A product we've found called Bar Keeper's Friend does a wonderful job of cleaning even the most burnt stainless steel pans. It also wisks away the mottled, rainbow-like discoloration that can occur from cooking certain foods at high heat.

This simple and inexpensive product can be found at your local grocery store in the cleaning supply aisle.

The cookware shown in our cleaning test (at left) is a Tramontina Heavy-Weight 18/10 Stainless Steel Frypan. It is dishwasher safe and for tough cleaning jobs, wipes up easily with a little Bar Keeper's Friend.