The Ultimate Guide To Buying Cookware Sets: Quality And Cost

The price of cookware sets varies depending on the number of pieces included, the material used, and the brand. They can range anywhere from $15 for a basic 7-piece nonstick cookware set to over $500 for a high-end 23-piece set. On average, a good quality cookware set with essential pots and pans can cost between $100 to $300. The price also depends on the features offered, such as induction cooktop compatibility, dishwasher-safe, non-stick coating, and space-saving designs. Some popular brands in this price range include Carote, Cuisinart, T-fal, and Tramontina.

Non-stick cookware sets

Budget-friendly options:

• T-fal Signature Nonstick Cookware Set: This 12-piece set includes a range of pan sizes and features smart, nonstick-coated rivets for easy cleaning. It's available for $115 on Amazon.
• Circulon A1 Series with ScratchDefense Technology: This 10-piece nonstick induction cookware set performed well in scratch and egg tests. It's available for $300 on Amazon.
• GreenPan Valencia Pro: This 11-piece ceramic nonstick cookware set is oven-safe up to 600˚F and features a durable stainless steel handle. It's available for $226 on Amazon.
• Ninja Foodi NeverStick Premium: This 6-piece hard-anodized cookware set is sturdy yet lightweight and offers a good surface area. It's available for $200 on Amazon.
• Farberware EcoAdvantage Ceramic Nonstick Cookware Set: This 13-piece grey cookware set scored a 5 out of 5 in a heat distribution test and cooked steak quickly and evenly. It's available for $97 on Amazon.

Premium options:

• Made In The Non Stick Set: This 7-piece set combines the heft of stainless steel with the ease of nonstick pans. It performed exceptionally well in tests and is available for $599.
• All-Clad D3 Stainless Steel Tri-Ply Bonded: This 10-piece set offers excellent heat distribution and highly effective nonstick coating. It's available for $400.
• Le Creuset Toughened Nonstick Pro: This 6-piece set from a beloved brand offers consistent heating and easy cleaning. It's available for $630.
• HexClad Hybrid Stainless Steel Cookware Set: This 10-piece hybrid set combines the heating effectiveness of stainless steel with the convenience of a nonstick coating. It's available for $662.

Stainless steel cookware sets

Stainless steel cookware is a popular choice for both amateur and professional cooks due to its durability, ability to brown meats, and oven-proof capabilities. It is also induction compatible and usually dishwasher- and oven-safe. However, stainless steel is a poor heat conductor, so it is often paired with other materials like copper or aluminium.

Tramontina Tri-Ply Clad 10-Piece Set

Rated as the best overall by The Spruce Eats and Food and Wine, this set is available for $230 at Amazon, $340 at Target, $250 at Wayfair, $259 at Home Depot, and $335 at Walmart. Each piece is made of 18/10 stainless steel wrapped around an aluminium core, which means it will heat evenly. It is also induction compatible. During testing, this set warmed up thoroughly and uniformly and seared steak beautifully. The downsides are that the pieces don't stack easily and some people found the weight of the pots centred in the middle, making them feel unbalanced.

Le Creuset Stainless Steel Cookware Set

Available for $850 at Amazon, Williams-Sonoma, and Wayfair, this set is lightweight and very responsive to heat. The handles are comfortable to grip but do conduct heat, so be careful when handling them. The set includes a frying pan, two saucepans, a sauté pan, and a stockpot – the most useful pieces according to The Spruce Eats.

Calphalon Stainless Steel Cookware Set

This set is available for $200 at Amazon, $220 at Kohls, and Calphalon.com. It is a good value for money, but the stockpot is smaller than in other sets. The set is very responsive to temperature changes and heats fairly evenly, although there was some unexpected overcooking of rice in the tests. The handles are comfortable, the weight of the pans is reasonable, and cleanup is easy.

Hestan Stainless Steel Cookware Set

Available for $720 at Amazon, Williams-Sonoma, and Wayfair, this set is well constructed and balanced, and most of the handles are comfortable to grip. However, the stockpot handles are uncomfortable, and the stockpot itself may be too heavy for someone with mobility or lifting issues. The set includes two frying pans, two saucepans, a sauté pan, and a stockpot.

Made In The Stainless Sets

This set is available for $499 at Amazon, $529 at Walmart, and Madeincookware.com. The pots and pans feel balanced, and the curved lip makes pouring easy and non-messy. The set includes two frying pans, two saucepans, a saucier, and a stockpot. The main downside is that rice sticks to the saucepan, and the internal rivets require extra attention when cleaning.

Induction cookware sets

Best Overall:

The Tramontina Tri-Ply Clad 10-Piece Set is a top-rated option that offers excellent performance, durability, and design. It includes the essential pots and pans for your kitchen and is available on Amazon for $230.

Best Starter Set:

The Cuisinart MultiClad Pro 12-Piece Stainless Cookware Set is a great choice for those starting with induction cooking. It includes a steamer insert and is made of sturdy stainless steel. This set is available on Amazon for $220.

Best Ceramic:

The Caraway Ceramic Cookware Set offers a stylish and functional option for your kitchen. It features a durable ceramic non-stick coating and comes in a variety of colours. The set is available on Amazon for $395.

Best Budget:

The T-fal Professional Nonstick Pots and Pans set is a budget-friendly option that doesn't compromise on quality. It includes a steamer insert and has a non-stick interior. This set is available on Amazon for $120.

Best with Copper:

The Anolon Nouvelle Stainless Cookware Set combines functionality and aesthetics. It has a copper stripe along the bottom and includes pieces that you'll actually use. The set is available on Amazon for $294.

Best Nonstick:

The OXO Ceramic Professional Non-Stick Cookware Set is a trusted brand that delivers on performance and ease of use. It has solid hard anodized aluminum construction and responds well to all temperatures. Find this set on Amazon for $400.

Best High-End:

For a luxurious option, consider the All-Clad D5 Stainless Brushed 5-Ply Bonded Cookware Set. This top-of-the-line choice offers high-quality construction, oven safety up to 600 degrees Fahrenheit, and a comprehensive assortment of pieces. It is available on Amazon for $900.

Other Recommendations:

• Hexclad Hybrid Perfect Pots & Pans Set (12-piece) - High-temperature performance, dishwasher-safe, and metal-utensil-safe.
• All-Clad HA1 Hard-Anodized Nonstick 10-Piece Set - Hard-anodized nonstick cookware with a sleek design and excellent performance.
• Cuisinart MCP-12N Stainless Steel 12-Piece Cookware Set - Great value for money, offering high performance and ease of use.
• Hestan NanoBond Titanium Ultimate Set (10-piece) - Premium-quality cookware with excellent heat distribution and durability.

You can find a range of induction cookware sets at various price points to suit your needs and budget.

Hard-anodized cookware sets

Hard-anodized cookware is made from aluminum that has undergone an electrochemical process to make it harder and non-reactive. This makes it perfect for cooking acidic foods and results in even heat distribution. It is also usually paired with a non-stick coating, although sometimes a ceramic non-stick coating is used instead. Hard-anodized cookware is lighter than other metals used in cookware and is safe for glass stovetops. However, it is not suitable for induction stoves unless a layer of ferrous metal is included in the cookware.

• T-fal Ultimate Hard Anodized Nonstick 12-piece Cookware Set: Features T-fal’s unique Thermo-Spot heat indicator and warp-resistant base. Includes fry pans, a Dutch oven, saucepans, and cooking utensils.
• KitchenAid Hard-Anodized Induction Nonstick 11-piece Cookware Set: Crafted from heavy-gauge, hard-anodized aluminum, these pots and pans are durable and designed for everyday use. Includes tempered-glass lids and silicone grip handles.
• Cuisinart Chef's Classic 17-piece Non-Stick Hard-Anodized Cookware Set: Features durable hard-anodized construction and a quantum non-stick interior. Includes skillets, saucepans, a saute pan, a Dutch oven, a multi-steamer insert, and a stockpot.
• Kitchenaid 10-piece Hard Anodized Nonstick Cookware Set: Crafted from durable hard-anodized aluminum, with triple-layer non-stick interiors and rivets. Includes tempered-glass lids and silicone grip handles.
• Circulon Premier Professional Hard-Anodized Nonstick 10-piece Cookware Set: Constructed from heavy-duty, hard-anodized aluminum with ultra-durable non-stick performance. Features tempered-glass lids and stainless steel bases suitable for all stovetops, including induction.
• Cuisinart Chef's Classic 14-piece Non-Stick Hard-Anodized Cookware Set: Includes skillets, saucepans, a saute pan, a Dutch oven, a multi-steamer insert, and a stockpot.
• Calphalon 11-piece Hard-Anodized Aluminum Non-Stick Cookware Set: Features mineral shield non-stick technology that is 5x more durable. Includes fry pans, saucepans, and a stockpot.
• GreenPan Padova Hard Anodized Healthy Ceramic Non-Stick 10-piece Cookware Set: Features Thermolon™ healthy ceramic non-stick coating, reinforced with diamonds. Includes fry pans, saucepans, a saute pan, and a stockpot.
• Anolon Achieve Hard Anodized Non-stick 10-piece Cookware Set: Features an ultra-durable, triple-layer non-stick finish and tough, hard-anodized construction. Includes saucepans, a stockpot, a saute pan, and fry pans.

Cast iron cookware sets

Lodge, a company that has been making pans in Tennessee since the early 1900s, offers a 5-piece cast iron cookware set. Lodge was the first company to introduce pre-seasoned cast-iron pans, which is now an industry standard. Their basic cast iron skillet has long been one of the most recommended pieces of kitchenware. It is a little heavier than some of the other options, but it performs well and has a price that's hard to argue with.

Field Company offers cast iron cookware sets that range from a 2-piece set to a 9-piece set. Their 5-piece set has a rating of 4.9 out of 5 stars.

Our Place offers a 4-piece cast iron cookware set that includes an Always Pan, Perfect Pot, Hot Grill, and Grill Press. This set can grill, sear, braise, fry, sauté, roast, bake, broil, stew, and more. It is compatible with all cooktops, including induction, and can go in the oven and broiler with heat resistance up to 500°F.

Other companies that offer cast iron cookware sets include Tramontina, Calphalon, and Cuisinart.

Frequently asked questions