The Ultimate Induction Cookware Set For Your Kitchen

Induction-ready cookware is a must for any home cook looking to upgrade their kitchen setup. Induction cooktops use electromagnetic induction to generate heat, so only magnetic metal cookware will do the trick. This includes cast iron, stainless steel, and carbon steel—your aluminium, copper, or glass pans won't work unless they have a magnetic bottom layer.

When shopping for induction-ready cookware, it's important to pay attention to the composition of the materials used. For example, stainless steel can be made with a variety of metals, and a high nickel content will block the magnetic field. To check if your current cookware or a product you're looking to buy is induction-ready, simply hold a magnet to the bottom of the pan. If it sticks, you're good to go!

Stainless steel sets

Stainless steel is a popular choice for induction cooktops, but it's important to note that not all types of stainless steel will work. The cookware must be made with a ferromagnetic material, such as carbon steel or cast iron, to be compatible with the electromagnetism of an induction stovetop.

• Tramontina Tri-Ply Clad 10-Piece Set: This set offers excellent performance, durability, and design. It includes the essential pieces for your kitchen and is dishwasher-safe.
• Cuisinart MultiClad Pro 12-Piece Stainless Cookware Set: This set includes sturdy stainless steel construction with an induction-compatible aluminum core. The pans heat quickly, retain heat well, and are oven-safe up to 500 degrees Fahrenheit.
• All-Clad D3 Stainless Everyday 10-Piece Pots and Pans Cookware Set: This set checks the boxes for size, durability, and performance. It features lightweight design, flared edges, and comfortable handles. It distributes heat evenly, but the lid handles can overheat.
• HexClad Hybrid Perfect Pots & Pans Set: This 12-piece set combines the benefits of stainless steel and non-stick cookware. It performs well at high temperatures and is oven-safe, dishwasher-safe, and metal-utensil-safe. However, it is heavier and prone to staining.
• Aufranc Stainless Steel Cookware Set: This 6-piece or 7-piece set is compatible with induction, electric, and gas cooktops. It features a cool grip handle, a tempered glass cover, and is easy to clean.
• Cook N Home Kitchen Cookware Sets: This 12-piece basic stainless steel set is a good option for those on a budget. It includes saucepans, a sauté pan, and stockpots with lids.

Hybrid sets

Hexclad Hybrid Perfect Pots & Pans Set

This 12-piece hybrid set combines the advantages of stainless steel and non-stick cookware. It features an aluminium core for superior heat conduction, a stainless steel surface for durability, and a magnetic steel base for induction compatibility. The pans are designed for low to medium-heat cooking and feature stay-cool handles to prevent burns. The non-stick coating is PFOA-free and safe for cooking up to 500 degrees Fahrenheit. The set includes three frying pans (8, 10, and 12 inches) with lids, and three saucepans (2, 3, and 8 quarts) with lids. It is dishwasher-safe for easy cleanup.

Circulon A1 Series with ScratchDefense 11-piece Non-Stick Cookware Set

This hybrid set offers a unique ScratchDefense non-stick interior, ensuring your pots and pans stay scratch-free. The set is compatible with all cooktops, including induction, and is oven-safe up to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. It features ergonomic silicone grip handles for a comfortable cooking experience. The set includes a range of pots and pans with lids, providing a versatile cooking experience.

Hexclad 6-piece Saucepan Set

This hybrid saucepan set from Hexclad offers patented hybrid non-stick technology, making it compatible with gas, induction, electric, and ceramic cooktops. The set is oven-safe up to 500 degrees Fahrenheit, with lids safe up to 400 degrees. This set is a great option for those seeking a smaller collection of high-quality saucepans.

Duxtop Professional Stainless Steel Pots and Pans Set, 17-piece Induction Cookware Set

This extensive 17-piece hybrid set features impact-bonded technology, ensuring durability and even heat distribution. The set includes a range of pots and pans of various sizes, along with lids and utensils. It is compatible with induction, ceramic, and gas cooktops, making it a versatile option for any kitchen.

Hexclad Hybrid Nonstick Frying Pan, 10-Inch

For those seeking a single hybrid frying pan, this 10-inch option from Hexclad is a great choice. It features a stay-cool handle and is dishwasher and oven-safe. The pan is compatible with all cooktops, including induction, thanks to its hybrid construction. It is PFOA-free and offers a non-stick surface for easy cooking and cleanup.

These hybrid sets offer a combination of features, making them versatile and convenient options for induction cooking.

Nonstick sets

Nonstick cookware is a great option for those who want to be able to cook delicate foods without worrying about sticking. Here are some of the best nonstick sets for induction cooktops:

T-fal Professional Nonstick Pots and Pans

This set is a fantastic choice for those on a budget. It includes a nonstick interior with a patented Thermo-Spot indicator that changes colour when the pots are preheated and ready for cooking. The titanium-reinforced non-stick coating is scratch-resistant and toxic-free. The set is oven-safe up to 400°F and dishwasher-safe for easy cleaning.

All-Clad HA1 Hard-Anodized Nonstick 10-Piece Set

This set includes everything you need to cook a great meal. The hard-anodized nonstick cookware has a sleek black finish and shiny metal handles. The handles are long and feature a concave shape for a comfortable grip. The heavy-gauge, hard-anodized aluminium construction makes the set durable, and the pans are coated with three layers of PFOA-free non-stick material for easy food release.

Caraway Ceramic Cookware Set

The Caraway set is a great option for those who want a natural, non-toxic option. The ceramic non-stick coating is derived from sand and is free of PFAS, PFOA, lead, and cadmium. The body is made of thick aluminium with a steel induction plate bonded to the base to ensure even heating and minimise warping. The set comes in a variety of attractive colours and is oven-safe up to 550°F.

Misen Non-Stick Cookware

Misen offers a great balance of quality and affordability. The cookware has a thick aluminium base and a PFOA-free 3-layer Dupont Platinum coating with a plasma primer. The plasma primer, along with the three layers of coating, makes the non-stick surface last 250% longer than other brands. The steel induction plate makes the set compatible with induction cooktops, and the rounded handles stay cool during cooking.

HexClad Hybrid Non-Stick

HexClad combines the strength of stainless steel with the convenience of non-stick. The unique cooking surface features stainless steel peaks and non-stick valleys, allowing you to use metal utensils without scratching the coating. The 3-ply stainless steel base ensures even heating and heat retention. HexClad is oven-safe up to 500°F and is a versatile option for all your cooking needs.

Value sets

If you're looking for an induction-ready cookware set that offers great value for money, there are several options to consider. Here are some of the best value sets available:

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

This set offers a great balance between affordability and quality. For less than $200, you get all the essential pieces you need for your kitchen. The set includes two pans and three pots, with lids included for the pots. The pans may not have helper handles, but they feature even heat retention, making them perfect for getting a crispy chicken skin or a hard sear on a steak. The many layers of steel with an aluminium core ensure superior heat distribution and retention, resulting in a surprisingly sturdy and balanced set.

Cuisinart MCP-12N Multiclad Pro Stainless Steel 12-Piece Cookware Set

The Cuisinart MCP-12N set is an excellent choice for those seeking performance and value. It offers incredible heat conductivity thanks to its tri-ply construction, while the aluminium core ensures the pans remain manageable in terms of weight. This set includes a wide range of pieces such as skillets, saucepans, a sauté pan, and a stock pot, along with lids. It is also oven-safe up to 550° F, making it a versatile option for your kitchen.

Tramontina Tri-Ply Clad 10-Piece Stainless-Steel Cookware Set

The Tramontina Tri-Ply Clad set is another fantastic option for those seeking value. While it may not include lids for the pans, it offers even heating and sturdiness at a fraction of the price of some other sets. The three-layer construction of stainless steel and aluminium core allows for induction compatibility and even heating. The stockpot, in particular, is excellent for quick pasta nights. The fry pan also performs well for browning steak, although it may heat less evenly than some other options.

Caraway Ceramic Cookware Set

The Caraway Ceramic Cookware Set is a great choice if you're looking for a nonstick option. This set includes two pots, two pans, three lids, and two storage pieces. The "sol-gel processed fine ceramic coating" ensures that food slides off effortlessly, and you can still achieve a good sear. The set is easy to clean, and the included wire rack and canvas lid rack make storage a breeze. It's also stackable if that's your preferred storage method.

Upgrade sets

If you're looking to upgrade your cookware set for an induction hob, you're in luck! There are plenty of options available, from stainless steel to cast iron. Here are some of the best upgrade sets for induction cooktops:

Hestan NanoBond Titanium Ultimate Set

This 10-piece set is top-tier and offers even heating, steady simmering, and impressive durability. It also has an exceptionally high heat resistance of up to 1050°F. The set includes two skillets, two saucepans with lids, a sauté pan with a lid, and a stockpot with a lid.

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

This set is a top-of-the-line choice with a steep price tag to match. The 5-ply construction gives the pieces heft, so they won't budge on the stovetop, and they stand up well to heavy use. The set includes an 8-inch frying pan, a 10-inch frying pan, a 1.5-quart saucepan with a lid, a 3-quart saucepan with a lid, a 3-quart sauté pan with a lid, and an 8-quart stockpot with a lid.

Tramontina Tri-Ply Clad 10-Piece Set

This set offers excellent performance, a good selection of pieces, and great value. The pieces are made from stainless steel with an aluminum core, which allows for the magnetism necessary for induction. The set includes a 10-inch skillet, a 12-inch skillet, a 1.5-quart saucepan with a lid, a 3-quart saucepan with a lid, a 3-quart sauté pan with a lid, and a 5-quart Dutch oven with a lid.

All-Clad D3 14-Piece Stainless Steel Cookware Set

This set is a great option if you're looking for a comprehensive collection of cookware. The pieces are made with high-quality stainless steel and are induction-compatible. The set includes a range of fry pans, saucepans, sauté pans, and stockpots in various sizes.

Caraway Home 9-Piece Non-Stick Ceramic Cookware Set

While this set has had some customer reports of compatibility issues, it is a gorgeous set made of ceramic-coated hard-anodized aluminum with a stainless steel base. The set includes a 10.5-inch fry pan, a 3-quart saucepan with a lid, a 4.5-quart sauté pan with a lid, a 6.5-inch Dutch oven with a lid, a storage rack, and a lid holder.

Frequently asked questions