Cuisinart Cookware Review: 5 best sets compared
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Darrian Wilkins
- Last update: September 20, 2021
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We recommend the French Classic Tri-Ply cookware set over every other one on Cuisinarts lineup.
Made in France to honor a long line of Cuisinart cookware. They have worked hard to get everything right on this one.
There was a proper balance of sturdiness, weight and even heating with this pick. Furthermore, user complaints aren’t as pronounced as with the other units.
- SET INCLUDES: 8-inch Skillet, 10-inch Skillet, 1.5-quart Sauce Pan, 2.5-quart Saucepan, 3-quart Sauté Pan, 8-quart Stockpot, and Steamer Insert
- COOKING AND CLEANING: Experience professional performance with measurement markings, unsurpassed heat distribution, Quantanium Non-Stick, and drip free pouring. Cookware can easily be cleaned with hot soap water and a scrub pad.
- EXCEPTIONAL HANDLING: Each piece has a cool grip handles which are solid stainless steel riveted stick handles that stay cool on the stove top and provide a safe a solid grip
- WARRANTY: Lifetime warranty– Refer to user manual for troubleshooting steps and questions surrounding warranty policies – this product is BPA free
Cuisinart cookware collections are famed for not only its wide range, but the technology that backs them too. We love a cookware manufacturer that has been in the market for a long time – but love alone doesn’t get the food done the right way.
Today, take out some time to peep under the hood of some Cuisinart cookware collections to see how they keep up with the promises they make.
Brief History of Cuisinart
The founder of Cuisinart, Carl Sontheimer, was a lover of cooking and French food. Graduating from the university of Massachusetts where he earned an engineering degree, he would go on to launch the company that would now become known for its cookware today.
Back at the time of launch, Cuisinart was dedicated to producing the food processor – and they enjoyed large success in this niche. In fact, so massive was their success that their name came to be known with the food processor, even till today.
Over the years, though, they would delve into other cookware and kitchen utensils. That gave birth to a diversified set of products like cookware, toaster ovens, air fryers, coffee machines, food processors and other kitchen equipment.
Best Cuisinart cookware sets
- Cuisinart French Classic Tri-Ply (Best Cuisinart cookware set)
- Cuisinart Multiclad Pro Stainless steel (Best value Cuisinart set)
- Cuisinart Classic Nonstick Hard-Anodized (Best Nonstick set)
1. Cuisinart French Classic Tri-Ply
- Conveniently Equipped: The set is conveniently equipped with essential pieces for creating multi-course gourmet feasts for everyday family meals
- Exceptional Heat: The Heat Surround Technology allows heat to be evenly distributed along the bottom and sidewalls of the cookware
- Covers Seal in Nutrients: Tight-fitting stainless lids seal in moisture and nutrients for healthier, more flavorful results every time you cook. The wide cover handle makes gripping lids simple
- Comfortable Handling: The solid stainless steel side grips ensure a lifetime of balanced cooking and easy lifting
- Versatile Performance: Use on stovetop, in the oven, or under the broiler. The oven is safe to 500 degrees and the freezer-safe for food storage
This cookware set represents a relaunch of one of the very best pieces of cookware ever released by Cuisinart, and it was inspired by the French too. With improved technology and better manufacturing, it might just live up to the expectations.
Technology
By now, just about everyone would have known what a tri-ply build means – and this one comes with the same aluminum-stainless steel marriage.
Beyond the shine and elegance, though, there is functionality at the heart of it all.
The handles are not left out of the stylish design element either. The most important thing here has to be the double rivets which keep the handles securely fastened to the body of the units.
Made to work with diverse cooktops too, this set contains all you could want in a kitchen.
Durability
Stainless steel exterior already tells us something about how sturdy this unit will be. It won’t survive a blast, but it will handle most kitchen abuse just right. Well, not as much as the hammered collection (we’re hoping you’re getting the stainless-steel version) though.
When that is not a concern, know that this cookware is oven-ready, suitable for use on gas cookers, halogen stoves, electric cooktops, and induction cooktops.
Cleaning them out will be a breeze considering they are dishwasher-safe. Completed with rigidly riveted handles for proper handling, this classic piece was truly reborn to be as durable as can be.
Dealbreakers
A huge majority of users are making good reports on this cookware. But then, there would be a couple of bad eggs in the product line-up from time to time.
Of these, some users have complained that the handles may be a bit too heavy for some of the units. That will usually cause them to tip over when cooking. Likewise, cooking at a medium heating level been reported to cause warping in some fry pans.
Finally, the non-stick coating on a handful of these units could begin to blister after a few uses. Besides these, there are just a couple of other minor issues which shouldn’t really be a dealbreaker.
Notable Picks in the Set
Inspiration from the French is always a great thing for cooking. If we had to choose just two items from this set, though, they would be:
- Stockpot – A massive 8 quart is more than enough for most kinds of kitchen operations. Besides their functionality, have we told you how beautiful these can be?
- Saucepan – For those who pick the 13-piece set, the offer is even bettered since you get two different saucepans. Don’t forget the tempered glass lids with a snug fit to help keep all your sauce’s flavor, aroma, and nutrients within the pot while cooking.
2. Cuisinart Multiclad Pro Stainless Steel
- SET INCLUDES: 1.5 Quart saucepan with cover, 3 Quart saucepan with cover, 3.5 Quart sauté pan with helper handle and cover, 8 Quart stockpot with cover, 8" skillet, 10" skillet, 20cm steamer insert with cover
- DURABLE DESIGN: Elegant and contemporary, the professional Triple Ply Construction features a core of pure aluminum and a handsome brushed stainless finish. Heat Surround Technology allows for even heat distribution along the bottom and sidewalls of the cookware. Cookware also features Cool Grip handles secured with stainless steel rivets, self-basting and tight-fitting lids
- COOKING AND CLEANING: Polished cooking surface does not discolor, react with food or alter flavors. Tight-fitting stainless steel covers seal in food's natural juices and nutrients for healthier, more flavorful results. Cookware and covers are dishwasher safe
- OVEN SAFE: Oven safe up to 550 degrees F with rims tapered for a drip-free pouring experience. Suitable for use with induction cook tops as well
- COMMITMENT TO QUALITY: Inspired by the great French kitchens, Cuisinart began making professional cookware almost 30 years ago. Constructed of the finest materials available to perfectly perform all the classic cooking techniques, Cuisinart cookware continues a long tradition of excellence. Our commitment to quality and innovation continues with our MultiClad Pro Stainless cookware, designed to meet the demands of gourmet chefs everywhere
If aesthetics were all we needed to judge a cookware set, we would have no problems giving this one all the five stars for the efforts it makes in that department. Fortunately, functionally makes all the difference for us – and we believe the same for you too.
Let’s get into what makes this one special.
Technology
The set starts with a brushed stainless-steel exterior for that shiny finish and another stainless-steel interior. In between those sheets of stainless steel is lodged aluminum, combined into one body for a triple element arrangement.
The brushed stainless-steel exterior gives the unit its shine and luster but also protects it from external elements. Furthermore, stainless steel is washing-friendly, so the choice of that material is understandable.
On the inside, the stainless-steel choice is justified in the fact that this metal doesn’t tamper with food or its flavor, making it safe for cooking.
Looking at aluminum, it conducts heat better than stainless steel – and by far. Thus, it is there to ensure an even and better distribution of heat when cooking your meals. That allows for faster cooking operations and lesser burning of fuel to attain/ keep heat levels.
Better still, heat surround technology is employed across the bottoms of the cookware in this set. That helps to eliminate hotspots which could be otherwise damaging to the cookware exterior. Speaking of the exterior, tapered rims for drip-free pouring will come in handy when cooking liquid meals.
Durability
We have already established how the brushed stainless-steel exterior is important in keeping the units strong against external abuse. What we haven’t mentioned are the cool grip handles, fastened tightly to the cookware body with double rivets so they don’t come off anytime soon.
For those who like to do some oven cooking, your Cuisinart Multiclad Pro Stainless-Steel Cookware will survive the temperatures up to 550 degrees Fahrenheit. Thankfully, they come with stainless steel lids in place of glass substitutes – so you won’t have to worry about removing the lids to prevent breakage.
This cookware is advertised as compatible with induction cooktops, besides a host of other cooktops. Even though the choice of stainless-steel material should support this claim, many users have reported warping and unevenness after using their units on an induction cooktop. Safe to say you might want to stay away from those if you care about your set at all.
After all cooking operations are done, you can safely load this set in the dishwasher and call it a day.
Dealbreakers
For some, glass lids would have been a welcome idea. Even though they won’t be suitable for oven cooking at very high temperatures, they will hold well on other cooktops. If you are one of such people, that might be a tiny dealbreaker for you.
Many users have complained of getting used units when they ordered new ones instead – so do inspect your package well when you get it. Likewise, when the skillet isn’t getting warped after the first couple of usage, it seems to be having its coating chipped off.
A bigger problem to look out for is with the sticking. This is a common occurrence with stainless steel sets, though. If you would not rather pick a non-stick set from this list, you should learn how to properly cook with non-stick sets to help minimize the occasions of food sticking to the pots and pans.
Notable Picks in The Set
Based on what many users have said of this set, these are perhaps some of the units you would enjoy the most in this set:
- Sauté pan – The depth of the sauté pans from the Cuisinart set makes it less likely for you to toss things out when cooking. There is also a lesser chance of getting serious sticking problems with the sauté pan.
- Skillet – What makes the skillet great for most is the even heat distribution which allows for uniform browning/ other preparation of food tossed it’s way.
3. Cuisinart HTP-9 Hammered Collection
- Superior design - triple-ply construction has aluminum core that's bonded to a Stainless Steel interior and exterior to eliminate hot spots
- elegant textured design - perfect statement cookware for entertaining
- heat Surround technology allows for even heat distribution on the bottom and side walls of the cookware
Is it a modern cookware set? Is it an antique? What is that pattern on its exterior?
All of these are normal questions that should run through your mind on first seeing this unit. Fortunately, we can give you all the answers here.
Technology
It might not look like it at first sight, but this collection of cookware is also developed with the same tri-ply technology as the one above. That means all of the same aluminum core sandwiched between a standard stainless-steel interior and… that’s where things get interesting.
You can choose to have either a stainless-steel finish or a copper exterior here. The major difference in the design technology here comes from the hammered external surface.
Just like it is with the above Multiclad Pro Stainless-Steel Cookware, Cuisinart brings its signature heat surround technology on board again.
On the handles are cast stainless steel coating to ensure heat is not absorbed from the body of the cookware set. That way, the handles stay cool all through the cooking process.
Complete with flavor-lock lids, all moisture and nutrients will be kept inside your pot till you decide to let the air out yourself.
Durability
If you have not already considered it, the hammered texture on the outside is aimed at better strength and durability for the pots and pans in this unit. That alone will help these units face more abuse than its Multiclad Pro Stainless-Steel Cookware cousins which have only brushed stainless steel exterior to fall back on.
Cross compatibility of the pans and pots with all of the gas, electric, gas ceramic, and halogen cooktops make this one of the most versatile units on the market. They hold their own well on induction cooktops too – unless you’re getting the copper finish – completing the compatibility spectrum.
Besides the issue of induction cooktop compatibility, the copper cookware variant of this set doesn’t do so well in the dishwasher either. Hammered surface or not, you should wash the copper unit by hand.
The pots can take as much as 500 degrees Fahrenheit in ovens and boilers at any one time – should you need to subject them to such cooking conditions. Since they are equipped with metallic lids, you don’t have to worry about taking those off first.
Finally, the heat surround technology prevents easy warping and deformation of the pots.
Dealbreakers
For all its good intentions, there are some reports of utter discoloration – even after just the first use. They might not be a non-stick unit, but such color issues raise serious questions as to how healthy cooking with the pots and pans are. In this department, they are slightly worse than the set just above.
Those who opt for the copper finish have to remember that they need to keep polishing it from time to time lest the pots and pans deteriorate in appeal very fast.
Sets
This Cuisinart HTP-9 Hammered Collection Cookware Set exists in a single number arrangement. What differs is the material used to finish the exterior – which can either be copper or stainless steel.
Notable Picks in The Set
There is not much to look around, so it makes the choice of favorites easier for us:
- Stockpot – Being the largest of the set at 6-quart, this piece shows off the beauty of the collection better than any other. Besides, the flavor-locking lid holds more promise here than on every other unit in this set.
- Saucepans – Noticeably larger than most others in the same category on the market, the addition of a nice little notch makes them functional for effectively pouring out liquids.
4. Cuisinart Advantage Ceramica XT
- SET INCLUDES: 1.5-quart Saucepan with cover, 2.5-quart Saucepan with cover, 3-quart Sauté Pan with cover, 6-quart Stockpot with cover, 8-inch Skillet, 10-inch Skillet and 18-cm Steamer Insert
- ULTIMATE CONVENIENCE: Experience professional performance with rims that are tapered to make pouring clean and easy, with Flavor Lock lid to lock in flavor and nutrients. Enjoy quick clean up with hot soapy water and a scrub pad
- EXCEPTIONAL HANDLING: Each piece has a cool grip handles which are riveted silicone stick handles that stay cool on the stove top and provide a safe a solid grip ensuring strength and durability
Metal on metal finishes are great for cooktops, but they are not the only material combination that can happen. Here is one set with ceramics in the mix, and we’ll see just how well it holds up against the all-metal picks.
Technology
A metal finish on the outside was surely for the sole purpose of protection and heat management. The internal aluminum core works better for heat management and distribution though, so that deserves a worthy mention too.
On getting to the inside, though, Cuisinart chose ceramics. That could be said to be the major difference between this cookware set and the other two (Multiclad Pro Stainless-Steel Cookware and Hammered Collection Cookware Set) above.
This ceramic interior gives the units in this set a non-stick appeal which allows for better food releases, improved cleaning/ washing and better overall handling.
Every unit in the set comes with tapered rims to make pouring liquids a convenience. The tempered glass lids also provide a snug fit to lock in the heat and flavors when cooking.
Besides the better food release feature that the ceramic promises, it is also geared at keeping the interior from stains or discoloration. Health-wise, Cuisinart has all its bases covered by opting for PTFE, PFOA and PFOS-free materials. In English, that means the coating isn’t supposed to react with your food, neither should it impact flavor.
Durability
The non-stick coating is great, but we would have loved to get multiple layers of it from this unit. If you have used singly-coated cookware before, you would know that they are susceptible to getting scratched on contact with metal utensils.
Furthermore, we are not particularly impressed with the temperature range that this cookware can handle. Anything from 450 degrees Fahrenheit and above would have been welcome, but this unit is safe up till about 350 degrees.
This is most likely because of the ceramic material in the non-stick coating – since ceramic is known to naturally be brittle. That case is also not helped by the inclusion of glass lids to an otherwise brittle setup
To be fair, the handles (made of silicone) are properly riveted to keep them sturdy and supportive of heavyweights. On the bright side, these rivets are so secure, there is no chance those handles are coming off anytime soon.
While the pans and pots will work well on different cooktops (except for induction cookers), you should steer clear of dishwashers when cleaning these units out.
Dealbreakers
For a unit that claims to be non-stick, it is surprising that one of the biggest complaints are from customers claiming everything sticks. It is either that or displeasure at the non-stick coating wearing off after a couple of months of use.
Such situations will be dependent on use – but good cookware should stand the test of time and abuse considerably. At the end of the day, it is almost advisable that you go for any of the two sets above if you are only getting this one for its non-stick abilities over the others.
While still speaking about food sticking, we should probably mention that some significant number of users have reported stains on the inside after a couple of uses too. Finally, the smaller pan might be suffering from being too lightweight – and it might not balance well on some of your cooktops because of that.
There are good enough reviews to go around too, so it seems like the quality control department at Cuisinart should be tightened up more.
Notable Picks in The Set
Coming with a total of 7 pieces, there are some worthy picks for us:
- Frypans – For every non-stick set, the fry pans are always one pick that stands out to us. When quality control issues are not making life difficult, they do offer one of the best non-stick setups
- Stockpot – Six quarts are hollow enough for a stockpot, and this one comes with tapered rims to match. In line with that, it brings a new definition to lightweight while still remaining functional and sturdy enough. In short, everything we could want in an excellent stockpot.
5. Cuisinart Contour Hard Anodized
- SET INCLUDES: 1.5-quart Saucepan with cover, 2.5-quart Saucepan with cover, 3-quart Saute Pan with cover, 4-quart Dutch Oven with cover, 8-quart Stockpot with cover, 8-inch Skillet, 10-inch Skillet and steamer insert
- EXCEPTIONAL DESIGN: Enjoy professional performance with Hard Anodized Exterior, Unsurpassed Heat Distribution–Reinforced with a Non-Stick cooking surface for Professional Results
- PREMIUM COOKING: drip-free pouring, sloped sides maximizes cooking surface. Oven safe up to 500-Degrees F
Hard anodizing is a manufacturing method initially researched for aircraft before making their way into cookware. Let’s see how well that plays out for this set.
Technology
A hard-anodized exterior already tells of the combination of strength and better heat management, but Cuisinart went a step further with the Contour Hard Anodized Cookware Set.
In the middle layer, an aluminum sheet was retained while the inside came with a non-stick surface. Most manufacturers would have just assumed a single hard-anodized build, running that all the way to the inside.
This combination of the anodized exterior and aluminum core gives one of the best heat handlings, management and distribution you can ever get in the cookware market. That will promise faster cooking than any of the other units on this list so far.
The non-stick interior needs no introduction – giving support for easier cleaning, better food removal, and healthier cooking, above all. On top of all the units, save the frying pans, are tempered glass lids.
Finally, you get to use any of this cookware unit on different stovetops, in the oven and as well, boiler.
Durability
For oven usage, the pots themselves will take up to 500 degrees Fahrenheit. Tempered glass or not, though, the lids will crack under such high temperatures – so it’s best to leave them out.
Better heat distribution means your cookware doesn’t suffer deformation at the hands of hotspots – which can also help extend the life of your pots and pans.
Safe for use in ovens and freezers (for food storage) too, these have not been advertised to be dishwasher safe. Being non-stick units – which makes them instantly better in food release management than the other three up there – it will be in your best interests to do your washing by hand.
Dealbreakers
Although happening to a small subset of users, the inside of the pots seems to come off with food sometimes. Reported cases have been with the skillet in particular, and there is a chance only a few defect picks have that problem.
The good news is that there are usually such quality control problems in the manufacturing line, so this unit is still the best nonstick set on this list so far. However, you might have to deal with the inner coating coming off, usually under vigorous washing.
It does seem like the handles are not as cool as they are touted to be. In fact, multiple reports claim they were scalding hot during cooking.
For all the promise of being a hard-anodized unit, the least impact is said to leave a lasting scratch on the pots and pans.
All these could be too much for anyone just looking for a decent set of inexpensive cookware for regular, everyday cooking.
Notable Picks in The Set
In a set of 13 units, here are two which do catch our fancy:
- Sauté pan – There is no better companion for your searing, browning and braising cooking tasks. You might want to stay off the helper handle/ use a glove, though.
- Dutch oven – We would have loved a bigger one (maybe about 6 quarts instead of the 4-quart pick here), but this one would just do too. When you think about boiling, stewing or keeping food moist, it is your go-to utensil.
Final Verdict
This is going to be a close one.
While we were largely unimpressed with the Ceramica and hard anodized set, the other three gave us a good run. Coming with a balance of beauty on the outside, heart on the inside and functionality everywhere else, why we love the other picks isn’t far-fetched.
Now that we have to pick one, we would still go for the French Classic Tri-Ply Stainless Cookware Set over every other one.
Made in France to honor a long line of Cuisinart cookware to have come out of the country, the cookware company worked hard to get everything right on this one. There was a proper balance of sturdiness, weight and even heating/ cooking technology with this pick. Furthermore, user complaints aren’t as pronounced as with the other units.
Of course, it doesn’t have the strength of the hammered collection, neither does it have too much over the multi-clad set. On paper, that is.
When it comes to user satisfaction, though, it has the best record of the bunch. Isn’t that what every cook/ chef wants?
Hi! What is the difference between the Hard Anodized Chef’s Classic 5qt. sauté pan, and the Hard Anodized Contour 5qt. sauté pan? And are both free of PFOA’s?? Thank you!