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 layers. Simply put, this means that stainless steel distributes heat evenly throughout the pan, 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 pan. Again, this allows for more even cooking.
Stainless steel also looks great 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 a pleasure to use.
Ideally, handles should be made of stainless steel or another metal that won’t rust. Plastic handles typically won’t hold up to heat or time. Just be careful when cooking with metal handles, as some will heat up along 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 larger) require two handles for added 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 additional utensils (spoons, spatulas, etc.), to make the set seem like it has more pots 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 pots 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 pans don’t work on induction stoves (it’s because of the 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 are 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 Handle, Oven Safe
The Cuisinart Multiclad Pro 12-Piece Stainless Steel Cookware Set is perhaps the most popular of all cookware sets, thanks to its durability, reliability, and sleek look. Stainless steel makes cleaning easier, extends its lifespan, and gives it a fresh look and feel. Plus, its 3-ply construction provides excellent thermal conductivity.
The ultimate space saver: Calphalon Premiere Space-Saving Nonstick 10-Piece Set
Highlighted Feature: Stackable for space-saving storage, Oven-safe
The Calphalon Premiere Space-Saving Nonstick 10-Piece Set is a great cookware set that meets almost all of your needs. It’s made from hard-anodized aluminum for long-lasting use. The stainless steel handles are very durable and stay cool during cooking. But the best part about this set is that it packs neatly for optimal, space-saving storage. Calphalon also offers a sleek copper set if you’re looking for something a little more polished.
Best Space-Saver: Calphalon Premiere Space Saving Nonstick 10-pc Set
Featured Feature: Non-Reactive, Scratch-Resistant Heat Spot
T-fal is a well-known brand in the United States that develops high-quality cookware products. T-fal Ultimate sets feature a Thermo-Spot heat sensor that lets you know when the pan is at its optimal cooking temperature. Choose from hard-anodized titanium, cast iron, or advanced nonstick coatings for a smooth, even cooking surface that’s easy to clean. T-fal also offers other great cookware sets, such as the Excite ProGlide and Initiative.
Best Pro-grade Cookware Set: All-clad Brushed Stainless Steel 10-pc Set
Featured Feature: lifetime warranty, 3/5 ply, stainless steel
If you’re looking for a truly professional cookware set, look no further. The 10-piece fully-coated brushed stainless steel set is the answer. Available in 5-ply or 3-ply options, these pans offer the most reliable heat distribution, a durable, USA-made design, and will last you a lifetime (guaranteed). Stainless steel also makes it easy to clean after cooking. The 10-piece fully-coated brushed stainless steel set is a real luxury, but it will be the last cookware set you’ll ever need to buy.
Best Overall Cookware: Tramontina Tri-ply Clad Stainless Steel 12-pc Set
Highlighted feature: Aluminum core, 3-ply coating, induction compatible.
Tramontina’s 12-piece, three-ply stainless steel cookware set is probably the best choice for a great kitchen. It has a sturdy 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 perfectly, and it’s dishwasher safe, even for induction stoves.
Best Nonstick Cookware: Anolon Advanced Hard Anodized Nonstick 11-pc Set
Distinguishing Feature: Soft Grip Handles, Wide Range of Beautiful Colors
Anolon Advanced Hard Anodized Nonstick cookware is known for its comfortable handles. The pot and lid handles are coated with a smooth, durable coating that makes them easy to grip, stay cool during cooking, and are more comfortable to hold. Plus, the high-quality nonstick surface is safe for metal utensils and allows food to slide easily from the pan. Anolon also has an incredible copper set if you prefer this material.
Best Cast-Iron Cookware: Lodge Seasoned Cast Iron 5-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 in the oven or on all types of stovetops, including induction, broiling, grilling or broiling. You can even use Lodge 5-Grain Seasoned Cast Iron on campfires and grills.
Best Fashionable Cookware Set: Rachael Ray Cucina Hard Anodized Nonstick 12-pc Set
Distinguishing Feature: Elegant, Non-Stick, Durable, and Oven Safe
The Rachael Ray Cucina Hard Anodized Non-Stick 12-Piece Cookware Set features a durable non-stick interior and a hard enameled porcelain exterior. The set is available in several beautiful colors that are perfect for cooks who want to keep their kitchen spotless at all times. Most importantly, the Rachael Ray Cucina Hard Anodized Non-Stick 12-Piece Cookware Set is oven safe and compatible with most ovens.
Best Ceramic Cookware: GreenLife Soft Grip Ceramic Non-Stick 16-pc Set
Special Features: Thermoceramic, Oven Safe, Cool Handles
The GreenLife Soft-Grip Ceramic Non-Stick 16-Piece Cookware Set is a great addition to any kitchen. Whether you’re looking for an all-in-one set, like the idea of making PFOA, PFAS, lead, and cadmium-free thermoceramic cookware, or you just love the turquoise (or pink, purple, or cobalt…) color on the back, this 16-piece set will give you everything you need, with a flawless ceramic nonstick interior.
Best Hybrid Cookware & Induction Cooktop-Friendly: HexClad Hybrid Nonstick 7-pc Set
Distinguishing Features: Induction, Hybrid, Nonstick, Hexagonal Surface
HexClad is engineered with a unique technology that combines the strength of stainless steel with the convenience of nonstick surfaces. The hexagonal design and three-layer construction, using patented laser technology, ensure even cooking and an easy-to-clean surface. The HexClad Hybrid Nonstick 7-Piece Cookware Set is PFOA-free, oven-safe, and, most importantly, induction-safe.
How to Choose the Right Cookware for You
In addition to considering the above features, such as material, handle and lid options, and what’s 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. You like the feel of a heavy object in your hands. The anodized aluminum will give you plenty of room to cook.
- Dishwasher-safe. If you hate dishwashers, don’t have time to wash them, or hate how they dry on the counter (or maybe you don’t even have room to empty them), a dishwasher is perfect for pots and pans. A lifesaver.
- Is it oven safe? If you want to move it from oven to oven or heat it up quickly, this is a must-have feature.
- The number of pieces you need for your ideal dinnerware set. Also consider the size of the pots and pans you need (if you live alone, a small pot and pan might be useful. 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 perfectly combines the different features you find important.
