Whether you dibble and dabble in the kitchen or you’re a self-proclaimed home chef, you’ll find it hard to cook a decent meal without at least a few pots and pans. While your current collection might get the job done, having a quality cookware set would provide better results as well as creating a more enjoyable experience. With this said, you’re going to need the best cookware set that provides certain elements that will suit your needs.
Going through the multitudes of cookware sets that are currently in the market can be staggering and frustrating. A question you may ask yourself “What makes this cookware set different from the others? The color?” Do I pick a cookware set by brand or by price? The answer is neither!
There are many elements between different sets. We’re here to break down differences, answer frequently asked questions and ultimately help you find the best cookware set for you
Contents
- Choosing the Best Cookware Set
- Which Metal for Cookware is the Best?
- Cuisinart Multiclad Pro Stainless Steel 12-Piece Cookware Set
- Cook N Home 15-Piece Nonstick Stay Cool Handle Cookware Set
- T-fal® Ultimate Hard Anodized Scratch Resistant Titanium Nonstick Thermo-Spot Heat Indicator, 12-piece Set
- Rachael Ray Cucina Hard Porcelain Enamel Nonstick Cookware Set, 12-Piece
- Lodge 5-Piece Cast Iron Cookware Set
- Staubb
- Lagostina Martellata Hammered Copper 10-Piece Cookware Set
- Conclusion
- Frequently Ask Questions
Choosing the Best Cookware Set
Making the best choice means you must first understand the materials used in cookware and how they work differently. Some material such as copper and aluminum are better for heat conductivity while materials like stainless steel has poor heat conduction. Does this mean you should steer clear from stainless steel cookware sets. Of course not!
Non-stick cookware is a popular choice amongst many but may not be ideal for every cooking technique such as searing. You’ll also find that some cookware is more durable and easier to maintain. All have their pros and cons. Thinking about your current and future usage will help in the decision making process.
1. Material & Heat Conductivity
Material that your cookware contains determines how well heat is conducted. Heat dispersion needs will vary based on the dishes being cooked. For example, if you were making pancakes, you wouldn’t want to cook them on a cast iron skillet because they wouldn’t cook evenly. You would choose cast iron for jobs like searing and baking.
2. Reactivity
It’s important to know what materials react with certain foods. What exactly does it mean when cookware says non-reactive? This simply means that particles of the material will not join with the food. Acidic foods are inclined to react to certain metals. That’s why it’s important to know what pans to use with different dishes.
3. Durability
The longer a set lasts, the more money you save. Simple! Durable cookware on average costs more but with the proper maintenance and care, it pays off in the long run. Stainless steel is number 1 for durable material, while cast iron when proper maintained is a close contender.
4. Maintenance
Maintenance varies amongst cookware material. Properly maintaining cookware will help it last longer. Cast iron requires the most care and copper comes in second place. Aluminum and stainless steel are easier to maintain.
5. Use
Depending on the type of cooking you do will determine your needs and use. You may only need a cookware set with the basic essentials. If you’re a certified home chef, a set with multiple pots and pans may be a great fit.
Which Metal for Cookware is the Best?
Stainless Steel
Stainless steel is a good choice if you want a long-lasting and durable cookware set. Most stainless steel sets can be used in both the over and stovetop. This material is non-reactive, very durable, can be used in dishwasher. It is also resistant to rust, corrosion, scratching and denting. One thing to note is that its a terrible heat conductor which is why most stainless steel sets will have another metal combined such as aluminum or copper. Both are better at heating up faster and cooking food evenly.
Non-stick
These types of cookware sets are not ideal for all jobs but are great additions to any kitchen. Non-stick pots and pans are easier to clean, easier to maintain and allow you to cook with less fat. It can apply to all cookware materials. Lastly, Teflon, is the most common found nonstick coating.
Cast Iron
Some of you might be holding on to handed down cast iron cookware. Cast iron can be kept for decades! It lasts forever! Let me repeat, it LASTS forever. Some may say that “Nothing lasts forever” well let me be the first to tell you that cast-iron does! The disclaimer is that it has to have the proper care and maintenance.
Cast-iron is very versatile. It can be used on the stovetop, in the oven, under a broiler and on a grill. The sky is the limit. That makes it great for searing, baking, frying and roasting.
For an optimal experience, this material does require seasoning. A seasoned cast iron skillet is non-stick. Since it is a reactive metal, it does not do well with acidic foods. However, if seasoned well, a tomato or two won’t be bothered as long as it doesn’t cook too long.
Cast iron is perfect for stove-to-oven recipes. Although, it does cook food unevenly, there are many cooking techniques that cast iron can be perfect for such as browning and searing. It is extremely durable and inexpensive. Its important to know that cast iron can rust and chip easily when not maintained properly and is the heaviest amongst all materials. They also take work to clean and maintain.
Carbon-Steel & Blue Steel
Carbon steel is where stainless steel meets cast iron. Its great at retaining heat, meaning that they stay hot for a while. Like cast iron, it requires seasoning (the process of heating a layer of oil at high temperatures to create a non-stick coating). This is also great for stovetop to oven recipes. Since carbon-steel TYPICALLY come with slopped sides, its better suited for sautéing then cast iron. They are usually found as woks or baking pans.
Copper
Out of all cookware material, copper is the best heat conductor which is why you’ll find these items to be more costly. A great feature is that it can be used on the stovetop and oven. Copper is not ideal for high-heat cooking. This is not a major downfall since its great at retaining and distributing heat, there isn’t a need for high-heat. In addition, it heats up quickly and since it’s an excellent conductor of heat, food is able to cook evenly. If you’re cooking an acidic food, you will want to know that copper is a reactive metal, meaning particles can bind with the food. However, it’s usually lined with other non-reactive metal such as stainless steel and tin. It’s important to note that it doesn’t work with induction stoves.
Aluminum
Most of you have had a cookware set made from aluminum. Most aluminum sets are ideal choices for cookware because of its ability to conduct heat well, its light weight and affordability. Aluminum is another reactive metal, therefore, most aluminum comes with a non-stick layer.
Best In Durability
Cuisinart Multiclad Pro Stainless Steel 12-Piece Cookware Set
Quality
Price
Our Rating
Stainless Steel is the best in durability. Its easy to clean and lasts a long time. This set is classic, non-reactive and has an aluminum core that allows food to heat evenly. This set works on all stovetops (including induction) and is safe to put in the oven (up to 500 degrees Fahrenheit). Its dishwasher safe.
Included are the following:
- 1.5-Quart saucepan with lid
- 3-Quart saucepan with lid
- 8-inch fry pan
- 10-inch fry pan
- 3.5-Quart saute pan with lid
- 8-Quart stockpot with lid
- Steamer insert with lid
All lids are made with stainless steel and are tapered for drip free pouring. Similar sets in the same price range are Cooks Standard Multi-Ply Clad and Emeril Pro-Clad Tri-Ply.
Pros
- Durable
- Very Elegant Look
- Cooks Evenly
- Easy to Clean
Cons
- Lids are stainless steel
- Stain Potential
Best In Price
Cook N Home 15-Piece Nonstick Stay Cool Handle Cookware Set
Quality
Price
Our Rating
If you’re looking for a budget friendly cookware set, this is the best bang for your buck. It’s made of aluminum and has great heat conduction that will cook your food evenly. All of the pans and pots in this set are non-stick which makes for easy cleaning and food release. This set comes in green and red and the paint can withstand high temperatures. The lids are well tempered and are made of glass, which is perfect for observing your food while its cooking.
With all the pots and pans being non-stick, you can actually use less oil while cooking. The aluminum used is heavy gauged which is strong and durable. The handles have an anti-slip coating and feels smooth and comfortable in the hand. It has a ceramic shell that provide better scrape resistance than the standard pot. Lastly, there’s a chemical free non-stick coating. This set is dishwasher safe and doesn’t work on induction stoves. Ultimately, this set is great quality for an affordable price.
Included are the following:
- 1 quart sauce pan
- 2 quart sauce pan
- 3 quart casserole
- 5 quart dutch oven with lids
- 8 inch fry pan
- 10 inch fry pan
- 5 piece nylon utensils
Pros
- Non-stick coating
- Scratch resistant
- Dishwasher safe
Cons
- Doesn’t work on induction stoves
- Best Non stick
Best In Ease of Use
T-fal® Ultimate Hard Anodized Scratch Resistant Titanium Nonstick Thermo-Spot Heat Indicator, 12-piece Set
Quality
Price
Our Rating
The best non-stick cookware can be found right here with the T-Fal cookware set. T-fal offers the orange thermo-spot technology that tells you when you can start cooking. The set is non-stick, PFOA-free and is also available in gray. The base is anodized aluminum while the inside is titanium.
The set is scratch resistant so metal utensils can be used. The handles are made of silicone, which makes them very soft and comfortable. They do not get hot, therefore eliminating your need for mitts. The handles are attached with rivets which makes them very strong and secure. They also come with holes which give you the option for hanging.
You can use the pots and pans on the stovetop (excluding induction) and in the oven up to 400-degrees which makes these pans ideal for recipes that start on the stovetop and end in the oven. The lids are a snug fit, that helps trap heat and moisture and are made of vented glass that allows excess steam to escape.
Included are the following:
- 8-inch frypan
- 10.25-inch frypan,
- 5.6-quart covered Dutch oven,
- 1.1-quart covered sauce and sauté pans.
- 2.3-quart covered sauce and sauté pans
- 3.2-quart covered sauce and sauté pans.
Pros
- Scratch resistant
- Durable
- Non-Stick
- Even cooking
Cons
- It is not PTOF-free.
- Best ceramic
Best In Versatility
Rachael Ray Cucina Hard Porcelain Enamel Nonstick Cookware Set, 12-Piece
Quality
Price
Our Rating
This Rachel Ray cookware set is the most trendiest on the market it. It comes in various colors from blue, red, purple, brown and orange. This set is excellent in appearance, but appearance is not the only thing it has to offer.
This is a non-stick set that is covered with hard enamel porcelain. We’re not talking about the fragile porcelain in grandma’s old porcelain doll. This material has gone through a process where it was bonded with a metal substrate for a strong, unbreakable bond. The finish is stronger than aluminum.
The set distributes heat evening and can be cooked on low temperatures without experiencing hotspots. The handles come double riveted for durability and safety with a hole for hanging. The rim is flared for easy pouring and the handles come layered with rubber that makes oven mitts no longer necessary. It is advised not to put this set in the dishwasher because you can experience discoloring.
Included are the following:
- 1-quart covered saucepan
- 3-quart covered saucepan
- 3-quart covered saute pan
- 6-quart covered stockpot
- 5-inch skillet
- 10-inch skillet
- Slotted turner
- Spoon
Pros
- Non-stick
- Even cooking
Cons
- Kitchen utensils are of low quality.
- Not dishwasher safe
Good Choice In Versatility
Lodge 5-Piece Cast Iron Cookware Set
Quality
Price
Our Rating
This set is the smallest of the sets with only 5 pieces but these pieces are the most frequently used in the kitchen. Cast iron is excellent of retaining heat so its perfect for many cooking jobs such as searing meat and it allows you to cook food at lower temperature settings. The lid that comes with this set fits both the largest skillet and the Dutch oven. This cookware set comes pre-seasoned, which is a process of heating oil in the pot at high temperatures, therefore, creating a slick, non-stick layer on the surface.
Included are the following:
- 5-inch round griddle
- 8-inch skillet
- 25-inch skillet
- 5-quart Dutch oven
- 25-inch iron cover
Pros
- Budget Friendly
- Durable
- Easy to use
Cons
- Cast iron is heavy
- It can rust
Staubb
Quality
Price
Our Rating
If you’re looking for a more luxury brand, then this set would be a great fit. This set has everything you need to grill, sauté and bake. Cast iron is great for stovetop to oven recipes. When properly maintained, this set can last decades whereas other cookware may need replacing after a few years and sometimes even after months. Each piece contains traces of quartz which adds more heat resistance that helps in browning. The lids are heavy and will help lock in flavor and moisture.
Set includes:
- 10″ fry pan.
- 12″ grill pan.
- 5 1/2-qt. round cocotte with lid.
Pros
- Durable
- Easy to Clean
Cons
- Rust potential
- Heavy
Best Overall Set
Lagostina Martellata Hammered Copper 10-Piece Cookware Set
Quality
Price
Our Rating
If you’re looking for a premium statement making copper cookware set, you found it. This set has an elegant, hammered finish with stainless steel lids. The handles are riveted for safety and durability. The contrasting heavy-duty stainless steel lids are tight fitting without bouncing. This set is both oven and broiler-safe up to 500 degrees. It is compatible with all stovetops expect induction. This cookware has a tri-ply construction with an aluminum core which allows pan to heat evenly. Lastly, the edges of the pots and pans are flared which allows for easy pouring.
Included are the following:
- 8″ skillet
- 10″ skillet
- 2-qt. saucepan with lid
- 3-qt. saucepan with lid
- 3-qt. deep sauté pan with lid
- 6-qt. stockpot with lid
Pros
- Durable
- Very Elegant Look
- Cooks Evenly
Cons
- Lids aren’t glass
Conclusion
Ultimately, you’re the one that’s picking out the cookware set. Make sure that you pick something that is comfortable for you and one that you will get the most use out of. Let this article be a guide for you in choosing which features will be best for your needs. No matter what cookware set you purchase, each one will come with its advantages and disadvantages. Have fun shopping!
Frequently Ask Questions
This seems to be a common concern amongst those looking for the perfect non-stick cookware. Some find that certain brands non-stick coating eventually wear out. The nonstick products mentioned are found to be durable and long-lasting.
The basic cookware set that you’ll find in the market to cover your essential cooking needs will including the following:
- 2-quart saucepan with lid
- 8-quart stockpot with lid
- 1 ½-quart saucepan with lid
- 10-inch saute pan
- 12-inch saute pan