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. 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.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. 

To find the best frying pans on the market, we asked chefs, food writers, and cookware professionals for their thoughts, and then put the standout items to the test in The Telegraph kitchen.

The homesteader's tool: cast iron cookware. Several things come to mind when thinking of homesteader must-haves. The item at the top of the list is cast iron cookware. It is easy to see why so many love to use their cast iron skillet as the farm-to-table vessel. Here are just seven benefits of cooking with cast iron.

The Art of Cooking with a Cast Iron Pan on a Glass StoveCooking with a cast iron pan has long been

The Marriage of Cast Iron Pans and Glass Top Stoves in Modern FactoriesIn the realm of culinary ap

The Versatile Charm of China's Small Cast Iron Casserole DishIn the vast and diverse culinary land

Seasoned Cast Iron Pans A Guide to Top Stove ManufacturersCast iron pans have long been a staple i

Season Cast Iron Skillet on Stove by ManufacturerCast iron skillets have been a staple in many kit

Navigating the World of Small Cast Iron Frying Pans An Insight into OEM Manufacturers and Their Glob

The Versatile Cast Iron Griddle for Electric Coil StovesWhen it comes to cooking, choosing the rig

As the world becomes more health-conscious, the demand for small cast iron frying pans has been on t

Small cast iron casseroles are becoming increasingly popular in kitchens around the world, and one o

OEM Stove Top Griddle Cast Iron ManufacturersWhen it comes to finding the best stove top griddle f

The Craftsmanship and Utility of Small Cast Iron Pots with LidsIn the vast world of

The Perfect Match Cooking with an OEM Cast Iron Skillet on an Electric StoveIn the

The Rise of Small Cast Iron Casserole Dishes with Lids A Growing Export TrendIn rece

The Rising Popularity of Small Cast Iron Casseroles in ChinaIn recent years, the cu

The Versatility and Benefits of OEM Cast Iron Griddles for Electric Stove TopsIn rec

The Growing Market for OEM Small Cast Iron Griddle ExportersIn recent years, the cu

Exploring the World of Small Cast Iron Casserole Dishes with LidsIn the realm of cu