3 Best Stainless Steel Cookware Sets under $200 That ARE Worth The Money

Best stainless steel cookware for the money –

There sure are a LOT of stainless steel cookware sets on the market, aren’t there?  SO hard to choose!  If you’re looking for the best stainless steel cookware sets under $200, you might be feeling a bit overwhelmed. I get it – been there, done that. Here’s the thing – some of the cheap stainless steel cookware sets ARE definitely worth the money – others, not so much. Let’s talk about your best options…

After reading around to see what sets other reviewers like, I decided it was time to throw my 2 cents in and share what 3 inexpensive stainless steel cookware sets I think are the best value for those on a budget.

They are all EXCELLENT stainless steel cookware sets that are a great value for the money.

First, let’s start with what Consumer Reports has to say about stainless steel cookware sets…

To be totally honest, I don’t really agree with Consumer Reports…

Consumer Reports Picks this Stainless Steel Cookware Set as “Best”

Sure, it’s a good cookware set, just not my personal favorite.  Price is decent IF you can find it in stock anywhere.

Personally, I don’t really like that brand for stainless steel cookware at all, but I really, REALLY like this red non-stick cookware set from the same brand.  It’s really an attractive-looking cookware set that is made so well – and you sure can’t beat the price!

But – we’re talking stainless steel cookware sets right now, so let’s get back on topic.

Best Sets Under $200

Before I start my Top 3 list, I want to let you know my “criteria” for picking stainless steel cookware.

First off, it MUST be dishwasher safe AND oven safe.  I want the cookware set to be super high-quality and built to last.  I am also VERY picky about handles and lids, too.

So…here we go.

#1 Cuisinart MCP-7N

This is really great cookware set – super high-quality.

in the picture: Cuisinart MCP-7N MultiClad Pro Stainless-Steel Cookware 7-Piece Cookware Set

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Review

This stainless steel 7-piece cookware set from Cuisinart is absolutely our favorite.  And exceptional value for the money!

Perfect for small family cooking and also makes a very appreciated gift for the new bride (or for Christmas, birthday’s etc).

We pick this as our all-around favorite set…and the reviews on Amazon absolutely agree with us – not a single negative thing is said about this set other than pertaining to the size of the pots and pans (these are smaller sized – if you want larger-sized stainless steel cookware of the same exceptional quality, get this set).

Pros

• Best Value for the Money
• Dishwasher Safe *
• Oven Safe
• Broiler Safe
• Drip Free Pouring
• Very Strong Handles That Stay Cool
• Stockpot Lid Fits on Skillet
• Heats Evenly
• Very Easy to Clean
• Food Does NOT Stick To Pans
• Perfect For Small Family/Couple Cooking
• Induction Safe
• Perfect Oven to Table
• Professional Look & Performance

Cons

• Doesn’t Come With Steamer Insert
• Might Need To Cook at Lower Temps
• Might Be Too Solid & Heavy for Some
• Not Big Enough for Large Family Cooking

Worth the Money?

If you can grab this stainless steel cookware set for less than $200, you got one heck of a deal (check current price here)

I’d be willing to pay no more than $300 or so – higher than that and we have more options available.

#2  Circulon Genesis Non-Stick Stainless Steel

LOVE this set…and if you’re a fan of having a little non-stick coating in your stainless steel cookware, you will LOVE this set as well.

in the picture: Circulon Genesis Stainless Steel Nonstick 10-Piece Cookware Set

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Review

To be honest, this is not OUR favorite stainless steel cookware set, but this 10-piece non-stick set is a BIG favorite for many, many people.

Cooking with pure stainless steel pots and pans in a bit of an art…and it’s something that not everyone enjoys.  Many people prefer a “hybrid” type of cookware that combines stainless steel with safe non-stick coating.

If that describes YOU, then we have no doubt that you will love this cookware set!

Pros

• Dishwasher Safe
• Oven Safe
• Heats Evenly
• Works on All Stovetops
• VERY Easy to Clean
• Perfect For Small Family Cooking
• Food Release System
• Stainless Steel Handles
• Glass Lids
• Safe Non-Stick Coating
• No Oil Needed
• Beautiful Appearance
• Metal Utensils OK
• Good Sizes for Everyday Cooking
• Good Overall Value
• “Hybrid” Between True Stainless Steel Cooking and Non-Stick Cookware

Cons

• Too Small for Large Family Cooking
• Lids Tend To Get Hot
• Some May Not Like Grooves on Bottom of Pans
• Hard to Find In Stock

Worth the Money?

#3  Cuisinart 77-14 Chef’s Classic Set

This is a BIG and beautiful stainless steel set – you WILL love it.  And if you’re looking to give a cookware set as a gift, this set will be VERY appreciated.

in the picture: Cuisinart 77-14 Chef’s Classic Stainless 14-Piece Cookware Set

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Review

What an AMAZING stainless steel cookware set! If you can find this cookware set for under $200, like we found here on Amazon today, you should GRAB it.

This is usually a $400+ set of stainless steel pots and pans!

This set is one of those rare opportunities in life when you get WAY more than you paid for.

Pros

• HUGE Set at a Great Price!
• Fast, Even Heating
• “Cool Grip” Handles
• Stainless Steel Lids
• Drip-Free Pouring
• Oven Safe
• Broiler Safe
• Freezer Safe
• Dishwasher Safe
• Steamer Insert
• Pasta Insert
• Suitable for All Family Sizes
• Beautiful Finish
• Lighter than Standard Stainless Steel Cookware

Cons

• Finish might be hard to maintain
• Lids tend to get hot
• Some may not like the lighter weight of the pots and pans

Worth the Money?

YES!  If you check the price here and see this set for $200 or so, you are getting a great deal on an amazon set of stainless steel cookware.  Suggested retail price is over $500!

More Top-Rated Sets

We’re very picky about the sets we consider “best”.

See All of our Picks for Best Stainless Steel Cookware Here

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