Stainless Steel Cookware

Luxury: Made In

Averaging 20 to 30% less than All-Clad, Made In is the best choice in high-end stainless steel cookware. With durable, 5 layer construction, they can handle up to 800 degree temps in oven, meaning you can move them from stove top to under your broiler safely. In particular, I'm a huge fan of their saucier pan. A hybrid between a pot and a saucepan, you can use it for almost anything. If your budget is limited, consider a set from our Essentials choice, Tramontina, and add a saucier pan from Made-In. If that option is sold out, which it often is, consider the Misen 3 QT saucier pan. Which brings me to my unprecedented Third Choice!

Middle Ground: Misen 5-Ply Stainless Steel

Sitting perfectly in the middle of of our Luxury and Essential Options, Misen has similar construction and temperature ratings as Made-In. Depending on the number of items in the set these three options will run around $200 to $300 for the Tramontina, $400 to $500 for the Misen, and $700 to $800 for the Made-In.

Essential: Tramontina Tri-Ply Stainless Stell

Calling this set a budget option does it a disservice. The tri-ply construction provides even heat distribution and prevents hot spots. The set is beautiful, the handles are more comfortable than its higher priced competitors, and the set is oven safe to 500 degrees. Most users, me included, don't experience a drop off going from Made-In or All-Clad to Tramontina.