The Induction Cookware Set Showdown: Finding The Perfect Match For Your Kitchen

Induction cooktops have become increasingly popular in recent years, and for good reason. They're safe, precise, and efficient, and they heat up quickly and evenly. However, they require special cookware that is compatible with the electromagnetic coil that sits beneath the cooktop's surface.

The best induction cookware sets will typically be made from cast iron, carbon steel, or stainless steel, as these materials are magnetic and will work with the induction burner. Some ceramic, copper, and aluminum cookware can also be used with induction cooktops if they have a magnetic metal plate bonded to the base, but these may not heat up as effectively.

When shopping for induction cookware, it's important to consider the material, heating ability, pan size, price, and ease of cleaning. It's also crucial to ensure that the pans have a flat bottom that makes full contact with the heating element, as this will help reduce vibration and buzzing sounds that are common with induction cooktops.

Stainless steel sets

Stainless steel is a sturdy and durable option for cookware, and most food-grade stainless steel pans are compatible with induction cooktops. Here are some of the best options for stainless steel cookware sets for induction:

Cuisinart MultiClad Pro 12-Piece Stainless Cookware Set

This set is an excellent choice for those seeking a combination of performance and value. It includes two skillets, a saute pan, three pots, a steamer, and several lids, offering a comprehensive selection for all your cooking needs. The pans are made of multiple layers of durable steel with an aluminium core, ensuring even heating and long-term heat retention. They are oven-safe up to 550°F and dishwasher-safe, making them convenient and versatile. However, the handles can get quite hot due to the excellent heat conduction.

Tramontina 8-Piece Tri-Ply Clad Stainless Steel Cookware Set

The Tramontina set offers a great deal for those seeking the basics for their induction cooktop. For a reasonable price, you get all the necessities without compromising quality. The pans provide even heat retention and have a high heat capacity, making them perfect for achieving a crispy chicken skin or a hard sear on a steak. The set includes two pans and three pots, but only the pots come with lids, which can be a limitation for certain cooking techniques. The skillets also lack helper handles, which can make lifting them a bit challenging.

All-Clad D5 Stainless Brushed 5-Ply Bonded Cookware Set

This set is a chef's dream, offering exceptional performance and durability. It features All-Clad's signature layering technique, with multiple layers of aluminium sandwiched between stainless steel, resulting in impossibly even heating. The set has a high heat capacity, making it oven-safe up to 600°F. While it carries a hefty price tag and includes fewer pieces than some other sets, each piece is backed by a lifetime warranty.

Misen 9-Piece Stainless Cookware Set

Misen's stainless steel cookware set is a great option for those seeking a balance of quality and value. The set includes a saucepan, two frying pans, a saute pan, a stock pot, and lids, providing a versatile range of cooking options. The pieces are made with five layers of premium steel and aluminium, ensuring even heating and quick heat-up times. The handles are designed for comfort and control, and the set is dishwasher-safe for added convenience.

All-Clad D3 14-Piece Stainless Steel Cookware Set

The All-Clad D3 set is a comprehensive option for those seeking a wide range of cookware. It includes saucepans, frying pans, saute pans, a stock pot, and lids, offering versatility and functionality. The pieces are made with three layers of stainless steel and aluminium, ensuring efficient heat distribution and even cooking. The set is dishwasher-safe and oven-safe up to 600°F, making it suitable for various cooking techniques.

Non-stick sets

Non-stick cookware is typically made with a non-magnetic aluminium base, which is incompatible with induction cooktops. However, some non-stick sets have been designed with induction cooktops in mind. Here are some of the best non-stick sets for induction cooktops:

Best Overall: Made In Non-Stick

This set stands out due to its unique construction. Unlike most non-stick pans, which have an aluminium base, Made In non-stick pans feature 5-ply construction. This means they have a stainless steel, triple-layer aluminium core, and a steel cooking surface coated with a non-stick material. This gives you the performance of a premium stainless steel pan with the convenience of non-stick. Made In's non-stick coating is also proven to last 10x longer than other brands.

Most Well-Rounded: All-Clad HA1

The All-Clad HA1 collection is one of the few non-stick offerings from the prestigious cookware brand. It features a thick, hard-anodised aluminium body and a multi-layer PFOA-free non-stick coating. The steel induction plate adds strength and makes it compatible with all cooktops. This set delivers high performance, long-lasting durability, and functional and classy design.

Most Durable: Anolon Accolade

Anolon is one of the most prominent non-stick cookware makers globally, and the Anolon Accolade collection combines the benefits of cast iron and non-stick. It has a sturdy stainless steel base, which makes it work on induction, and a hard-anodised aluminium core, which results in quick and even heating. The Anolon Accolade also has a premium non-stick coating, reinforced with sapphire, which is easy to clean.

Best Stackable & Space-Saving: Anolon SmartStack

The Anolon SmartStack collection is another non-stick, induction-compatible option that stands out due to its convenient stackable design. The interlocking design saves up to 62% of cabinet space. It has a thick, hard-anodised aluminium construction, which is twice as hard as stainless steel, and an excellent heat conductor.

Best Value: T-fal Professional

The T-fal Professional collection is a top choice for those on a budget. It features an aluminium core for quick and even heating, a steel induction base, and a titanium-reinforced non-stick interior. It also has T-fal’s signature Thermo-Spot technology, which tells you when the pan is heated and ready.

Best Ceramic Non-Stick: Caraway

The Caraway set is the best induction-compatible cookware with a ceramic non-stick cooking surface. Its ceramic coating is free of PFAS, PFOA, lead, and cadmium, so you don't have to worry about unsafe substances leaching into your food. The body is made of thick aluminium with a unique steel induction plate bonded to the base, which ensures the pans heat evenly.

Best Starter Pan: Misen

Misen offers an affordable and induction-compatible non-stick cookware set. It has a thick aluminium base, a PFOA-free 3-layer Dupont Platinum coating, and a steel induction plate bonded to the bottom. Misen's non-stick coating is proven to last 250% longer than other brands, and its rounded handles are designed to stay cool.

Best Hybrid Non-Stick: HexClad

The HexClad set is the best hybrid cookware for induction cooktops as it lasts longer than the competition. Its unique cooking surface combines the strength of stainless steel with the convenience of non-stick. Its hexagon pattern lets you use metal utensils without scratching the non-stick coating. The HexClad also has excellent heat retention, with 3mm thick walls similar to All-Clad and Made-In cookware.

Ceramic sets

If you're looking for a ceramic set that works on an induction hob, the Caraway Ceramic Cookware Set is a great option. It's made of ceramic-coated aluminium with stainless steel handles and is free of PTFE, cadmium, and lead. The set includes two pots, two pans, three lids, and two storage pieces. It's also available in a variety of colours.

While ceramic sets are not inherently induction-compatible, this collection is finished with a magnetic base that makes it suitable for induction cooktops. However, it heats up more slowly than cookware made from naturally ferromagnetic materials, and the ceramic coating wears faster than traditional non-stick coatings.

Another option is the GreenPan Valencia Pro Ceramic Nonstick 11-Piece Cookware Set, which is PFOA- and PFAS-free, and can withstand high-heat temperatures of up to 600°F. The lightweight pots and pans in this set can also withstand high heat, and the stainless steel handles stay cool.

The GreenPan GP5 Stainless-Steel Ceramic Nonstick Fry Pan, Set of 2 is another option for those specifically looking for a non-stick induction cookware set. The set includes two pans that are oven-safe up to 600ºF, dishwasher-safe, and metal-utensil-safe.

Other Options

If you're open to other materials, the Tramontina Tri-Ply Clad 10-Piece Set is a great overall option. It's made of stainless steel with an aluminium core, and it's durable and well-built. The set includes the essentials, like a saucepan, a sauté pan, and a stockpot.

For a budget-friendly option, the T-fal Professional Nonstick Pots and Pans set is a great choice. It's induction-safe and includes a steamer insert that's handy for fish, vegetables, or Chinese buns.

For a high-end option, the All-Clad D5 Stainless Brushed 5-Ply Bonded Cookware Set is a top-of-the-line choice. The 5-ply construction gives these pieces heft, and they stand up to heavy use. The set includes all the essentials, like frying pans, saucepans, a sauté pan, and a stockpot.

Cast iron sets

Cast iron is a great option for induction cooking as it contains ferrous metals, which are necessary for transferring heat from the cooktop. Cast iron is a naturally ferromagnetic material, which means it retains heat well and is compatible with induction cooktops.

One of the best cast iron skillets for induction cooktops is the Lodge Cast Iron Skillet, which performed well in all tests and has an unbeatable price. It weighs 7.5 pounds, so it's on the heavier side, and its small handle can make it feel even heavier when lifted. If you're looking for a smaller option, Lodge also offers a 10.25-inch cast iron skillet. Keep in mind that uncoated cast iron can scratch your cooktop, so be careful not to move it around too vigorously while cooking.

For a lightweight cast iron skillet, Lodge offers another model that is also suitable for induction cooktops. Cast iron cookware is safe to use on induction stoves, but it's important to note that they function differently from gas and electric cooktops, so there are a few things to keep in mind.

Firstly, preheat your cast iron cookware slowly with oil to avoid thermal shock, which can occur if the temperature of the iron becomes imbalanced. When the oil shimmers and ripples, your skillet is ready; if the oil begins to smoke, remove it from the heat to cool down.

Secondly, choose a piece of cookware that's similar in size to the burner you're using to ensure even heating. This is especially important on induction cooktops, as some are designed with a safety feature that detects the size of your cookware. If your skillet is too small, the cooktop might not heat up.

Lastly, while your cookware doesn't need to be in full contact with the induction burner, it's important to have a flat bottom that makes full contact with the heating element for effective heating. Cast iron is a great option for induction cooking, offering durability, heat retention, and compatibility.

Carbon steel sets

Carbon steel is a great option for induction cooktops as it is made from ferromagnetic metal, a requirement for induction cooking. The pans are usually made from sheets of 99% iron and 1% carbon, and are heat-safe up to 1200°F. They are thin and malleable, and while durable, they can warp if the temperature changes too quickly, so it is recommended to start cooking on a low heat and gradually increase the temperature.

Carbon steel pans are similar to cast iron pans in that they can take high heat and are great for searing, but they are lighter. They also have excellent heat retention and are more non-stick than cast iron once seasoned. They are also usually more affordable than cast iron.

• Yosukata Carbon Steel Wok — a flat-bottomed wok that is reasonably priced, heat responsive, and performs exceptionally well.
• Babish 14" Carbon Steel Wok
• Souped Up Recipes 12.5" Carbon Steel Wok
• Kenmore 14" Carbon Steel Wok
• Williams Sonoma 14" Carbon Steel Wok
• Craft Wok 14" Carbon Steel Wok
• Kaqinu 12.6" Carbon Steel Wok
• Leidawn 12.8" Carbon Steel Wok
• Joyce Chen 14" Carbon Steel Wok
• The Wok Shop 14" Carbon Steel Wok
• Cuisinart Carbonware Carbon-Steel Frying Pan — a non-stick option that is reasonably priced and comfortable to use.

Frequently asked questions