The 10-inch skillet still browned chicken the same as the older model, too. Additionally, we evaluated how easy the handles were to hold, especially when retrieving the pots and pans from a hot oven using a side towel or pot holders. We also took note of the individual weight and thickness of the pieces in each set.
In our tests, the chicken sautéed in the All-Clad 10-inch skillet cooked evenly and turned out perfectly golden-brown with a crispy skin, about on a par with the chicken we made in the Tramontina skillet. When we prepared caramel, the dissolved sugar bubbled uniformly across the bottom of the All-Clad 3-quart saucepan; this wasn’t the case with saucepans in the other sets we tested. Also, because the All-Clad saucepan distributed heat so well, our testers didn’t have to swirl the sugar in the pan as frequently as they did in the other saucepans.
Overall, the Goldilocks set performed better than any other set we’ve tested in this price range. The Great Jones Family Style set is unusual among the cookware sets we looked at in that it includes a nonstick pan and an enameled cast-iron Dutch oven. For one, when testing the Great Jones Saucy for our guide to the best small saucepan, we found the loop-shaped handles uncomfortable to hold. Also, the nonstick pan is only 8½ inches, so it’s not as versatile as the 10-inch pans we recommend in our guide to nonstick skillets.
However, most of the products are now bonded so that the coating cannot come off, reducing the risk that someone could accidentally consume it. The fumes could become dangerous at super high temperatures, but you’re unlikely to reach those temperatures when cooking most dishes. These days, a lot of consumers are also concerned about the chemicals present in cookware that could seep into their food.
Many sets also have 6-quart stockpots; these are too small for making large batches of stock (8-quart or larger stockpots are best for preparing stocks, and they provide ample room for boiling pasta). The main incentive tramontina cookware set for buying piece by piece is that most sets come with smaller pan sizes. We think this set is a really good choice if you don’t mind slightly heavier cookware or the fact that it stains slightly with use.
But we don’t think this omission is a dealbreaker, since you can always grow your collection by adding that piece down the road. We like the Tramontina Gourmet 12-Piece Tri-Ply Clad Cookware Set for its even heat distribution, tramontina cookware durable construction, and reasonable price. The Tramontina skillets produced perfectly brown chicken pieces with nice fond development, and the saucepans and stockpot simmered liquids without scorching.
There is some heft to the pans, so you’ll need a strong arm before flipping pancakes for breakfast. This trio includes 3 sizes to cover all your bases, from grilled cheese sandwiches to giant omelets. The silicone grip is detachable so that you can move the pan from the stovetop to the oven. The first thing that strikes us about the pieces in this set is that everything seems to be built to last.