Stainless Steel Guide

Stainless Steel Cookware

30 posts in this category

Choose cookware in order: decide whether uncoated stainless suits your cooking, compare a set with the individual vessels you actually need, then narrow the choice by construction, cooktop, composition, and care.

Is stainless steel right for you?

Start with the pros and cons of stainless steel cookware, then compare stainless steel and nonstick cookware if easy release is your deciding factor.

Sets versus individual pieces

A complete cookware set makes sense when several useful vessels need replacing. Otherwise, buy the pan that matches the job and avoid paying for duplicate sizes or lids.

Choose by vessel

  • Frying pans for searing and fast stovetop cooking
  • Saucepans for liquids and smaller portions
  • Sauté pans for wider cooking with taller sides
  • Stockpots for pasta, stock, and large batches
  • Roasting pans for oven-centered holiday cooking

Choose by construction

  • What fully clad cookware means
  • 3-ply vs 5-ply cookware
  • Disc-bottom vs fully clad cookware

Choose by cooktop, composition, or origin

Care, safety, and technique

Learn about cookware safety, preventing food from sticking, and whetherstainless steel pans are dishwasher safe. For cleanup, use the stainless steel pan cleaning guide.