The Ultimate Cookware Sets: Elevating Your Culinary Creations

A cookware set is arguably the most important purchase you'll make for your kitchen. Whether you're looking to upgrade or complete your cookware set, there are a few things to consider. Firstly, you should think about the size of your household and how often you cook. Sets can range from three pieces to upwards of 20, so it's important to choose a set that includes pieces you'll use often and has the right capacity for your needs. Material is another key consideration – popular options include stainless steel, non-stick, hard-anodized aluminium, copper, and cast iron, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. For instance, stainless steel is versatile and long-lasting, while non-stick is great for beginners and easy to clean. You should also consider whether you want your cookware set to be dishwasher-safe and oven-safe, as well as whether it needs to be compatible with induction cooktops. Finally, it's worth comparing the price of the set against the cost of buying individual pieces to see if you're getting a good deal.

Stainless Steel Cookware Sets

Stainless steel is a common material for cookware sets due to its durability, ability to brown meats, and oven-proof capabilities. It is also non-reactive when cooking acidic foods and can be used on induction cooktops. Here is a selection of some of the best stainless steel cookware sets available:

All-Clad D3 10-Piece Cookware Set

The All-Clad D3 10-Piece Cookware Set is a top-quality, durable set that includes two fry pans (8- and 10-inch), two saucepans with lids (2- and 3-quart), one sauté pan with a lid, and one stockpot with a lid. The set is dishwasher-safe, induction compatible, and usually retails for around $600, though the manufacturer's listed price is $1405.

Tramontina Tri-Ply Clad 10-Piece Stainless Steel Set

The Tramontina Tri-Ply Clad 10-Piece Stainless Steel Set is a more affordable option that includes an 8-inch and 10-inch fry pan, a 3-quart braiser, a 1.5-quart saucepan, a 3-quart saucepan, and a 6-quart stockpot. The set is dishwasher-safe, induction compatible, and retails for around $230.

Calphalon Premier Stainless Steel 11-Piece Set

The Calphalon Premier Stainless Steel 11-Piece Set includes a range of pots and pans, such as saucepans, a sauté pan, a stockpot, and fry pans. The set is dishwasher-safe and can be purchased for $599.99.

Goldilocks 7-Piece Cookware Set

The Goldilocks 7-Piece Cookware Set is a no-frills option that includes all the essentials: a 10-inch skillet, 1.5- and 3-quart saucepans with lids, and an 8-quart stock pot with a lid. The set is dishwasher-safe and induction compatible, offering good value for money at around $45 per item.

Made In The Stainless Sets 6 Piece

The Made In The Stainless Sets 6 Piece is a good starter set that includes a 10-inch nonstick fry pan, a 10-inch stainless steel fry pan, a 2-quart saucepan with a lid, and an 8-quart stockpot with a lid. The set is induction compatible, with a PFOA-free nonstick coating, and retails for $499.

Nonstick Cookware Sets

Nonstick cookware is a great addition to your kitchen, allowing you to cook delicate foods like eggs and fish fillets without them sticking to the pan. They are also easier to clean and require less oil. When looking for nonstick cookware, it is important to consider the type of nonstick coating, durability, ergonomics, and price. Here are some of the best nonstick cookware sets available:

Best Overall Nonstick Cookware Set:

Calphalon Classic Hard Anodized Nonstick 10-Piece Cookware Set is a great option for those seeking durability and performance. The set includes different-sized pots and pans, offering excellent heat distribution and quick boil results. While it is not suitable for broiling, it is oven-safe up to 450˚F.

Best Value Nonstick Cookware Set:

T-fal Signature Nonstick Cookware Set offers exceptional value for money. The set includes a griddle pan, long stay-cool handles, and performs well in nonstick tests. It is lightweight and suitable for low to medium heat.

Best Scratch-Resistant Nonstick Cookware Set:

Circulon A1 Series with ScratchDefense Technology is a hit among testers, offering even heat distribution and excellent scratch resistance. The handles are comfortable and stay cool during cooking. The pots also have pour spouts and built-in strainers, making them highly functional.

Best Ceramic Nonstick Cookware Set:

GreenPan Valencia Pro 11-Piece Nonstick Cookware Set is a personal favorite in the lab, with its hard-anodized exterior and ceramic nonstick interior. The set includes a variety of cookware pieces, is lightweight yet durable, and can withstand high heat up to 600˚F. The handles are comfortable, and the set even includes pan protectors to prevent scratching during storage.

Most Durable Nonstick Cookware Set:

Ninja Foodi NeverStick Premium Hard-Anodized Cookware Set offers both durability and lightweight maneuverability. The straight sides maximize the cooking surface area, and the cookware and lids are oven-safe up to 500˚F. The set is designed to be scratch-resistant and metal utensil-safe, making it a long-lasting option.

Best Stainless Steel Nonstick Cookware Set:

Made In The Non Stick Set combines the heft and durability of stainless steel with the ease of nonstick pans. The set heated evenly and maintained steady temperatures during tests. The pieces are easy to handle and wash, although the outside of the pans may stain at higher temperatures.

Best Lightweight Nonstick Cookware Set:

Farberware EcoAdvantage Ceramic Nonstick Cookware/Pots and Pans Set is a lightweight and affordable option, perfect for those on a budget. The set scored high in the heat distribution test and cooked steak quickly and evenly. While eggs and sauce may stick a little, using lower heat can help prevent this. The pieces are also easy to clean and store.

Ceramic Cookware Sets

Ceramic cookware is a type of nonstick cookware that's made with a different set of water- and grease-repelling materials than traditional nonstick cookware. Ceramic cookware is non-toxic, non-stick, and can handle higher temperatures than cookware made with PTFE (a.k.a. Teflon). It is also sturdier and easier to clean than traditional nonstick coatings.

Caraway Cookware Set

This 7-piece set from Caraway offers the basics you need to get started outfitting your kitchen. It comes in an array of colours that make them pretty enough to leave out on your stovetop when they're not in use. The set includes skillets, saucepans, a sauté pan, a Dutch oven, a canvas storage sleeve for the lids, and magnetic pan racks. The set is oven-safe up to 650ºF.

GreenPan Valencia Pro Ceramic Nonstick 11-Piece Cookware Set

This ceramic cookware set stands out for being lightweight but sturdy with a nice variety of pots and pans that you'll find yourself using all the time. The pans are comfortable to hold with their signature handle contours. The light-coloured interior is pleasant to look at and resists stains, while the dark exterior hides them completely. The set includes three different-sized skillets, two saucepans, a sauté pan, and a 5-quart Dutch oven.

Bialetti Ceramic Pro 10-Piece Non-Stick Cookware Set

This set is extremely nonstick and has ergonomic handles. The nonstick surface of these hard-anodized pans is unique; the brand uses a “Micro Divot surface” that allows for even heat distribution so that food releases from the pan easily. The set includes two saucepans, a Dutch oven, and three skillets.

Farberware EcoAdvantage Ceramic Nonstick Cookware Set

These lightweight and well-priced pots and pans performed great in tests. They have large, comfy handles that were easy to grasp and stayed cool during cooking. The set includes a skillet, two saucepans, a Dutch oven, and four plastic cooking tools.

Williams Sonoma Ceramic Nonstick 11-Piece Cookware Set

This set is beautiful and functional. Each piece is sturdy with wide handles that are comfortable to hold. The set includes skillets, saucepans, a sauté pan, and a stockpot. The lids are flat and chic with oversized handles and are made of transparent glass. The set is oven-safe up to 600ºF.

Cast Iron Cookware Sets

Cast iron cookware is a great investment for your kitchen. It's durable, versatile, and can be used on virtually any heat source. Here are some options for cast iron cookware sets to consider:

Lodge Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron 5-Piece Set

This set includes all the cast iron essentials you need and is a great option for those who want to deck out their kitchen with cast iron. The set includes a 10.25-inch skillet, a 10.5-inch griddle, and a 5-quart Dutch oven with a lid. Lodge is a well-known and trusted brand when it comes to cast iron, and this set is a good value for the price. It is available on Amazon, Walmart, and Williams Sonoma.

Our Place Cast Iron Cookware Set

This 4-piece set includes an Always Pan, Perfect Pot, Hot Grill, Grill Press, and bonus Hot Grips. The Always Pan is an 8-in-1 pan that can grill, sear, braise, fry, sauté, roast, bake, broil, stew, and more. The Perfect Pot is a multifunctional Dutch oven, and the Hot Grill is an indoor grill pan that gives you the benefits of outdoor grilling. This set is compatible with all cooktops, including induction, and can go from stovetop to oven to broiler. It is available on the Our Place website.

Field Company Cast Iron Cookware Sets

Field Company offers a range of cast iron cookware sets, including the Mother Lode Starter Set, the Rise & Shine Cookware Set, and the Two-Piece, Three-Piece, Five-Piece, and Nine-Piece Sets. The sets include various combinations of skillets and lids of different sizes, as well as care kits. The skillets are made of smooth, polished cast iron and come pre-seasoned. They are available on the Field Company website.

Le Creuset Enameled Cast Iron 10-Piece Cookware Set

This set includes an 8-inch and 10.25-inch skillet, a 2-quart and 3-quart saucepan with lids, a 3-quart deep sauté pan with a lid, and a 6-quart stockpot with a lid. Le Creuset is known for its high-quality enameled cast iron cookware, which eliminates the need for seasoning and special care when cleaning. This set is available on Amazon, Williams Sonoma, and Sur La Table.

Victoria 10-Inch Cast Iron Skillet

While not a set, this individual skillet from Victoria is worth considering if you're looking for a lightweight, smooth cast iron option. It has wider and deeper pour spouts than some other skillets, and its longer handle makes it comfortable and easy to use. The Victoria skillet is available in various sizes, including 10-inch, on Amazon, The Home Depot, and Wayfair.

Copper Cookware Sets

Copper cookware is an investment, but it's a great choice for experienced cooks. Copper is highly reactive to temperature changes, so it's ideal for cooking delicate proteins, sauces, caramel, or chocolate. It's also incredibly responsive, which means it's quick to heat up and just as fast to cool down.

Williams Sonoma Thermo-Clad Copper 10-Piece Cookware Set

This set includes all the essential cookware pieces and is a great choice for a home cook. The pans have impressive even heat distribution with no hot spots, and speedy—but not uncontrollable—reactivity. The handles on the skillet and sauté pan are long and narrow, and on the heavier side, which may be difficult for cooks with limited mobility to maneuver. The set is oven-safe up to 450°F.

Hestan CopperBond 10-Piece Cookware Set

This Italian-made set has a copper core surrounded by aluminum and a stainless steel cooking surface. It's oven-safe up to 600˚F. The handles on the fry pans and sauté pan are slightly awkward to use, but the set is highly responsive to heating and cooling. The stockpot is on the smaller side at six quarts.

Cuisinart Copper Collection Tri-Ply Cookware 8 Piece Set

This is a great budget option. The set is well-balanced and responsive to heat changes. The curved lip of the stockpot makes pouring water easy. The skillets have some hot spots, and the stockpot is only six quarts. The set is oven-safe, but there's no maximum temperature indicated.

Mauviel Copper M'200 CI 10-Piece Cookware Set

This set is a real splurge, but it's a stunning visual contrast that’s also easier to handle owing to cast iron’s relatively slower reactivity. The cast iron handles stay cooler longer. The set is oven-safe up to 600°F. The stockpot is only five quarts and branded as a "stewpot". The pans are a bit taxing to hand-wash, with rivets that get gunked up.

Viking 4-Ply Contemporary 9-Piece Copper Cookware Set

This set is induction-friendly and very responsive to heat changes. The handles are comfortable, but they could be less clumsy. The set includes a steamer basket, which is a nice addition. The skillets give a beautiful sear, and the meat releases easily with virtually no sticking. The set is oven-safe up to 600°F.

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