Similar Features & Add-ons as All Clad without the Major Price Tag that comes with the “All Clad” Name
I have gone through hundreds of reviews from websites across the internet, there is one thing that I read time and time again. That was…
“Similar features (and add-ons) as the All Clad but without the major price tag that comes with the “All Clad” name.”
I personally own both All Clad and Cusinart cookware in my home kitchen. I will say that I certainly agree with these reviewers to a good extent. I will not go as far as to say that both brands are made of the same quality, All Clad is made with superior quality and construction, but it carries hefty price tag. For the price, the Cuisinart stainless steel set is absolutely an amazing deal for the money. It practically comes with all the similar features that the high-end All Clad set features.
Before starting out detailed review, I want to point out a few things that you should take into account while thinking about buying a stainless steel cookware set.
It is much better to buy a set that has aluminum or copper core sandwiched between the stainless steel. Aluminum and copper are excellent conductors of heat, and having cookware with one of them embedded will ensure that ingredients are cooked evenly and thoroughly. There is nothing worse than a hot spot in the middle of your pan where the food is being singed but then has the edges of the pan barely cooking the food there. With a good set that contains copper or aluminum you will avoid the ‘hot-spot’ issue.
Also look for a set that has the copper or aluminum core that runs up the entire sides of the pots. A lot of stainless steel cookware on the market only includes these metal cores on the base of the pot, leaving the side walls to be total stainless steel. This is good but what is even better is when the aluminum or copper runs up the sides of the pan. When you see this you know you are looking at a quality cookware set!
Let’s Look into More Details
This set meets both criteria listed above, but let’s take a more in depth look at what you will get in this Cusinart stainless steel set of cookware.
Whats in the Box?
The Cuisinart MCP-12 MultiClad Pro Stainless Steel 12-Piece Cookware Set includes:
- 1-1/2-quart saucepan
- 3-quart saucepan
- 3-1/2-quart saute pan
- 8-inch skillet
- 10-inch skillet
- 8-quart stockpot
- steamer insert
How Much Should You Pay for this Set?
A great all-around value for the budget-minded home cook because this set can be picked up for around $325 – $350, but can possibly be found cheaper at Amazon. However, they often sell out as this is a popular set so if you see it in stock on Amazon and at a good price it is worth grabbing.
Cheaper to Buy Individual Pieces or the Whole Set?
It is almost always universally true that buying the whole set is always going to be cheaper.
What Are the Lids Like?
A lid is included with each piece in the set except the skillets. In many lower-end sets, the manufacturer will only provide one or two lids, expecting the user to double the lids on different vessels. This set includes a unique lid for each pot that fits it perfectly, forming tight seals but at the same time still allowing steam to vent.
What Are the Rims like?
These edges of these pots and pans are rounded with a nice smooth lip, great for easy pouring out of the vessels while cooking. I have compared the All Clad set to the Cuisinart set, and I have to say that I absolutely prefer the Cuisinart edges over the All Clad set, which features completely flat, straight rim edges.
Oven Safe?
Definitely! These pots and pans can be safely baked in the over at up to 500 degrees F. Great for searing foods and transferring directly into the oven while in the same pan.
Compatible with Induction Stove Tops?
Totally safe to use with induction stoves.
Dishwasher Safe?
Yes, the set is totally safe to use in the dishwasher.
What Are the Handles Like?
The handles are made from pure stainless steel, and they are riveted onto the pans for strong, secure handling. For light cooking, the handles are usually cool enough to touch with bare hands, but the handles can heat up through an intense cooking session. When compared to the All Clad brand handles, I once again prefer the comfort of the handles on the Cuisinart cookware.
Does it come with a Warranty?
Cuisinart offers a lifetime warranty on the set of cookware, so you can rest assure they are confident enough in their workmanship that they are willing to back it up with the lifetime warranty.
What is the Weight of the Pieces?
Combined, the set wears over 26 pounds. Individually, the pieces are as follows:
- 10 inch skillet – approx 3 pounds
- 8 inch skillet – approx 2 pounds
- 5qt saucepan – approx 2.8 pounds
- 3qt saucepan – approx 3 pounds
- 5qt sauté pan – approx 5.2 pounds
- 8qt stockpot – approx 6.8 pounds
- steamer insert – approx 2.8 pounds
What is it Made of?
Two layers of 18/10 stainless steel have a layer of aluminum between them to make the construction of these pots and pans. 18/10 stainless steel is a high-quality mix of alloys.
Complaints?
It is actually very hard to find any negative reviews about this set. Only a small number of consumers experienced discoloration the outer surface of the cookware. The discoloration can ultimately be removed through cleaning treatment. This is an amazing set of cookware that consistently receives exception reviews from seemingly everyone who uses it. You won’t go wrong buying this set!
Where to buy?
We check prices regularly for this cookware set and by far the best price has always been at Amazon. However, because they are generally the cheapest, it often sells out quickly, so don’t think about it for too long if you see they have some in stock.
