Cuisinart French Classic Tri-Ply Stainless 10-Piece Cookware Set, Silver

10 reviews for Cuisinart French Classic Tri-Ply Stainless 10-Piece Cookware Set, Silver

1. 

   Rated 5 out of 5

   DJB – May 10, 2020

   We really, really, really love this set.

   Very comfortable to hold in spite of weight, easy to clean most of the time, heats evenly, versatile enough for most of our needs, and looks great.

   On cooking with Stainless Steel (SS)…

   We had a very short adjustment period going from non-stick to SS, but it was no big deal. We now use our set for creamy scrambled eggs, making pancakes, and frying sweet potato croquettes or ripe plantain without a problem. The real trick is to use low heat and kind of let the pieces reach the desired temperature slowly- in fact, these may not work all that well on an old fashioned gas stove where the fire is very close to or in direct contact with the pan. Another key thing to prevent sticking is to let the pan get quite hot before putting in the fat (oil, butter). The 2 previous statements may sound contradictory, but will probably make sense after reading the note about the thermoconductivity of the pieces. It will also take a little while to figure out the Goldilocks thing of how much to crank up the fire on each burner and with each piece to get it nice and hot, but not so hot you hit the smoke point of the fat and ruin the flavour.

   "De-glazing" the pan with hot water and a nylon spatula has gotten off almost everything that looked stubborn so far (at home I was taught to use hot water on a hot pan to avoid warping the utensil by subjecting it to temperature extremes, especially in winter). The one exception: I got some pretty badly burned-on stains of oil in the small frying pan while browning some chicken breast recently (not sure what I did differently as this hadn’t come up before or since- likely heat was too high/used too big a burner). These stains came off the bottom of the pan after light scrubbing with baking soda and a non-abrasive sponge (we use only non abrasive sponges on our dishes), and off the sides with more vigorous scrubbing- that part was a pain, I must admit. That was the only time I’ve had trouble cleaning one of these in almost 2 years though.

   We keep one large non stick frying pan around for when we want to crank the heat way up or want to cook without any oil at all (we’ve learned to brown chicken without oil on the SS, but it took a while, and we do sunny side up eggs on the non stick because on the SS they need a good bit of oil).

   This Cuisinart set, the large non-stick frying pan I mentioned, and a cast iron grill pan perfectly fulfill our daily needs as a small, all-adult household. For holidays or large batch cooking we also have the bigger version of the Cuisinart stockpot that comes with this set, as well as a cast iron enamel Dutch Oven, also Cuisinart.

2. 

   Rated 5 out of 5

   Kyle R. Johnson – August 18, 2020

   I previously owned the “Green Gourmet” non-stick line from the same brand and was pretty happy with it for the most part for about 10 years. But the skillets kept wearing out and I was getting a little tired of it, so I decided to give stainless steel a chance. Chose this line because (1) 3-ply construction (2) brand I trust (3) made in France. I got the set on sale for $299, which seems pretty reasonable considering the specs and country of origin.

   I’ve been cooking with these for a few weeks now and so far I’m very happy with them. And based on their heavy duty construction I am hopeful these should last quite a bit longer than the previous ones.

   The one issue I was worried about was the straight lip, as I hadn’t cooked with that style before and some have indicated that leads to problems pouring. But I am happy to report I haven’t had any issues. I think as long as you’re not filling your pots all the way to the brim and trying to pour at a shallow angle you should be fine.

   I really love the set, but I probably should have just replaced my skillets instead of the whole set. I don’t see a lot of improvement necessarily in those pieces, but certainly no complaints. (The “Green Gourmet” pots are still going strong, will soon be at a local Goodwill.) So keep that in mind perhaps if you are in a similar position as I was.

3. 

   Rated 4 out of 5

   M Adams – October 9, 2020

   I went back and forth between these and the multi clad pro models. I like that these are made in France and the finish is very nice. The MCP have a lip on the edge to help with pouring from them and I think that may have been nice to have. Overall I am not unhappy that I selected the French Classic. I still need to spend more time learning temp control and prep before certain types of foods but they have been a nice addition to my cookware.

4. 

   Rated 5 out of 5

   Ms.T – November 9, 2020

   What I love: first, they are Stainless Steel, no more worrying about touchy, delicate no-stick that will need replaced in 5 years, or enamel that can’t be used for browning without permanent staining. Then the mirror finish: Shiny, lovely, and making it easy to clean. The beautiful classic design – classic, straight sides, curved bottoms make stirring with whisk and spoon a breeze, no square corners to make stirring difficult. The well designed and proportioned handles with the rounded edges don’t cut into the palm, the thumb dimple is great for placement and the graceful curve moves the handles up and away from the heat. These are heavy pans, nice and thick, the same specifications as the American Brand, the same thickness, heavy enough to distribute the heat properly, but not too heavy to lift full of food. Things don’t burn easily, fond develops beautifully. They look beautiful on the hob, and they make cooking more fun, knowing I can stick them in the dishwasher, not have to spend hours cleaning up. Ironically, I CAN put them in the dishwasher, but these are so much easier to clean by hand than my previous non-stick pans, so I wind up doing exactly that more than I expected. These also cost less than the premium paid for the American brand or other European brands, so it is much easier to make the leap to Stainless Steel. The set is well thought out. The lids for the main pans are interchangeable, making it so much easier to grab a lid that fits. I have purchased both sets – as the saucepans in each set are different, the choice of pans in each set mesh perfectly with the other set, and the individual pieces available. I have purchased both sets and the few necessary pans that don’t come in either set – including a double boiler (Bain Marie), a large Sauté pan and large skillet, and several other saucepans to fill out a perfect kitchen set for me. It is also good that several of my other Cuisinart pans have glass lids that can be shared as need, and the Cuisinart Classic steamer also fits both sets. These are made in France, which have a far better quality control records, so they don’t have the issues from certain other brands – are we really sure exactly what metal is being used in Chinese factories? It does make them slightly more expensive than the comparable model made in China, but worth it to me. Not as expensive as certain other European brands, although, not ruling out going that way at some point, so makes them perfect for me at this point.

   Cons: the only con I have found so far isn’t really a con for me. These have classic French design, so there are no rolled lips at the edge to help with pouring. This really isn’t an issue for me, and the skillets that are in this design – but not this set – DO have rolled lips, so if that is something you need, you can purchase them separately. I actually prefer the slightly deeper, straight edged French skillets that come with the set, so win-win! The only other con is that I have been unable to obtain the 12″ French Skillet, which I would love to have, and a large shallow steamer with the matching handle, but neither of these cons have anything to do with this set, which is a perfect starter set, if you don’t need the pasta insert/steamer – which is available in the 13 pcs set.

   I did a great deal of study, purchased test pans from several sets, actually planned out a “necessary pans list” and priced out several different sets using the list. Given specifications, prices, performance on my tests – including comparisons with burning butter, boiling water an the like – these pans met, even exceeded in some cases, much costlier pans, for performance, obviously for price, and ultimately, for sheer beauty. Very happy with my choice!

5. 

   Rated 5 out of 5

   Godot – December 22, 2020

   First we inherit our mother’s or grandmother’s Revere Ware copper bottomed cookware. And it is wonderful. Until we realize that the stoves we use are not capable of a true simmer flame like the Chambers or O’Keefe and Merritt gas stoves they used. So, just as we begin to discover French cooking, we begin burning sauces because the Revere Ware heats so easily and quickly. So, we struggle to afford that GORGEOUS Le Creuset porcelain coated cast iron cookware. We finally get it. And it is wonderful. Until we realize that caring for it really is a bit of a pain, and guess what, cast iron, regardless the color, is heavy. Very heavy. Extremely heavy. Not that it’s not a good workout, but it can slow you down in the kitchen while you cook.

   “Grab that pan and a spatula, and let’s eat!? Oh, wait, I can’t hold that pan over the plates with only one hand. Maybe I can . . .”

   Then. . .

   “I know, I know, it was your mother’s china and I just dropped a 15 pound, 12” fry pan on it, I know, I know. . .”

   So then you’re thinking, let’s try that Revere Ware again. Nope, still burning, ‘cause I still don’t have a decent stove. Why? There are no decent stoves until you get to the $7,000 dual fuel Wolf. So then your try out that new Le Creuset stainless steel, tri ply cookware. And it’s pretty good. Cooks well, not too heavy, but the pan lid handle gets REALLY hot, and the pan handles will burn the heck out of you, as well, so grab that pot holder.

   So, finally, you get a new stove (yes, miracles to happen), it’s better, and an excuse to shop for better pans, the perfect pans. So, let the shopping and research and tactile testing begin!

   And it did. For just less than 13 months. I held All Clad, Viking, Le Creuset, Cuisinart— all of them. I held them, I hefted them with one hand and and with two hands. I mimed cooking with them, sliding them about the store shelves, my imaginary cooktop. I put smaller pans into the larger ones to check the weight, and (more importantly) how did that handle feel in my hands with the weight in the pan? Did it hurt my hand? Was it easy to hold and control? I read countless reviews, all the major sites, researched where they are made, how they are made.

   And I discovered, “Oh, wow, they are making FIVE-ply stainless steel pans. Gotta check that out.” Amazing! Except, that it isn’t. According to the engineers and scientists who examined and tested the theory and the thermodynamics, anything more than 3 layers is a waste of time and MONEY. The five ply is no better than the three ply, and way more expensive. Thank you, All Clad, for finding yet another way to monetize excess!

   And, the reason I’m writing this, is that I found that the Cuisinart French Classic tri ply stainless cookware hit all the marks, including PRICE. Did I mention that price was important? Well, maybe not price, but value for price certainly is important. I’m not rich, but I’m willing to pay a bit for the tool I need and want if the value is equal to that price. The high dollar cookware, that formula doesn’t work. It’s impressive to have it sitting on your stove, your friends are impressed at how much you spent, and you’re part of the elite club that will spend 2-3 times more than you need to get the most “in” name brand. But is that the point? “Did you at least get a t-shirt with that? Oh, you didn’t, but you got a generous payment plan? Good, you’ll need it.”

   A pan is a tool. You use it to make something. It works for you or it doesn’t. You like its looks, or you don’t. But it shouldn’t be a status symbol. It’s a tool.

   This Cuisinart set is gorgeous. Classic French lines. The handles feel great. Finely wrought, well finished, and the indentation for your thumb is perfect. THAT’S how to hold a heavy pan. The grooved handles of All Clad and so many others (all copying All Clad) are just plain uncomfortable to most hands if the pan has any weight in it. The groove is there to solve their problems of heat reduction, not to feel good in your hand. Think about it— smooth rounded surface you control with a thumb indentation (Cuisinart) or two relatively narrow ridges of steel gouging into your hand (All Clad).

   I have cooked with at least one of these Cuisinart pans (usually 3 or 4 of them) every day since they arrived (almost 2 months ago), and not a problem or fault yet.

   Fry pan tipping? “Well, darling, are you gonna just scoot it round on the stove or actually put something in it? You know, to cook? ‘Cause if you do, it for sure won’t tip. See, the weight in the pan, the food, will keep it from tipping.” Mine won’t tip even when empty unless I thump the end of the handle. And I’m too busy to spend much time thumping pans.

   Warping? Nope, not a bit of it.

   Pitting? Haven’t seen it.

   I have since bought three more pans to round out my 10 piece set. Couldn’t be happier. My beloved cast iron Le Creuset of 25 years? Holding down shelves in the basement. My stainless steel Le Creuset? Mixed in with the Cuisinart. But if there is a choice as I cook, I go for the Cuisinart every time. Weighs less than the Le Creuset stainless, handles stay cooler, and it cooks better.

   The French Classic pieces have been around a while, so prices fluctuate. Keep a watch on them, and you can make a good deal.

   Great pans, great price, great design, great aesthetics, great tools, great warranty— Cuisinart French Classic Tri-Ply Stainless cookware!

6. 

   Rated 5 out of 5

   A. Moore – February 27, 2021

   Like other reviewers, I was looking for a high quality cooking set (not made in China) without paying the All-Clad price. The Cuisinart French Classic set is perfect! Made with a heavy quality steel, love the thumb notch on the long “cool-touch” handles and they’re just so pretty to look at as well. What people don’t realize is stainless steel can be non-stick as well – yes, even for scrambling eggs (gasp), that is IF you season your pans correctly. I learned exactly how to do this from the Whole Lifestyle Nutrition blog on, “How To Cook On & Season A Stainless Steel Pan To Create A Non Stick Surface!” Watch the video here ( […]

   Here are the steps:

   1. On medium to medium high heat, heat your pan for 2-3 minutes.

   2. Melt a little coconut oil or other high heat oil in your pan and swirl the oil around to evenly coat the pan. Allow the oil to smoke (don’t worry, we will be tossing this oil out)! Once the oil has smoked, turn off your burner and remove pan from heat source and allow to cool completely. You know your pan is seasoned and ready if you can see your mirror reflection of yourself in the pan (more details are in the video about this).

   3. Once the pan has cooled, pour out the oil and wipe the pan out with a paper towel. You now have a seasoned nonstick stainless steel pan.

   4. I am going to give you an example on how to cook an omelette in your seasoned pan. Simply preheat your pan on medium low heat for 2 minutes. Pour your egg mixture into your pan with no oil at all! Add desired ingredients (cheese, meat, veggies). Allow the eggs to cook for several minutes without disturbing. After a few minutes, flip you eggs and allow to cook another minute or two. Your eggs will slip right out of the pan, no sticking! (You can view this in the video as well). There is no need to ever wash the pan with soap, just wipe out with a paper towel as nothing will stick in the pan, cleanup takes about 10 seconds. This method is very similar to seasoning your cast iron skillet or wok. As long as you don’t use soap on your pan, your pan will remain nonstick. If you are using higher heat, you might need to add a little bit of oil.

   If you follow these steps your stainless steel pans will cook like a dream and clean-up so easy! Most of the time clean-up is only a wiping out the pan with a paper-towel and occasionally light scrub with a brush. If you ever have to use soap on the pan, you will have to do the steps above again to “re-season” your pan. These are a great deal – with a lifetime warranty. You can’t go wrong if you care for them right!

7. 

   Rated 5 out of 5

   Rysanwelsh – May 24, 2021

   These pots and pans are exactly what I was looking for to replace my old Calphalon non-stick cookware set. They are excellent conductors of heat on the glass cooktop stove I use, they are a breeze to clean, and they come in a great selection of sizes. I was going to purchase the MCP set originally, but decided I wanted to spend a few extra dollars on the French-made set, as opposed to supporting more China-made products. I purchased the 10 piece set and acquired additional pieces, including the 1 quart and 3 quart saucepans, and the 12" skillet. So I have a full set of just about all the pieces that anyone should need to cook up a storm. I really like the 4.5 qt dutch oven-it’s just the right size for the type of cooking I do. I am careful in stacking them in my sliding drawer cabinet-I don’t want to scratch the mirror finish and put squares of terry wash clothes between the pots and pans to prevent scratches. I use a little Barkeepers Friend liquid cleaner to get out any stubborn stains, and they wash up beautifully. I have seen people complain that cooking in them is harder than non-stick cookware, with food sticking to the pan, and that the handles get too hot. However, I have learned to keep the temperature at no higher than medium, turn it down a notch after fully heating up the pan, and the handles keep cool. I do not have problems with excessive sticking if I keep the temperature well controlled and use adequate oil, as recipes call for. I think this is a great set at a great price-certainly with quality on par with the All-Clad tri-ply set, with which they are meant to compete.

8. 

   Rated 5 out of 5

   R. Sullivan – January 31, 2022

   I bought the 10 piece Tri-Ply set, made in France. All the pieces are beautiful, solid construction, thick metal all the way around that has a good weight to it but not overly heavy. They heat up quick and evenly all the way around, even up the sides. Boiled water on my induction stove very quickly. The handles are thick and comfortable to hold, well balanced. They stay cool enough to handle barehanded unless you put them in the oven. The lids fit perfect and are high quality just like the rest of the pieces.

   The cooking surface and bottom have a brushed finish while the interior and exterior walls have a polished mirror finish. It’s beautiful and shiny but it’s not entirely flawless. It could have used another extra-fine sanding before it was polished. You can only notice this under close inspection. From arms length you can’t tell because the finish is still really good. I would have preferred a brushed finish all the way around for lower maintenance even if they didn’t look as pretty. I plan on keeping these forever so I just worry I will eventually damage the finish through my own carelessness. If you take care of them they should last for a long time.

   I originally wanted an All-Clad Tri-Ply set but these were much more reasonably priced and having seen both sets in person now I am very satisfied with my decision and that both sets are of similar quality. I actually prefer the handles on the Cusinart set. All-Clad needs to lower their prices to stay competitive with a set like this.

9. 

   Rated 5 out of 5

   Teresa – November 17, 2022

   I bought these for my daughter-in-law for Christmas. She absolutely loves them. She likes how they heat up, how quickly water boils and says they really are not bad to clean. She is thrilled and so am I.

10. 

    Rated 5 out of 5

    Amazon Customer – April 10, 2023

    So far they have been easy to clean. I use bar keepers friend to clean and they look beautiful. They heat much more evenly than the old Revere ware I have been using for 40 years. I was so excited about these pans and have not been disappointed.