{"id":2014277,"date":"2024-07-16T15:31:01","date_gmt":"2024-07-16T20:31:01","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/?post_type=listicle&p=2014277"},"modified":"2025-05-20T12:01:10","modified_gmt":"2025-05-20T17:01:10","slug":"best-stainless-steel-cookware","status":"publish","type":"listicle","link":"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/collection\/best-stainless-steel-cookware\/","title":{"rendered":"The Best Stainless Steel Cookware of 2025, Tested by the Taste Recipes Kitchen"},"content":{"rendered":"[SINGLE_AFFILIATE_PRODUCT superlative=\"Best Overall\" product_name=\"All-Clad G5 Graphite Core Stainless Steel Skillet\" pros=\"Consistent heat\" pros1=\"Performs well across the board\" pros2=\"Graphite core extends to sides\" pros3=\"Very lightweight\" pros4=\"Oven-safe up to 600 degrees\" pros5=\"Cleans up quickly\" cons=\"Expensive, but worth the cost\" image=\"2126762\" image_credit=\"TASTE OF HOME\" pr_name=\"Williams Sonoma\" pr_url=\"https:\/\/go.skimresources.com?id=131817X1598243&xs=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.williams-sonoma.com%2Fproducts%2Fall-clad-g5-graphite-fry-pan%2F\" pr_display_text=\"Shop on Williams Sonoma\" \/]\r\n\r\nAfter testing 10 skillets and cooking 30 meals, crowning the overall best stainless steel cookware was as easy as looking at the data. Lightweight and easy to handle, All-Clad's G5 Graphite Core Stainless Steel Skillet<\/a> is the clear winner. With a G5 graphite core that extends through sides,\u00a0 a stainless steel interior and an induction-compatible exterior, this is a prime pick for home cooks and budding chefs alike.\r\n\r\n\"All\r\n\r\n\"This skillet really earns top marks all around. True, it's on the expensive side at $180, but if you are looking for a stainless steel skillet that does it all and efficiently, this is splurge-worthy. It does everything expertly and retains a nice, even heat,\" says Mark\u00a0of this overachiever. Its superior performance might sway you on the All-Clad vs. Hexclad<\/a> debate!\r\n\r\nWhile it's made from heavy-duty stainless steel, it's still surprisingly lightweight and heats up very quickly. This makes it easy to handle while saut\u00e9ing veggies and cooking chicken thighs (which crisp up beautifully thanks to the high heat retention). Even on medium-low, veggies like squash and zucchini develop delicious caramelized edges. Due to the lightweight construction and the skillet's slanted edges, it's also easy to toss them around like a professional chef\u2014bonus!\r\n\r\n\"All\r\n\r\nEven better, an ergonomic handle helps it move effortlessly from the burner to the oven. Since it's safe for use in heat up to 600 degrees, use it as a roasting pan or pop your meal under the broiler for a crispy finish. Deglazing is equally easy. Use a soft silicone whisk to loosen any stubborn stuck-on spots for a flawless sauce. Home cooks can easily level up their techniques using this inclusive option. The chef-quality feel and uncomplicated construction make it a shoo-in for cooking enthusiasts and professional chefs alike.\r\n\r\n\"I really liked the light feel of it in my hand as I was using it,\" notes Mark. \"Cleanup\u00a0was also super easy, and throughout each test, it looked shiny and new after I cleaned it. It's easy to see why this has been a mainstay in many professional kitchens for years.\"\r\n\r\nSize(s):<\/strong> 8.5 inch| Materials: <\/strong>Stainless steel, graphite core | Maximum Temperature: <\/strong>600 degrees | Dishwasher-Safe:<\/strong> No\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n[SINGLE_AFFILIATE_PRODUCT superlative=\"Best Budget\" product_name=\"Cuisinart Custom Clad Fry Pan\" pros=\"Wildly inexpensive\" pros1=\"Very little sticking\" pros2=\"Straighter sides\" pros3=\"Even heating\" pros4=\"Cleans up beautifully\" cons=\"A bit heftier than other options\" image=\"2126761\" image_credit=\"TASTE OF HOME\" pr_name=\"Cuisinart\" pr_url=\"https:\/\/go.skimresources.com?id=131817X1598243&xs=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cuisinart.com%2Fcustom-clad-5-ply-10-fry-pan%2FCC522-24.html\" pr_display_text=\"Shop on Cuisinart\" retailers_2_name=\"Amazon\" retailers_2_url=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/dp\/B0CFP28M66?tag=tohmke-20\" retailers_2_display_text=\"Shop on Amazon\" \/]\r\n\r\nA smaller budget doesn't mean settling for a subpar skillet. In fact, at less than $30, the Cuisinart Custom Clad Fry Pan<\/a> still came in on top thanks to its even heat and easy cleanup. Plus, this wallet-friendly pick performs almost as well as its pricier counterparts when it comes to deglazing pan sauce and crisping up pork chops.\r\n\r\n\"Cuisinart\r\n\r\n\"This is an overall budget-friendly pick. if you want a decent stainless steel skillet that won't break the bank, you can't go wrong with this one,\" says Mark. \"It heats evenly and crisps, browns, and saut\u00e9s beautifully and without too much fuss or effort. I was pleasantly surprised by this one.\"\r\n\r\nMark also notes that should you stay dutiful with the clean-up, this pan will stay shiny and lovely for a long time. While the bottom browns a bit after use, the inside looks good as new after a quick rinse with warm white vinegar. Stainless steel discoloration<\/a> on the bottom of the pan is a common problem that has a few different solutions, so don't let that scare you away.\r\n\r\n[quote-card quote=\"It\u2019s a great size for breakfast foods like eggs and sausage links (which is what my family uses it most often for). If I use a cooking spray or olive oil, my food doesn\u2019t stick and cleanup is a breeze.\" name=\" Stephanie Marchese\" title=\"Executive Director, Visual Production\" \/]\r\n\r\nIts only downside may be its weight and heft, but even that isn't too troubling as the pan itself weighs just under 2 pounds. Still, those with mobility or arm strength issues may prefer to skip this one for something a little easier to lift. That said, a groove along the upper surface of the handle offers a nice thumb rest that helps it handle a little better.\r\n\r\n\"Cuisinart\r\n\r\nStraighter sides allow for easy tossing of veggies, which reach a perfect crisp-tender state in around six minutes on medium heat. Like the All-Clad option, this one retains heat very well and requires very little temperature finessing. Additionally, it readily releases frond with the use of a silicone whisk\u2014no de-sticking or scrubbing required.\r\n\r\n\"Cuisinart has a good reputation for providing quality kitchen tools and appliances, and that carries over into this stainless steel skillet,\" says Mark. \"And it's the most affordable in the bunch\u2014bonus!\"\r\n\r\nSize(s):<\/strong> 8 inches| Materials: <\/strong>Stainless steel, aluminum core | Maximum Temperature: <\/strong>500 degrees | Dishwasher-Safe:<\/strong> No\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n[SINGLE_AFFILIATE_PRODUCT superlative=\"Best Splurge\" product_name=\"Made In Stainless Clad Frying Pan\" pros=\"Great heat retention\" pros1=\"Handles easily\" pros2=\"Heats up quickly\" pros3=\"Oven-safe up to 800 degrees\" cons=\"Cleaning is a bit tricky\" cons1=\"A bit pricier than other options\" image=\"2126760\" image_credit=\"TASTE OF HOME\" pr_name=\"Made In\" pr_url=\"https:\/\/go.skimresources.com?id=131817X1598243&xs=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Fmadeincookware.com%2Fproducts%2Fstainless-steel-frying-pan%2F8-inch\" pr_display_text=\"Shop on Made In\" retailers_2_name=\"Amazon\" retailers_2_url=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/MadeIn-Stainless-Steel-Frying-Pan\/dp\/B09HR771DL?tag=tohmke-20\" retailers_2_display_text=\"Shop on Amazon\" retailers_3_name=\"Over the Moon\" retailers_3_url=\"https:\/\/go.skimresources.com?id=131817X1598243&xs=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Foverthemoon.com%2Fproducts%2Fstainless-clad-saute-pan-8-made-in%3Fvariant%3D46056836235481%26\" retailers_3_display_text=\"Shop on Over the Moon\" \/]\r\n\r\nManufactured in Italy from proprietary materials surrounded by premium stainless steel, the Made In Stainless Clad Frying Pan<\/a> is pricier than our other top picks. But those with the budget to splurge on their cookware will appreciate the performance of this top-of-the-line option.\r\n\r\n\"Made\r\n\r\n\"This is a pretty solid skillet, both in feel and performance. I think it would likely excel with stir-fries and saut\u00e9s,\" says Mark. \"It has great heat retention and actually seemed to heat up rather fast, so keeping a watchful eye on how quickly the food is cooking is a must when using this pan. It feels durable and is fairly easy to handle and manipulate.\"\r\n\r\nMark lends this maneuverability to the medium-weight feel and a slight divot on top of the thumb. Additionally, a bump on the bottom of the handle, close to the skillet bowl, allows for the index finger's placement. This is a feature Mark definitely appreciates, especially when moving the skillet from the burner to the oven (where it can cook at up to 800 degrees).\r\n\r\n\"Made\r\n\r\n\"Cleaning is a little bit tricky with the brushed steel, but I'm sure Made In's specialized cleaner would do the trick with making clean-up a little easier,\" says Mark. He notes a few stubborn browned spots took a little elbow grease and scrubbing, but it wasn't as terrible or troublesome as he anticipated. That said, the brushed steel lent itself well to the development of fond while crisping up chicken thighs and pork chops. It just took a little extra loosening with a whisk to incorporate everything into a nice sauce.\r\n\r\nWhile Mark says the price point seems a little high for the pan's performance, he suspects its manufacture in Italy may factor into this. Overall, the beautiful brushed steel adds an unexpectedly useful touch to any chef's stainless collection.\r\n\r\nSize(s):<\/strong> 8 inches| Materials: <\/strong>Stainless steel | Maximum Temperature: <\/strong>800 degrees | Dishwasher-Safe:<\/strong> No\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n[SINGLE_AFFILIATE_PRODUCT superlative=\"Most Attractive\" product_name=\"Misen Stainless Skillet\" pros=\"Sleek, clean appearance\" pros1=\"Even heat\" pros2=\"Ergonomic handle\" pros3=\"Oven-safe up to 500 degrees\" cons=\"Grease marks are a bit difficult to clean\" image=\"2126759\" image_credit=\"TASTE OF HOME\" pr_name=\"Misen\" pr_url=\"https:\/\/go.skimresources.com?id=131817X1598243&xs=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Fmisen.com%2Fproducts%2Fstainless-steel-skillet%3Fvariant%3D40329700835409\" pr_display_text=\"Shop on Misen\" retailers_2_name=\"Amazon\" retailers_2_url=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/Misen-Stainless-Steel-Frying-Pan\/dp\/B08WR518S8?tag=tohmke-20\" retailers_2_display_text=\"Shop on Amazon\" \/]\r\n\r\nBeautifully clad throughout the sides and offering an aluminum alloy core, the Misen Stainless Skillet<\/a> impresses with a polished, shiny appearance and sightly lip rim. It's truly the best-looking skillet we tested, and Misen's \"60-Day Test Drive\" guarantee is an added bonus for those wary of spending more than $50 on some of the best stainless steel cookware.\r\n\r\n\"Misen\r\n\r\nWhile the skillet is about midweight, the handle feels hollow. This lends to its easy manipulation and adds to the overall maneuverability of one of the prettier skillets we tested. A nice little notch for your index finger sits near the base, with a hole above it. Mark suspects this is to further block excess heat from the handle\u2014something we love!\r\n\r\n\"The Misen skillet really surprised me. It has a nice, sleek, clean appearance to it, and the more I used it, the more my appreciation for it grew,\" he says. \"Using it felt almost very intuitive. I liked how the vegetables just seemed to 'dance' in the pan without sticking as I saut\u00e9ed them. The chicken skin crisped up nice and golden on the chicken thighs. I didn't need to adjust the heat too much while everything was cooking, either. It was all very even and felt streamlined. The handle felt smooth and relaxed in my hand, and I could toss the vegetables with ease and flair!\"\r\n\r\n\"Misen\r\n\r\nAccording to Mark, cleaning the stainless steel<\/a> was also pretty easy, aside from some scrubbing off grease marks on the exterior. Diligent cleaning will keep this skillet looking shiny and new without too much fuss\u2014something you'll want since this skillet is so eye-catching and shiny right out of the box.\r\n\r\n\"This is a solid mid-range buy,\" says Mark. \"I would be happy to invest in and use in my own kitchen.\"\r\n\r\nSize(s):<\/strong> 8, 10 and 12 inches | Materials: <\/strong>Stainless steel, aluminum | Maximum Temperature: <\/strong>800\u00b0 degrees | Dishwasher-Safe:<\/strong> Yes\r\n\r\n
\r\n\r\n

Why Should You Choose Stainless Steel Pans?<\/h2>\r\nAccording to Mark,<\/a> home cooks looking to upgrade their meals should swap their coated nonstick pans<\/a> with sleek, shiny stainless steel. In addition to their heirloom qualities, stainless steel pans instantly upgrade any technique. Take it from us: There's nothing more satisfying than a perfect pancake flip or homemade tortilla toss in a fancy stainless steel pan.\r\n\r\n\"Stainless steel skillets are terrific for searing, braising, and even roasting meats in the oven. They are also terrific for stir-fries and saut\u00e9ing and caramelizing vegetables,\" says Mark. \"Pan sauces are ideally made in stainless steel skillets, where the fond<\/a> that results from searing a protein can be whisked into a luxurious, delicious sauce. Finally, if you're careful, you can typically use all manner of stainless steel utensils\u2014wooden, silicone or even metal.\"\r\n

Stainless steel skillets usually require the addition of fat, such as oil or butter, to release food. However, we don't see that as a negative quality. Instead, the \u201csticking\u201d allows the food to brown and\/or crisp up beautifully, something you typically can't get with coated pans. Nonstick typically emits unsafe chemicals<\/a> during high-heat cooks. However, 3- or 5-ply stainless steel pans can hold higher temperatures safely. This is ideal for browning steak, chicken, or other meats.<\/p>\r\n\r\n

How We Tested the Best Stainless Steel Cookware<\/h2>\r\nWe tested each skillet in a similar fashion, opting to make three meals with each. Mark used the same recipes and processes for each meal and noted any differences or adjustments required while cooking with each pan.\r\n\r\nTo properly evaluate each pan, we looked at appearance. Appearance includes factors like the pan size, whether it's fully clad on the sides and the bottom, the curvature of the sides, weight, handle ergonomics and warranty. We also note any special features like lids, special handles and other bonus items included.\r\n\r\nWe also consider use, which includes the recommended heat, butter and oil compatibility, metal tool compatibility, whether it works on induction cooktops and whether it's oven safe. This is also where Mark looks at how quickly the pan heats up and how evenly it heats.\r\n

The Tests<\/h3>\r\n