Is the Heritage Steel 8-Piece Cookware Set Worth It?
Based on tests by America's Test Kitchen (Oct 2025). How we score
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Why
America's Test Kitchen rated Heritage Steel's set Highly Recommended: "This weighty, sturdy, handsome set included five-ply pans in generous, useful sizes." But its handles scored only 2 of 3 for ease of use: "the skillet handle dangerously rotated in our hand as we held it with a pot holder," and they're short for larger hands. ATK's co-winning Made In 10-piece set is also five-ply, earned full marks in every category, adds a saucier and a 4-quart saucepan, and usually costs less. On a tight budget, Tramontina's 9-piece tri-ply set cooked well but has smaller pans.
Cheaper alternatives, scored against the Heritage Steel 8-Pc
10-Piece Stainless Clad Cookware Set
From 1 tester: America's Test Kitchen
From 1 tester: America's Test Kitchen
One of America's Test Kitchen's two co-winning sets, with full marks for performance, ease of use and cleanup/durability (the Heritage Steel scored 2 of 3 for ease of use). "Pans performed well, browning and heating evenly," and "We liked the pans’ level rather than uptilted handles, which felt natural to hold." It includes a 4-quart saucepan and "It was also the only set with a saucier." The skillets' angled sides can trap food.
| Criterion | Heritage Steel 8-Pc | Made In 10-Piece |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 3/3 | 3/3 |
| Ease of use | 2/3 | 3/3 |
| Cleanup/durability | 3/3 | 3/3 |
From America's Test Kitchen: The Best Cookware Sets (updated Oct. 15, 2025)
Sources: America's Test Kitchen: The Best Cookware Sets (updated Oct. 15, 2025), Manufacturer specs via Amazon listing
Tri-Ply Clad Stainless Steel 9-Piece Cookware Set
From 1 tester: America's Test Kitchen
From 1 tester: America's Test Kitchen
Rated Recommended with reservations by America's Test Kitchen, below the Heritage Steel for performance (2.5 vs 3 of 3) and ease of use (1.5 vs 2), equal for cleanup and durability. "This set’s pans generally cooked well and browned food nicely, but they were slightly smaller and the skillets a bit more bowl-shaped than we prefer." "The comparatively petite stockpot made cooking even a pound of pasta a bit challenging." It's tri-ply rather than five-ply.
| Criterion | Heritage Steel 8-Pc | Tramontina |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 3/3 | 2.5/3 |
| Ease of use | 2/3 | 1.5/3 |
| Cleanup/durability | 3/3 | 3/3 |
From America's Test Kitchen: The Best Cookware Sets (updated Oct. 15, 2025)
Sources: America's Test Kitchen: The Best Cookware Sets (updated Oct. 15, 2025), Manufacturer specs via Amazon listing
Common questions
Is the Heritage Steel cookware set worth it?
America's Test Kitchen liked its sturdy five-ply pans but found the handles rotated in hand. Its co-winning Made In 10-piece set is also five-ply, scored higher for ease of use, includes more pieces and usually costs less.
Sources: America's Test Kitchen: The Best Cookware Sets (updated Oct. 15, 2025), Manufacturer specs via Amazon listing
