Tramontina Tri-Ply 12-Pc

Should you buy the Tramontina Tri-Ply 12-Pc?

The Tramontina Tri-Ply 12-Pc is the set for someone who wants a true 18/10 stainless clad set with a larger piece count than the Cuisinart and is fine paying $315 for it. Made in Brazil and NSF certified, it ranks #2 of 10 in our Cookware Sets list, one point behind the Cuisinart MultiClad. Its 6 qt saute and three saucepans make it the more useful set for a household that cooks big batches. If you only feed one or two people, save the $95 and take the Cuisinart.

Where it earns its score

• Better piece mix for families. Three saucepans at 1.5, 2 and 3 qt, a 6 qt saute and an 8 qt stockpot cover almost every job.
• NSF certified. The same certification restaurants look for, which speaks to how the pans are built.
• Value scores 90. Second only to the Cuisinart in the category, and well ahead of the premium sets.
• Lifetime warranty. Warranty scores 100, and the uncoated stainless has nothing to wear out.
• Every cooktop. Induction, gas, electric and ceramic-glass, plus oven-safe to 500F.

What to know first

• Fry pans have no lids. The 8 and 10 inch pans ship without them; you will borrow one from a saucepan.
• Features is the lowest factor. A 74 reflects no nonstick piece, no steamer and no 12 inch skillet.
• Mirror finish shows scratches. The polished exterior looks great out of the box and marks up faster than a brushed finish.
• Lids can loosen. A few owners report lid fit relaxing over years of use.

Questions buyers ask