Stainless steel cookware may not be what the USA is known for, but it’s certainly not lacking in that department. Some of the best quality stainless steel cookware out there is from home-grown brands.
Finding the right cookware is essential for any good chef, be it professional or just in the home. Luckily we’ve got your back when it comes to finding the right brand for your kitchen.
Why Buy Stainless Steel Kitchenware?
Here are a few things to consider when buying stainless steel pots and pans:
They’re durable: They can stand up to high temperatures and are likely to last you years.
They’re versatile: You can use them on both gas/electric heating and induction stovetops.
They won’t corrode like aluminum: Making them easier to clean.
They’re easy to care for: Make sure your stainless steel pans are only washed with no soap as they could scratch easily. However, this makes them easier to care for.
If you want to buy American-made kitchen equipment, buy American-made stainless steel products! There are some really great ones out there! We’ve assembled a list of some of our favorites to help you find the right piece to match your lifestyle and cooking style.
Starting with the all-American, All-Clad stainless steel cookware brand. All-Clad was founded by John Ulam, who founded the company in the 1967s. Their first products were stoneware and porcelain.
However, their reputation grew quickly and they soon started producing custom-designed cookware for restaurants including Le Bernardin, Chez Panisse, L’Etoile, La Cote Basque, Le Pavillon, and Au Pied de Cochon.
Eventually, in 1982, they began selling commercial cookware, which included an all-new line called “All-clad” – after a combination of the words, All-Purpose (as in being able to do anything) and Clad (pronounced CLAD). Eventually, the company would go on to adopt this name.
The company now produces more than 200 products in total, ranging from large heavy-duty workhorses to small, lightweight accessories such as spatulas and stirrers. If you are looking for something larger, try the All-Clad Pro line, which includes everything from 8″ frypans to 14″ Dutch ovens.
The smaller size makes it easier to get into tight areas without having to move around too much. For those looking for less bulk, opt for one of the All-Clad 18 ozs.
All-Clad cookware is made up of a stainless steel exterior, non-stick, and is safe for all cooktops, broilers, and ovens up to 600 degrees Fahrenheit. Ulam is so confident about the quality of his products that all All-Clad cookware comes with a limited lifetime warranty.
So whether you’re looking to make meals at home or cater for hundreds on your next business outing, you know that you’ll have a product that will hold its own against time. If you want something that looks great, cooks well, and lasts for decades, then we suggest that you give All-Clad a try.
All Solidteknics cookware is manufactured in Chicago, Illinois. They pride themselves on the fact that the components and materials are also locally and domestically sourced. Solidteknics was founded by Mark James Henry, who’s been in the metal trade for over 40 years, so he knows a thing or two about stainless steel.
Solidteknics manufactures two different types of cookware. US-ION and AUS-ION. The difference between the two isn’t much but the US-ION cookware is made from slightly different materials and comes pre-seasoned. The result is that it cooks like a cast iron skillet but is a lot lighter.
Both these types of cookware are incredibly durable, cook very well, and have higher walls to lock in the flavors. But despite what they may seem to be, the prices aren’t necessarily high – especially compared to other brands. That’s what makes Solidteknics a market favorite.
If you’re looking for classic stainless steel cookware that won’t need any preseasoning, then check out the AUS-ION line. It comes in black, white, and silver only, and although there are some differences between the lines, they’re still good value for money.
The best feature of this range is that it comes standard with a Lifetime Replacement Guarantee. If you find yourself having issues with your piece, just bring it back and they’ll replace it absolutely free!
If you don’t want the hassle of seasoning, or if you simply prefer not to use oil when cooking, we recommend checking out the US-ION cookware set. These come out of the box ready to bake, steam, boil, sautee, even roast. They include 6 pieces that can be used together and individually.
Additionally, each piece has a unique heat rating that allows you to choose how long your food needs to cook before removing it from the stovetop. This means that no matter what you need to cook, you’ll have the right tool for the job.
These pans also include a 10-year warranty and a lifetime guarantee on the product itself. We love these American-made stainless steel pans because they’re sturdy enough to last us many years yet light enough to move around the kitchen without too much effort. Plus, they’re incredibly easy to clean, which is always a plus.
USA Pan is a cookware brand that is made in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Though their materials are globally sourced, their products are manufactured in the USA. Their products are all made using 18/8 stainless steel. Not sure what that means? Don’t worry we go over it in our buyer’s guide at the bottom of the page!
However, they do offer other options such as cast iron and ceramic. Their pans feature various sizes ranging up to 14 inches (35cm) in diameter. As an added bonus they make a 12-inch fry pan that is ideal for making chips, pancakes, and waffles.
Overall though if you’re looking to purchase USA Pan’s premium quality cookware set or individual pieces will likely cost quite a bit more than other similar companies. You should definitely consider paying the full price for these items. They are one of our top picks due to their durability, versatility, and overall quality.
The main reason why these pans stand out above the rest is that they’re made with 18/8 stainless steel, which reduces corrosion. Not only does this ensure that you’ll get a longer life out of the pans, but it also ensures that you don’t end up spending money on cleaning solutions.
Not only that, but each pan features a nonstick coating which makes cleanup a breeze.
When it comes to cleaning them, USA Pan recommends using dish soap and warm water only. Be sure to dry after washing to avoid rusting. One of the most impressive things about USA Pan is the handles.
Each pan has its own handle, meaning that you can easily switch between them while cooking. USA Pan cookware is also completely lead-free and dishwasher safe.
These pans are designed to work extremely well in both gas and electric ranges as well as induction. Like other stainless steel products, they require minimal maintenance while still making sure that they last through years of use. Also, like other stainless steel products, USA Pan comes with a limited lifetime guarantee.
If you’re thinking about getting some new cookware, look no further than USA Pan. Because not only are they really affordable but they also work brilliantly – making cooking easier and more enjoyable than ever before!
Proclamation Goods, aside from having the most wholesome American name ever, are also a pretty decent stainless steel cookware maker. They’re a family-owned business and have been working in the stainless steel cookware industry for generations.
Manufactured in Wisconsin, they focus on producing top-quality goods that reduce the amount of clutter in your kitchen.
Proclamation Goods actually only offers two different pieces of cookware, instead of a whole range. The Multi-Ply Stainless Steel Hybrid Pot with Carbon Steel Skillet and the Multi-Ply Stainless Steel Hybrid Pot with Multi-ply Stainless Steel Skillet are their two available skillets.
It says a lot about the brand that these are their only two products, yet they’re doing incredibly well. That is because, as Proclamation Goods put it, you only need these two pans to cook it all.
So, if you do have the time to dedicate to food preparation, then choosing between the two would be hard since there isn’t much difference between them. Both have matching Lids with carbon steel bottoms and stainless steel tops.
Aside from the fact that they’re very functional, when they’re opened, they also look beautiful. To keep the pots clean, simply wipe them down regularly with a soft cloth. If you want to ensure even better results, you may want to scrub them once every few months by hand or invest in one of those amazing steam cleaners.
You can pick up either of their pots at any local store. Although their prices aren’t cheap, you will definitely get what you pay for. This means that you won’t end up regretting buying their product. They offer a warranty for three years so you can expect to see them for quite a while.
Since they’re made of high-quality materials, you’ll enjoy many use them. When it comes to the benefits of owning Proclamation Goods stainless steel pans, they make quite an impression. So whether you’re looking for something practical or just want to impress guests at parties, then these pans might just fit the bill.
The stainless steel cookware manufacturer focuses mainly on creating quality, long-lasting cookware that will work excellently. Proclamation Goods are known for being affordable and easy to maintain, so if those things matter to you then you should definitely check out this company.
Their products are not only great for people who want durable cookware, but also for people who don’t mind owning just a couple of amazing pots in their collection.
This way, you won’t be tempted to buy too much when it comes time to invest in new cookware – which, for us, is always a good thing. Remember, these two skillets are all you’ll need.
Interestingly, Viking Professional was founded by Fred Carl, a builder at the time, in 1987. His goal has always been to create high-quality equipment; he built his first full stove in 1985, which is now used by chefs around the world.
He started manufacturing the Stovetop Burners in 1989, with the idea of making stoves that were safer and could withstand high temperatures safely.
By 2012, he had expanded into the cookware category, and today, Viking professionals manufacture four main lines, including professional cookware, commercial kitchen supplies, residential appliances, and outdoor grills.
One thing that sets Viking apart is that all of its products undergo rigorous testing before they reach the market. One example of this is the ceramic trivets and lids. These products go through several tests that consist of dropping them onto solid surfaces like concrete multiple times.
Viking Professional has continued to expand and grow over the last 20 years. Currently, they sell products such as electric ovens, blenders, kitchen tools, storage containers, and more. All of these products come in different sizes, colors, shapes, and styles so customers can choose which ones they prefer.
Viking Professional’s stainless steel cookware is manufactured in the USA with materials that are globally sourced.
The handcrafted Viking Professional 3-Ply is one of their most popular stainless steel pots because of its durability and versatility. It can handle everything from boiling water to frying meat while still being lightweight enough to move from stove to oven quickly.
Additionally, it features an ergonomic design that makes it perfect for both right-handed and left-handed cooks.
Viking has thought of everything when it comes to stainless steel cookware and is one of the rare companies to put thought into their designs.
As such, you shouldn’t expect any sort of issues from them. They offer a 2-year warranty on all of their items, which means you’ll get your money back if something does happen to go wrong. Their product is made well, and there shouldn’t be any problems whatsoever.
Pros
Stainless Steel
Rigorous testing
Huge product range
Warranty
Ergonomic design
Cons
Costly depending on the product
Buyer’s Guide
Buying anything, when you don’t know much about it, can be a nightmare. You don’t even know where to begin or what to look out for. When it comes to USA stainless steel cookware, we can help. There are certain things to look for and certain things to avoid.
Where Does The Brand Come From?
This is incredibly important if you’re looking for stainless steel cookware that is 100% the USA made. All the brands on our list manufacture their stainless steel cookware in the USA. However, not all of them source all their materials from the USA.
This isn’t necessarily a negative thing and may actually create a far superior product. This is because there are some products that you just can’t get in the USA. Japanese stainless steel is one of the best stainless steel out there. It’s super strong yet soft enough to make food taste incredible.
Unfortunately, only a few manufacturers use it. The same goes for German Stainless Steel. Other countries do produce good quality stainless steel but unfortunately, many American manufacturers won’t bother importing these foreign ingredients for the sake of being American.
This doesn’t mean their quality is better, and actually importing creates some much stronger stainless steel products.
Materials
Another thing you should look out for is what kind of material the stainless steel cookware is made from. Though the majority of them will be made from stainless steel, the thing to look out for is what the core is made from. Some pans have aluminum cores for heat conduction which is a great choice.
Teflon Coating Vs. Stainless Steel
There are pros and cons to choosing either stainless steel or Teflon-coated cookware as well as other materials such as cast iron.
As stated before, stainless steel is one of our favorite materials for cooking. With this being said, stainless steel has some drawbacks. One downside is that it can scratch very easily. If you take care of yourself and clean thoroughly after every use, however, this shouldn’t become an issue at all.
Another disadvantage is that sometimes stainless steel gets really hot. Some people find this problematic. There’s also the fact that it’s more fragile than some other materials – making it harder to work with. Still, though, it’s the best option available if you need a heavy-duty pan.
If you want to buy stainless steel cookware without any concerns then you’ll definitely want to choose between tanned and raw sheeted stainless steel (also known as anodized). While both have their own benefits and downsides, neither compares to cast iron.
Raw sheeted stainless steel is ideal for beginners who want to learn how to cook, while tanned sheeted stainless steel is perfect for professionals who plan on spending most of their time working in the kitchen.
Coating
Another consideration when buying stainless steel cookware is whether they have a protective layer over the metal itself.
For example, if you see something like “paint” over your cookware, this means that you’ve got a nonstick surface instead of an actual protective layer. This could be detrimental to the durability of your cookware.
Coats like this are usually applied during manufacturing and are meant to protect the cookware from scratching and marring due to contact with abrasive surfaces.
If you’re a newbie, you might consider avoiding anything coated since there’s not much benefit to having a nonstick surface unless you go through a lot of dishes per day. Of course, if you’re into baking frequently, you might want to stick with nonstick anyway.
Handle Design
Another factor to consider is how ergonomic your handles are. You don’t want to end up using the handle all day long and getting sore muscles. When possible, try to purchase pots and pans that are designed so that they fit comfortably in your hand.
For instance, if you have large hands, you may need to invest in pans with larger diameter handles. Also, you may know that stainless steel is quite durable and strong, but if you don’t want to risk burning your entire handoff, another good idea would be to get grips on your pan that won’t slip.
They keep your grip from slipping around but still allow them to slide smoothly across the countertop.
Weight
The weight of the cookware will depend on what material it is made out of. Cast Iron is heavy, weighing around 4 pounds. Stainless Steel is lighter, weighing only 1 pound apiece. Teflon coating is even lighter, weighing in at just 0.5 pounds!
It becomes important to note that stainless steel is less expensive, but also less dense than cast iron. However, the price difference isn’t necessarily huge. So, once again, based on your budget and personal preference, you should be able to come up with the right choice pretty quickly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why Is Stainless Steel So Popular?
It’s no secret that stainless steel cookware is one of the most popular types of cookware. With that said, there are still certain advantages regarding their use due to their unique properties.
For instance, stainless steel is considered corrosion-free material, and you can use them even without worrying about rust. Not only do you save money because you don’t have to worry about replacing your cookware, but you can even keep your food safe from bacteria.
Another advantage of using stainless steel cookware is that it doesn’t absorb flavors as non-stick surfaces may. This will mean that whatever you’re cooking won’t leave a bad smell or taste behind. You’ll find many uses for stainless steel cookware including baking, grilling, searing meats.
How Often Do I Need To Clean My Stainless Steel Pot/Pan?
You will need to wash your cookware after every single time you use it. Make sure you wipe down any residue or dirt that may have accumulated on the handles before putting it away. Even if you have a dishwasher, make sure to rinse out your cookware properly.
Otherwise, the soap residue left inside may begin to corrode. Once you rinse everything well, you should then dry your cookware. Afterwards, store it somewhere where it won’t pick up dust.
Which Type Of Stainless Steel Should I Choose?
Like most things, it depends on what you need them for, how often you plan to cook with them, and also how much you value the appearance of the pan over functionality. Here are a couple of good choices:
• Sturdily constructed pans made of 18/10 stainless steel – these are extremely sturdy and designed to withstand high heat. These pans come without handles, but you can add one if you wish. They are dishwasher safe and don’t require polishing. They’re perfect for soups and stews.
• High quality pans made of 18/1 stainless steel – these pans are very similar to the above option but with thicker walls and stronger construction. They have handles that allow you to easily move the pan as needed. They are more heavy-duty and come with proper care instructions. These are great for large pots of soup and stew.
• Cast aluminum pans – these are very popular because of their lightweight yet sturdy design. They come in two different sizes; 6 quarts and 8 quarts. Unlike solid steel pans, cast iron pans won’t rust. However, they can stain if left unattended. To prevent stains from forming and discoloring, clean cast iron regularly.
What Are The Different Types Of Stainless Steel Pans Available?
There are basically two basic categories of stainless steel pans available nowadays – traditional pans and Bakos. Traditional pans come with handles, while Bakos comes without them. Here are some of the most common stainless steel pans available today:
• Non-stick coated stainless steel stovetop pans – These pans feature an easy-release surface that makes cleaning fast and simple. When it needs to be cleaned again, just run hot water over it and scrub away. Although this type of pan does not last forever, they usually last around 5 years which is plenty of time for a person to replace them. However, it might be best to invest in a new set of pans when you’re going through a lot of change.
• Smooth-surfaced stovetop pans – These smooth-surfaced pans usually come with tempered glass lids. Because of their lightweight, they do not take up too much space on the kitchen counter. Unfortunately, they tend to be less durable than non-stick pans.
• Heavy-duty stovetop pans – These are generally made of thick stainless steel and feature heavy gauge construction. Although they look nice, the price tag is pretty steep.
• Cake pans – These pans are used mainly for baking cakes and desserts. They are made usually of either aluminum or copper with a coating of dark brown enamel. Some include non-stick coatings that make cleanup easier and faster.
Is USA Manufactured Stainless Steel Cookware Better Than Other Countries?
It would be great for patriotism to say that the good old US-of-A makes the best stainless steel cookware, but it’s not necessarily true. However, we do make some of the damn best stainless steel cookware out there. The leading stainless steel cookware brand is Calphalon, which is located in Perrysburg, Ohio.
But it’s important to remember that while the USA does make excellent stainless steel cookware, it’s being caught up by other brands and countries. Tefal, founded in France, is a growing manufacturer of cookware that has been praised time and time again for its stainless steel.
Final Thoughts
Regardless of whether your country of origin is the USA or anywhere else, you will find good high-quality stainless steel cookware at all prices. Just make sure you know what type of stainless steel pan you want before making your purchase decision.
For example, people often confuse stainless steel as a cheap material and assume that cheaper models will not hold up for long. This is wrong. Stainless steel is extremely robust and will easily stand the test of time.
Remember, though; you shouldn’t go for the cheapest model possible if durability is key to your choice. You can always get a lifetime warranty on most of the pans out there, so you’ll always have backup options. Make sure you read the product description thoroughly before buying.
Don’t buy something because you think it looks cool or fancy, especially if it doesn’t work. Buy stainless steel cookware based on how well it fits your cooking style, budget, and personal preferences! We hope this helped!
Hi, my name is Kunal Sharma, and I am a self-certified foodie. I love everything about food - from its preparation to cooking, raw ingredients to final dishes.
Some people relax by taking a walk outside or painting, but my release from the day is when I get to come home and cook for my wife and kids. Luckily they aren’t fussy eaters, because it’s a different meal every night!
If you are like me and can’t get enough of all things food related, then I invite you to come on a journey through my website.
