Cuisinart Chef’s Classic Stainless Steel Cookware

If you’re looking for excellent value for money you’ll find it with Cuisinart Chefs Classic Stainless Steel!

The Cuisinart Chef's Classic series offers a remarkable feature - a wide range of size combinations to cater to your specific requirements. Whether you prefer the popular 10 piece set or opt for a 7 piece, 11 piece, 14 piece, or 17 piece set, Cuisinart Chef's Classic has got you covered. This versatility ensures that you can find the perfect set that aligns with both your needs and budget.

WHAT IS IT MADE OF?

The Cuisinart Chefs Classic stainless steel cookware is crafted from stainless steel and features a robust aluminum core that is encapsulated at the base. This unique design ensures rapid and uniform heat distribution throughout the pans, eliminating any potential hot spots.

WHAT DOES IT LOOK LIKE?

This cookware possesses an undeniably exquisite and luxurious appearance, featuring a polished stainless steel surface and a timeless design. Users have praised its exceptional craftsmanship, as it seamlessly blends aesthetics with practicality, offering an ideal fusion of style and functionality.

HANDLES

The pans are equipped with handles that are constructed from durable cast stainless steel and securely attached through rivets. These handles are designed with a Cool Grip™ feature, ensuring that they remain cool to the touch even when placed on a hot stove top. Additionally, their contoured design provides a secure and comfortable grip.

LIDS

All the sets in this series, except for the 11 piece set, have lids made of mirror finish stainless steel that fit tightly onto the pans. The 1.5 Qt saucepan lid fits the 8" skillet, and the 3 Qt. saucepan lid fits the 10" skillet, which is very convenient. However, the 11 piece set has lids made of tempered glass with a stainless steel rim.

DO I NEED TO TAKE ANY PRECAUTIONS DURING COOKING?

The following guidelines will assist you in maximizing the performance of your Cuisinart Chef's classic stainless steel cookware and extending its lifespan.

1. Heat Control: Avoid using high heat with this cookware. Its aluminum encapsulated base ensures efficient and even heat distribution, making a low to medium setting ideal for most cooking needs.

2. Avoid Empty Pans: Never leave an empty pan on a hot burner as it can damage both the pan and the stove top. Always ensure there is food or liquid in the pan while cooking.

3. Utensil Selection: While metal utensils are safe to use with this cookware, it is recommended to use plastic or wooden utensils to prevent any scratches. Remember that scratches on the cooking surface will not affect the cookware's performance.

4. Breaking the Vacuum Seal: If the cover is left on after reducing or turning off the heat, a partial vacuum may form, sealing the lid to the pan. To break the seal, briefly turn on the heat, and the cover will easily come off. If you wish to prevent the lid from sealing, either remove it or leave it slightly ajar before turning off the heat.

5. Gas Burner Considerations: This cookware exhibits exceptional thermoconductivity, which means that even a low setting on certain gas burners can overheat or burn certain foods. To address this issue, you can use an inexpensive gas "flame-tamer" placed between the burner and the bottom of the pot. These flame-tamers are readily available at most hardware stores.

IS IT EASY TO MAINTAIN?

Concerns regarding the cleaning and maintenance of these stainless steel pans may arise. Nevertheless, feedback from users suggests that the process is quite simple. After cooking, all you need to do is add some hot water to the pan and let it sit. Cleaning becomes effortless, as you can easily wash it by hand or in the dishwasher, resulting in a sparkling finish. In case of any minor spotting or discoloration, which is common with stainless steel, Barkeepers Friend or warm vinegar can be used for easy cleaning.

To prevent scratching the surface, Cuisinart recommends using a sponge or soft cloth instead of steel wool or any other metal pad.

FOR THOSE WHO LIKE TO POUR

The Cusinart Chef's Classic Stainless Steel cookware features tapered rims, ensuring effortless and mess-free pouring.

CAN YOU USE THESE IN THE OVEN AND THE BROILER?

These pots have the capability to withstand temperatures of up to 500 degrees in both the oven and broiler.

IS IT DISHWASHER SAFE?

It is safe to wash Cuisinart Chef's Classic in the dishwasher. However, it is important to be aware that continuous dishwasher cleaning may cause scratches on the utensil. Some users have reported discoloration after dishwasher washing, but this can be resolved by using Bar Keepers friend. 

Additionally, Cuisinart advises using a non-lemon detergent for cleaning these pans.

CAN IT BE USED WITH INDUCTION COOKTOPS?

No, it is not suitable for induction cooking. If you are looking for an induction compatible cookware set, I would recommend considering the Cuisinart MultiClad Pro.

DOES IT INCLUDE A WARRANTY

The product is accompanied by a lifetime warranty that safeguards against any manufacturing defects.

WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN CUISINART CHEF’S CLASSIC AND MULTICLAD PRO STAINLESS STEEL?

The Multiclad Pro and Cuisinart Chef's Classic are both highly popular stainless steel sets, but the Multiclad Pro can be considered an upgrade from the Chef's Classic. The main differences between the two are as follows:

1. Cuisinart Chef's Classic only has aluminum on the base of the pans in the form of an encapsulated disc. On the other hand, the Multiclad Pro features a layer of aluminum sandwiched between two layers of stainless steel, which extends all the way up the sides of the pans. This design allows for better heat distribution, ensuring that the food is surrounded by heat rather than just at the base.

2. The Multiclad Pro is also induction compatible, making it suitable for use with induction cooktops.

Due to these enhancements, you will find that the Multiclad Pro set is both pricier and heavier than the Chef's Classic set. If you would like to make a detailed comparison, we recommend reading our review of the Cuisinart Multiclad Pro.

WHAT OTHERS ARE SAYING

The Cuisinart Chefs Classic stainless steel sets are highly regarded on the internet, receiving numerous positive reviews and consistently high ratings.

ARE THERE ANY COMPLAINTS?

Be cautious of the lid handles as they may become hot when cooking at high temperatures or for an extended period. Utilize potholders to lift them.

Certain users have expressed concerns about food burning in the pots. However, it is important to remember that cooking with stainless steel requires some practice and adjustment. Condition yourself to cook on low to medium heat.