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Whether you are looking for excellence and quality in your cookware or are trying to support local manufacturers, American stainless steel is an excellent option. It’s durable, high-performing, and reliable.
Many U.S.-based manufacturers offer top-notch stainless steel products complying with national and international standards. Made In is one of the best brands that combine affordability with quality.
Check out this comprehensive guide for a list of the best stainless steel cookware sets of 2024 in the USA.
The Best Stainless Steel Cookware Made in USAThe Best Made in USA Stainless Steel Pans
Made In Cookware
5
View on AmazonOffering a wide range of cookware materials, Made In is one of the newcomers to the market, but highest-rated manufacturers offering bakeware and cookware made of stainless steel, carbon steel, copper, and enameled cast iron. Stainless steel is where the brand excels. It has a range of offerings fitting different budgets and needs. You can buy MadeIn stainless steel cookware individually or as a set.
The premium quality of Made In stainless steel cookware comes from all-clad, 3-ply and 5-ply construction. Both constructions feature aluminum sheets sandwiched between two stainless steel layers. The difference is that the 5-ply type has a three-layered aluminum sheet as a core.
One of the biggest reasons to like MadeIn is that their direct-to-customer sales model eliminates resellers, reducing the costs considerably.
Pros
👍 Superior quality
👍 Excellent heat distribution
👍 More affordable than premium brands with the same quality
👍 Compatible with all cooktops
👍 Hollow-core handle
👍 Excellent return policy
👍 Flexible payment methods
Cons
👎 Limited brick-and-mortar shops
👎 Not all products are made in the U.S.
Although Made In is an American brand, its products come from different locations, including Germany, France, and Italy. Each product within the same category may be produced in different locations. For example, their oyster shuckers are made in the US, but their chef knives are made in France.
The same goes for stainless steel products. A quick search on their website shows that their stainless steel sets, pots, and pans are made in different countries, including the US, Italy, Hungary, England, Sweden, and France. For example, their non-stick set with a stainless steel exterior is made in the U.S.
Unfortunately, not many of their stainless steel products are made in the US; most of them are Italy-made. The only exception is this Stainless Steel Clad Saucier. And this 13-set stainless steel series, which also contains carbon steel pieces, is made in the US, Italy, and France.
Best Overall USA Cookware
All-Clad D5 5-Ply Brushed Stainless Steel Cookware
4.8
View on AmazonThe most famous American stainless steel cookware manufacturer is arguably All-Clad. As the inventor of the fully-clad construction, All-Clad stays true to the quality and durability of its construction.
The wide variety of their products, premium quality materials, and highly durable products have made All-Clad a reputable and reliable brand. You can get your cookware in sets or individual pieces. Even the sets come in various configurations, with different pieces and sizes to suit different preferences.
Their signature line is D3, featuring full-clad 3-ply stainless steel cookware with brushed and mirror finishes and an aluminum core. Those looking to crank up their cookware can go for the D5 series or the copper core line.
All-Clad is perfect if you are looking for a durable option that can stand the test of time. It also has a varied collection with innovative designs that suit every culinary style. The D5 series continues the company’s innovations by introducing stainless steel pans with a non-stick surface.
Pros
👍 Premium quality
👍 Durable
👍 Variety of designs
👍 Superior heat conductivity and retention
👍 Lightweight
👍 Comfortable handle design
Cons
👎 High price tag
Are All-Clad Steel Pans Made in the USA?Like many U.S.-based businesses, All-Clad outsources the production of some of its products to other countries, including China and Germany. Most of their products, including bakeware, enameled cast iron, and kitchen electrics, are made in China.
Their Fusintec enamel series is made in Germany. And they make stainless steel lids and handles in China. However, all their stainless steel cookware and bakeware are made in the U.S. The only exception is the Emeril Pro-Clad series, which was made in China, but it’s now discontinued.
Most Durable
Viking Culinary 5-Ply Stainless Steel Set
4.5
View on AmazonThe most important factor that makes Viking cookware stand out from others is its lifetime warranty, indicating the impressive durability of its products. In addition to stainless steel, they offer various other materials, including copper and titanium. And here’s where you can see another impressive feature: combining functionality with attractive designs.
Their all-clad stainless steel collection features 5-ply, 18/10 stainless steel, and a 3-ply aluminum core. You can get individual pots and pans or sets with different numbers and configurations. All pieces feature riveted Signature Viking handles designed to stay cool and tolerate oven temperatures up to 600°F.
If you are looking for beauty and functionality, this brand is for you.
Pros
👍 Ergonomic handles
👍 Larger cooking surface thanks to the steep walls
👍 Thin construction makes it super responsive
Cons
👎 Subpar heat retention
👎 Not all products are made in the U.S
👎 High price tag
👎 High maintenance as it scratches easily
Although Viking Culinary operates in the U.S., most of its products are made in China. The only exception is the 5-ply Professional Collection that is made in the USA as of this writing. It contains a variety of options, including sets of different sizes and open-stock pieces.
However, the other products, including bakeware, cutler, and other stainless steel products, are made in China.
Best for High-heat Cooking
Heritage Steel 10 Piece Cookware Set
4.9
View on AmazonBased in Clarksville, TN, Heritage Steel is a family-owned business in the U.S. The cookware is reinforced with titanium, making it more durable than many other brands.
The company offers products in a wide range of open-stock and set collections of different sizes. Those who look for a piece of cookware with a non-stick coating will be disappointed since they don’t have such offerings. However, high-quality stainless steel becomes adequately non-stick with proper cooking methods.
Another great plus of Heritage cookware is that it tolerates higher heat compared to other brands. So, you can safely place it in the oven at up to 800°F.
They also offer a lifetime warranty, which shows they stand behind the quality of their products. You can also get some perks with select sets, such as a lid with the skillet.
Pros
👍 Affordable prices
👍 High durability
👍 Corrosion resistant
👍 Great heat distribution
👍 Lightweight while sturdy
Cons
👎 Slippery handle despite innovative design
👎 Develops heat tint
Heritage Steel produces all its cookware in the U.S. It’s a small, family-owned business with over 40 years of experience in the business. Their factory in Clarksville uses titanium-strengthened stainless steel to manufacture their products. Their lids are also American-made.
However, their raw materials don’t come from the U.S. exclusively. According to their product specifications, their raw materials are globally sourced.
Best Green Products
360 Fry Pan 10" with Short Handles
Construction: 3-ply
Cooktop Compatibility: All
Stainless Steel Grade: T 304
Location: West Bend, WI
Products: pots, pans, skillets
4
View on AmazonOwned by Americraft Cookware, 360 Cookware is one of the most ethical manufacturers in the USA. It used to be one of the few brands with 100% American-made products. However, after failing to source their raw materials inside the U.S., they don’t claim 100% US manufacturing anymore.
Still, they remain a green factory by releasing and using no harmful chemicals. They also promise durable materials that don’t end up in landfills and last for generations.
The cookware has a 3-ply construction handcrafted with a magnetic exterior, making it suitable for induction cooktops.
Most importantly, it’s made with unique “vapor technology,” meaning the cookware is a waterless type – where you don’t need to add water to the pan to get even heat distribution. And compared to the other waterless cookware reviewed in this article, it has a lower price.
Pros
👍 Extremely durable
👍 Lower nickel content
👍 Comfortable handles
Cons
👎 Less corrosion resistant due to the 18/8 stainless steel
👎 Not attractive design
360 Cookware used to make 100% of its products in the U.S. However, as mentioned, some parts of their cookware come from outside the U.S. due to material shortage.
As an ethical business, they disclose a list of all the materials and products sourced from other countries, including China and South Korea. However, many of their product parts still come from American sources and all their products are manufactured in their West Bend factory.
What To Look For in Stainless Steel Cookware Made in USAStainless steel cookware everywhere. You can find a wide range of prices, designs, and qualities in every corner. But if you value quality, craftsmanship, and national standards, you may want to dig deeper when shopping for stainless steel cookware made in the United States.
The brands mentioned in this article are all reputable and famous for offering the best American-made stainless cookware. However, due to the raw material shortage, some of their products are made in China. So, it’s better to do your homework before shopping. Here’s what to do:
How To Choose the Best Stainless Steel CookwareAfter choosing your brand, you need to narrow your options and see which products are better for you. Here’s what to look for:
Stainless Steel GaugeWhen shopping for cookware, you may see numbers like 304, 300, 18/10, or 18/12 stamped on the product. These numbers give valuable information about the quality of raw materials used in cookware.
The most common gauges are 304 and 316, belonging to the 300 series. These gauges show the metal composition of the steel alloy. 18/10 shows the product contains 18% chromium and 10% nickel. Another great gauge is 18/8, made up of 18% chromium and 8% nickel.
The 316 series has a better composition since it contains chromium, nickel, and molybdenum, making it corrosion-resistant.
The 400 series is ferritic, which means it’s magnetic and suitable for induction cooktops. And cheaper types are the 200 series, which contain manganese instead of nickel and are less durable.
Core MaterialAll of the products recommended in this article have an all-clad construction. They feature two layers of stainless steel wrapping around a conductive metal layer like aluminum or copper. This construction is superior to the impact-bonded models, with a clad disc attached to the bottom of the cookware. This way, the cookware only has heat conductivity on the bottom. Fully clad cookware has this 3-layered construction throughout the vessel, making it super effective and heat distribution.
Higher-end models have a 5-ply stainless steel construction with a three-layered core sandwiched between two stainless steel sheets. This will increase the cookware’s heat conductivity but may make it heavier.
Ease of Use and CleaningStainless steel cookware can be difficult to handle for many beginners. The layered construction makes it heavy and unsuitable for saute pans or methods like stir-frying. So, it’s recommended to try the cookware physically before purchasing.
Plus, it’s not truly non-stick. So, you may need extra cleaning measures or learn how to prepare it to minimize sticking.
Finally, check the handles carefully to ensure they’re easy to use. If the product is heavy, look for a ring handle in front of the vessel for better handling. And ensure the handle doesn’t slip or rotate, which is crucial while cooking.
ConclusionWhen it comes to quality and performance, few brands can beat Made In and All-Clad. These two American cookware brands offer excellent quality, performance, and durability. All-Clad may be overpriced, but it’s a great investment that can last for generations.
Made In products offer similar quality at a lower price. However, the products fully manufactured in the USA are limited.
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While you can select the individual pieces you need for your kitchen, buying a cookware set readies you for a variety of tasks and typically saves money. The sets we chose to test have, at a minimum, ten pieces, including lids. They consist of a fairly standard selection of two skillets, a sauté pan, a saucepan, and a stock pot, with some variation. From there, they vary in size, capacity, handle length and design, and weight. Learn which sets rated highest, plus what to look for in stainless steel cookware.
Stainless steel pans used to have a deservedly poor reputation. Stainless is a terrible heat conductor, leaving hot spots in the pans and making heat control futile. But then came cladding, the process of making a stainless steel "sandwich" by layering stainless with a more conductive metal like copper, aluminum, or another alloy, followed by one more layer of stainless. Typically, the cladding is a minimum of three to five layers of stainless and other metals. Because of this process, the heat from the burner gets disbursed more evenly across the pan, alleviating hot spots, and the pans are more responsive to increases or decreases in temperature.
The handles are comfortable to grip, and none of the pans are excessively heavy. We found that the stock pot discolors a bit when browning vegetables, and a few stray grains of rice stuck to the saucepan after cooking. Generally, the set is easy to clean, but removing discoloration from the stock pot took extra effort. The convex rivets have the potential to trap food, so you should take extra care with them when washing.
We found the Made In set exceptionally designed and balanced. Five-ply clad stainless construction facilitates even heating and quick temperature response. The rolled edges add the ability to pour from the pans with a degree of accuracy and minimal dripping down the sides. With a gentle curve at the bottom of the walls, stirring and whisking ingredients are easy, leaving no accumulation of flour in sauce-making or stray vegetables in our mirepoix.
Even heat distribution is a strong point for this set, with the expected slight concentration in the center. They’re quite responsive to heat changes and show no hot spots outside of the center. We were able to sweat vegetables without browning and build a cream sauce with no sticking. The angle of the walls joining the bottom keeps ingredients from hiding in this space, and normal stirring is all that’s required. In our rice cooking test, we found that some rice stuck to the bottom and sides of the saucepan, requiring extra cleaning effort beyond a sponge and detergent, but the flush rivets don’t hide any food bits. Weighing against the overall performance and design, however, these two complaints are too mild to detract from the set.
The Hestan ProBond Collection is a solidly built set of pans designed to stand up to the rigors of professional use. In testing these medium-weight pans, we found them to be well-balanced, with ergonomic, easy-to-grip handles, with one exception. The stock pot handle design is troublesome – as one tester said, “beautiful to look at, exceedingly mediocre to hold.” There is a bump in the middle of the handle to suggest finger positions, but no matter the grip, we found the handles uncomfortable to hold for pouring.
The stockpot handles are uncomfortable, and the stockpot may be too heavy for someone with mobility or lifting issues.
The set is well constructed and balanced, and most of the handles are comfortable to grip.
The set is very responsive to temperature changes and heats fairly evenly. Our tests showed a little unexpected overcooking of rice, but nothing major. The angle where the sauté pan walls join the bottom of the pan creates an environment for uneven whisking or stirring, but these issues are resolved with a little extra attention. The handles are comfortable, the weight of the pans is reasonable, and cleanup is easy. Despite some nit-picky drawbacks, this set presents a good value for the price.
The Calphalon Classic is a good value for your dollar, but the lower price tag means some concessions. The stockpot is smaller than most of the other sets we tested, but even with that, we were able to sweat a normal load of vegetables without overcrowding the pan. Some sticking happened while sweating our mirepoix and cooking rice, but both released easily with either a little deglazing liquid or a prod with a spatula.
The sides of the sauté pan present some challenges for stirring, and the temperature can run hotter than desired.
The pans respond to heat changes quickly and don’t go overboard on initial heating. The heat distribution is quite even, with the expected hotter spot in the center of the pan. Sweating vegetables resulted in slight sticking, but the veggies easily released when prodded with a spatula. Rice cooked exceptionally evenly and only left a slight starchy residue on the pan after cooking, rather than stuck-on grains. Cleanup from these tasks was a simple chore with just a sponge and soapy water. The internal rivets can provide places for bits of food and water to hide, so give them a little extra attention when cleaning. Even with the title of Best Splurge, this set outperformed the more expensive models we tested.
This set is surprisingly lightweight overall, with the stockpot being a little heavier and the sauté pan slightly unbalanced. The handles are comfortable to grip but do conduct heat, so don’t grab them bare-handed. The curved lip makes pouring from the sauté pan easy, and the design also minimizes drips down the side of the pan.
In terms of performance, the pans distribute the heat fairly evenly, with a slightly hotter spot in the center, and are very responsive to temperature changes. The design and curves where the sides meet the bottom of the pans allow easy stirring of ingredients or sauces. A slight annoyance is that the internal rivets bubble out slightly from the sides, interfering with sauce stirring. That issue aside, “this cookware almost cleans itself,” as one tester said, requiring little but detergent and a sponge.
The Tramontina Gourmet set is ideal for cooks of all skill levels and is a good choice for all conventional heat sources, including induction. Some pieces like the sauté pan have a medium weight to them, while the stock pot felt somewhat heavy. As such, some people with mobility or strength issues may find some pieces easier to use than others. The handles stay cool or neutral to the touch, and the lids fit snuggly. Unlike the handles, the lids become hot, so exercise caution when handling them.
The sauté pan handles are a little thin and make gripping slightly uncomfortable, and the internal rivets cause slight issues with stirring sauces.
They conduct heat evenly, are easy to clean, and most are comfortable to pick up and carry.
Our Favorite Stainless Steel Cookware Set
For value and performance, we recommend the Tramontina Gourmet 10-Piece Tri-Ply Clad Stainless Steel Cookware Set. While we still have a few nit-picky critiques, the set performs well and is an excellent choice for cooks of all skill levels.
Food & Wine / Russell Kilgore
Factors to Consider
Pot and Pan Sizes
Lids count as pieces, so an 11-piece set is not eleven pots and pans. Any basic set to get you started should include a stockpot, a large saucepan, a small saucepan, a skillet, and the proper sizes of lids to cover all or most of them. You may not need more, especially if you do not cook a lot or do not cook for a crowd. Think about the pieces included in a set you are considering, and ask yourself if they are all pieces you will use regularly. Sometimes, it is more cost-effective to buy a basic set and then fill it in with some individually purchased pieces tailored to your cooking.
As a general guide to stainless steel cookware, it will have a thick bottom, often sandwiched with layers of copper or other materials that are good conductors of heat. This helps keep the heat even and consistent during cooking and helps to prevent hot spots or areas that are prone to burn. If the pans are a single thickness on the sides and bottom, you will encounter issues with food sticking and burning.
Whatever your heat source – gas, electric, or induction – matching your pans to your burner size is a reasonable consideration. A pan that’s smaller than your burner doesn’t present much of a heating issue, as it will still receive even heating. But the converse is not true; a pan larger than your burner will not receive even heating on the overhanging edges.
Also, consider the number of people you’ll cook for and your cooking style. Bigger pans make quicker work when cooking for a larger group, but you may find that excessive when cooking solo. If you’ll frequently make large batches of soups or stocks, no matter how large or small the audience, you’ll want a larger stock pot and probably a larger saucepan.
Pot and Pan Weight and Shape
Weight and balance were factors in our testing to determine whether the pans might present challenges for people with mobility or lifting issues. You certainly don’t want a set of pots and pans that are heavier than you can comfortably move, as that presents challenges and safety issues around hot food and burners. It’s also worth considering the handle length of the set. Cabinet or under-counter storage with long handles can be difficult if you don’t have room to accommodate them. Cookware sets that are made to be stackable are especially useful in these situations.
Food & Wine / Russell Kilgore
Heat Conductivity
As the introduction explains, cladding aids heat conductivity in an otherwise poor medium. As a rule of thumb, the more layers, the better the heat distribution throughout the pan; copper cookware is more conductive and that's why stainless has layers, or cladding, that often include copper. The heat distribution minimizes hot spots in the center of the pan under the burner and decreases opportunities for scorching or overcooking your food.
Care and Cleaning
Taking care of your stainless set is relatively easy. Don’t apply high, direct heat for long periods to avoid discoloration and potential warping. Never put a hot pan in the sink, or fill it with water, as this is one of the best ways to warp it. No seasoning is necessary with stainless pans, so you don’t need to subject yourself to the rituals of cast iron pan maintenance.
Ideally, a good set of pots and pans will clean up with a sponge and hot, soapy water. If you need a little extra help to remove burnt-on, polymerized grease, stuck food, or remove stubborn stains, a gentle but helpful stainless steel cleaner is your best bet.
Food & Wine / Russell Kilgore
How We Tested Stainless Steel Cookware Sets
Our testing process began with lifting and holding the pots and pans, noting how they felt in our hands and whether weight or handle design might keep someone from using them comfortably. We then began sweating mirepoix in the pans, as if making a soup or stock, to rate how easily we could cook the vegetables without coloring them. Did the vegetables hide where the sides of the pan met the bottom? Did the vegetables brown or stick when cooking them?
Next, we cooked a classic bechamel sauce, making a roux and adding milk. We rated the pans on how easily we could incorporate all of the flour, their responsiveness to temperature changes from the burner, and how evenly the heat was distributed across the pans. We also observed how difficult or messy it was to pour the sauce from the pans. Next, we cooked a batch of plain rice, examining how much boilover occurred when placing lids on the pans, how evenly and thoroughly the rice cooked, and how much rice stuck to the bottom of the pans. Finally, we rated the pans on cleanup, noting if they required scraping or scrubbing beyond a sponge and soapy water.
Food & Wine / Russell Kilgore
Other Stainless Steel Cookware Sets We Tested
Strong Contenders
All-Clad D5 5-Ply Stainless Steel 10-Piece Cookware Set ($900 at Amazon)
We liked how lightweight the pots and pans in this set felt as we moved them around and how evenly this cookware heated. While some foods were quick to stick and burn, everything cleaned up easily. Nevertheless, we ruled the set overpriced for most cooks, especially those who feel comfortable with stainless steel and can troubleshoot issues like premature browning.
All-Clad D3 Tri-Ply Stainless Steel 10-Piece Cookware Set ($700 at Amazon)
Most of what we liked and disliked about the All-Clad D5 set applied to the D3 set, as well. Controlling the heat actually seemed easier with the D3. While cooks who lift pots and pans frequently would benefit from lightweight cookware, the price kept this set off our list. Plus, the handles were not very comfortable.
What Didn’t Make the List
All of the cookware sets we tested are popular. Compared to our winners, however, a handful seemed more mediocre in our tests. For example, we found the lower cost of the Cuisinart Chef’s Classic Stainless Steel 10-Piece Cookware Set ($159 at Amazon) proportional to its performance. With the Calphalon Premier 11-Piece Stainless Steel Cookware Set ($295 at Amazon), issues with sticking and uneven cooking were met with a difficult cleanup. We liked the design of the OXO Tri-Ply Stainless Mira Series 10-Piece Set ($400 at Amazon), especially the smooth handles, but it fell short in our cooking tests.
Design kept other sets off our list. While the Misen 12-Piece Stainless Steel Cookware Set ($675 at Amazon) performed well, we found the pieces bulky, heavy, and uncomfortable to hold. The Anolon Nouvelle Stainless Steel 10-Piece Cookware Set ($300 at Amazon) retails at a fair price and heats evenly, but we preferred the more ergonomic designs of other stockpots and sauté pans.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you use metal utensils on stainless steel cookware?
Although stainless is a strong metal, using metal utensils on cookware can potentially scratch or otherwise mar the finish. Always consult the manufacturer’s recommendations for keeping your stainless steel cookware in its best condition.
Can you use stainless steel cookware on induction cooktops?
The best stainless steel induction cookware has a base construction of magnetic-grade stainless steel. Most of the sets we reviewed here are induction-compatible, but always check with the individual manufacturer to ensure they will work on your cooktop.
Is stainless steel cookware nonstick?
Stainless steel is not nonstick by nature. Special alloys, polymers, and other coatings make pans nonstick when applied.
Although I have little scientific proof to back this up, my technique of choice to reduce sticking is to heat my skillet without oil, during which time the molecules in the cooking surface expand, exposing pores in the metal. Once the pan is hot, I add oil or fat and then quickly swirl it around the pan, allowing the fat to fill those pores, theoretically making it less prone to sticking.
Is stainless steel cookware safe?
Stainless steel doesn’t shed material, emit toxins, and is nonreactive in the presence of acids. Given that, stainless is widely regarded as a safe cooking material.
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