While there may be many rooms within a house, only a few select actually can make one feel like they’re at home. One of these rooms, without a doubt, is our home kitchen. In the kitchen is where special memories are made, cookies and cakes are baked, and delicious food abounds. Whether you are out on your own in your very first apartment, or you have a family that loves your culinary creations, stocking up your kitchen with the right tools is essential. In addition to a good set of flatware, dinnerware, and knives, there is one more item that you need to absolutely need in your kitchen.
The essential item that you need for your kitchen is a sturdy and durable cookware set. We all need something to cook our favorite foods in! From sauteeing delicious mushrooms to top a steak, or using a dutch oven to whip up your famous broccoli cheddar soup. A good set of cookware is something that should be in everyone’s kitchen. We reviewed dozens of cookware sets to identify the best of the best. In our search, we considered things like materials used, how it stands up to heat, cost, and more.
The T-fal Ultimate Nonstick Cookware Set truly stands out among the crowd. Not only are they suitable for all kinds of cooktops, but they are oven-safe as well, up to 400 degrees. If you’re looking for a burner on which to use your new cookware, consider The Best Countertop Burners.
In This Article
The 5 Top-Rated Cookware Sets
| Editor's Picks | Brand | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Best Overall | T-fal Ultimate Nonstick Cookware Set | 4.3 |
| Runner Up | Cuisinart 10-Piece Stainless Steel Cookware Set | 4.4 |
| Best Budget Buy | Farberware High Performance Nonstick Cookware | 4.3 |
| Best Stainless Steel Cookware | Duxtop Stainless Steel Induction Cookware Set | 4.5 |
| Best Nonstick Cookware | AmazonBasics 15-Piece Non-Stick Kitchen Cookware Set | 4.3 |
*Ratings are from Amazon at the time of publication and can change
Top Pick: T-fal Ultimate Nonstick Cookware Set
When it comes to cookware sets, the T-fal Ultimate Nonstick Cookware Set rises above the rest. The entire set is comprised of 17 pieces in total. Made with hard-anodized aluminum, they hold just the right amount of heat so that you can cook your meal to perfection. Featuring T-fal’s Heat Mastery system and Thermo Spot technology, it provides an even heat base so that every delicious morsel is cooked just right. Being hard-titanium reinforced, everything you see in this set is non-stick and scratch-resistant. Cleaning these pots and pans are a breeze because food does not stick to them. They are totally dishwasher safe.
This cookware set will stand the test of time. Even the handles are superior on this set. Created with riveted silicone, it is designed for both comfort and safety. The lids are made with tempered glass and are vented. This way you can keep an eye on what you are cooking. The vents in the lid lock in just the right amount of moisture to cook your food. This cookware set will work on any stovetop. Not only that, they can go on the oven, too, up to 400 degrees! They are resistant to corrosion, scratches and other kinds of damage, due to the hard-anodized creation.
T-fal Ultimate Nonstick Cookware Set Key Features:
- Thermo Spot technology
- Constructed with hard-anodized aluminum
- Completely non-stick
- Heats food evenly
Our Runner Up Pick: Cuisinart 10-Piece Stainless Steel Cookware Set
The Cuisinart Piece Stainless Steel Cookware Set has everything that you will need to make a great meal. With a lovely classic look, these pots and pans are made with premium tri-ply stainless steel. By using 3-ply stainless steel, it ensures for an even cook every time. It does not alter the taste of your food in any way or react to any ingredients, so you can cook having peace of mind. This set is sturdy and durable and is certain to last you for years to come. All of the pots and pans are made with HeatSurround technology, making sure that food cooks evenly every time.
This cookware is safe for all oven cooktops. Plus, it is oven safe, up to 500 degrees, giving you the power to cook anything that you want to. The handles are cool to the touch and contoured ergonomically for a safe grip. The cookware set features tempered glass lids that make sure to seal in moisture and nutrients. Everything that you see in the set is completely dishwasher safe, making cleanup a breeze. Another great feature of these pots and pans is that they feature a tapered rim, for mess-free pouring every time that you use them.
Cuisinart Piece 10-Piece Stainless Steel Cookware Set Key Features:
- Made with 3-ply stainless steel
- HeatSurround technology
- Dishwasher safe
- Tapered rims
Best Budget Pick: Farberware High-Performance Nonstick Cookware
When it comes to durable and strong cookware, Farberware’s High-Performance Nonstick Cookware is at the top. The set is made up of heavy-duty aluminum, and it is quick to heat up and ensures even cooking every time that you use it. Included on the griddle and the frying pans that are in this set feature a special dimpled surface, the SmartGlide Nonstick System, that makes these truly non-stick. This set even features a griddle. Included in this set are six handy kitchen utensils that can do all kinds of jobs around the kitchen. The pots and pans are oven safe up to 350 degrees.
This set also has double-riveted handles, for a good and safe grip on whichever piece of cookware that you are using. The glass lids are super sturdy and shatter-resistant. The set comes in a variety of sizes of pots and pans to fit your every cooking need. Everything is dishwasher safe, so cleanup is easy and quick. Then, comes the fun part, this cookware set comes in a variety of colors. Two unique items that come with this cookware set is a cookie sheet and a griddle. So, you can bake cookies and whip up a batch of pancakes in no time at all!
Farberware High-Performance Nonstick Cookware Key Features:
- Features SmartGlide Nonstick System
- Dishwasher Safe
- Oven safe up to 350 degree
- Shatter-resistant glass lids
Best Stainless Steel Cookware Set: Duxtop Stainless Steel Induction Cookware Set
The Duxtop Stainless Steel Induction Cookware Set is a sight to behold. The lovely look of stainless steel comes together and with fashion and functionality. This set features an amazing 17 pieces, including three kitchen tools. Built to last, everything in this set is created from 18/10 commercial-grade stainless steel and heavy gauge impact-bonded aluminum encapsulated bottoms. Each piece has an ergonomically shaped handle for strength and durability. The lids on all the cookware in this set are tempered glass. In this set, you will also receive a steam basket as well as a boiler basket.
This professional-grade cookware is suitable for use on all cooktops, including induction cooktops, and it is safe inside the oven, up to 550 degrees. They are also freezer safe for food storage. Everything is dishwasher safe, so you will never have a sink full of dishes after cooking again! Because they are built with such high-quality stainless steel, this cookware is built to withstand a lifetime of use. What makes this set so special is how it is made. It is made through impact bonding. This special process involves a friction process in which a bond between the base of the vessel and a disc is created using an impact bonding machine. There are no flimsy adhesives here!
Duxtop Stainless Steel Induction Cookware Set Key Features:
- 17 pieces, including 3 kitchen tools
- Utilized impact-bonded technology
- Dishwasher safe
Best Nonstick Cookware: AmazonBasics 15-Piece Non-Stick Kitchen Cookware Set
The AmazonBasics 15-Piece Non-Stick Kitchen Cookware Set is at the top of its game when it comes to non-stick cookware. In total, it comes with an amazing 15 pieces. The pots and pans are created with a spiral bottom that heats your food evenly. They are compatible with most stovetops, save for induction cooktops. The aluminum body makes it lightweight, ergonomic and easy to cook with. The soft-touch handles stay completely cool during the cooking process, so you can feel safe cooking with them. The glass lids that are on this set are vented in order to let steam escape during the cooking process.
There is no need for any butter or oil to coat these pans! They are 100% totally non-stick, so you can cook your favorite meal without the added oils. Foods will not adhere to the pans, and they will transition beautifully and seamlessly from pan to plate. This set features saucepans, fry pans, and casserole pans. Not only that, but it also comes with a five-piece utensil set to make cooking even easier. If you are looking for a cookware set, this is a great one to start with as it has everything you need to get started on your culinary journey.
AmazonBasics 15-Piece Non-Stick Kitchen Cookware Set Key Features:
- Crafted with spiral bottom for even heating
- Ergonomic soft-touch handles
- Totally non-stick
- Vented glass lids
Who Should Buy a Cookware Set
A cookware set can be a big decision when you are looking to get all of the essentials for your kitchen. You may just be starting out on your own, and you need a cookware set in order to be able to cook anything. Or, perhaps you are a seasoned culinary wizard in the kitchen and are looking to upgrade from your current cookware set. In a kitchen, it definitely matters what kind of cookware that you have. You may have a preference, whether that be stainless steel, copper, or anything else.
Cookware sets also make great gifts to give to others. If you know a budding chef in your life that loves cooking, a set all of their own would be a much-appreciated gift. A cookware set is needed in any kitchen and would help out anyone who enjoys cooking, or wants to learn about it more. Make sure that you do your research, though, as there are a variety of cookware sets out there, such as stainless steel, non-stick, copper and many more. Make sure you find one that is right for you or the person that you are gifting.
Important Features to Consider
A cookware set should be able to cook your food thoroughly, be easy to use, durable and withstand heat. Here is what to consider when selecting a cookware set:
- Thoroughly heat foods. Any cookware set that you purchase should be able to easily cook foods. However, there are plenty of cookware sets that are out there that do not heat food through evenly. That can be one of the most frustrating things when you are trying to put a meal together. You will want to look for a cookware set that will thoroughly cook your food throughout, making for a delicious dish.
- Durability. If nothing else, you want your cookware set to be durable. It should serve you for quite a long time. You are looking for pots and pans that are sturdy and durable, ones that will stand the test of time. Ideally, you want to search for something that is professional-grade or around that area. A good option for really good, durable cookware is cast iron. So much so, that it is not uncommon at all to see cast iron cookware sets passed down from generation to generation.
- Ease of use. As it comes to cookware, you should look for something that is easy to use. You want to find pots and pans that have good and sturdy handles. Perhaps you can find something with ergonomic handles that make it easy on your hands when you are carrying the pot or pan somewhere. Another thing that you want to make sure is how to clean your new cookware set. Some can be washed in the dishwasher, while others are hand wash only.
- Ability to withstand heat. Many recipes call for one to transfer a pot or pan into a pre-heated oven. If you cook with a lot of recipes like that, it is necessary to find a good cookware set that will withstand the heat of the oven. Many can go up to 300 or 400 degrees, sometimes even more. It is definitely a handy feature to be able to use cookware like that. But make sure you double-check with your manual to make sure that the type of pots and pans that you have can go into the oven.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s included in a cookware set?
This tends to vary, depending on what kind of cookware set that you purchase. However, for the most part many cookware sets include a small and large saucepan. They also include a non-stick skillet that is either ten or twelve inches. In addition to that, a saute pan sometimes accompanies these items. Two other items are a stockpot and a Dutch oven. Dutch ovens are great for cooking in your oven. Depending on the set that you are looking to purchase, some even come with bonus utensils that help to make cooking with your new cookware set easier.
Is ceramic better than Teflon?
While Teflon was invented in the 1950s and has certainly stood the test of time, ceramic comes out at the top in this day and age. There are various reasons for this. For example, you cannot use a metal utensil on a Teflon pan, as the Teflon will begin to flake off, which may land some of that in your food. With ceramic, you do not have to worry about that happening. Depending on the brand that you purchase, pans with a Teflon coating are typically not dishwasher safe. The same goes for ovens unless the handle is made to withstand high heat. Ceramic cookware can most definitely go in the oven and is usually dishwasher safe.
Which cookware is safe for cooking?
There are quite a few varieties of cookware out on the market today. From cast iron to non-stick, ceramic and beyond, pots and pans are certainly made with a plethora of different materials. So which ones exactly are the safest for cooking? Let’s begin with non-stick pans. Using non-stick pans can be convenient and easy to use. However, they do tend to give off a fume at a certain temperature. As stated above, most non-stick cookware is not dishwasher safe and must be washed by hand. So while it is safe to use, it can be a little bit of a pain to go through all of that. When it comes to ceramic cookware, these types of pots and pans are great and can typically withstand up to higher temperatures, especially if it has to go in the oven according to a recipe. Cast iron is one of the best materials that you can get in a cookware set. There are reasons they stay in families for generations. They conduct heat and spread it evenly. It is one of the best cook surfaces that you could possibly get.
Which is better for cooking, aluminum or steel?
Steel is better for cooking foods at high temperatures, whereas aluminum can buckle under certain circumstances. They both conduct heat very well. Steel cookware is typically induction ready and safe, where aluminum, for the most part, is not. However, aluminum is lightweight and non-stick. It all depends on your preference. There is no coating on stainless steel, which means that there is not a chance that you will scratch anything off and having it potentially leech into food. By and far, between aluminum and steel, steel is the winner when it comes to cooking. It can out-perform aluminum in so many ways.
Other Cookware Sets We Reviewed
We looked at 20 other cookware sets. Even though they didn’t make our 5 best cookware sets list, they are the best of the rest and each is still a great option as an addition to your kitchen. The information that you need to compare each one is included with the listing.
Hard-Anodized Cookware Sets
Circulon Acclaim Hard-Anodized Nonstick Cookware
These heavy-duty pots and pans distribute heat evenly, so your food is always cooked through. The lids in this set are made of shatterproof glass.
Key Features:
- Dual-riveted stainless steel handles
- Oven safe to 400 degrees
- Nonstick coatings make cleanup a breeze
Cost: $250
Cook N Home 12-Piece Nonstick Hard-Anodized Cookware Set
This 12-piece set has a durable hard-anodized surface for all-around heat. It is oven safe up to 350 degrees.
Key Features:
- Works on most cooktops
- Dishwasher safe
- Completely non-stick
Cost: $108
Finnhomy Hard-Anodized Aluminum Cookware Set
This set features fast and easy heating, so there is no waiting around for your pot to warm up. Everything in this set is dishwasher safe.
Key Features:
- Anti-abrasion and anti-scratch
- Oven safe up to 350 degrees
- Double-riveted contoured handles
Cost: $100
Rachael Ray Hard-Anodized Nonstick Cookware
These pans are coated in PFOA-free non-stick, so food slides effortlessly onto plates. They are oven safe up to 400 degrees.
Key Features:
- Shatter-resistant glass lids
- Quick to heat
- Easy-grip handles and lids
Cost: $120
Simply Calphalon Nonstick 10 Piece Cookware Set
This set features Calphalon’s signature hard-anodized surface. It is covered with Calphalon’s certified nonstick coating.
Key Features:
- Oven safe up to 450 degrees
- Easy-grip handles
- Dome-tempered glass covers
Copper Cookware Sets
BulbHead Copper 10-PC Copper-Infused Ceramic Non-Stick Cookware Set
This is a wonderful non-stick and scratch-resistant cookware set. Food cooks evenly with every use.
Key Features:
- Oven safe up to 500 degrees
- Easy to clean
- Tough-grade
Cost: $80
Home Hero 13PC Copper Cookware Set
This 13-piece set is suitable for all cooktops, including induction. They are easy to clean and durable.
Key Features:
- Oven safe
- Heavy-duty design
- Ultra non-stick
Cost: $168
With light and durable handles, this set features fast heat conduction and non-stick coating. It also features heat-insulating handles.
Key Features:
- Fast heat conduction
- Anti-warping
- Fights corrosion and rust
Cost: $80
Nuwave Copper 12 Piece Cookware Set
Heat distributes evenly throughout each pot and pan that is used. This set is induction safe.
Key Features:
- Non-stick coating
- Long-lasting
- High-performance
Cost: $105
SHINEURI Nonstick Ceramic Copper Cookware Set
These pots and pans are very generous in size. They are multi-function in that you can steam, boil or braise in them.
Key Features:
- Oven safe up to 350 degrees
- Dishwasher safe
- Comes with bonus cooking utensils
Cast Iron Cookware Sets
cuisinel Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Skillet 4-Piece Complete Chef Set
This pre-seasoned skillet set features precise heat distribution. They will work on any cooktop, even induction.
Key Features:
- Even works on the grill
- Includes silicone hot handle holder
- Various sizes for different cooking needs
Cost: $55
Legend Cast Iron Skillet Set of 3 CHEF’S TRIO Cast Iron Pan Set
This set of three cast iron pans feature a smooth finish and integrated handles. The more you cook with them, the better they get.
Key Features:
- Works on all cooktops
- Works on campfires, too
- Bonus pan scraper
Cost: $38
Lodge Seasoned Cast Iron Cookware Set
With two pans in differing sizes, you can use the one that suits your needs. They come pre-seasoned with soy-based vegetable oil.
Key Features:
- Rust resistant
- Stands up to years of use
- Made in the U.S.A.
Cost: $30
Simple Chef Cast Iron Skillet 3-Piece Set
These heavy-duty skillets come ready to use. They are pre-seasoned at the factory.
Key Features:
- Non-stick
- Retains heat
- Sturdy handle
Cost: $33
Stansport Cast Iron 6 Piece Cookware Set
This beautiful set keeps your food warmer longer than most pots and pans. They are made of high-quality cast iron.
Key Features:
- Easy to clean
- Easy to season
- Comes with lid lifter and cast iron handle holder
Ceramic Cookware Sets
This lovely cookware set feature a total non-stick interior. They are extremely durable and designed for toughness.
Key Features:
- Compatible with almost all cooktops
- Oven safe
- Dishwasher safe
Cost: $200
Cook N Home Nonstick Ceramic Coating 10-Piece Cookware Set
The non-stick ceramic coating makes food slide effortlessly out of the pan and onto the plate. They work on most kitchen cooktops.
Key Features:
- Even heat conduction
- Easy to clean by hand washing
- Comfortable handles
Cost: $53
Neoflam Retro 5-Piece Ceramic Cookware Set
This retro-style cookware set is scratch-resistant. It is made of highly durable materials.
Key Features:
- Features integrated knob lid with steam vent to prevents water overflow
- Lightweight and heat conductive
- Soft-touch handles
Cost: $108
Nutrichef Nonstick Kitchen Cookware Set
This gorgeous blue cookware set comes with a plethora of pots, pans and kitchen utensils. They have a long-lasting non-stick coating.
Key Features:
- Distributes and maintains heat
- Works on most cooktops, including induction
- Has tempered glass lids with vents
Cost: $117
Vremi Ceramic Nonstick Cookware Set
This beautiful powder blue cookware set is induction ready. It has ergonomic wood handles.
Key Features:
- Dishwasher safe
- Modern steam-release design
- Even heating
Cost: $100
