Rating of the best stainless steel pans in 2022

It's hard to imagine a kitchen without a saucepan. This is an everyday attribute of every household, which is necessary in the process of preparing many dishes. Most families have at least several models of different shapes and sizes. Stainless steel cookware is attractive due to its wear resistance, long service life, and resistance to deformation and scratches. With careful care, these pans can last for decades. In this rating, we will help you choose the best model of 2022 with an excellent price/quality ratio, which will delight you for many years and will bring only positive emotions.
POLL: In your opinion, what material is the best for cookware?

Which brand of stainless steel pan should you choose?

There are many European and Asian brands of pans available in the market. Products from Western countries are usually more expensive than Chinese ones, but in terms of quality they are often on the same level.

We list the 10 best manufacturing companies:

• Daniks is a domestic brand offering more than 1000 tableware items for various social segments of the population. Glass ceramic and stainless steel metal products are available. The catalog contains pots with an average volume of 1 to 15 liters. The products are PFOA-free, come with clear glass lids and are suitable for all stovetop types.
• Gipfel is a premium cookware brand under which pots are sold both individually and as a set. Basically, we are talking about stainless steel models. Each product has a glass lid with a hole to release steam. They are characterized by a multi-layer heat-accumulating bottom, ergonomic handles, and dishwasher compatibility.
• Tefal – ]cutlery[/anchor], kitchen accessories and tableware. The company pays special attention to stainless steel pans. The range includes models with capacities from 1.4 to 10 liters. They have a measuring scale, a heat-resistant lid with a round or rectangular handle, and a mirror-polished surface.
• Taller is a supplier of inexpensive food storage containers, baking dishes, kitchen accessories and utensils. The catalog contains sets of 2-6 items, including those with a bucket. They are equipped with spot-welded metal handles, as well as an induction bottom and matt polished walls approximately 0.6 mm thick. These stainless steel pans are considered the best due to their high anti-corrosion properties, resistance to alkalis and acids.
• Katun - the owner of the brand is Russian. The trading house has been operating since 2001. 10 years later, we began our own production of stainless steel cookware. The brand has both small options and large models with a capacity of over 40 liters.
• Katyusha - production was launched in 2019. The catalog includes aluminum, enameled, cast iron cookware, and stainless steel products. The products are distinguished by dense walls that do not deform over time, a multi-layer bottom with good thermal conductivity properties, and the ability to be washed in a dishwasher.
• Amet , the plant where the company’s products are manufactured, was founded in 1898. More than 700 product items are available to customers. The company produces ordinary pots and models for cooking manti. The products have a matte polish and can be easily washed with a detergent without streaks.
• Rondell - tableware from this brand is often used in restaurants due to its high quality and ease of use. The company's products have been successfully tested and recommended for use by the National Guild of Chefs. The brand's assortment includes both classic silver steel pans and red, black, turquoise, and orange products.
• Appetite - the company supplies the market with 7 stainless steel series: Classic, Style, Professional, etc. Each of them includes at least 5 models with glass or metal lids and welded handles. The products do not give off any foreign odors to food and react normally to detergents.
• VSMPO-Posuda is a supplier of cookware for all types of stoves: gas, electric, induction, etc. The company’s products are not afraid of moisture, cold and high temperatures, and can be safely used in the oven. The products are dishwasher safe. The pans are made from environmentally friendly 18/10 stainless steel and have pronounced anti-corrosion properties.

Features of stainless steel cookware. Care

In stainless steel pans you can cook any food without restrictions. They are ideal for stewing and boiling, as well as long-term food storage. The material exhibits high strength and durability with moderate weight, and is not susceptible to rust, oxidation, scratches, or deformation. Stainless steel cookware is universal and suitable for all types of stoves, including induction. She is very practical.

Advantages and disadvantages

• The thick bottom of the stainless steel pan ensures even heating and prevents sticking.
• It is easy to maintain the required temperature level.
• Supporters of a healthy diet will appreciate such dishes, because... You can cook in it without oil and stew vegetables in its own juice.

• Stainless steel cookware has a low heat capacity and does not heat up above 100 degrees. You can cook in it at gentle temperatures. Severe overheating may cause dark spots to appear on the bottom that are difficult to remove.
• This metal cools quite quickly, unlike cast iron products.
• When cooking with a small amount of liquid, food may burn to the bottom.

Steel pans are extremely easy to maintain. They can be cleaned with rough wire sponges and abrasives without fear of scratches.

Rating of the best stainless steel pans

There are more than 10 criteria for choosing a stainless steel pan, and the most important here are convenience, safety, and operational efficiency. The ratio of price and quality of products also plays a certain role.

Before purchasing a product, it is recommended to look at the following characteristics:

• Volume of products;
• Thickness and type of bottom - ordinary or multi-layer;
• Diameter of top and bottom;
• Wall thickness and height;
• Availability of a measuring scale;
• Cover materials;
• Shape, dimensions and method of attaching handles;
• Dishwasher safe;
• Induction hob compatible;
• Oven approved;
• Reaction to the use of metal objects.

Also, when compiling the rating, we took into account the speed and uniformity of heating the bottom, the duration of heat retention, and the reaction of pans to acids and alkalis.

The best products for your dishwasher

Main characteristics

Like any other product, pots have their own characteristics. The main parameters include:

1. Volume. The indicator indicates the number of products that can be prepared in one go. The value is directly dependent on the height and diameter of the product. For stewing meat, vegetables and poultry, a volume of 2 or 3 liters is sufficient. It is better to cook pasta and potatoes in three-liter containers. It is advisable to cook borscht and soups in five or six-liter containers. Especially if the family is large.
2. Size. The measurement takes place along the outer edge. There are various models on sale, however, the standard diameter is from 10 to 30 centimeters.
3. Wall thickness. Depends on the raw materials used. For enameled and cast iron products the indicator is 4.5 mm, for stainless steel devices - 0.5 mm.
4. Depth (height). The size is of great importance, since the product with cooked food must be in the refrigerator, where the distance between the shelves is limited.

Types of coatings

Popular models of pans are available with the following types of coatings:

1. Enameled. Quite a capricious coating. Requires careful handling. Does not accept cleaning with abrasive components. The use of brushes should be avoided. May crack at high temperatures. Over time, areas affected by corrosion appear.
2. Ceramic. Food is heated evenly during cooking. It is durable. May not tolerate high temperatures. The result is the appearance of microcracks.
3. Teflonov. Thickness – 3 mm. Allows you to completely avoid burning of food during cooking. Afraid of mechanical damage. Over time, the non-stick properties are lost. High temperatures should be avoided. May release toxic components.
4. Marble. The base is cast aluminum, which has excellent thermal conductivity. The food heats up evenly and cooking takes little time. Not afraid of high temperatures. The non-stick coating is not destroyed. Cracks and scratches are not a problem.

Cover material

Without a lid, the pan loses its functionality. Which one is better to buy depends on personal preference. What to look for when choosing the right accessory? Experts recommend exploring the variety of options and choosing the best and most practical one. The following raw materials are used in the manufacture of lids:

Handle material

What types of pot handles are there? There are few options. The main list is as follows:

1. Cast iron. They are durable. Not afraid of mechanical damage. Moisture has a detrimental effect on properties.
2. Bakelite. The main composition is heat-resistant plastic. Heats up in minutes. The grip is comfortable. They don't slip. The maximum permissible temperature is 150 degrees. Experts advise removing them away from the heating zone. This may lead to their deformation.
3. Ceramics. They are afraid of significant temperature changes. They do not require careful care. Microwave and oven compatible.
4. Metal. The larger the handles, the less they heat up. Show resistance to high temperatures. It is not recommended to place it in the oven.

Best Stainless Steel Pots with Thick Bottoms

Of course, such dishes are heavier than conventional models, but more efficient. Pans with a thick bottom retain heat inside for a long time and distribute it evenly. As a result, food retains its beneficial qualities and remains hot longer. 2 models included in this rating category have these properties. Each of them has collected many positive reviews.

Katun Gretta 9 l

A spacious 9-liter saucepan "Katun Gretta" is suitable for preparing first and second courses and jam. The main material of manufacture was steel, the bottom was made with the addition of aluminum. The wall thickness is 0.6 cm, which guarantees quick cooking of food, but at the same time prevents it from burning. There are no foreign odors in ready-made dishes. There is a lid, but it is not transparent and is equipped with a slightly unusual rounded handle.

Advantages

• The food requires a minimal amount of oil;
• Easy to wash and does not scratch;
• Dishwasher safe;
• Can be used on induction hob;
• Multilayer encapsulated bottom.

Flaws

• Short handles.

Katyusha Sofia 1.4 l

This is the smallest stainless steel pan in the rating with a volume of 1.4 liters. The diameter of its bottom is 12.5 cm, and the top is 14 cm. The model is equipped with wide and thick handles that provide a comfortable grip. However, due to their lack of heat-insulating properties, you will need to use oven mitts. The glass lid has a hole for steam to escape and large, non-slip handles.

Advantages

• Multilayer encapsulated bottom;
• Heats up quickly;
• Easy to clean;
• Dishwasher safe;
• Oven safe.

Flaws

• Tall, but narrow.

According to reviews, Katyusha Sofia has fairly strong walls and does not deform over time.

Enameled

Agness with glass lid 5.8 l

pros

• spacious saucepan
• safe covering
• high-quality execution
• Beautiful design
• affordable price

Minuses

• not suitable for oven

From 1,090 ₽

Housewives who decide to choose an inexpensive enamel pan for a gas stove should pay attention to this model. Practical and functional Agness brand utensils are excellent for cooking soups, borscht and compotes. It is made of high-quality enameled steel, which, even at high temperatures, does not react with acids and alkalis contained in products.

METROT Olive 5.3 l

pros

• nice design
• interesting shape
• comfortable durable handles
• high quality enamel
• practicality

Minuses

• there is no steam hole in the lid

From 1,254 RUR

Another representative of the Metrot brand, whose elegant design and unusual shape look great in kitchens of varying styles and interiors. Practicality, durability, and ease of maintenance, characteristic of all products with an enamel coating, are the advantages of this pan.

SteelEnamel 1С16С/1 2.9 l

pros

• catchy design
• for all types of hobs
• Can be washed in the dishwasher
• plastic handle on the lid

Minuses

• short service life

From 442 ₽

Inexpensive, but quite good pan from a Russian manufacturer. Medium size, comfortable handles, a lid with a metal rim, high-quality enamel coating, a variety of designs to choose from - these are the moments that attract the housewife’s eye to this dish.

The best saucepans up to 50 l made of stainless steel

Large pots are suitable for dining rooms or any holidays. They are often used to prepare jam and preserves for the winter. The lightest and most comfortable are aluminum models, which last longer than enamel options. We studied the assortment of 10 manufacturers, resulting in one product with good thermal conductivity and care properties.

Amet 1c2512 30 l

This premium stainless steel saucepan with a capacity of 30 liters is suitable for preparing soups, porridges, and jams. The thick enough bottom prevents food from burning. There is a flat steel lid that closes tightly and does not rise when the water boils strongly, but you cannot monitor the process through it. The silver color is easy to clean from dirt.

Advantages

• High position of handles;
• The optimal top diameter is 40 cm;
• Heat is distributed evenly;
• Food can be easily stirred with metal spatulas and spoons;
• The temperature inside the container is maintained even after removal from the stove.

Flaws

• Not very smooth bottom.

Criterias of choice

Usually, when buying, they immediately look at the appearance of the cookware, the manufacturer and the price, forgetting about the technical characteristics. The correct choice is based on the following criteria:

• alloy grade. It is better to take 18/10 steel;
• thickness of the bottom and walls. If you plan to use the utensils for many years, buy models with a capsule bottom and thickened walls (at least 0.8 mm);
• presence of a cover. Glass ones are more convenient, since everything is clearly visible when cooking. Keep in mind that beautiful tall handle holders take up a lot of space in kitchen cabinets and on refrigerator shelves, so you will have to adapt to this. Not ready? Then consider options for models with compact elements;
• brand. Almost every cookware manufacturer has a line of stainless steel pans. There are brands that specialize only in this material, and those for which steel products are only one of the areas of production. In any case, premium category products are more expensive than budget models, but the manufacturer guarantees quality and durability.

Don’t worry if the saucepan you like from a famous foreign brand is made in China. It has become a common practice to locate the production of large European (and other) premium segment companies in the Middle Kingdom, which allows customers to offer quality products at an affordable price.

The Best Stainless Steel Steamer Pots

A steamer is a special utensil for steaming dishes. Thanks to this, food retains valuable substances and remains useful for humans. The set includes a container for water and a bowl with holes for steam, where vegetables, meat and other products are placed. This section of the rating of stainless steel pans includes the best model according to customer reviews.

Rondell RDS-751 13 l

The Rondell RDS-751 product with a capacity of 13 liters allows you to cook in two ways - in water and steam. In this case, the food retains the largest possible amount of nutrients. This model is especially relevant for people leading a healthy lifestyle. It is also chosen by patients with gastritis and colitis who cannot eat fried foods. Thanks to two containers with steam holes, you can cook a lot of food at one time.

Advantages

• Uniform heating of the bottom;
• Thick glass on the lid;
• Handles with heat-insulating inserts;
• High heating rate;
• The bottom does not peel off or collapse over time.

Flaws

• Not very tall.

The Rondell RDS-751 model is dishwasher safe and can be used on an induction hob.

The best ham makers

Rating of quality pots with a volume of over 6 liters

Bekker Premium BK-1558 – 6 liters

A characteristic feature of the products of this brand is the presence of a matte strip located along the edge of the product and the presence of a mirror surface. A great hostess gift. The pan will decorate any kitchen. The basis is the use of high quality stainless steel. The handles are held in place by rivets. Short but easy to use. The multilayer encapsulated bottom is characterized by a high heat transfer coefficient. Impact-resistant and heat-resistant glass is used to make the lid. The stated wall thickness is 0.7 mm. A time-tested brand that eliminates the risk of making mistakes in the selection process.

Cost – 2616 rubles.

pan Bekker Premium BK-1558 – 6 liters

Advantages:

• removable handles;
• resistance to scratches and mechanical damage;
• can be washed in dishwashers;
• special holes for steam removal;
• stylish design;
• Can be used on any type of stove.

Flaws:

• there is no marking.

Kelli KL-4226 14 l

This 14-liter saucepan will be an excellent solution for housewives who prepare food. This design will allow you to prepare the required amount of jam, compotes and salads at one time. It is based on a multi-layer bottom, which is responsible for uniform heat distribution. In addition to the stainless steel container, the set includes a glass lid.

You can buy it at a price of 2524 rubles.

saucepan Kelli KL-4226 14 l

Advantages:

• handles do not heat up;
• suitable for any slabs;
• volume;
• quality of materials used;
• double bottom;
• Excellent value for money and quality.

Flaws:

• On such a surface (matte), dirt is more difficult to wash off.

Webber BE-128 17 l

This 17 liter saucepan will be an excellent solution for those people who are actively engaged in conservation. High quality stainless steel is used for production. The set includes a glass lid equipped with a special hole that is responsible for the timely removal of steam. The bottom is heat-saving. The handles are large and riveted. Can be used for any slabs. You can wash it in the dishwasher, but you should take into account its rather large dimensions.

Cost – 2390 rub.

pan Webber BE-128 17 l

Advantages:

• encapsulated multilayer bottom;
• stylish design;
• glass lid included;
• inexpensive but practical solution;
• colossal volume;
• numerous positive reviews.

Flaws:

• It's hard to stir a full pot.

Metrot 183184 7.5 l

The product from a time-tested Serbian manufacturer is in high demand among domestic buyers. It is based on the use of high-quality stainless steel, which has an enamel coating. The product is decorated with a beautiful floral painting, which helps create coziness in the kitchen.

Average price – 2057 rub.

pan Metrot 183184 7.5 l

Advantages:

• enamel coating;
• durability;
• practicality;
• stylish design;
• numerous positive reviews;
• comfortable handles.

Flaws:

• Not recommended for use in the oven.

Katun KT04-D-130 13 l

This model will be the optimal solution for housewives who are engaged in conservation. Stainless steel is used for production. Tank volume – 13 l. This indicator is more than enough not only for compotes, jams and pickles, but also for sterilizing jars. The material does not enter into a chemical reaction with products during their preparation. The bottom of the product is thick and equipped with a special aluminum insert. This high-tech solution made it possible to achieve the most uniform heat distribution during its operation. The handles are short and easy to use.

Average price – 1901 rub.

pan Katun KT04-D-130 13 l

Advantages:

• capsule multilayer bottom;
• comfortable handles;
• aluminum insert in the bottom area;
• numerous positive reviews;
• The material is resistant to mechanical damage and corrosion.

Flaws:

• not identified.

Best Stainless Steel Pans for Induction Cooker

This type of stove requires special cookware, the main requirement for which is pronounced magnetic properties. Thus, in this case, cast iron and enamel cookware are irrelevant. We included stainless steel models with a special bottom in this section of the rating.

Appetite Rondy 3.9 l

The Appetite Rondy pan is designed specifically for cooking on induction cookers. It has a thick and smooth bottom, which ensures tight contact with the surface. The presence of several layers helps to retain heat. The wall thickness of 0.3 mm ensures fast cooking, but at the same time the dishes do not deform. The product requires little maintenance – it is not afraid of acids and alkalis.

Advantages

• Does not get scratched when using a fork or other metal objects;
• Cools down quickly;
• Corrosion protection;
• Food without burnt taste;
• Wide handles.

Flaws

• It makes a lot of noise.

Speaking about which brand of stainless steel pans is better, it should be especially noted that Appetite is the leader among budget brands. The manufacturer's product is easily cleaned from stains and retains its original appearance for a long time.

VSMPO-Cookware Gourmand-Classic 110335 3.5 l

The pan has a diameter of 20 cm and a volume of 3.5 liters, easily fitting even into a small refrigerator. High temperatures are not dangerous for materials and allow dishes to maintain their original appearance for a long time. Thermal treatment of products guarantees the preservation of their biological value. This model does not have a non-stick bottom, so you do not need to buy special spatulas or spoons. Stainless steel increases service life.

Advantages

• The multi-layer bottom effectively distributes heat;
• Food does not burn and cooks evenly;
• The dishes do not deform over time;
• Fits tightly to the burner;
• Energy saving.

Flaws

• Not very thick handles.

Judging by the reviews, VSMPO-Cookware Gurman-Classic 110335 is used both at home and in restaurants for professional food preparation.

Up to 2 liters

Rondell Balance RDS-754

pros

• quality steel
• easy to clean
• the coating is not afraid of metal objects
• silicone inserts on handles
• cover with rubber edging

Minuses

• high price
• whitish spots after washing

From 2,199 RUR

Rondell is a German brand with professional roots. All dishes from this manufacturer, including products from the Balance collection, are made of high quality steel. Triple bottom technology allows heat to be distributed evenly throughout the cookware, so dishes are cooked as quickly as possible. Metal handles with silicone inserts are durable and comfortable. The kit includes a lid with a silicone rim, thanks to which cooking occurs absolutely silently.

Gipfel Mini 1201

pros

• durability
• multi-layer bottom
• environmentally friendly steel
• for all types of slabs
• coating neutral to acidic and alkaline environments

Minuses

• the lid doesn't fit tightly

From 1,846 RUR

A small saucepan with a capacity of 0.6 liters is indispensable for preparing side dishes, cereals, and vegetable stews on a gas or electric stove, including induction, as well as in the oven. The product is made of environmentally friendly metal, which is not afraid of exposure to either acid or alkali. The pan can be washed in the dishwasher.

Saucepan AMET, Classic-Prima 1s2344

pros

• scratch resistant surface
• easy to clean
• stylish design
• tableware safe for health
• durability

Minuses

• The handle on the lid gets hot

From 1,326 RUR

The AMET company is the first Russian manufacturer to master the technology of producing cookware with a “triple” bottom. The saucepan in question has the optimal size for cooking for two people. The three-layer bottom heats up evenly, so the food does not burn and the dish remains hot for a long time after turning off the stove.

Which stainless steel pan is better to buy?

To use cookware on an induction hob, you will need a special model with a flat and heat-accumulating surface. Regardless of the type of stove, the product must have ergonomic handles and a lid with a hole for steam to escape. For preparing porridges, options with a capsule bottom are best suited. Thanks to this, food does not burn, and gas or electricity consumption is reduced.

The choice of pan can be as follows:

• For a large family you can buy one of the following sets: Daniks Standard SD-5-2, Gipfel Gala 1539, Tefal Jamie Oliver or Taller Lewis TR-1071.
• Cereals are effectively cooked in a 1.4 liter Katyusha Sofia pan with a thick bottom.
• For preparing first courses for several people, the 9-liter Katun Gretta model is suitable.
• The jam is best obtained in Amet 1c2512 30 l, where it is evenly boiled.
• Fans of healthy eating should choose Rondell RDS-751 13 l, which preserves nutrients in products.
• You can prepare food for children in the Appetite Rondy 3.9 l, which does not emit harmful substances.
• For an induction cooker, the most optimal solution is VSMPO-Posuda Gurman-Classic 110335 3.5 l.

It is impossible to say with certainty that some stainless steel pans are the best in all respects. Much here depends on the conditions of their use, so when choosing a product, this factor must first be taken into account.

Determining the purpose of use

If you don’t have any pans yet, then everything seems simple - buy a ready-made set of 5-6 containers. What to do if there seems to be enough dishes, but it’s inconvenient to prepare a certain dish?

Not everyone thinks about the fact that each pan has its own functional purpose. Let's figure it out:

• A large 3-5 liter saucepan is ideal for soups and, in the summer, compotes. True, if you live alone and prefer to do without first courses, you don’t have to buy it.
• The average capacity is 2-2.5 liters. considered universal. It is used for heating first courses and for preparing small portions of soup, pasta, etc. In fact, it’s a must-have.
• A liter saucepan with a long handle is used for boiling eggs, sausages, and vegetables. Convenient and practical.
• A thick-walled saucepan or cauldron is also useful - suitable for porridges, pilaf, and foods that require a long stewing process.
• A saucepan is essentially a hybrid between a standard saucepan and a frying pan - a medium-diameter container with fairly high walls. Ideal for products that need moisture retention or sauces.

We have described the minimum set, which is enough to prepare all the main dishes. Of course, professional chefs will think that this is critically insufficient, and those who practically do not cook food at home will decide that five pans are overkill.

Therefore, think carefully about which of them you really need - it is better to have only 2 pans in the kitchen, but good and high-quality ones.

However, it is not enough to decide on the volume and shape: now cooking utensils are made from 7 different materials. How are they different and which one should you choose?

What is the difference between expensive and cheap saucepans

Often the difference in price depends on the percentage of alloy elements. If the composition contains manganese or copper, these are affordable models that may become deformed or crack over time. When nickel is included, the cookware is one of the higher quality and more expensive options.

The cost is affected by the number of layers of the bottom and walls of the pan. The more there are, the stronger and more reliable the product. Additional elements and devices that simplify work in the kitchen also affect the cost of cookware.

Customer Reviews

Ekaterina, Nizhny Novgorod

I've heard a lot of different reviews about Rondell cookware. Now, from my own experience, I can say with confidence: the pots are good! I've been using it for three years now, no complaints. I have a set of three items, in addition to saucepans, there is also a ladle. The Flamme series is beautiful, with velvety inserts on the body. I cook soups, side dishes, and cook on a glass-ceramic stove. Easy to clean, everything cleans quickly. This set was given to me as a gift. I will only buy this brand myself.

Olga, Moscow

I needed a saucepan for soups, but didn't want to spend a lot of money. I went to the store and saw a model with the inscription “Made in Russia” - from. Dishes of the Vega series, in packaging. Good and thick-walled model. I cook soups and compotes on the electric stove, make stews and even pilaf. The size suits me. Among the disadvantages: the lid and handles get hot, but this is not critical. A good saucepan for the price and quality, so I recommend buying it.

Does the country of origin play a role?

The country of origin of a stainless steel pan does not play the most important role when choosing. There are high-quality foreign manufacturing companies. Such as Nadoba, Attribute, Tefal, etc. There are also domestic brands that have earned their name - Neva Metal Posuda, VSMPO-Posuda, etc.

What does expiration date affect?

The shelf life affects the quality of the raw materials from which the product is made. If the user sees that the selected model has a shelf life of about one year, we can say with confidence that such dishes will not last long and will lose their external and internal useful qualities after a year. Famous manufacturers give their products a shelf life of three years.