Whether you’re a beginner looking to show off your cooking skills or a seasoned pro whose pots have been serving up culinary delights for years, it’s time to invest in a good cookware set. The best cookware sets vary based on different personalities, cooking methods, recipes, and cooking styles. The most important features to consider are:
- Thermal conductivity: How well the pots heat up and how evenly the heat is distributed.
- Price: Consider your budget; ceramic is significantly less expensive, but it doesn’t last as long as stainless steel.
- Durability: How long will the set last? How durable is it?
- Reactivity: Does this material react to different types of foods (acids).
- Care: How difficult is it to clean? Does it need to be seasoned annually? Is it polished?
- Additionally, here are some important features to consider before buying:
Materials:
This is one of the most important aspects of your cookware set. The material will determine how easy it is to clean, how it looks and feels, and most importantly, how effective it is in cooking. When shopping for the best cookware, it is advisable to avoid certain materials. For example, aluminum reacts with acidic foods, giving them a metallic taste. This is also not a good choice if you have an induction stove. There are some good options, such as cast iron, stainless steel, and copper cookware.
So, what is the right material for a good cookware set? Ultimately, choosing the right cookware set will depend on many factors. Whether you are looking for a professional cookware set or just want to cook without burning your side dishes, triple-layer
stainless steel is undoubtedly one of the best options. These pans have three layers of metal: a solid aluminum sheet sandwiched between two stainless steel coatings. Simply put, this means that stainless steel distributes heat evenly throughout the pots and pans, ensuring thorough cooking without burnt or raw parts. Full coverage is also an important feature; the aluminum core extends all the way to the edges of the pans. Again, this allows for more even cooking.
Stainless steel also looks beautiful and is easy to clean. It’s also one of the strongest materials you can find and is dishwasher safe. Stainless steel is also non-reactive (meaning it reacts well with acidic foods like vinegar), so you won’t get that nasty taste when you’re cooking your favorite dishes.
Lids & handles
Lids and handles are the second most important feature of quality cookware. Glass lids are great because they allow you to see what’s inside and how it’s cooking. However, glass is more easily broken. In that case, it’s important to know your stuff. If you tend to drop or knock lids, avoid glass lids and opt for something more durable. Otherwise, glass lids are more comfortable to use.
Ideally, handles should be made of stainless steel or another metal. Plastic handles typically won’t hold up to heat or time. Just be careful when cooking with metal handles, as some get hot with the pan. Individual pots with long handles are preferable for one-handed use. And if they have a hole at the end of the handle for hanging, even better. Of course, this only applies to smaller pots. Larger pots and pans (4 quarts or more) require two handles for stability and safety.
Collections
The contents of a cookware set are also a deciding factor. A 17-piece set may include all the accessories you simply don’t need. For example, if you never make pasta, don’t spend extra money on a pasta strainer. The smaller the set, the less you’ll spend, of course. So if you already have quality pots or know you’ll never use certain pieces, save money by choosing a cookware set with fewer pieces.
Also, check what pieces are included in the set. Some companies add minor parts, such as extra utensils (spoon, spatula, etc.), to make it seem like the set has more pans than it actually does. Sometimes less is more, so you’ll get more value from a quality 5-piece set than a 12-piece set with just two pans and a bunch of useless accessories.
Stovetop
Finally, make sure you consider your kitchen when buying the right cookware for your home. For example, aluminum pots don’t work on induction stoves (it’s because of magnets; we won’t bore you with the details).
So, look for cookware that fits your budget, is durable, and strong, and fits your needs and your kitchen. Here’s a closer look at the ten best cookware sets we reviewed in 2023.
Best Stainless Steel: Cuisinart Multiclad Pro Stainless Steel 12-pc Set
Highlighted Feature: 3-Ply Aluminum Core, Cool-Grip, Oven-Safe.
The Cuisinart Multiclad Pro 12-Piece Stainless Steel Set is arguably the most popular cookware set thanks to its durability, reliability, and elegant appearance. Stainless steel makes cleaning easier, extends its life, and gives it a fresh look. Plus, its 3-ply construction provides excellent heat conductivity.
Best Space-Saver: Calphalon Premiere Space Saving Nonstick 10-pc Set
Highlighted Feature: Stackable for space-saving storage, oven-safe.
The space-saving Calphalon Premiere 10-Piece Nonstick Set is an excellent cookware set that meets virtually all your needs. It’s made of hard-anodized aluminum for long-lasting use. The stainless steel handles are highly durable and stay cool while cooking. But the best thing about this set is that it packs neatly into itself for optimal, space-saving storage. Calphalon also has an exquisite copper set if you’re looking for something shinier.
Best Pro-grade Cookware Set: All-clad Brushed Stainless Steel 10-pc Set
Highlighted Feature: Non-Reactive, Scratch-Resistant Thermal Spot
T-fal is a renowned American brand that designs high-quality kitchen products. T-fal Ultimate sets feature a Thermo-Spot heat indicator that lets you know when the pan is at its optimal cooking point. Choose from hard-anodized titanium, stackable, or advanced nonstick for a smooth cooking surface that heats evenly and is easy to clean. T-fal also has other excellent cookware sets, such as Excite ProGlide and Initiative.
Best Overall Cookware: Tramontina Tri-ply Clad Stainless Steel 12-pc Set
Highlighted Feature: Lifetime Warranty, 3/5-Ply, Stainless Steel
If you’re looking for a truly professional cookware set, look no further. the All-Clad Brushed Stainless Steel 10-Piece Set is the solution. Available in 5- or 3-ply, these pans offer the most reliable heat distribution, a durable, made-in-the-USA design, and will last you a lifetime (guaranteed). Stainless steel also makes cleanup after cooking a breeze. The All-Clad Brushed Stainless Steel 10-Piece Set is a true luxury, but it will be the last cookware set you’ll ever need to buy.
Best Nonstick Cookware: Anolon Advanced Hard Anodized Nonstick 11-pc Set
Highlighted Feature: Aluminum core, 3-ply coating, induction compatible.
Tramontina’s 12-piece triple-coated stainless steel cookware set is probably the best choice for an all-around excellent kitchen. It features a solid stainless steel design, an affordable price, and includes almost everything you need for great cooking. The pots heat evenly, the handles are long and comfortable to hold, the lids fit snugly, and they’re dishwasher-safe, even for induction cooktops.
Best Cast-Iron Cookware: Lodge Seasoned Cast Iron 5-pc Set
Distinguishing Feature: Cushioned Handles, a Wide Variety of Beautiful Colors
Anolon Advanced Hard-Anodized Nonstick sets are known for their comfortable handles. The pot and lid handles are coated with a smooth, durable coating that makes them easier to grip, stays cool during cooking, and is more comfortable to hold. Plus, the premium nonstick surface is safe for metal utensils and allows food to slide easily from the pan. Anolon also has an incredible copper collection if you prefer this material.
Best Fashionable Cookware Set: Rachael Ray Cucina Hard Anodized Nonstick 12-pc Set
Distinguishing Feature: Oil-Free, Stovetop and Induction Safe
The Lodge Seasoned Cast Iron 5-Piece Set is a true professional set for cooks who enjoy the feel and experience of cooking with cast iron. This set is pre-seasoned with 100% natural oil and is ideal for cooking, roasting, baking, stewing, poaching, grilling, frying, broiling, or griddling, both in the oven and on all types of stovetops, including induction. You can even use Lodge Seasoned Cast Iron 5-Grain on campfires and grills.
Best Ceramic Cookware: GreenLife Soft Grip Ceramic Non-Stick 16-pc Set
Features: Sleek, non-stick, durable, and oven-safe.
The Rachael Ray Cucina Hard Anodized Nonstick 12-Piece Set features a durable non-stick interior and a hard enameled porcelain exterior. The set comes in a variety of gorgeous colors that are perfect for cooks who want to keep their kitchen looking pristine. Most importantly, the Rachael Ray Cucina Hard Anodized Nonstick 12-Piece Set is oven-safe and compatible with most ovens.
Best Hybrid Cookware & Induction Cooktop-Friendly: HexClad Hybrid Nonstick 7-pc Set
Features: Thermoceramic, oven-safe, cool-touch handles.
The GreenLife Soft-Grip Ceramic Nonstick 16-Piece Cookware Set is a great addition to any kitchen. Whether you’re looking for an all-in-one set, love the idea of cooking with PFOA, PFAS, lead, and cadmium-free thermocouple-grade ceramic, or just love the color turquoise (or pink, purple, or cobalt…) on your back… this 16-piece set gives you everything you need, with a flawless nonstick ceramic interior.
The Best Hybrid and Induction Safe Cookware: HexClad Hybrid Nonstick 7-Piece Cookware Set
Distinguishing Features: induction, hybrid, non-stick, hexagonal surface
HexClad is designed with a unique technology that combines the strength of stainless steel with the convenience of non-stick surfaces. The hexagonal design and patented three-layer structure with laser cutting ensure even cooking and an easy-to-clean surface. The HexClad Hybrid Non-Stick 7-Piece Set is PFOA-free, oven safe, and most importantly, induction safe.
How to Choose the Right Cookware
In addition to the above features, such as material, handle and lid options, and what is included in the set, you should also consider:
How to Choose the Right Cookware Set for You
The weight of each piece. If you don’t like lifting heavy objects, choose a lightweight set. Do you like the feel of something heavy in your hands? The anodized aluminum will give you plenty of space to cook.
- Dishwasher-safe. If you hate washing dishes, don’t have time to wash them, or hate the way they dry on the counter (or maybe you don’t even have room to empty them), then a dishwasher is perfect for pots and pans. A lifesaver.
- Is it oven-safe? If you want to transfer it from the stovetop to the oven or reheat it when needed, this is a must-have feature.
- The number of pieces you want in your ideal set. Also consider the size of the pots and pans you need (if you live alone, a small pot and pan can help. If you’re cooking for a lot of people, opt for a full set). Of course, some features will be important to you, while others won’t be important at all (maybe you have a huge kitchen, so space isn’t an issue. Or maybe you have a gas stove, so induction features aren’t important, etc.). Choose a cookware set that has the best combination of different features that are important to you.
