For newcomers to fully clad stainless steel pots and pans, the Cuisinart Multiclad Pro Triple Ply Stainless Steel 12-Piece Cookware Set is a quality collection that's affordable and highly rated.
When most people hear the name "Cuisinart," they think of great kitchen appliances, not necessarily cookware. But our research found that this brand does indeed make high-quality cookware — even Consumer Reports gave a shoutout to Cuisinart cookware. For newbies who want to try fully clad stainless steel cookware without spending a lot of money, the Cuisinart Multiclad Pro Stainless Steel 12-Piece Cookware Set may be just right for their needs and wallet.
The Cuisinart Multiclad Pro Stainless Steel 12-Piece Cookware Set includes a 1.5-quart covered saucepan, a 3-quart covered saucepan, a 3.5-quart covered sauté pan with helper handle, an 8-quart covered stockpot, an 8-inch skillet, a 10-inch skillet, and a steamer insert with cover, which fits the 3-quart saucepan. This large set offers versatility in use and excellent thermal conductivity at an affordable price.
Each cooking piece is constructed of a layer of aluminum sandwiched between two stainless steel layers. This triple-ply cladding provides stability, even distribution of heat in the base and along the sides from bottom to rim, and overall commendable performance. According to The Spruce Eats, "these pans heat quickly and retain heat well, so you can put a lid on a pot and its contents will stay warm while you set the table or finish cooking side dishes. We love how well these pans brown food and didn't notice any hot spots, even when the pan wasn't perfectly centered on the burner." The cookware is compatible with all cooktops, including induction, and oven safe up to 550 degrees.
The solid stainless steel handles are riveted on and durable, although one Amazon user reported saucepan handle rivets popping off after nine years. Some people found that the handles stay cool while others noted that they do get hot. The flat lids form a good seal while covering pans and pots to keep in moisture during cooking.
Many Amazon users moving away from nonstick cookware liked the Cuisinart Multiclad Pro Triple Ply Stainless Steel 12-Piece Cookware Set. When preheated and used properly, food does not stick. Cleaning up burned-on food takes some soaking and elbow grease, but most people found this set easy to clean. Another bonus is that it's dishwasher safe; many, but not all, owners said the cookware came out of the dishwasher shiny and/or without any "ill effects."
The Cuisinart Multiclad Pro Triple Ply Stainless Steel 12-Piece Cookware Set won many superlatives in the stainless steel cookware category, including "Best Overall" by The Spruce Eats and "Best All-Around" by AllCookware Find. Cook Eat Taste included it among their top five picks.
Pros: Very affordable (especially for such a large set), great heating performance, steamer included, lifetime warranty
Cons: Heavy, handles can get hot