The Ultimate Heavy-Bottom Cookware Set For Your Kitchen

Heavy bottom cookware sets are a great choice for those who want to cook with a little more heft and warmth. The weight of the pan helps distribute heat more evenly, and the material is durable enough to last for years of cooking. Heavy-bottom cookware sets are made from a variety of materials, including stainless steel, copper, and cast iron. Stainless steel is a common choice for heavy-bottom cookware sets as it is durable, distributes heat evenly, and is easy to clean. Copper is also a popular material for heavy-bottom cookware sets as it heats up quickly and efficiently. Cast iron is another option for heavy-bottom cookware sets as it retains heat well and is very durable.

Stainless steel cookware

Stainless steel is a popular choice for cookware because of its durability and ability to brown meats. It is also oven-proof, meaning you can use the same pan on the stovetop and in the oven. While stainless steel is a poor conductor of heat, this can be remedied by purchasing stainless steel cookware with a thick bottom made from a more conductive metal such as copper or aluminium. This is known as cladding and helps to distribute heat evenly, preventing hotspots.

When purchasing stainless steel cookware, it is important to consider the grade of stainless steel, the number of layers, the weight and balance, and the included pots and pans.

Grade of Stainless Steel

The grade of stainless steel is usually stamped on the cookware, with 18/10 being the most common grade for good quality cookware. This means that the alloy contains 18% chromium and 10% nickel, making it rust-resistant and shiny.

Number of Layers

You will often see stainless steel cookware described as three-ply or five-ply, referring to the number of layers of metal. More layers are thought to make the cookware more durable, but also make it heavier.

Weight and Balance

Weight and balance are important factors, especially if you have mobility issues. You don't want a set of pots and pans that are too heavy to handle safely. Longer handles can also make maneuvering easier.

Included Pots and Pans

Consider the number of people you will be cooking for and your cooking style. Bigger pans are useful when cooking for a large group, but may be excessive if you are usually cooking for one. If you frequently make large batches of soup or stock, you will need a larger stockpot. A good basic set should include a stockpot, a large saucepan, a small saucepan, a skillet, and lids.

Recommendations

• Tramontina Tri-Ply Clad 10-Piece Set: Great performance when searing and browning, durable and well-built.
• Cuisinart Chef's Classic Stainless Steel 7-Piece Cookware Set: Heats up quickly and evenly, a great comprehensive set for beginners.
• All-Clad D5 Stainless Brushed 5-Ply Bonded Cookware Set: High-quality construction, extremely even cooking with no sticking.
• Made In 10-Piece Stainless Set: Well-balanced cookware, pans are oven-safe to higher temperatures than other brands.
• Calphalon Stainless Steel Cookware Set: Securely riveted handles, fill lines in the pan are helpful, lids are made from tempered glass.
• Le Creuset Stainless Steel Cookware Set: Lightweight and responsive to heat, thorough cooking with no hotspots.

Ceramic cookware

Caraway Ceramic Cookware Set

This set includes a frying pan, saucepan, Dutch oven, and sauté pan, along with three lids and storage solutions for the cookware and lids. It comes in six bold colour options and is induction-safe, oven-safe, dishwasher-safe, and metal utensil-safe. It is also free of PFOA and PTFE. The only downsides are that it is quite expensive and the pieces are not dishwasher-safe.

T-fal Initiatives Ceramic Cookware Set

This set is ideal for those on a budget. It includes all the cookware essentials, such as frying pans, saucepans, a Dutch oven, and even four nylon utensils. The non-stick ceramic interiors allow for easy, even cooking, and the ergonomic, curved handles make moving the pans easier. It is offered in a few colours and is oven-safe, induction-ready, and dishwasher-safe.

GreenPan GP5 Stainless Steel 10-Piece Cookware Set

This set is a splurge option, ideal for those looking for a lifetime investment. The pieces are beautiful and stylish, with gold-toned handles and stainless steel bodies. They are safe to use with metal utensils, seemingly impervious to discolouring, and easy to clean. The set includes frying pans, saucepans, a sauté pan, a stock pot, and pan protectors.

Bialetti Ceramic Pro 10-Piece Non-Stick Cookware Set

This set is ideal for those looking for a non-stick option. It includes frying pans, saucepans, a deep skillet, and a Dutch oven, each with a lid. The ceramic non-stick interior makes it easy to remove food, and the tempered glass lids are sturdy and stay cool. The exterior of the pots and pans is hard-anodized for durability. However, this set is not dishwasher-safe.

GreenLife Stainless Pro 10-Piece Cookware Set

This set is made of stainless steel with a ceramic non-stick coating. The pieces are lightweight and comfortable to manoeuvre, with curved, ergonomic handles. The set includes frying pans, a sauté pan, a saucepan, a stock pot, and bamboo utensils. The lids are glass and oven-safe, but they don't have vents to prevent fogging. The set is induction-ready, oven-safe, and dishwasher-safe.

Non-stick cookware

Material

Weight

When choosing a non-stick cookware set, consider the weight of the pots and pans. Lighter cookware sets are easier to handle and manoeuvre, but they heat up quickly, which can lead to food burning. Heavier sets can withstand more heat and retain it better but may be harder to move around. The weight of the cookware is often correlated with the material used. For example, stainless steel is durable but heavy, while aluminum is lightweight and heats up quickly.

Handles

Look for long, thick, or wide handles that are comfortable to hold and designed to stay cool. Some handles have grips that encourage a particular hold for better balance. Helper handles are also a nice feature, making it easier to carry large or heavy pans. Stainless steel handles can often be used in the oven at higher temperatures than plastic ones.

Dishwasher and Oven Safety

While some non-stick cookware sets are dishwasher-safe, hand washing is generally recommended to prolong the life of the non-stick coating. For oven safety, most non-stick cookware sets have a temperature limit, so be sure to check this before placing them in the oven.

Cooktop Compatibility

If you have an induction cooktop, make sure the cookware is compatible. Induction-ready cookware will have a base made of a magnetic material, such as iron. This information is usually provided by the manufacturer on the packaging or the cookware itself.

Durability

Recommendations

• Amazon Basics 8-Piece Non-Stick Cookware Set: This set includes a variety of pots and pans, offering good value for money. It has a non-stick coating for easy cooking and cleaning and soft-touch handles that stay cool during use. However, some users have reported issues with the size, heat resistance, and scratch resistance.
• Tramontina Tri-Ply Clad 10-Piece Set: This set offers great performance and durability at an affordable price. It is made from stainless steel with an aluminum core for even heat distribution and is compatible with induction cooktops. The handles are ergonomic, but they can get warm during use.
• Caraway Ceramic Cookware Set: This 7-piece set combines performance and design, with a stylish silhouette that looks great on any stovetop. It offers even heat distribution and a non-stick surface for easy cooking and cleaning. The handles can get hot, so oven mitts or kitchen towels are recommended.
• Calphalon Signature Nonstick 10-Piece Cookware Set: This set is made of hard-anodized aluminum, making it durable and providing quick and even heat distribution. The non-stick coating performs well, but food can get caught around the interior rivets. The handles are extra-long and can get hot, so be sure to use mitts when cooking.

Cast iron cookware

One of the standout features of cast iron cookware is its natural non-stick surface, which improves with use. With proper seasoning and maintenance, food releases effortlessly from the pan, making it a chef's favourite. Cast iron skillets, in particular, are a popular choice, offering even heat distribution and consistent cooking results. They come in various sizes, with 10-inch skillets being a versatile option for most households.

When it comes to cast iron cookware sets, the Lodge brand is a well-known and trusted option. They offer a range of cast iron cookware, from skillets and grill pans to Dutch ovens and bakeware. The Lodge Seasoned Cast Iron 5-Piece Set, which includes an 8-inch and a 10.25-inch skillet, a 10.5-inch griddle, a 5-quart Dutch oven, and a 10.25-inch lid, is a popular choice for those seeking a comprehensive set. It offers unparalleled heat retention and even heating, making it a versatile addition to any kitchen.

Another brand worth considering is Lancaster, which crafts its cast iron skillets in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. Their skillets are machined smooth, providing a naturally non-stick cooking surface, and their lightweight design makes them a preferred choice for both seasoned chefs and home cooks.

In conclusion, cast iron cookware is a worthwhile investment for any cook. Its durability, heat retention, and versatility make it a go-to option for a range of culinary creations. With proper care and maintenance, cast iron cookware can last a lifetime, becoming a cherished heirloom passed down through generations.

Copper cookware

Williams Sonoma Thermo-Clad Copper 10-Piece Cookware Set

This set is a collaboration between Williams Sonoma and Italian coppersmith Ruffoni. It includes all the essential cookware pieces you need, such as lids, handles, and an interior lined with 18/10 stainless steel. While the 1.2-millimeter gauge copper is on the thinner side, it performed well in tests, delivering excellent heat distribution. The set includes an 8-quart stockpot, a spacious saute pan, and a well-balanced design. However, it is not compatible with induction cooktops, and the handles may feel a little heavy for some users.

Viking 4-Ply Contemporary 9-Piece Copper Cookware Set

This set offers excellent heat distribution and retention, with quick and even heating. It features angled sides and rounded lips for easy pouring, and the pieces provide ample room for cooking. The 304-stainless-steel surface also makes food release and cleanup a breeze. However, the handles are designed at an awkward angle, which may make them uncomfortable to hold during cooking.

Mauviel Copper M'200 CI 10-Piece Cookware Set

Mauviel is a renowned French company that has been crafting copper cookware for nearly 200 years. This set features dreamy handles and outstanding performance, with 2-millimeter copper for quick and even heating. The medium-heavy weight is well-balanced, and the handles stay cool unless they get too close to the heat. However, this set is quite expensive and can be challenging to clean, requiring some elbow grease to remove fond or well-cooked food.

Hestan CopperBond 10-Piece Cookware Set

The Hestan CopperBond set includes a copper exterior, a copper core, and an 18/10 stainless steel interior, providing quick and even heat distribution. The set heats up quickly, and the flared lip makes pouring easy. The flush rivets ensure easy cleaning, and the pieces can nest together for convenient storage. However, the handles are uncomfortable, and the cooking surface may be uneven, with oil pooling towards the exterior.

Other Options

In addition to the above sets, there are several other copper cookware sets available from brands like Gotham Steel, Cuisinart, Anolon, NutriChef, and Legend. These sets offer a range of features, including non-stick coatings, induction compatibility, and dishwasher-safe options.

Frequently asked questions