Buy it for Life

To me, there isn't too much difference between brands. Fully clad pans will be dishwasher safe, but I never put pans in the dishwasher, anyway.

I bought some of my first stainless pans from a restaurant supply store, and they were really cheap, but worked well. They basically have a big aluminum disk fused to the stainless part that contacts food. It heats really evenly, but it's not dishwasher safe.

I also have some All-clad pans. They are expensive, but you can get them on good sales (also, rich people buy big sets of them cause they are shiny and expensive but then donate them to a thrift store when they realize that they don't know how to cook on stainless steel). Honestly, they are just fine. The handles are weirdly uncomfortable. They make a mirror finish on the outside or a brushed finish. I like the brushed better because there's no way someone who actually uses them can keep a mirror finish looking good.

They make a 3 ply and a 5 ply (and even a 7 ply). The 3 and 5 ply are the same thickness overall, and theoretically the 5 ply should be more warp resistant, but i don't know that it should really ever be a problem. I think the higher ply pans are also heavier, so they probably hold more heat, too.

Realistically, I think the only things that matter to me are that it's oven safe and induction capable.

I actually adore my stainless steel Cuisinart cookware. Been using the same set for 15+ years now with zero issues at all except some light pitting inside my stock pot that i'm sure was my fault. I find i actually do use almost all the pieces in the set, there's one mega huge fry pan i don't use much and i don't use the steamer insert much but otherwise it's been a daily workhorse and I do recommend it. Treated nicely the non stick egg pans last a few years, too.

I'd go with AMC. They also offer a lifetime warranty, or at least they used to.

Honestly, I'd recommend against buying a cookware set unless you think you'll really use every piece in the set or it's too good a price, because manufacturers tend to bundle in something that you probably won't get too much use out of or is a bit redundant (like an 8 inch fry pan).

As far as brands go, most of them are going to be pretty similar at the entry level price points, so I'd pick based on how comfortable/attractive the handles are and whether the rivers are flush or not. I wouldn't pay much attention to 3 vs. 5 ply when it comes to different brands, but instead to focus on the weight and thickness of the pan itself. Generally, a thicker pan will sear better than a thinner pan, but will also be less responsive to changes in temperature (these will probably be minor differences except with something extreme like a Demeyere Atlantis, so don't get too caught up on this).

If you're looking to put the pans in the dishwasher, you might want to splurge for a brand with sealed rims. This helps to prevent delamination of the layers, which can happen in the dishwasher (see All-Clad lawsuit). However, this process does add quite a bit to the cost, so if you don't plan on throwing them in the dishwasher regularly feel free to save money by getting unsealed rims. The cheapest brand that I'm aware of with sealed rims is Misen, but someone please chime in if you've seen a cheaper one.

Idk how it compares to tramontina, but to my surprise Ikea 365 set I bought 20 years ago is still going strong despite daily use - might be an ok budget option

This site has all-clad "seconds", I bought all my stuff from there. https://homeandcooksales.com/

I'm pretty sure it's run by all clad but maybe do your own research since it's been several years since I used it.

Tramontina is the way to go. I have a full All-Clad set and my mom has the equivalent Tramontina set and really there is no difference other than All-Clad getting a lifetime warranty

Macy’s The Cellar brand has been top notch for me, and it’s about a hundred bucks for the set. Can’t beat it. Check reviews if you need reassurance.

Courtesy of extensive research by Cooks Country/America's Test Kitchen, Tramontina is perfectly fine so long as it's a 3 to 5 layer.

Beyond 5 layers is a waste of money.

I dislike the glass lids of brands like Tramontina, and brands like All-Clad or Hestan are just too damn pricey, so Cuisinart it is.

I got a tramontina set at Costco. Not sure where you are, but they usually have several sets to choose from.

Three years later very happy, would totally recommend. Good price, holding up very well.