Cuisinart Multiclad Pro: MCP 12n Review

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This article reviews the Cuisinart Multiclad Pro Stainless Steel 12-Piece Cookware Set.

I use my stainless steel cookware daily. It’s durable and won’t alter flavors because it’s non-reactive. Plus, I know I’ll be able to use it for years to come for cooking side dishes, searing meats, and preparing sauces.

But the quality of stainless steel cookware can vary widely, so it’s important to get only the highest quality cookware. And that’s exactly what Cuisinart cookware claims to be.

I found the Cuisinart Multiclad Pro Stainless set to be an excellent value. It’s not at the same level as All-Clad, but it still offers many of the same benefits while being much more affordable.

I’ve broken down the features and alternatives so you can make the best decision. Ready to find out more? Keep reading to learn all about this Cuisinart cookware.

What to Look for in Tri-Ply Stainless Steel Cookware

Full-Clad vs. Impact Bonded

Many brands advertise their stainless steel pots and pans as “tri-ply” or “multi-clad.” Ply means layers, so tri-ply means there are three layers of metal. But not all triple-ply cookware is created equal.

Full-clad cookware means the layers extend throughout the entire pan (i.e., the base and side walls). Most manufacturers use a core of aluminum and/or copper with an exterior of stainless steel.

A full-clad pan heats more quickly and gets better heat distribution. These pans are more expensive due to the extra materials and longer manufacturing process.

Impact-bonded stainless cookware, however, most often refers to stainless steel cookware with a multi-layer disc that has been bonded to the base of the pan. In this case, the cookware itself is just stainless steel, while the disc may have three or more layers of stainless steel, copper, and/or aluminum.

These pans offer better heat conductivity and distribution over plain stainless steel, but they aren’t as heat efficient as a full-clad stainless pan. They will be more affordable, though. So if you want a boost in performance but can’t afford a full-clad pan, an impact-bonded pan is a good alternative.

Sometimes the titles for stainless steel pans can be misleading. It’s a good idea to read the product description and look for a diagram or graphic that shows the pan’s construction. That way you know exactly what you’re getting.

(Cuisinart Multiclad is fully clad with the layers going all around the pan / pot.)

How to Use Tri-Ply Stainless Cookware

Stainless steel is not non-stick, so it’s essential to use it properly. This is especially true for cooking eggs or other sticky foods. Stainless steel holds in heat well, so it’s easy to overheat. Be sure to preheat the pan at a low or medium heat.

After preheating, add your cooking oil or butter. Coat the pan with the cooking fat. Now you’re ready to add your food. Be sure to use plastic or wooden kitchen tools. You won’t ruin a stainless pan with a metal utensil, but you can scratch it.

After cooking, let the cookware cool completely before cleaning. If you have stubborn stains, use Bar Keepers Friend to remove stains and keep the polish. You can also clean with baking soda or vinegar to bring back the shine.

Cuisinart Multiclad Pro Review

Cuisinart Multiclad Pro Stainless Steel 12-Piece Cookware Set

The Cuisinart Multiclad Pro Stainless Steel set has a mirror-polished cooking surface and gives a professional look to any kitchen. This 12-piece set includes the following:

  • 1.5-quart (1.42 liters) saucepan with lid
  • 3-quart (2.84 liters) saucepan with lid
  • 8-inch (20.32 cm) open skillet
  • 10-inch (25.4 cm) open skillet
  • 3.5-quart (3.31 liters) covered sauté pan
  • 8-quart (7.57 liters) stockpot with lid
  • stainless steamer insert
Cuisinart 12 Piece Cookware Set, MultiClad Pro Triple Ply, Silver, MCP-12N

This set gives you all the pieces you need to get started in the kitchen. 

Cuisinart MCP-7N MultiClad Pro Stainless-Steel Cookware 7-Piece Cookware Set

This smaller set is a scaled-down version of the 12-piece cookware set. It has a single 8-inch (20.32 cm) pan, two saucepans with lids, and a covered 8-quart (7.57 liters) stockpot.

Cuisinart MCP-7NP1 Multiclad Pro Triple Ply 7-Piece Cookware Set Skillet

It has the same features as the more extensive set: a full-clad construction, tapered rims, and stainless lids, and it’s oven-safe to 500°F (260°C). But there isn’t usually a significant cost difference between this set and the larger set, so you’ll get more value out of the 12-Piece Multiclad Pro.

Cuisinart 12-inch Multiclad Pro Skillet

This individual fry pan has a diameter of 12 inches (30.48 cm). It features a helper handle and comes with a stainless steel lid.  

The skillet is induction-ready and oven-safe up to 500°F (260°C). The stay-cool handle is double-riveted, and you can put the pan in the dishwasher.

Cuisinart MCP22-30HCN MultiClad Pro Skillet with Helper and Cover, 12-Inch

This skillet is quite affordable, and the reviews were mostly positive. But there were some reports of an uneven base, which could affect the pan’s performance.

Cuisinart Multiclad Pro Review: Features

Watch the video below to learn more about the manufacturer says about the Cuisinart Multiclad Pro Stainless Steel 12-piece cookware set:

Construction & Heat Distribution

The Cuisinart Multiclad Pro Stainless set has a full-clad triple-ply construction with an aluminum core surrounded by stainless steel.  Since the aluminum core extends from the base to the sides, these pans heat quickly.

Cuisinart uses heat surround technology to achieve even heat distribution and eliminate hot spots. These pans heat quickly, too; Keep the heat on low or medium-high. Cranking up the heat on the stovetop will make food stick.

And even though stainless steel is quite durable, using a fork while cooking will scratch it. That won’t ruin the cookware, but it will diminish its appearance. One of the biggest complaints customers had was the warping of the skillets. This warping could be due to misuse, but we can’t know for sure.

One thing is certain, however: using the pan at the right temperature and letting the pan cool before cleaning will help prevent warping. Watch the video to see how to care for your Multilclad Pro cookware:

Drip-free Pouring, Lids, & Handles

The tapered rims mean drip-free pouring, which is great if you like making sauces or soups. The cool grip handles are fastened with stainless steel rivets.

And the tight-fitting lids are self-basting, which is ideal for braising meats. The lids are stainless steel, as opposed to glass. They’re also oven-safe to 500°F (260°C).

Max Oven Temp & Cooktop Use

When it comes to the oven, this Cuisinart set can handle high heat. It’s broiler and oven-safe for temperatures up to 500°F (260°C), making it ideal for stove-to-oven dishes. This set is also compatible with all cooktops, which means you can use it for induction cooking.

Price

These pans are more expensive than your typical non-stick pans, but they’re quite affordable given the performance and quality. All things considered, you’ll get plenty of value with this Cuisinart cookware.

Best features of cuisinart multiclad pro

Are there alternatives?

All-Clad D3 10-Piece Stainless Steel Tri-Ply Cookware Set

All-Clad is among the top names in stainless steel cookware. This All-Clad set includes two fry pans, two saucepans with lids, a 3-quart (2.84 liters) sauté with lid and an 8-quart (7.57 liters) stockpot with lid.

All-Clad uses a triple-ply construction consisting of stainless steel and an aluminum core. These pots are manufactured in the U.S.A. and have a superb reputation. They’re safe for oven temps up to 600°F (315°C) and dishwasher-safe. These All-Clad pots are induction-ready and highly durable.

All-Clad D3 3-Ply Stainless Steel Cookware Set 10 Piece Induction Oven Broiler Safe 600F Pots and Pans Silver

They’re also significantly more expensive. All-Clad might be the gold standard, but you’ll pay a premium price for that. Cuisinart presents an affordable alternative to All-Clad.

For a detailed comparison of All-Clad vs. Cuisinart, you can read more reviews here.

Cooks Standard 10-Piece Multi-Ply Clad Stainless Steel Cookware Set

This Cooks Standard set includes two open skillets, two saucepans with lids, an 8-quart (7.57 liters) stockpot with lid, and a steamer insert with lids.

Like Cuisinart, these Cooks Standard pots and pans are dishwasher-safe, safe for oven temps up to 500°F (260°C), and feature fell-clad construction. The aluminum core helps these pots heat quickly and evenly.

Cooks Standard Stainless Steel Kitchen Cookware Sets 10-Piece, Multi-Ply Full Clad Pots and Pans Cooking Set with Stay-Cool Handles, Dishwasher Safe, Oven Safe 500°F, Silver

The stay-cool handles are riveted and have a V-shaped design for airflow. A tiny complaint was the logo on the lids. Several customers didn’t like the look of them, and they aren’t removable. Overall, this Cooks Standard set is a budget-friendly alternative to Cuisinart, and it has positive reviews.

Cuisinart Multiclad Pro Review: The Final Word

The Cuisinart Multiclad Pro Stainless Steel 12-Piece Cookware Set is a great value for home cooks. This set won’t have the impeccable performance of All-Clad, but its versatility and durability make it a high-quality set.

The bottom line? I would recommend the Cuisinart Multiclad Pro set.