Choosing the right cookware set is a must for every kitchen. From picking the right pieces, to selecting the material – not to mention the look – finding the right cookware set can be a challenge.. In this article, we ranked and reviewed the 7 best cookware sets, along with our top 3 choices, so that you can pick the one that suits you best.
Rachel Ray
Cucina Nonstick Cookware Pots and Pans Set, 12 Piece
Bottom Line
Inexpensive but attractive 12-piece cooking set featuring PFOA-free non stick cooking surfaces, hard-enamel porcelain surfaces, rubberized stainless steel handles, and shatter proof glass lids.
Cuisinart
Multiclad Pro Stainless Steel 12-Piece Set
Bottom Line
Professional grade, high quality 12-piece set featuring 3-ply construction, Did we say high quality? It doesn’t get better.
Nutrichef
Excilon 11-Piece Non-Stick Cookware set
Bottom Line
Attractive, contemporary design that won’t break the bank. Terrific entry-level cookware set.
Other Top Picks
Advanced Home Hard-Anodized Nonstick 11-Piece Cookware Set
Bottom Line
Optimal non-stick performance and durable construction
T-Fal
Ultimate Hard Anodized Nonstick 17 Piece Cookware Set, Black
Bottom Line
This 17-Piece kit packs a wide range of piece that will suit any and all of your stovetop cooking needs
Diamond Infused Ceramic Nonstick 14 Piece Cookware Set
Bottom Line
A basic cookware set with plenty of pieces at a price that won’t break your budget
HA1 Hard Anodized Nonstick 13-Piece Cookware Set
Bottom Line
Top-Line, Professional quality that combines the performance of anodized aluminum with superior non-stick cooking – at a price
Buying Guide for the Best Cookware Sets
Whether you’re just starting out, or just need something new, a quality set of pots and pans is essential to any kitchen. You can go without that newest avocado peeler or the newest, most advanced toaster oven, but you will always need a few pots and pans!
And, if you take good care of them, they will last for years
When you look around, however, you find there are so many options and types, it’s overwhelming. Where do you start?What should you buy?
We’ve written a more comprehensive buying guide on Buying the Best Cookware Sets, which you can access here, It details:
- the different types of materials cookware sets are made of,
- the type of pieces you may need (hint: it’s cheaper overall to buy a whole set rather than one piece at time),
- gauging the cost,,
- and more
But since you’re here, let’s see if we can help. Here’s the detail on our 7 favorite cookware sets for 2023.
Cuisinart Multiclad Pro Stainless Steel 12-Piece Set
Professional grade, high quality 12-piece set featuring 3-ply construction, Did we say high quality? It doesn’t get better.
What’s Good
This 12-piece stainless steel set is an all-metal 3 ply construction that works on all stove tops, including induction cooktops, and is oven=safe to 550 degrees F. Has a beautiful polished cooking surface and nice, tight-fitting lids.
What’s Not So Good
Stainless steel does tend to stick a bit. Fully heat before adding food and make sure to use your favorite cooking oil.
Rachel Ray’s Cucina Nonstick Cookware Pots and Pans Set
Inexpensive but attractive 12-piece cooking set featuring PFOA-free non stick cooking surfaces, hard-enamel porcelain surfaces, rubberized stainless steel handles, and shatter proof glass lids.
What’s Good
PFOA-free nonstick cooking surfaces and aluminum/hard-enameled porcelain construction mean this set looks and feels good – not to mention how well it cooks. Rubberized steel handles and shatter resistant glass lids complete the set
What’s Not So Good
Handles aren’t screwed to the pot, but they are riveted, which makes it hard to clean the inside.
Nutrichef Excilon 11-Piece Non-Stick Cookware Set
Attractive, contemporary design that won’t break the bnk. Terrific entry-level cookware set.
What’s Good
Nutrichef’s Excilon cookware set is made with a nontoxic ceramic coating. The handles are silicone and heat-resistant – safe for cooking up to 500 degrees F. This is a great set despite it’s entry-level price target.
What’s Not So Good
Inexpensive cooking sets don’t always have the same quality as you get in higher priced sets. Take special care of the non-stick surfaces to keep from scratching
Anolon Advanced Home Hard-Anodized Nonstick 11-Piece Cookware Set
Optimal non-stick performance and durable construction
What’s Good
Hard-anodized aluminum construction that is durable and offers even heat distribution. Tight fitting shatter-resistant glass lids. Washes easily. Very sturdy
What’s Not So Good
As with other aluminum=based cookware sets, some issues have been noted on induction cooktops,
T-fal Ultimate Hard Anodized Nonstick 17 Piece Cookware Set
This 17-Piece kit packs a wide range of pieces that will suit any and all of your stovetop cooking needs
What’s Good
17-pieces of hard-anodized aluminum with interiors made from a titanium-reinforced material that is nonstick and scratch-resistant. Also has an inner thermo-indicator circle that turns red when fully heated – a nice touch Lids equipped with heat-resistant handles and vents that fit snug. A very popular set.
What’s Not So Good
Keep away from induction cooktops. They aluminum construction has been known to warp after repeated use.
Blue Diamond Diamond Infused Ceramic Nonstick 14 Piece Cookware
A basic cookware set with plenty of pieces at a price that won’t break your budget
What’s Good
Very high-quality for the price. Oven and Broiler safe to 60 degrees F. Anodized aluminum construction with Blue Diamond’s unique ceramic nonstick coating make this set a fantastic and good-looking basic cookware set.
What’s Not So Good
Riveted handles make this harder to clean compared to higher priced competitors. Handles are also hollow steel constuction which tend to heat faster than you might like,
All-Clad HA1 Hard Anodized Nonstick 13-Piece Cookware Set
Top-Line, Professional quality that combines the performance of anodized aluminum with superior non-stick cooking – at a price.
What’s Good
Another hard-anodized aluminum cookware set that is durable and offers good heat conduction. and is compatible with all cooktops, including induction cooktops. PFOA-free, triple-layer nonstick interior surface. Clear lids allow view of cooking. The 13-piece set includes separate 4-quart saucepan and soup pot.
What’s Not So Good
Hand washing is recommended by the manufacturer.
Tips
- Pay close attention to how the handles are attached. If there is only a screw, or two, the handle will more than likely come loose over time and eventually fall off. Handles should be riveted or welded.
- What type of handles are best for you? Silicone handles are easy to grab and hold tight, and they don’t transfer heat. They are not safe, however, if you ever put not your cookware in the oven. If that’s you., even if only occasionally, a skillet or pot with a metal handle is preferable.
- Two words – glass lids. Glass lids make it easy to check on your food without having to lift the lid and letting all the heat escape.
- Cookware lids should fit securely. They should not rattle or leave gaps.. The higher the quality, the better.
- Cookware lid knobs should be high quality, too. They should not transfer heat and be large enough to grasp easily – even with a heat pad. And, like handles, make sure they are securely attached. Goes without saying – right?
FAQ
Q. I only cook occasionally. How many pieces do I need in a cookware set?
A. A basic cookware set typically includes 2 skillets and 4 or 5 saucepans of various sizes – 10 pieces or so with lids – typically enough for those who don’t cook every day. But even if you don’t find yourself in the kitchen every day, consider that situations can change. Having a few extra pots when you need them is better than, well, needing them and not having them.
Q. Do manufacturers of cookware still use Teflon to make nonstick coatings?
A. They do, but if you’re concerned about toxic chemicals, don’t let this stop you. Teflon by itself is not toxic. PFOA, on the other hand, a key chemical in Teflon production before 2013, potentially is. Stick with more recently manufactured items.
Q. What is a ceramic cookware set?
A. Ceramic cookware sets use a ceramic coating applied over the base metallic body of a skillet or pan. These coatings tend to be very durable with great nonstick properties, while at the same time being free of metals and harmful chemicals. And best of all, the best ceramic cookware sets will last for years.
Q. How can I keep my nonstick cookware set free from scratches?
A. The most common answer is to not use metal utensils when cooking. But, over time, abrasive cleaners and detergents can also have an effect.
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