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Stainless steel cookware is one of those kitchen staples you’ll wonder how you ever lived without. It’s highly durable, handles high heat without any fuss and won’t mess with the taste or nutrition of your food. Not to mention, many stainless steel pots and pans can be put in the dishwasher, so you can focus on the fun part – eating.
If we had to pick just one: Baccarat iconiX stainless steel 6-piece cookware set
This set has everything you need to get started and is great value on sale (currently $399.99, usually $879.99 at House).
While a good set might be a bit more of an investment upfront, stainless steel is essentially the ‘buy it once, keep it forever’ of the kitchen. There’s a reason it’s a staple for both pro chefs and home cooks alike; it’s tough, versatile, and handles everything from a quick Friday night stir-fry to a slow-simmered Sunday pasta.
If you’re looking to update your kitchen essentials, below we take a look at some of the best quality and most affordable stainless steel cookware pieces in Australia.
Our top picks for stainless steel cookware sets in 2026
- Best for chef-level performance at home: Baccarat iconiX stainless steel 6-piece cookware set, $399.99 (usually $879.99) at House
- Best reliable and affordable stainless steel cookware set: Scanpan Impact 6-piece stainless steel cookware set, $271 (usually $729) at Appliances Online
- Best compact, versatile set: The Cooks Collective One 4-piece cookware set in stainless steel, $399.95 at Myer
- Best for efficient heating, European design: Essteele Per Vita 5pc Stainless Steel Cookware Set, $319.95 (usually $899.95) at Kitchen Warehouse
- Best stainless steel and non-stick set: GreenPan Blue Diamond stainless steel cookware set, $275.97 (usually $459.95) at GreenPan
- Best pure stainless steel cookware: Solidteknics The Ultimate Nöni Duo, $809.95 (usually $899.90) at Solidteknics
The best stainless steel cookware to add to your kitchen in 2026
01
Baccarat iconiX stainless steel 6-piece cookware set
$399.99 at Amazon
Best for: Premium chef-level performance at home
Designed for serious home chefs, this set distributes heat evenly thanks to its 5mm impact-bonded base. From saucepans to frypans, every piece is crafted with ergonomics and durability in mind. Reviewers – including professional chefs – love its professional-level performance in a home kitchen.
“Solid and well-made cookware set. Handles are comfortable,” one customer said in a five-star review on Myer, where the majority of reviews rated this set 4-5 stars. Another customer on the Baccarat website said: “Happy with my cookware set. My son is a chef and has given the thumbs up.”
Key features:
- High-quality 18/10 stainless steel
- 5mm impact bonded base for even heat distribution
- Ergonomic cast stainless steel handles
- Tempered glass lids for easy monitoring
- Compatible with all cooktops, oven and dishwasher safe
- Lifetime guarantee by Baccarat
Also available at:
02
Scanpan Impact 6 piece stainless steel cookware set
$729 $271 at Appliances Online
Best for: Reliable, all-around stainless cookware without overspending
This six-piece set covers all the essentials for everyday cooking, from saucepans to frypans to a casserole. Each piece features high-quality stainless steel with an aluminium core for even heat distribution, stainless steel handles and drip-free rims. Oven safe and induction compatible, it’s perfect for anyone wanting durability and versatility without breaking the bank.
It has a 4.9-star rating on Kitchen Warehouse (currently sold out), with reviewers praising its quality, easy cleaning, comfortable handles and fast delivery. One noted it’s a “fabulous product that is great quality,” while another said it “looks great, cleans easily and the handles are comfy and nice to use.”
They did mention that the steamer insert is a bit small, but this also makes it a versatile fit for different-sized pots, and there’s the option to pair it with a larger saucepan if needed.
Key features:
- Set includes 3 x covered saucepans (16cm, 18cm, 20cm), 1 x 24cm covered casserole, 1 x steamer insert, 1 x 26cm frypan, plus tempered glass lids
- High-quality 18/10 stainless steel with 5mm aluminium core for even heat distribution
- Two-toned matte and polished finish with internal capacity markings
- Double riveted handles and drip-free rims
- Suitable for all stovetops including induction
- Oven safe up to 220°C with lid, 250°C without lid
- Dishwasher safe, hand washing recommended
- 10-year warranty
Also available at:
03
The Cooks Collective One 4-piece cookware set in stainless steel
$399.95 at Myer
Best for: Compact, versatile sets that do it all
Exclusive to Myer, The Cooks Collective’s stainless steel four-piece set is perfect for small kitchens or cooks who like multi-purpose pieces. Made from 18/10 stainless steel, it includes saucepans and a universal steamer that fits in all the pans. Customers love its even heating, ease of use and compatibility with all cooktops.
“This is the second set of these saucepans that I have purchased,” said a customer who rated it five stars on the Myer website, where it has a 4.8 star rating from over 180 reviews. “Both were bought for my daughters. I was so pleased with the quality and price. They cook food very well and evenly. I would highly recommend.”
Another said: “We’ve been waiting for this one – these are the best stainless steel pots on the market. No added chemicals or coatings, just good old stainless steel and they are great!”
Key features:
- Includes saucepans and a universal steamer
- Quality 18/10 stainless steel with mirror polish exterior, satin finish interior
- Compatible with all cooktops
- Oven-safe up to 220°C (180°C with lids)
- Heat-tempered glass lids
04
Essteele Per Vita 5pc Stainless Steel Cookware Set
$899.95 $319.95 at Kitchen Warehouse
Best for: Efficient heating and European design
Crafted in Italy from high-quality stainless steel, each pot and pan in this set features a copper base that spreads heat rapidly across the bottom and edges. Combined with heavyweight aluminium discs, permanently sealed in stainless steel, this set offers optimum heat control for all cooktops (something that stainless steel doesn’t typically offer on its own).
The set includes two saucepans, a steamer and covered stockpot plus a skillet and comes with a lifetime warranty from Esseteel.
“Bought this as a gift for my sister after I received a set myself. Have not been more in love with a product. The extremely sturdy base stops it tipping over on our gas top. They cook really well and distribute heat evenly throughout the base. Essteele makes beautiful products, and I’m not surprised these live up to the life of a family of 4,” one customer shared in a five-star review on Kitchen Warehouse, where the set has a high 4.9-star average from over 140 customers.
Key features:
- Set includes 14cm milk pan, 24cm skillet, 20cm saucepan with lid, 24cm stockpot with lid and 20cm steamer
- Made in Italy with high-quality stainless steel body, copper base, heavyweight aluminium disc core
- European-designed dripless pouring rims
- Tight fitting stainless steel lids
- Riveted stainless steel handles for extra stability and durability
- Works on all stovetops, including induction
- Oven safe up to 260°C
- Lifetime warranty
Also available at:
05
GreenPan Blue Diamond stainless steel cookware set
$459.95 $275.97 at GreenPan
Best for: A non-stick and stainless steel kitchen set
If you want stainless steel with the convenience of a non-stick finish, this set from GreenPan is a great choice, with a unique Midnight Diamond non-stick coating designed to be stronger, more durable and more effective at conducting heat than other traditional options, and is PFAS-free. The pan has two layers of stainless steel surrounding an aluminium core, with each layer going up the sides of the pans for ultra-durability and fast and even heating.
“Very happy with these pans after much consideration and research we made the right choice! So non stick and easy to clean,” one customer shared in a five-star review on the GreenPan website, where it has a 4.4-star average from a handful of reviews.
Key features:
- Unique Midnight Diamond non-stick surface resists scratches
- Tri-ply stainless steel ensures even heat distribution
- Metal utensil safe
- Set includes 20cm frypan, 28cm frypan, 28cm skillet with lid, 28cm wok, plus a slotted turner and ladle
- Tempered glass lid
- Compatible with all cooktops, including induction
06
Solidteknics The Ultimate Nöni Duo
$899.90 $809.95 at Solidteknics
Best for: Pure stainless steel that will last generations
Your forever solution for roasting, baking and more, the Solidteknics Nöni Duo is made in Australia from 3mm non-nickel stainless steel that won’t buckle under heat. From roasts to risottos to tarts, this heirloom-quality set is designed to last, with no rivets, no coatings, and no gimmicks – just pure Aussie craftsmanship that improves with age.
Reviewers on the Solidteknics site rave about the Nöni cookware for heating quickly, holding heat evenly and making cooking easy. They also love how simple it is to clean, including in the dishwasher, and how the versatile lid doubles for pancakes, crepes and more.
“Solidteknics is by far the best nontoxic cookware in the world,” said a reviewer who left five stars. “I feel completely safe knowing this PTFEfree cookware has no harmful coatings, making it the safest option for my family. I highly recommend it as the healthiest non-stick frying pan for anyone who values non-stick non-Teflon cookware and is committed to safe healthy cooking.”
Key features:
- Includes 22cm Sauteuse and 2.5L Saucepan with 23cm Skillet-lid
- Made in Australia from a single sheet of non-nickel stainless steel
- No toxic coatings, PFAS or PTFEs
- All-heat compatible – induction, gas, oven and open flame
- Skillet-lid doubles as a standalone shallow frypan
- Heirloom-quality, multi-century warranty
- Made to get better with age
07
Scanpan Impact 2 piece frypan set
$219 at Amazon
Best for: Stainless steel frypans for everyday cooking
Scanpan has perfected stainless steel cookware with its sleek and functional set of frypans, designed to work on all stovetops. The cleverly designed rim prevents splashes and ensures drip-free pouring every time. Their modern look also means they’ll make just as much of an impact on the stove as the food you cook up.
One five star reviewer at Myer wrote: “We recently decided to change to stainless steel frying pans because I was sick of Teflon ones shedding. I’m so happy with my purchase. The pans are great, and if you follow the instructions for heating and using the pans you don’t get food sticking to them, which is often a complaint about using stainless steel.”
Over on Amazon, where this set has a 4.6-star rating from over 1097 global reviews, an Aussie shopper shared: “Another Scanpan added to my kitchen. This is the most used pan as it is a perfect size for most frying needs. I bought a lid for it as well. It cleans easily and cooks food better on a lower heat. That also helps reduce the food sticking as well.”
Key features:
- Set includes a 20cm and 28cm frying pan
- Made from high quality stainless steel with an aluminium core and a 6.4mm thick bonded base
- Drip-free pouring rims and sturdy stainless steel handles that stay cool longer
- Oven safe up to 250°C
- Suitable for all stovetops, including induction
- Dishwasher safe
Also available at:
08
Swiss Diamond 3 piece Premium Steel DLX saucepan set
$259.95 $99.99 at Harris Scarfe
Best for: Reliable, everyday saucepans
This small set nails the basics. With thick, encapsulated bases for even heating, vented glass lids and drip-free rims, it’s great for everyday meals. Lightweight and easy to handle, these saucepans are dishwasher safe and compatible with all cooktops, including induction.
“Great quality pots, strong handles, and the measuring lines on the inside a bonus,” shared a satisfied reviewer on the Kitchen Warehouse website (currently sold out). “Very happy with this product.”
Another added: “I purchased this set a few weeks ago and I am so happy that I did. The quality is extremely good. They are lightweight and the handles do not get hot when cooking. I got my order within a few days and with free shipping I couldn’t say no. Thank you for offering such a great product.”
Material: Mirror polished stainless steel
Key features:
- Made from high-quality 18/10 stainless steel
- Extra-thick, encapsulated base for even heat distribution
- Compatible with all cooktops, including induction
- Vented glass lids for easy monitoring while cooking
- Oven safe up to 260°C
- Dishwasher safe
Also available at:
09
Scanpan Impact 5 piece set
$719 at Amazon
Best for: Fast-heating, easy-to-clean cookware
Using a sandwich base of stainless steel with an aluminium core, this set ensures fast heat distribution every time you cook. Inclusive of all of the kitchen essentials, why buy multiple pieces rather than investing in one stylish set?
Amazon reviewers like the beautiful design and great quality of this cookware set. They mention it’s well-made, durable and made to last. They also appreciate that the dishwasher makes them sparkling clean.
“This Scanpan cookware set meets all my cooking needs,” shared one reviewer. “The frying pan works as non-stick perfectly when heated at the right temperature. When the pots are washed in the dishwasher, they may come out with some purplish and pinkish rings inside, this is due to the oxidation on stainless steel and can be remediated by soaking them in a few teaspoons of white vinegar.”
We found similar reviews on the Myer website. “The Impact Cookware set is beautifully crafted, functional and pleasure to use,” said a shopper. “I love them, no non stick coating on the pots and frying pan ensuring your food is safe for consumption. The bonus is your food doesn’t stick if you adhere to recommended cooking guidelines.”
Material: High-quality stainless steel
Key features:
- Sandwich base with aluminium core – fast heat distribution
- Rim designed for drip-free pouring
- Lightweight and easy to handle
- Inside capacity markings
- Oven safe up to 260°C
- Suitable for induction and all other cook tops
- Dishwasher safe
Also available at:
Is stainless steel the best cookware?
Stainless steel is a popular choice for cookware due to its durability, resistance to rust and non-reactive nature, making it ideal for a wide range of cooking tasks.
While it may not be the best for non-stick cooking or heat conduction alone, its versatility, especially when combined with other materials like aluminium or copper for better heat distribution, makes it a top contender.
Are stainless steel pans better than cast iron?
Whether a stainless steel pan is better than a cast iron pan depends on your cooking needs. Stainless steel pans are versatile, durable and ideal for browning, sautéing and deglazing, offering quick heating and easy maintenance.
Cast iron pans, on the other hand, excel at heat retention, making them perfect for slow-cooking, frying and baking. Cast iron requires more care but can last a lifetime.
What is the best stainless steel number for cookware?
For cookware, 18/10 stainless steel is considered the best grade. The “18” refers to the percentage of chromium, which provides rust resistance, and the “10” refers to the percentage of nickel, which adds shine and enhances corrosion resistance.
This combination makes 18/10 stainless steel durable, resistant to discoluoration and ideal for everyday cooking.
Best stainless steel cookware – more frequently asked questions:
The secret to a non-stick experience with stainless steel is all in the preheat. Before adding oil or food, heat your pan over medium heat. You can use the ‘water drop test’: drop a tiny bit of water onto the surface; if it beads and skitters around like a marble, your pan is ready. Add your fat (oil or butter), let it shimmer, and then add your ingredients. Also, remember to let meat sear properly before trying to flip it – it will naturally release from the pan once a golden crust has formed.
While stainless steel is tough, it’s best to skip the harsh steel wool, which can scratch the finish. For stubborn, burnt-on bits, sprinkle a generous amount of bicarbonate of soda over the area, add a little water to make a paste, and let it sit for 15-20 minutes. For rainbow-like discolouration (heat tints), a splash of white vinegar or a specialised stainless steel cleaner will bring back that signature shine in seconds.
Yes, stainless steel is widely considered one of the safest materials for the kitchen. Unlike some non-stick coatings, it doesn’t contain PFOA or PFAS chemicals. Because it is non-reactive, you can cook acidic foods – like a slow-simmered tomato bolognese or a lemon-heavy sauce – without any metallic taste leaching into your meal.
Most high-quality stainless steel cookware is oven-safe, which is perfect for searing a steak on the stove and finishing it in the oven. However, always check the manufacturer’s guide for the maximum temperature. A good rule of thumb: if the pan has silicone or plastic handles, the oven temperature limit will be much lower than a pan with solid stainless steel handles.
It depends on what’s on the menu! Non-stick is the king of delicate foods like eggs or pancakes. However, stainless steel is great for everything else. It handles higher heat better than non-stick and is essential for deglazing—those delicious brown bits (the fond) left in the pan after searing meat are the foundation of any great pan sauce or gravy.
Why you can trust us
Here at Women’s Weekly Food, we’re dedicated to bringing you expert advice and well-researched recommendations, with years of experience in curating trusted shopping guides – and using products and appliances in our kitchens.
This includes hands-on use of stainless steel cookware, as well as researching stainless steel cookware available in Australia. We narrow our top picks down to ones available with our partners and considering the following essential criteria:
- Performance and performance-related features
- Materials, including whether it’s pure stainless steel or has an aluminium core for heat conduction
- Ease of use and ease of cleaning
- Design, size and inclusions in the cookware sets
- Reviews, including our own hands-on experiences when possible
- Other notable features or elements
We also consider different price-points, sales and availability of stock to help ensure you can get the stainless steel cookware you want.
Related articles:
- Sauté like a professional chef with these best-selling cookware sets
- 7 quality non-stick cookware pieces for the home chef
- 8 top-quality kitchen knives that are a cut above the rest
