The Ultimate Guide To Gas Cookware Sets: Equipping Your Kitchen With Versatile Cooking Power

Gas stove tops are a popular choice for many home cooks. They offer quick temperature control, are more affordable to run than electric stoves, and allow for more precise temperature adjustments.

When it comes to cookware for gas stoves, it's important to choose materials that can handle the intense and direct heat of the gas flame. While you can technically use any type of cookware, not all of them are designed to withstand the direct flame, and some may get damaged over time.

The best cookware sets for gas stoves are typically made of a combination of materials. Stainless steel is a popular choice as it is durable and non-reactive, but it needs to be combined with better heat-conducting metals like aluminum or copper to ensure even heat distribution. Cast iron is another good option as it conducts heat evenly and retains heat well, but it can be slow to heat up and is not very responsive to temperature changes. Carbon steel is also a great choice as it offers many of the benefits of cast iron without the weight and maintenance. For those who prefer low-maintenance cookware, non-stick pans are a good option as they are easy to clean and food doesn't easily stick to the surface.

When choosing cookware for a gas stove, look for options that have excellent heat retention, can stand up to rapid temperature changes, and are made of multiple layers of material. It's also important to consider the size and weight of the cookware, ensuring that it fits your burners properly and is comfortable for you to handle.

There are a variety of cookware sets available in the market that cater to gas stoves, offering a range of materials, sizes, and price points to suit different needs and preferences.

Stainless steel

When shopping for stainless steel cookware for a gas stove, look for options that are responsive to temperature changes and can distribute heat evenly. You should also consider the number of people you will be cooking for and your cooking style. If you frequently cook large batches, you may need a larger stock pot and saucepan. Additionally, weight and balance are important factors, especially if you have mobility or lifting issues.

• Tramontina Tri-Ply Clad 10-Piece Set: This set includes two skillets, a sauté pan, a saucepan, and a stock pot. It offers even heat distribution and is easy to clean.
• Le Creuset Stainless Steel Cookware Set: This lightweight set includes pieces that are responsive to heat changes and have comfortable handles. However, the internal rivets require extra attention during cleaning.
• Calphalon Stainless Steel Cookware Set: This set offers good value for money and includes a stockpot, two skillets, a sauté pan, and a saucepan. It is lightweight, easy to hold, and simple to clean.
• Hestan Stainless Steel Cookware Set: The Hestan ProBond Collection is designed for professional use and features well-balanced pieces with ergonomic handles. The set offers even heat distribution and is easy to clean.
• Made In The Stainless Sets: This set has a five-ply clad stainless steel construction, providing even heating and quick temperature response. The curved lip makes pouring easy, and the handles are comfortable to grip.
• All-Clad Brushed D5 5-Ply Stainless Cookware Set: This set from All-Clad, a pioneer in multi-clad construction, features five alternating layers of stainless steel and aluminium for even cooking and durability. The handles are heat-resistant and comfortable to hold.
• Cuisinart MCP-12N MultiClad Pro Triple Ply 12-Piece Cookware Set: This set offers premium stainless steel construction with an aluminium core, making it responsive to temperature shifts. The pieces have riveted handles and tempered glass lids.
• Demeyere 5-Plus Stainless Steel 14 Piece 5-ply Cookware Set: This set features a thicker aluminium core for better heat conduction and thick, warp-proof bottoms. The handles are perfectly proportioned and designed to guide heat away from your fingers.

Non-stick

There are two main types of non-stick cookware: traditional non-stick and ceramic non-stick. Traditional non-stick cookware is often made with PTFE (also known as Teflon), while ceramic non-stick cookware is either made with a ceramic coating or glaze. Traditional non-stick cookware tends to be more non-stick than ceramic and usually lasts longer, but some people prefer ceramic because it is not made with the same chemicals as traditional non-stick cookware.

• Best Overall Non-stick Cookware: Calphalon Classic Hard Anodized Non-stick 10-Piece Cookware Set. This set combines excellent performance with durability. The pots and pans are made of anodized aluminium, which means they are strong but not too heavy, and they are excellent at resisting stains. The non-stick coating is effective, and the clear lids and long handles make this set a comfortable option.
• Best Value Non-stick Cookware: T-fal Signature Non-stick Cookware Set. This set includes a griddle pan, which is not common, and the wide handles stay cool to the touch. The non-stick coating is excellent, and the pieces clean up beautifully thanks to their dark non-stick finish.
• Best Scratch-Resistant Non-stick Pans: Circulon A1 Series with ScratchDefense Technology Non-stick Induction Cookware/Pots and Pans Set, 10 Piece. This set performed well in non-stick egg tests, and the handles are wide, grippy, and stay cool during cooking. The dark interior also helps to hide any imperfections.
• Best Ceramic Non-stick Cookware: GreenPan Valencia Pro 11 Piece Non-stick Cookware Set. This set is easy to clean and has a hard-anodized exterior and a ceramic non-stick interior, which is free of PFOA, PFAS, lead, and cadmium. The handles are comfortable to hold and protrude a bit to fit your grip while cooking.
• Most Durable Non-stick Cookware: Ninja Foodi NeverStick Premium Hard-Anodized Cookware Set. These pots and pans are designed to be scratch-resistant and metal utensil-safe. They are also sturdy and lightweight, and the lids are oven-safe up to 500˚F.
• Best Stainless Steel Non-stick Cookware: Made In The Non-Stick Set. This set stands out for having the heft of stainless steel pans but the ease of non-stick pans. They heat evenly and maintain a steady simmer, and the pan and lid handles stay cool. The lids fit smoothly onto each pan, and eggs and pancakes slide off the pan without any grease.
• Best Lightweight Non-stick Cookware: Farberware EcoAdvantage Ceramic Non-stick Cookware/Pots and Pans Set, 13 Piece - Gray. This lightweight cookware set has wide, plastic handles that are comfortable to hold, and the pieces scored a five out of five in a heat distribution test. They are also easy to clean.

Carbon steel

Benefits of Carbon Steel Cookware

Available Sets

• Imperial Home 7-Piece Set: Features one 3-quart Dutch oven, 1.6-quart saucepan, 1.2-quart saucepan, a 9-inch frying pan, and matching lids. This set is dishwasher-safe and has plastic handles for easy handling.
• Made In 3-Piece Carbon Fry Set: Includes 10-inch and 12-inch carbon steel frying pans and an 11-inch perforated grill frying pan. This set is crafted in France and is induction-compatible.
• Viking Culinary 2-Piece Set: Consists of 10-inch and 12-inch nonstick fry pans with ergonomic stay-cool handles. This set is oven-safe and works on all cooktops, including induction.
• Gibson Home Armada 7-Piece Set: A stylish set in black and copper, including an assortment of pots and pans.
• Lodge CRS10 and CRS12: Pre-seasoned 10-inch and 12-inch carbon steel skillets that are ready to use upon purchase.

Care and Maintenance

To ensure the longevity of carbon steel cookware, proper care is essential. Most carbon steel cookware needs to be seasoned before first use and periodically thereafter. Seasoning creates a natural non-stick coating, enhancing the pan's performance and ease of cleaning. It is also recommended to hand-wash carbon steel cookware with mild soap and avoid using abrasive cleaning tools to prevent damage to the finish.

Suitability for Gas Cooktops

Cast iron

When it comes to cast iron cookware sets, there are several options available. For example, the Lodge Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron 5 Piece Set includes a griddle, two skillets, and a Dutch oven, with pour spouts and a helper handle included. The Le Creuset Signature Cast Iron Cookware Set offers a 9-piece set in oyster, while the Basque Enameled Cast Iron Cookware Set offers a 7-piece set in blue, including a skillet, saucepan, and small and large Dutch ovens.

If you're looking for a more comprehensive set, the MegaChef Pre-Seasoned 6-Piece Red Cast Iron Cookware Set includes silicone holders, while the BergHOFF Neo 5-Piece Cast Iron Cookware Set is available in red or white. For a larger set, the MegaChef 12-Piece Round Pre Seasoned Cast Iron Cookware Set offers a full range of cookware for all your cooking needs.

When choosing a cast iron cookware set for a gas stove, consider the number of pieces you need, the colour, and any additional features such as silicone holders or pour spouts. Cast iron is a great choice for gas stoves, providing even heating and durability.

Aluminium

To overcome these issues, aluminium cookware is often anodised. This electrochemical process thickens the metal's oxide coating, resulting in a scratch-resistant, non-reactive, and non-stick surface. Anodised aluminium is an excellent choice for gas stove tops as it provides superior heat conduction while also being durable and easy to clean. However, anodised aluminium cookware requires special care and should be hand-washed with mild soap and a soft sponge instead of being cleaned in a dishwasher or with harsh solvents.

• GreenLife Soft Grip Ceramic Non-Stick 16-Piece Cookware Set: This set is made of thermolon ceramic and has soft-grip handles. It is also eco-friendly as it is made from recycled aluminium.
• Symple Stuff 3-Piece Aluminium Non-Stick Cookware Set: This set includes five different-sized saucepans, a 28cm frying pan, and four lids. It features soft-grip handles, a non-stick coating, and is compatible with gas, electric smooth top, induction, and electric coil cooktops.
• Troy 6-Piece Aluminium Non-Stick Cookware Set: This set includes a milk pan, three saucepans, and two frying pans of different sizes. It has a ceramic non-stick coating, is dishwasher-safe, and suitable for all hob types.
• Morphy Richards Equip 14-Piece Aluminium Non-Stick Cookware Set: This comprehensive set includes saucepans, frying pans, and a nine-piece utensil set. It has a ceramic non-stick coating, is hand-wash only, and suitable for gas and electric smooth-top stoves.

Frequently asked questions