German Engineering Shines In Nonstick, Stainless Steel Cookware Set

If you're looking for a great German nonstick stainless steel cookware set that's non-toxic, there are a few options to consider. One option is the Germany's Stoneline Xtreme Series 10-Piece Set, which won the 2017 European Cookware of the Year award. This set includes two pots, four pans, and four lids, with a unique stone coating that is PFOA-free, lead-free, and non-toxic. Another option is the OXO Good Grips Pro 10-Piece Cookware Set, which features a 3-layered German-engineered nonstick coating and is dishwasher-safe. The Waxonware 7-piece Kitchen Pots and Pans Set is also a German-coated nonstick option that is PFOA and PTFE-free. For a single pan, the Ozeri 12 Stone Frying Pan is made with a stone-derived non-stick coating from Germany and is PFOA and APEO-free.

Ceramic Cookware

When choosing ceramic cookware, it is important to consider the material, cookware set size, cleanability, and induction compatibility. Ceramic cookware can be made of a variety of materials, such as ceramic that is glazed to make it nonstick, coated aluminized steel, or coated stainless steel. The weight and heating properties of the cookware can vary depending on the material used. Cookware set size typically includes an assortment of fry pans, saucepans, and small stock pots, so it is important to choose a set that includes the most useful pieces for your needs. While some ceramic cookware is dishwasher-safe, hand-washing is generally recommended to extend the lifespan of the cookware and maintain its nonstick properties. If you have an induction cooktop, it is important to choose ceramic cookware that is compatible with induction cooking.

• Caraway Cookware Set: This set includes a frying pan, saute pan, saucepan, and Dutch oven, as well as a canvas lid holder and magnetic holding rack for storage. It offers even heat distribution, quick boil times, and easy cleanup.
• GreenPan Valencia Pro 11-Piece Cookware Set: This set includes fry pans, saucepans, a saute pan, a stockpot, and pan protectors. The pots and pans are oven/broiler safe up to 600°F and are dishwasher-safe and metal utensil-safe for easy cleanup.
• GreenLife Soft Grip 16-Piece Set: This lightweight and affordable set is made from recycled aluminum and features a ceramic coating that is free of PFAS, PFOA, and PFOS. The set includes four clear lids, which allow you to monitor your meal prep progress.
• Xtrema Versa Skillet: This pure ceramic skillet is durable and versatile, with the ability to be used on the cooktop, in the oven, BBQ, microwave, fridge/freezer, and dishwasher. It performed well in tests for making frittatas and fork-tender meat on the grill.
• All-Clad D3 Cookware Set: This classic stainless steel set includes a fry pan, sauce pan, and saute pan, and is compatible with all cooktops and oven/broiler-safe up to 600°F. The tri-ply bonded construction with an aluminum core provides even heating.

Stainless Steel Cookware

Stainless steel is a popular choice for professional chefs and home cooks alike. It is a workhorse in the kitchen, durable, long-lasting, and able to take a beating. Stainless steel is also one of the safest materials to cook with as it has no non-stick coating and is resistant to scratches and repeated cleaning.

When shopping for stainless steel cookware, look for reputable brands that use food-grade stainless steel and employ third-party lab testing to ensure safety. Stainless steel cookware is also easy to clean and can be washed in the dishwasher without the risk of damage.

• Made In 6-Piece Stainless Steel Cookware Set: This set includes two 10-inch frying pans (one stainless steel and one non-stick), as well as 2-quart and 8-quart saucepans, each with a lid. The stainless steel pieces are oven-safe up to 800 degrees Fahrenheit, while the non-stick pieces can handle heat up to 500 degrees Fahrenheit. The set offers fast and even heating with no hot spots and is easy to hand-wash.
• Le Creuset Stainless Steel Cookware Set: This comprehensive 10-piece set features a three-layer construction that prevents scorching and promotes even heating. The lids have an easy-grab knob and a built-in steam vent to prevent overflow. Each piece is oven-safe up to 500 degrees Fahrenheit and surprisingly lightweight and easy to handle. The set is also dishwasher-safe.
• Zwilling Spirit 3-ply Stainless Steel 4-Quart Saucepan: This saucepan performed the best in a series of tests, conducting heat well and evenly without hotspots. The handle also stayed cool during the water-boiling test.
• Cuisinart 12-Quart MultiClad Pro Stainless Stock Pot With Cover: This large stock pot is perfect for making big batches of stock or soup. It heats and browns food evenly and sports comfortable, wide handles.
• Made In Stainless Clad Saute Pan 3.5 QT: This saute pan offers great heat responsiveness and comfortable handles, making for a high-quality cooking experience.
• All-Clad D3 Stainless 3 Ply Bonded Cookware Set: This 10-piece set performed well in a series of tests and was easy to clean. The set includes 8-inch and 10-inch fry pans, a 2-quart saucepan with a lid, a 3-quart saute pan with a lid, a 3-quart saucepan with a lid, and an 8-quart stockpot with a lid. The pieces are dishwasher-safe and induction-compatible.

Cast Iron Cookware

Durability and Versatility:

Cast iron is known for its durability, with many cooks passing down their cast iron pans through generations. It can be used on various heat sources, including stovetops, ovens, grills, and even campfires, making it a versatile option for both indoor and outdoor cooking.

Heat Retention and Even Heating:

Cast iron has excellent heat retention properties, allowing you to sear, sauté, bake, broil, and fry a variety of dishes. It distributes heat evenly, ensuring consistent cooking results.

Natural Non-Stick Surface:

Care and Maintenance:

While cast iron cookware requires some special care, it is not as demanding as one might think. Simply wash the pan with water and soap after each use, dry it thoroughly, and apply a thin coating of oil to prevent rusting. With proper care, cast iron cookware can last a lifetime.

Health Considerations:

Recommended Brands:

When it comes to cast iron cookware, Lodge is a well-known and trusted brand. Their products are affordable, durable, and widely available. Other recommended brands include Lancaster, Finex, and Dolly Parton's collaboration with Lodge.

Carbon Steel Cookware

Carbon steel pans are durable and can withstand super-high temperatures for hours, and can be used on gas, electric, induction cooktops, or even an open flame. They can also be used in the oven, but it's important to note that carbon steel pans can't handle acidic sauces for long periods as this will eat away at their seasoning.

When shopping for a carbon steel pan, it's important to consider the weight and handle design. Lighter pans are easier to manoeuvre and heat up faster. Look for a pan with a handle that's comfortable to grip and not too long. Some carbon steel pans come pre-seasoned, which is convenient, but you can also season a pan yourself by heating oil and burning it onto the surface.

Mauviel M'Steel Black Carbon Natural Nonstick Frying Pan With Iron Handle

This pan is lightweight and easy to manoeuvre. It has a wide, open surface area, a comfortable handle, and performed well in tests, producing evenly cooked results.

Vollrath French Style Carbon Steel Fry Pan, 12.5"

A favourite among restaurant chefs, this pan is lighter than the Mauviel and almost half the price. It heats up quickly and distributes heat evenly.

OXO Obsidian Pre-Seasoned Carbon Steel, 10" Frying Pan

This affordable, pre-seasoned carbon steel skillet is incredibly non-stick and easy to use, making it a great choice for those new to carbon steel.

Merten & Storck Pre-Seasoned Carbon Steel Frying Pan

This pan is lightweight, easy to manoeuvre, and completely non-stick. It's also the most affordable on this list. It's compatible with all stovetops and oven-safe up to 600 degrees Fahrenheit.

Made In 10-Inch Blue Carbon Steel Fry Pan

This pan has an ergonomic handle, a lightweight body, and a balanced design, making it easy to transfer from stovetop to oven. It has a completely non-stick surface and is oven-safe up to 1,200 degrees Fahrenheit.

Pure Ceramic Cookware

Xtrema's new signature skillet line is new and improved, using one-piece construction for extra strength and durability. The new 9.5-inch fry pan has the look and feel of a cast-iron skillet without the weight or metallic taste. Xtrema is PFAS and PFOA-free, FDA-approved, and meets California Prop 65 standards, meaning it's free of more than 800 compounds that may cause cancer, birth defects, or reproductive harm. All products in this line come with a 10-year warranty and are oven, microwave, grill, and dishwasher-safe.

Xtrema's pure ceramic cookware is made from a proprietary blend of natural minerals, clay, and water. No metals, glues, or polymers are ever used in their products. The brand's products are also handcrafted, not machine-made. Each piece is carefully crafted by real people.

Xtrema's 12-piece Versa set is priced at $482.39, while its 5-piece starter set is $189.54. The brand also offers a 30-day trial with worry-free returns and a 10-year warranty with a free first replacement.

Frequently asked questions