The Best Tri-Ply Clad Stainless Steel Pots and Pans Set

Tramontina Signature Tri-Ply Clad Stainless Steel 12-Piece Cookware Set

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One of the greatest purchases I’ve ever made has been for my stainless steel pots and pans. For years I have had many sets of non-stick pots and pans and they worked great at first but after months of use they would begin to peel, crack, and stick. If they lasted a year I considered it a win but I felt like I was just throwing my money away every time I had to replace them.

For a decent set of non-stick pots and pans it would cost between $100 – $200 every year or two. For the sake of this post we’ll say $100 every year to replace them, that’s $1,000 in 10 years of replacing pots and pans that just end up in a landfill somewhere. I was tired of wasting money and being frustrated every time I cooked.

I started doing some research into the best cookware set for my needs and I finally found it! The cookware set of my dreams that would make me fall in love with cooking again. I bought Tri-Ply clad stainless steel pots and pans and I thought I was paying too much at the time but after 4 years they have already paid for themselves. I paid $430 for a professional grade set and I have never regretted the purchase. If you’re ready for something that will outlive you and will not need to be replaced every year I have just the pots and pans for you!

First, I would like to share what I have learned: In my research I compared non-stick to stainless steel and what I realized is that switching to stainless steel is not only an investment in my home but in my health too.  I will no longer be buying non-stick after digging deeper into my research and here’s why:

Stainless Steel vs Non-Stick

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A pot from my old non-stick set before I knew anything about non-stick.

Non-Stick Pots and Pans

1. Not made for high heat. I had no idea that non-stick pots and pans were designed for low to medium heat only for cooking things such as eggs or pancakes. High heat can actually break down the coating causing it to release harmful fumes and chemicals. The high heat damages the coating and then everything starts to stick. 

2. They contain chemicals. PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene), known as Teflon, a type of PFAS (forever chemicals) which creates the slick surface. Older production used PFOA, which has been phased out. The newer coatings are considered safer if used correctly (low/medium heat and un-scratched) but can be harmful with everyday use. 

3. They damage easily. If you use the wrong type of utensils they get damaged. If you put them in dish water before they are completely cooled the coating is damaged. If you put them in the dishwasher they get damaged. They are not made to go in the dishwasher. After the coating is damaged it starts to flake off releasing microplastics and particles into the food. And where does the food go? Exactly, inside you! The coating has been linked to cancer, immune issues, and hormone disruption. 

Remember with Non-Stick:

  1. Not Dishwasher safe 
  2. Harmful Chemicals 
  3. Easily Damaged 
  4. Not for High Heat
  5. Only Lasts 2-4 Years if Used Correctly 
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My set after 4 years

Stainless Steel Pots and Pans

1. It lasts! After 4 years my set still looks brand new. I can use stainless steel utensils and don’t have to worry about damage. I clean them with Brillo pads and bar keepers friend. Brillo pads do cause micro scratches but that’s a cosmetic issue and doesn’t affect cooking. I stopped using them on the outside of the pots and pans and only use them on the inside. If you don’t want to scratch them don’t use abrasive scrub sponges or Brillo pads. It doesn’t bother me because my set still looks shiny even with the scratches. All types and brands are different so just be aware and read the cleaning instructions. 

2. It’s made for high heat. I can cook knowing I won’t damage them. The most common complaint I saw for stainless steel is that they heat up too fast, cause stuff to stick, and then burn. I have had all of this happen and the best advice I can give is to start at really low heat and practice. Sometimes when I’m making pancakes I have to wash the pan in between just to cool it down and keep the butter from smoking up the house. It literally takes 2 seconds so it’s not a big deal to me. 

3. There are no harmful chemicals to worry about. I can scrape the pan with my stainless steel spatula and not think twice. After frying something I add dish soap to the pan and run hot water in it then let it set on the stove. After dinner it rinses right out. Never run cold water in a hot pan off the stove because it can cause thermal shock and warp the pan. My pans are thick and heavy duty but some stainless steel cookware and really light and thin. The thinner lower quality items can bend and warp more easily. 

4. It is dishwasher safe. I do not have a dishwasher but one of the complaints I saw for the non-stick cookware was that it was not dishwasher safe. However, for higher-end clad cookware (like mine) with exposed aluminum layers I would still hand wash them just to maintain the finish and prevent dulling from harsh detergents. Always check for a “dishwasher safe” label to be sure. 

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These are the scratches from the Brillo pads on the outside which is why I only use them on the inside now.

Remember with stainless steel:

  1. Dishwasher safe (always refer to care instructions)
  2. No harmful Chemicals 
  3. Not easily damaged
  4. Made for high heat
  5. Will last longer than you

This is probably one of my favorite changes I’ve made to my kitchen. It’s easier, safer, and healthier and I will never go back to non-stick. If you’re interested in the brand and stainless steel cookware set I have you can check it out on Amazon.

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Image from Amazon

Upgrade your kitchen with the Tramontina Signature Tri-Ply Clad Stainless Steel 12-Piece Cookware Set, a premium pots and pans collection designed for everyday cooking and long-term durability. Crafted in Brazil and NSF-certified, this high-quality cookware set delivers professional-level performance for home cooks who value reliability, safety, and even heat distribution.

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Image from Amazon

Each piece features tri-ply clad construction with an aluminum core sandwiched between layers of stainless steel, ensuring fast, even heating with no hot spots. 

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Image from Amazon

The induction-ready stainless steel base works on all cooktops—including gas, electric, ceramic, and induction—making this set incredibly versatile.

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Image from Amazon

This stainless steel cookware set can stand high heat cooking on stove or in oven without damage.

The exact set I bought is no longer available but they have another set with most of the same pots and pans I have with the exception of the 6 quart sauce pot and 12 inch frying pan which I have provided pictures and links below. The above set also comes with a 1.5 quart pot which I do not have.

6 quart sauce pot

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Image from Amazon

12 inch frying pan

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Image from Amazon

Cleaners I Use for Stainless Steel

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Image from Amazon

I love this cleaner! I usually get the powder and scrub it on my pots and pans with a dish cloth. It works great on my glass pans, copper sink, and gets coffee stains out of coffee mugs.

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Image from Amazon

I use these for really baked on foods when I need something to work harder than me. They work great for stainless steel and my Pyrex glass pans.

Remember, if you don’t want scratches on the outside of your stainless steel pots and pans only use these on the inside where the food gets baked on.

Let me know some of your cleaning hacks in the comments. I would love to hear!

Hope You Enjoyed this Post!

Happy Cooking!

Disclosure: Some of the links in this post are 'affiliate links.' This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission.
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