13 Mistakes to Avoid When Buying Stainless Steel Cookware (What to Look For)

13 Mistakes to Avoid When Buying Stainless Steel Cookware (What to Look For)

In this video, I reveal the biggest mistakes people make when buying stainless steel cookware. Since these pans are expensive and can last forever, it’s important to know what to look for and which features actually matter. You don’t want to get stuck with expensive cookware that you don’t love.

*****Products Featured in This Video*****

Disclaimer: We may earn a fee if you buy via the affiliate links below (at no extra cost to you). As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

All-Clad D5 12-Inch Fry Pan: https://amzn.to/3A96zHF (Amazon)
All-Clad D5 Collection: https://amzn.to/3wglqyY (Amazon)
All-Clad D5 Collection: https://www.tkqlhce.com/click-8744728-14369758?sid=yt&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.all-clad.com%2Fcookware%2Fcollections%2Fd5-brushed.html (All-Clad.com)
All-Clad D3 12-Inch Fry Pan: https://amzn.to/3JyOSqH (Amazon)
All-Clad D3 Cookware (all pots and pans): https://amzn.to/42G7ICN (Amazon)
All-Clad D3 Cookware (all pots and pans): https://www.tkqlhce.com/click-8744728-14369758?sid=yt&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.all-clad.com%2Fcookware%2Fcollections%2Fd3-stainless.html (All-Clad.com)
Made In Stainless Steel Cookware: https://madeincookware.pxf.io/WDx4RJ (MadeInCookware.com)
Made In Stainless Steel Cookware: https://amzn.to/3IKvKEC (Amazon)
Made In (All Collections): https://madeincookware.pxf.io/n19NoV (MadeInCookware.com)
Demeyere Cookware: https://amzn.to/3IFGLZu (Amazon)
Demeyere Cookware: https://www.kqzyfj.com/click-8744728-13819538?sid=yt&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.zwilling.com%2Fus%2Fdemeyere%2Fcookware%2F (Zwilling.com)

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*****Navigate This Video*****

0:00 Intro
0:21 Fully-Clad vs. Disc Bottom
1:46 Number of Plys
2:49 Thickness
3:45 Weight
4:15 Rounded Handles
4:59 Rivets vs. Welded Handles
5:32 Finish
5:57 Rims
6:19 Lids
6:42 Cooktop Compatibility
7:03 Sets vs. Individual Pieces
7:44 Saving Money
8:17 Overpaying

*****Related Videos/Articles*****

3-Ply vs. 5-Ply Stainless Steel Cookware https://youtu.be/MZlLVEPm1ww
Food Sticking to Stainless Steel Cookware? 4 Mistakes to Avoid https://youtu.be/p5XcN3AyITY
Made In vs. All-Clad https://prudentreviews.com/all-clad-vs-made-in/
Made In Review https://prudentreviews.com/made-in-cookware-review/
All-Clad Review https://prudentreviews.com/all-clad-cookware-review/
Demeyere Review https://prudentreviews.com/demeyere-review/
Best Cookware Made in the USA https://prudentreviews.com/best-cookware-made-in-the-usa/

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50 Comments

  1. @sheilafouchier7822 on February 10, 2025 at 7:01 pm

    I would like to please be informed of deals for Allclad prices please.

  2. @annesteptoe143 on February 10, 2025 at 7:02 pm

    Is 5mm thickness good enough? Is Wolfgang puck stainless steel cookware a good brand?

  3. @johncipolla8335 on February 10, 2025 at 7:02 pm

    Iam closig in on my choice. Made -in is the winner. thinking of the Graphite handles

  4. @bigchimpin4215 on February 10, 2025 at 7:03 pm

    Stainless steel DOES rust. So long as there is iron present in an alloy, it has the ability to rust. It takes more involved circumstances, but it does happen.

  5. @fatpanda1597 on February 10, 2025 at 7:04 pm

    Biggest mistake is to buy one.

  6. @user-bl9fj7kf1s on February 10, 2025 at 7:08 pm

    Is nickle free essential or not?

  7. @Amybnuy on February 10, 2025 at 7:11 pm

    You didn’t mention of the most important things to me: sealed and exposed rims. Specially awesome if you want to dishwash

  8. @bergelybernard5814 on February 10, 2025 at 7:12 pm

    Thank you for sharing those informations.

  9. @white-rider on February 10, 2025 at 7:13 pm

    So much wisdom in a single video, thank you!

  10. @LiuHenry-v5i on February 10, 2025 at 7:13 pm

    Thanks for the video! I wonder if the grade of stainless steel matters when buying stainless steel cookware? Some brands are quite transparent. For example, All-Clad and Made In stress that they use 18/10 stainless steel. Some brands are ambiguous. For example, Cuisinart does not reveal what kind of stainless steel they use, which makes me hesitant to buy their cookware.

  11. @lexi9115 on February 10, 2025 at 7:14 pm

    Our pan set worth 300 $

  12. @Iamam313 on February 10, 2025 at 7:14 pm

    are these cookware the best for use with a wood stove? or do you recommend just cast iron for that?

  13. @Publiclighthouse on February 10, 2025 at 7:17 pm

    I’m wondering if Demeyere replaced your pan that had the handle break off?

  14. @Theodore_e on February 10, 2025 at 7:20 pm

    Soooo, based on all this info what pan do I get? I’m kind of lost

  15. @worldneedshumanity1565 on February 10, 2025 at 7:20 pm

    2.5 mm thickness is good or bad?

  16. @nunuvyerbizness on February 10, 2025 at 7:21 pm

    One word of caution, if you can see the laminations on the edge of the pan be careful using very high heat. I had to kasher a pan, that involved putting them in a self-cleaning oven and running a full cycle. They delaminated.

    I understand that a rolled or sealed edge would not fail as quickly.

  17. @Amirtha_Makeovers on February 10, 2025 at 7:21 pm

    Best video

  18. @EthanVance-n6m on February 10, 2025 at 7:24 pm

    Thank you for your time

  19. @selfactualizer2099 on February 10, 2025 at 7:25 pm

    dont buy stainless steel buy bare aluminum pentole agnelli

  20. @M.H.N_ on February 10, 2025 at 7:25 pm

    Surprisingly interesting thanks

  21. @nouranibrahim10 on February 10, 2025 at 7:28 pm

    thanks alot

  22. @chantalbresse3558 on February 10, 2025 at 7:28 pm

    great overview of ss pan features, thank you!

  23. @stormk-1130 on February 10, 2025 at 7:29 pm

    But wich one is the most healthy?

  24. @pourartistacrylicsbyshanno3987 on February 10, 2025 at 7:31 pm

    I have a disk bottom stainless set I bought six years ago. I’ve had no issues with them. I didn’t know about the clad vs bonded thing at the time of purchase. As I have to replace them I’ll go with bonded but really they have been the best set I’ve ever owned to date for less than $75 for set of four with strainer lids. IMO if money is a big factor you can do worse.

  25. @dtaus809 on February 10, 2025 at 7:32 pm

    Best video I’ve seen in a while thank you

  26. @modxxmod5626 on February 10, 2025 at 7:33 pm

    I just made a big mistake yesterday it cost me $400 for one pan and not that good quality as reviews on their website 😢😢

  27. @mehblahmehblah on February 10, 2025 at 7:34 pm

    Very useful, thank you!

  28. @koldwotr on February 10, 2025 at 7:36 pm

    Thanks a lot! Very useful information and advice.

  29. @paolocavalli7 on February 10, 2025 at 7:36 pm

    great video

  30. @KetilDuna on February 10, 2025 at 7:37 pm

    This was just splendid. Thank you!

  31. @PrudentReviews on February 10, 2025 at 7:39 pm

    Read the full guide for more details: https://prudentreviews.com/stainless-steel-cookware-what-to-look-for/

    Want to know when brands like All-Clad, Demeyere, and Made In go on sale? Join our free newsletter to get deal alerts: https://prudentreviews.com/newsletter/

  32. @FloraTreeFiction on February 10, 2025 at 7:40 pm

    OH MY, YOU HAVE PUT TIMESTAMPS, AA, THANK YOU

  33. @glpxt on February 10, 2025 at 7:40 pm

    Disc-bottom pans are every bit as good as fully clad ones. Just look what professional cooks use: They mostly use – surprise! – the much cheaper disc bottom pans. After all, you cook on the bottom and not on the sides of the pan. The disc-bottom might start to separate after 10 years of hard professional use, it has happened, but in a typical hosehold, it’ll last for a lifetime. The benefit of fully clad is purely aesthetic.

  34. @Elizabeth-d1n on February 10, 2025 at 7:40 pm

    Wow! This is the first and ONLY time I’ve heard someone explain handle shape, and why the comfortable, rounded handles are, in fact, dangerous. Thanks so much — really helpful information.

  35. @mr.thegreat557 on February 10, 2025 at 7:40 pm

    Take no notice. Disc bottom pans are used by professional chefs in Michelin starred kitchens all over France. 0:36

  36. @maryellenthompson8261 on February 10, 2025 at 7:42 pm

    What really bugs me is lovely cookware with glass lids and pore spouts. I’ve bypassed many nice pieces because the glass lid has a hole to release the steam. Certain foods need steam in order to cook properly. Plus, it slows the heating process. I love my All-Clad with its stainless steel lids. Everything I cook in them tastes and looks better.

  37. @JupiterJokester on February 10, 2025 at 7:45 pm

    words cannot explain how valuable this was. Im sooo overwhelmed from online marketing. Who are you? how do I venmo or paypal u $5?! The information is invaluable.

  38. @bkdk7771 on February 10, 2025 at 7:46 pm

    Aluminum leaches into your food. Toxic

  39. @jacquie777 on February 10, 2025 at 7:46 pm

    Wow, this was so informative.

  40. @davidmilledge221 on February 10, 2025 at 7:49 pm

    I just want pure food grade stainless steel stuff that has no copper or aluminium in it , is this possible , and if a magnet can stick to it then its crap stainless has iron in it that can rust if left outside

  41. @Tonysia-y on February 10, 2025 at 7:50 pm

    Some kid sold me a Bistro brand fry pan about 50 years ago. Couldn’t afford it, but I felt sorry for him. NOTHING sticks to it, its been dropped , forgotten on the campfire and many other multiple abuses. It has something I don’t. Immortality…

  42. @meinhendl on February 10, 2025 at 7:51 pm

    very best videos for cookware . so helpful information . thank you !

  43. @courtneykelly2646 on February 10, 2025 at 7:51 pm

    Great review, no fluff. My Bf is looking at buying a stainless steel pan

  44. @wernersu2206 on February 10, 2025 at 7:51 pm

    Thank you for this video, very informativ!

  45. @qualitytraders5333 on February 10, 2025 at 7:52 pm

    Sorry, I don’t cook on the sides of my pans, especially the skillets. Unfortunately people confuse searing with burning.

  46. @keisreeman on February 10, 2025 at 7:54 pm

    I didn’t know the D3 vs Made In 5 ply similarity. Thank you

  47. @FloraTreeFiction on February 10, 2025 at 7:55 pm

    Thank you <3

  48. @lydialatifabossi8781 on February 10, 2025 at 7:56 pm

    Thank you for this very detailed information, I was just looking for it because I’m done with non-stick cookware.

  49. @pineappletop8751 on February 10, 2025 at 7:57 pm

    Can you please do a video about how to not have food stick and how to care for stainless steel pans.
    Thank you

  50. @elizamitre6828 on February 10, 2025 at 7:59 pm

    Thank you i appreciate this information, worked very good for me !

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