat-resistant stainless-steel handles and is permanently fastened with stainless-steel rivets.
This set contains an 8-inch frying pan, a 10-inch frying pan, a 1.5-quart saucepan with a cover, a 3-quart saucepan with a lid, a 3-quart sauté pan with a lid, and an 8-quart stock pot with a lid.
Pros and Cons of the All-Clad Brushed D5 Stainless Cookware Set
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✔️ Heat-resistant stainless-steel handles ✔️ 5-ply bonded construction ✔️ Oven and Broiler-Safe up to 600°F ✔️ High quality build | ✖️ Expensive |
#4: Lagostina Martellata Hammered Copper Stainless Steel Cookware Set
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The best stainless steel cookware sets are popular because of their durability, yet most sets can have a somewhat basic appearance. This cookware collection overcomes that problem because it has a gorgeous hammered copper exterior providing warmth and elegance to the kitchen. The cookware set is fully cast and riveted for long-lasting strength and durability and the rolled sides make it simple to pour out liquids and minimize spills.
The Lagostina Martellata Hammered Copper Stainless Steel Cookware Set has an aluminum core sandwiched between two alternating layers of stainless steel that provides consistent and even heating across the hot pan. It is made with the highest quality stainless steel that retains taste purity and has good heating capabilities for searing meat and cooking sauces. Its stainless steel lids fit snugly to keep moisture and taste in.
Pros and Cons of the Lagostina Martellata Hammered Copper Cookware Set
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✔️ Beautiful hammered stainless steel exterior ✔️ Tri ply construction ✔️ Rolled edges for easy pouring | ✖️ Copper color might come off after several use |
#5: Rachael Ray Create Delicious Stainless Steel Cookware Set
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If you’re new to cooking but would love to expand your skills more, beginner-friendly cookware sets with a stylish design like the Rachael Ray Create Delicious Stainless Steel Cookware Set might be what you need.
The durable yet lightweight 10-piece cookware with shatter-resistant glass lids is convenient to use and easy to clean. The transparent glass also makes it easy to see if your food has finally reached a steady simmer without opening the lid. The double-riveted, stainless steel, and silicone handles on this set are oven safe up to 400 degrees F. Its polished stainless pots and pans include engraved measuring indications for maximum functionality.
This starter set includes a 1-quart saucepan, a 2-quart saucepan with cover, a 3-quart sauté pan with a lid, a 6-quart saucepan with a lid, and a 10.25-inch deep pan, as well as a wooden spoon and slotted turner.
Pros and Cons of the Rachael Ray Create Delicious Stainless Steel Cookware Set
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✔️ Cool to touch handles ✔️ Induction-suitable base ✔️ Shatter resistant glass lids | ✖️ No medium-sized pan |
#6: Viking Professional 5-Ply Stainless Steel Cookware Set
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The Viking 5-Ply Cookware Set offers a wide range of cookware items for home chefs looking for high-end cookware that can be used on a number of cooktops. The cookware set’s 5-ply construction provides optimal heat transfer and lowers the occurrence of hot spots when cooking, resulting in pans heated evenly and a more even cooking.
Viking Professional 5-Ply Cookware is built with commercial standard quality, however, the set is also suitable for casual use. The outside layer of the set is magnetic stainless steel, which allows the cookware to be used on induction stovetops.
The five layers of alternating aluminum alloy, pure 3004 aluminum, and aluminum alloy linked to an 18/10 high-grade stainless steel inside work together to swiftly and evenly transmit heat while using less energy to attain targeted cooking temperatures.
This premium range of cookware is produced in the United States and has an exquisitely smooth finish. The set includes a 3.4 quart saute pan with a lid, 8-inch and 10-inch fry pans, an 8-quart stock pot with a lid, and 2-quart and 3-quart saucepans with lids.
Pros and Cons of the Viking Professional 5-Ply Stainless Steel Cookware Set
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✔️ Commercial grade quality ✔️ 5-Ply construction ✔️ Dishwasher safe | ✖️ Very expensive |
#7: Anolon Nouvelle Stainless Steel Cookware Pots and Pans Set
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Unevenly cooked food is the worse thing to eat. Not only is it unpalatable, but it can also cause stomach issues. Therefore cookware with even heating is a must for any kitchen. With Anolon Nouvelle Stainless Steel Cookware Pots and Pans Set, you’re in for a treat with an evenly cooked meal.
The set contains cookware in sizes you’re likely to use and it’s dishwasher safe. It also features a multi-metal base for optimal heat distribution and heat retention. The deep-seated steel lids seal in heat and moisture, while the elegant handles are dual-riveted for strength and include unique flat-rivet technology. The polished structure of the cookware set is built with copper for optimal heat regulation.
A 1.25-quart saucepan with cover, a 2.5-quart saucepan with lid, a 3-quart sauté pan with lid, a 6.5-quart stock pot with lid, an 8-inch French frying pan, and a 10.5-inch French frying pan, are all included in the set. The cookware set is oven safe to 500°F and works on all stovetops, including induction.
Pros and Cons of the Anolon Nouvelle Stainless Steel Cookware Pots and Pans Set
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✔️ Polished stainless steel construction ✔️ Dual-riveted handles ✔️ Induction-compatible | ✖️ Slightly heavy |
#8: All-Clad Ha1 Hard Anodized Cookware Set
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All-Clad has been making high-quality cookware in the United States since the 1960s. This Ha1 Hard Anodized Cookware Set in particular includes three layers of professional quality PFOA-free nonstick properties for professional browning, sautéing, and frying with very minimal sticking.
The set is dishwasher safe and has a nonstick coating, which makes cleanup a breeze. Although dishwasher-safe, handwashing is suggested to maintain the nonstick surface.
Its heavy-gauge, hard-anodized cookware provides uniform heating. Because of its sturdy, anti-warp stainless-steel base, it is compatible with all cooktops, including induction, and is oven safe up to 500°F. The ergonomic handles are made of securely riveted stainless steel, providing a secure grip.
The durable and transparent tempered glass lid aids with moisture and offers a clear view of your food as it cooks. The set includes 2.5-quart and 3.5-quart saucepans with lids, 4-quart saute pan with cover, an 8-quart stockpot, and an 8-inch and 10-inch fry pan.
Pros and Cons of the All-Clad Ha1 Hard Anodized Cookware Set
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✔️ Hard-anodized ✔️ Anti-warp stainless-steel base ✔️ Durable tempered glass lid | ✖️ Not ideal for induction stove use |
#9: Duxtop Professional Pots and Pans Set
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Made with food-grade stainless steel, the Duxtop Professional Stainless Steel Pots and Pans Set has 17 pieces of cookware, great for a large household that loves to cook. The set can be cooked on any stovetop. With thick bottom aluminum encased base, the pan heated evenly and maintains the taste of your delicious meals.
Duxtop induction cookware has a traditional straight-sided, drip-free pouring design. Inside, there are clear measure indications for convenient measurement. The tempered glass lid is tight-fitting and enables easy monitoring of cooking while keeping heat and moisture in. The set is built with large riveted stay-cool steel handles for a more secure grip.
The set includes a 1.6-quart and 2.5-quart saucepan with lids, a 4.2-quart casserole with lid, an 8-inch and 9.5-inch fry pan, an 8.6-quart stockpot with lid, a 5.5-quart saute pan with helper and lid, a 9.5-inch steam basket, a 2-prong fork and solid spoon, a 9.5-inch boiler basket, and a slotted turner.
Pros and Cons of the Duxtop Professional Pots and Pans Set
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✔️ 17 pc cookware set ✔️ Tight-fitting tempered glass lids ✔️ Oven and dishwasher safe | ✖️ Prone to discoloration |
#10: Cook N Home Stainless Steel Cookware Set
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If you don’t have the money to buy a high-end stainless steel set, this collection is the next best stainless steel cookware when it comes to affordability. The pans include a mirror-polished 18/10 stainless steel construction with an aluminum disc bottom between steel layers on both the interior and outside, as well as an enclosed base that distributes high heat evenly. The reflective coating on the interior and outside is not only for aesthetics but also for ease of cleaning as well.
The Cook N Home Stainless Steel Cookware Set is oven-safe up to 500°F and the lids to 350°F, however, some discoloration might occur. They are dishwasher safe, making cleanup easy and hassle-free. The tempered glass lid with a steam vent lets you see the food at a steady simmer, and the riveted steel handles are long-lasting and built for a secure grip.
Included in the set are a 1.5-quart saucepan, a 5.5-quart stockpot, a 1.5-quart, 2-quart, and 3-quart saucepot casseroles, and a 10-inch saute fry pan with lids.
Pros and Cons of the Cook N Home Stainless Steel Cookware Set
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✔️ Induction compatible ✔️ Mirror polished stainless steel ✔️ Tempered glass lid | ✖️ Rivet might come loose after prolonged use ✖️ Quality is not as good as the other sets in this list |
Are Stainless Steel Cookware Sets Good?
The greatest cookware sets are usually made of traditional stainless steel. Cookware made from this material, along with an aluminum or copper core, is a great option for any kitchen. There are several excellent stainless cookware manufacturers that offer good quality cookware at an affordable price, and they are available in a variety of sizes and styles to satisfy any personal preferences you may have.
Additionally, since stainless steel is commonly used in high-quality cookware, there is something for everyone in the market, from five-ply stainless steel frying pans to nonstick skillets and dutch ovens.
Stainless steel is long-lasting, is mostly oven-safe and dishwasher-safe, can withstand high heat searing, and has even heat distribution. In terms of durability, it is extremely sturdy and will survive for a long time regardless of how frequently it is used. It is also scratch-proof and rust-proof, so there’s little to worry about these sets regarding aesthetics. You can even use metal utensils on them, though it is not recommended.
Unlike cast iron cookware, stainless cookware doesn’t react to acidic foods. This means you can cook tomato sauce or other acidic meals and leave them in a steady simmer with no worries about the copper core cookware leaving a metallic taste to your dish.
They can also be used in induction cooktops, as well as gas and electric ranges.
What is the Best Grade of Stainless Steel for Cookware?
Stainless steel grades are frequently imprinted on cookware, with 18/10 being the most regularly used grade for high-quality cookware. This fraction indicates the ratio of chromium and nickel in the alloy used — for example, 18/10 includes 18% chromium and 10% nickel and will resist rust while maintaining its gloss and polish. If you’re purchasing a cookware set, it’s best to aim for the aforementioned grade.
What is the Best Thickness for Stainless Steel Cookware?
The grade of steel used in the cookware is an important factor to consider when choosing a set for your household. However, another key factor to consider is the thickness of the pan itself. The thickness of the cookware is closely related to its performance. Lower-end stainless cookware is often around 0.5mm thick, but a high-quality pot or pan with even heat production and high heat resistance should be roughly 5mm thick. In short, the thicker the material is, the better the heating capability and food quality.
Weight is typically an excellent indicator of the quality of a pot or pan since this indicates that more materials were utilized in its making. Thicker, heavier pans are also less prone to dents and damage, which contributes to the overall longevity of the set.
What are the Disadvantages of Stainless Steel Cookware?
Typical stainless steel is a poor heat conductor. This means that on its own, a pure stainless construction doesn’t heat up as quickly as other metals such as aluminum or copper. However, despite the fact that stainless steel is a poor conductor of heat and has poor heat distribution, this isn’t an issue due to the aluminum or copper enclosed within the steel. The copper or aluminum used is placed to improve heat conductivity and dispersion and provide maximum heat retention.
Another con of stainless cookware is its surface. Unlike nonstick pans, a stainless pan will need additional oil to keep your rice and other food from sticking to it. If your cookware has a carbon steel lining, you’ll most likely need carbon steel seasoning wax or a little elbow grease to keep the cookware in top shape.
How Do I Choose Quality Stainless Steel Cookware?
When shopping for new cookware, always keep in mind what your cooking needs are. Are you a culinary pro or a beginner? Do you need a complete set or are two frying pans and a deep sauté pan good enough? Nothing is more headache-inducing than buying a set that doesn’t fit your kitchen at all.
Always seek the highest quality stainless-steel selection that is durable and can survive the test of time. While this might be a bit heavy price-wise, it’s cheaper than having to buy new sets every year or so.
Is Stainless Steel Cookware Nonstick?
Most stainless steel cookware doesn’t have nonstick properties. Stainless steel pans can sustain extremely high temperatures, allowing you to evenly brown steaks and other meat in them. Because they don’t have a coating like nonstick cookware, they also tend to last much longer.
The disadvantage is that you’ll have to pay a bit more attention when cooking, or else, you’ll have your dinner stuck in your cookware. Since they have a bare steel cooking surface that sticks to foods like eggs, chicken, fish fillets, and others, using a small amount of oil and preheating them helps make them less sticky. If done correctly, stainless steel cookware can be nonstick and you’ll never have to worry about food sticking to your pans.
Frequently Asked Questions
Temperature management is the key to preventing food from adhering to your cookware, whether stainless steel, ceramic, or cast iron. Too much or too little of it can cause food to stick to your cookware. It is critical to preheat a stainless steel pan before adding frying oil.
To test cookware for enough heat, you can add drops of water. If the water droplets do not break apart and remain intact without evaporating, your pan is at the proper temperature. They will also begin to move around the pan, almost as if they were mercury balls.
When cleaning, make sure not to use steel wool or other abrasive cleaning tools to clean your cookware, as this may worsen your pot’s sticky tendency.
Cookware with stainless steel construction is mostly safe to use but sets with higher grades are considered the safest. For example, carbon steel, triple-ply construction pots and pans are far safer to use than normal lower-graded aluminum core or copper core cookware.
This is because lower-grade stainless steel pieces can still be corroded after frequent use, which can lead to metal particles leaking into your food.
A nonstick pan is far easier to use than traditional stainless steel pots. If you’re a beginner chef, you’ll generally be better off using nonstick cookware. It’s easier to use, works on both gas and electric burners, and is simple to clean.
Stainless steel, on the other hand, is the way to go if you know what you’re doing in the kitchen. Since most stainless steel cookware is oven-safe, this set is preferable if you do a lot of stove-to-oven cooking. If you have the budget, you can buy one stainless steel set and an extra nonstick pan.
Yes, Viking is definitely a good brand with some of the best stainless steel cookware available on the market. While the price tag is nothing to scoff at, investing in a Viking stainless steel set is worth it due to its high-quality construction and even heating. However, it’s best to determine if the set is exactly what your current household needs based on your preferences and estimated usage.
While personal opinions may differ from person to person, All-Clad routinely receives excellent praise from home cooks and professional chefs alike. Users found the product fairly quality, the pans heated quickly, and pass the durability test.
Conclusion
Stainless cookware sets are an excellent investment since they will last for many years and can help you improve your cooking talents. They’re also often less expensive than other forms of high-quality cookware, so the initial investment can be well worth it.
Before purchasing these utensils, make sure they are easy to use and feel ergonomic. If you want a more efficient pan set, it’s best to purchase ones that are dishwasher-safe and oven safe. To make rice cooking even easier, you can use a rice cooker instead. Check out our site for rice cooker guides and reviews, as well as other rice-related news.
Editor’s Choice
Cuisinart MCP-12N MultiClad Pro Triple Ply Cookware Set
If you’re searching for quality stainless cookware that won’t burn a hole in your finances, this starter set is for you. The MCP-12N boasts a brushed steel exterior, a polished inner surface, a lightweight, robust aluminum core, and a polished surface that is stunningly simple and easy to clean.
It also has tight-fitting lids that can self-baste the food as you cook and the cool-grip riveted handles allow chefs and home cooks alike to handle pots without the use of towels. This stainless cookware set contains everything you need for all of your culinary masterpieces and won’t fail any chef’s cooking tests.
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