The Evolution Of E-Cookware: Smart, Sustainable, And Stylish

E cookware sets are a popular choice for those seeking a convenient and comprehensive solution for their kitchen needs. These sets typically include a range of pots and pans, offering different sizes and types such as frying pans, saucepans, stockpots, and sauté pans. The materials used for these sets vary, with options like stainless steel, aluminium, ceramic, and non-stick coatings being common. Some sets also come with additional items like steamers, utensils, and bakeware. E cookware sets are designed to cater to diverse cooking requirements, budgets, and levels of cooking experience. They can be purchased from various retailers, including online stores like Amazon and specialty kitchenware brands like Caraway and Made In.

Stainless steel cookware sets

Stainless steel cookware is a great addition to your kitchen. It is highly durable, can handle high temperatures, and gives you a good sear on your meats. Stainless steel is also non-reactive, so you don't have to worry about it potentially contaminating your food.

However, stainless steel is a poor conductor of heat, so to ensure even heat distribution, most stainless steel cookware is either clad (with a layer of aluminium or copper sandwiched between interior and exterior layers of stainless steel) or has a solid disc of aluminium on the bottom.

Best Overall: All-Clad D3 Cookware Set, 10-Piece Set

This set is a favourite of both professional chefs and home cooks. It heats evenly and keeps stews and sauces at a steady simmer. The skillets have a classic sloped shape, making it easy to roll out omelettes or pour sauces. The handles are riveted onto the base, so they'll never loosen or fall off. The set includes an 8-quart stockpot, which is perfect for a crab boil or pasta water. It is dishwasher-safe, but hand washing is recommended.

Best Budget: Tramontina Stainless Steel Tri-Ply Clad 12-Piece Set

This set gives you the professional look of the All-Clad set at less than half the price. It includes generously-sized pieces like a 12-inch frypan, a 5-quart saute pan, a Dutch oven, and an 8-quart stockpot. The interior layer of aluminium provides solid performance, whether you’re sautéing peppers and onions or simmering beef stew. The rounded handles also make these pots and pans a pleasure to grip.

Best Value: Cuisinart Chef’s Classic Stainless 17 Piece Set

This large set includes pots and pans for just about every cooking situation imaginable, from small ones for heating a single serving of soup or frying an egg to huge ones for braising one-dish dinners or boiling lobsters. The saucepans have measurement markings so you know how much water to add when you’re making mac ‘n cheese. Helper handles on the large skillets are useful for carrying a pan of saucy meatballs. The set is dishwasher-safe but requires less scrubbing than other stainless-steel cookware to remove splatters.

Best Splurge: Hestan ProBond Clad Stainless Steel Ultimate Set, 10-piece

The moment you unpack this set, you'll know it’s special. It has a brushed stainless-steel finish with a band of polished stainless below the rim, flared lips, and rounded edges, giving it a more elegant, less commercial look than other luxury brands. It's made of forged stainless steel with a core of aluminium, providing beautiful browning and exceptionally even simmering. The handles are riveted on for durability, and the rivets are flush with the interior surface, so cleaning around them is easy.

Best Starter Set: Misen Essentials Cookware Set, 9-Piece

If you’re not looking for a huge assortment of cookware but want what you do buy to be of the highest quality, this pro-styled brand is an excellent choice. It’s sold directly by the manufacturer, which helps to keep the price reasonable. Constructed of three layers of aluminium that are completely encased in stainless steel, Misen is heavier than its competitors, which means it takes longer to heat up but is also less likely to burn or scorch foods. The pans have a brushed finish while the riveted handles are polished. The saute pan has a helper handle that makes it easy to maneuver when it’s full.

Nonstick cookware sets

Nonstick cookware is a great option for cooks of all skill levels, thanks to its slippery-smooth cooking surface that ensures food releases without hesitation and makes cleaning up a breeze. There are two main types of nonstick cookware to consider: traditional nonstick and ceramic nonstick. While the body of each can be made from any common cookware material, their coating is what makes them nonstick.

Best Overall: Made In 7-Piece The Non Stick Set

This set from Made In aced performance tests and proved to be a real joy to work with. With a 5-ply stainless steel construction and internal nonstick coating, this modern and well-designed set includes everything one needs in a basic cookware set, including a fry pan, saucepan, sauté pan, and stock pot. These pans are also 100% non-toxic and made without PFOAs. While they are heavier than some competitors, the weight is a worthy tradeoff for the quality and performance of these pots and pans. They are also easy to clean and quick to dry, and dishwasher-safe.

Best Value: T-fal Signature Nonstick Cookware Set

This set offers strong value, with lightweight pans that scored well in performance tests. A nice feature for less experienced cooks is the indicator showing when the pan is preheated and ready for cooking. While the set is not suitable for use in the oven due to the handles and low overall safe temperature rating, it includes a range of pan sizes and is easy to clean, with smart, nonstick-coated rivets.

Best Scratch-Resistant Nonstick Pans: Circulon A1 Series with ScratchDefense Technology Nonstick Induction Cookware/Pots and Pans Set, 10 Piece

These pots and pans were a hit with testers, showing even heat distribution and excellent nonstick performance. The handles are wide and grippy, and they stayed cool during cooking, so you don't need to use oven mitts. Testers also liked the pour spouts and built-in strainers in the lid, as well as the ridged design on the pan's surface that resisted scratching.

Best Ceramic Nonstick Cookware: GreenPan Valencia Pro 11 Piece Nonstick Cookware Set

This set is easy to clean and has a hard-anodized exterior and a ceramic nonstick interior that is free of PFOA, PFAS, lead, and cadmium. It includes a great assortment of cookware, with different-sized pots and pans for all your needs. Each piece is lightweight, strong, and durable and can withstand high heat (up to 600˚F). The lids are clear with stainless steel handles that are designed to stay cool, and the handles protrude a bit to fit comfortably in your grip while cooking.

Most Durable Nonstick Cookware: Ninja Foodi NeverStick Premium Hard-Anodized Cookware Set

This set from Ninja includes sturdy and lightweight pots and pans with straight sides, which help maximize the cooking surface area. Both the cookware and the lids are oven-safe up to 500ºF. They are designed to be scratch-resistant and metal utensil-safe, and one tester reported no scratching on the interior or exterior of the pan after over a year of use.

Best Lightweight Nonstick Cookware: Farberware EcoAdvantage Ceramic Nonstick Cookware/Pots and Pans Set, 13 Piece - Gray

This lightweight cookware set has wide, plastic handles that are comfortable to hold, and oversized handles on the lids. It scored a five out of five in a heat distribution test and also performed well in a steak cooking test. While eggs and sauce stuck to the bottom of the pans a little, the testers recommended using these pans over lower heat. They are also induction-compatible and dishwasher-safe.

Ceramic cookware sets

Ceramic cookware is a type of nonstick cookware that does not contain the chemicals found in traditional nonstick coatings. It typically has a higher heat resistance than cookware made with PTFE (aka Teflon). Ceramic cookware can be made from a variety of materials, including clay, baked in a kiln and glazed, or metal glazed with ceramic. It is often sturdier and easier to clean than traditional non-stick coatings.

Best Overall:

GreenPan Valencia Pro Ceramic Nonstick 11-Piece or 16-Piece Cookware Set:

• Stands out for being lightweight yet sturdy with a nice variety of pots and pans.
• Light-coloured interior is pleasant, resists stains, and makes it harder to see scratches.
• Eggs released easily and sauce barely stuck during testing.
• Includes a 5-quart capacity casserole pot, large enough for boiling pasta and soup.
• Oven-safe up to 600°F.

Best Value:

Farberware EcoAdvantage Ceramic Nonstick 12-Piece Cookware Set:

• Lightweight and easy to handle, with large, comfortable handles.
• Heats up quickly and evenly - great for browning and boiling water.
• Not induction compatible.
• Includes four plastic cooking tools as a bonus.

Most Stylish:

Caraway Ceramic Cookware Set:

• Comes in an array of eye-catching colours, designed to be displayed.
• Skillet offered good nonstick properties that made cleanup easier.
• Flat lids match the colour of the base, with small steam vents.
• Oven-safe up to 650ºF.

Best Versatile:

OXO Professional Hard Anodized Cookware Set:

• Can stand up to high heat and are oven-safe up to 600ºF.
• Wide bases sit flush on range tops, with sturdy, easy-to-manoeuvre handles.
• Slick interior provides easy cleanup, and inverted lids allow for stacking during storage.

Best High-End:

Williams Sonoma Ceramic Nonstick 11-Piece Cookware Set:

• Beautiful modern design with sturdy, wide handles.
• Heavy but balanced, with a wide surface area.
• Produced nicely browned steak and eggs were easy to flip without oil.
• Stock pot boiled water relatively quickly.
• Oven-safe up to 600ºF.

Other notable mentions include the Bialetti Ceramic Pro 10-Piece Non-Stick Cookware Set, the GreenLife Stainless Pro 10-Piece Cookware Set, the GreenPan GP5 Stainless Steel 10-Piece Cookware Set, and the Beautiful by Drew Barrymore Ceramic Nonstick Cookware Set.

Budget cookware sets

Tramontina Tri-Ply Clad 10-Piece Set

This set offers amazing performance at an affordable price. The pots and pans are made from 18/10 stainless steel with an aluminium core that distributes heat evenly, making it perfect for searing and browning. The ergonomic handles can get a little warm over high heat, but overall, the set is well-built and durable. It includes an 8-piece and a 12-piece version, so you can choose the one that best suits your needs.

Caraway Ceramic Cookware Set

This 7-piece set from Caraway is a perfect blend of performance and design. The pieces are thoughtfully curated, with a modern silhouette that looks great on any stovetop. The set includes a 10.5-inch fry pan, a 3-quart saucepan with lid, a 4.5-quart sauté pan with lid, a 6.5-quart Dutch oven with lid, a magnetic pan rack, and a canvas lid holder. The non-stick surface makes cooking and cleaning a breeze, and the pieces are oven- and dishwasher-safe.

Rachael Ray Create Delicious 13-Piece Cookware Set

This set offers great non-stick performance and even heating at a very reasonable price. It comes in a variety of cheery shades, including red, burgundy, teal, light blue, and gray. The silicone handles are riveted for durability, and the set includes glass lids and flared rims for easy pouring. The pieces are oven-safe up to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and can be used on induction cooktops.

Ninja Extended Life Ceramic Hard Anodized 10-piece Cookware Set

This exclusive Costco set offers a premium heavy-gauge 4mm vessel that evenly distributes heat. It features a cast stainless steel handle for a comfortable grip and is compatible with all stovetops, including induction. The set is dishwasher-safe and oven-safe up to 550 degrees Fahrenheit. It includes a 1.5-quart saucepan with lid, a 3-quart saucepan with lid, a 6-quart stockpot with lid, an 8-inch fry pan, a 10.25-inch fry pan, and a 3-quart sauté pan with lid.

T-fal Ultimate Hard Anodized Nonstick 17-Piece Cookware Set

This large set from T-fal offers great value for money. It includes an 8-inch fry pan, a 10-inch fry pan, a 1-quart saucepan with lid, a 2-quart saucepan with lid, a 3-quart saucepan with lid, a 3-quart sauté pan with lid, a 5-quart Dutch oven with lid, a 4.5-quart jumbo cooker with lid and steamer insert, and a spoon, ladle, and slotted spatula. The pieces heat up quickly and evenly, making them perfect for a variety of cooking tasks. They are also oven-safe up to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and dishwasher-safe.

The Cellar Stainless Steel 11-Piece Cookware Set

This set from Macy's includes an 8-inch fry pan, a 10-inch fry pan, a 1.5-quart saucepan with lid, a 2-quart saucepan with lid, a 3-quart sauté pan with lid, and a 6-quart stockpot with lid. The pieces are made of stainless steel and feature a non-stick surface for easy cooking and cleaning. They are also oven-safe and dishwasher-safe.

Induction-compatible cookware sets

Induction-compatible cookware is made of ferromagnetic materials, such as cast iron, carbon steel, and some types of stainless steel. To check if your cookware is induction-compatible, simply see if a magnet sticks to its bottom.

Tramontina Tri-Ply Clad 10-Piece Set

This set offers great performance when searing and browning, and its pieces are durable and well-built. It includes the essentials, such as saucepans, skillets, and a stockpot. However, some may find the pots unbalanced, and the pieces don't stack together nicely.

Cuisinart MultiClad Pro 12-Piece Stainless Cookware Set

This set includes a steamer insert and is made of sturdy stainless steel. The pans heat quickly, retain heat well, and are great for searing and sauteing. They are also oven-safe up to 500 degrees Fahrenheit.

Caraway Ceramic Cookware Set

This set offers durable ceramic non-stick coating and comes in a variety of colours. The pieces are made of ceramic-coated aluminium and are free of PTFE, cadmium, and lead. They are also oven-safe up to 550 degrees Fahrenheit. However, the stainless steel handles tend to get hot.

T-fal Professional Nonstick Pots and Pans

This induction-safe, nonstick cookware set includes a steamer insert and a Thermo-Spot indicator that changes colour when the pots are preheated. The set includes a range of useful pieces, such as saucepans, frying pans, and lids. The pieces are oven-safe up to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.

All-Clad D5 Stainless Brushed 5-Ply Bonded Cookware Set

This top-of-the-line stainless steel cookware set offers very high-quality construction and is oven-safe up to 600 degrees Fahrenheit. The set includes a range of essential pieces, such as frying pans, saucepans, a saute pan, and a stockpot. However, the handles can get a bit hot, and some may find them uncomfortable to hold.

HexClad Hybrid Perfect Pots & Pans Set (12pc)

This set offers high-temperature prowess, reliability, and versatility. The pieces are suitable for high-temperature cooking and are oven-safe, dishwasher-safe, and metal-utensil-safe. However, they are prone to frequent staining after high-temperature cooking, and the set is heavier with bulkier handles.

All-Clad HA1 Hard-Anodized Nonstick 10-Piece Set

This hard-anodized nonstick cookware set contains everything you need to cook a fantastic meal. The pans are a little on the heavy side but are well-built and durable. They also feature long, comfortable handles and a sleek design.

Cuisinart MCP-12N Stainless Steel 12-Piece Cookware Set

This set offers incredible performance at a great value. It includes a range of essential pieces, such as saucepans, skillets, a saute pan, and a stockpot. The pieces are easy to use, with comfortable handles and a well-balanced design. They also heat evenly and are oven-safe up to 500 degrees Fahrenheit.

Frequently asked questions