Best Pots And Pans: Department Store Face-Off

There are many department stores that carry pots and pans, including Williams Sonoma, Crate & Barrel, Target, and Walmart. However, the best department store for you will depend on your specific needs and preferences. For example, if you are looking for a wide range of options at different price points, then a store like Target or Walmart may be a good choice. On the other hand, if you are looking for high-end pots and pans, then Williams Sonoma or Crate & Barrel might be a better option. Additionally, some stores offer exclusive colours and sets, while others focus on sustainability and quality. It's also worth considering online retailers like Amazon, which offer a large selection of cookware sets and pieces at various price points. Ultimately, the best department store for pots and pans is the one that aligns with your specific needs and budget.

Online retailers vs department stores

When it comes to purchasing pots and pans, there are a variety of options available, both online and in department stores. Each option has its own advantages and disadvantages that consumers should consider before making a purchase decision.

Online retailers have become the go-to option for many shoppers due to their convenience and wide selection. Websites like Amazon offer an extensive range of cookware sets and individual pieces at various price points. The ability to filter search results by material, price, and colour makes it easier for consumers to find what they are looking for. Online retailers often offer free shipping and flexible return policies, making it convenient for customers to try out different options without committing long-term. Additionally, online retailers may provide exclusive deals and discounts that are not available in physical stores.

On the other hand, department stores like Williams Sonoma, Sur La Table, and Crate & Barrel offer their own advantages. These stores typically carry a carefully curated selection of high-quality cookware brands, including exclusive colours, sets, and shapes that cannot be found elsewhere. Department stores may also have their own in-house lines of cookware, providing a combination of quality and value. For customers who prefer to see and touch the products before purchasing, department stores offer a tactile shopping experience that cannot be replicated online.

When deciding between online retailers and department stores, it is essential to consider factors such as selection, convenience, price, and customer service. Online retailers typically offer a broader selection and greater convenience, while department stores may provide a more personalised shopping experience and the ability to inspect the products firsthand. Price comparisons between the two options may also be a deciding factor, taking into account any applicable discounts or promotions.

Ultimately, the decision between online retailers and department stores depends on individual preferences and shopping behaviours. Some consumers may opt for the convenience and selection offered by online retailers, while others may prefer the tactile experience and exclusive offerings of department stores. By weighing the advantages and disadvantages of each option, shoppers can make informed decisions that align with their specific needs and preferences.

Stainless steel vs non-stick

When it comes to choosing between stainless steel and non-stick pots and pans, there are several factors to consider, including durability, heat distribution, maintenance, and cooking needs. Here is a detailed comparison to help you decide:

Durability:

Non-stick cookware is known for its convenience and ease of use. The slick coating prevents food from sticking, making it effortless to clean. It is also ideal for health-conscious cooks as it requires less oil or butter. However, non-stick coatings have a shorter lifespan and will eventually break down, chip, or flake. On the other hand, stainless steel is highly durable, resistant to warping, denting, and scratching, and can last for decades with proper care.

Heat Distribution:

Stainless steel, especially when layered with other metals like aluminum or copper, offers superior heat distribution and retention. It excels at searing, roasting, and handling high temperatures, making it a versatile workhorse in the kitchen. Non-stick cookware, while effective at distributing heat, falls short when compared to stainless steel. It is not suitable for prolonged high-heat cooking and is more prone to sticking if not used with oil or butter.

Maintenance and Cleaning:

Non-stick cookware requires special care to preserve its coating. It should not be exposed to high temperatures, metal utensils, or harsh cleaning methods. Stainless steel, on the other hand, is more forgiving and can withstand scrubbing. While it may require some elbow grease to remove burnt-on food, it is generally easier to maintain.

Cooking Needs:

Consider the types of dishes you typically prepare. Non-stick cookware is ideal for delicate foods that tend to stick, such as eggs, crepes, and fish. It is also excellent for low-fat cooking. Stainless steel, on the other hand, is perfect for searing, browning, and high-heat cooking. It can handle a wider range of cooking techniques and ingredients, including acidic foods.

In conclusion, both types of cookware have their advantages and disadvantages. Non-stick cookware is convenient, easy to clean, and ideal for delicate dishes. Meanwhile, stainless steel offers superior durability, heat distribution, and versatility. The best option for you depends on your specific needs and cooking style. Many home chefs choose to have both types of cookware in their kitchen, using each for different purposes.

Budget options

If you're looking for a budget option for pots and pans, there are several options to choose from. Here are some recommendations for department stores that carry budget-friendly cookware:

Amazon

Amazon offers a wide range of cookware sets and pieces at various price points. You can filter your search by material, price, and colour to find the perfect set for your needs. Amazon Prime members can take advantage of free and fast delivery, and returns are typically accepted within 30 days. Some budget-friendly options include:

• Tramontina Professional Aluminum Nonstick Restaurant Fry Pan, 10"
• Cuisinart MultiClad Pro Saucepan
• Lodge Pre-Seasoned Cast-Iron Skillet
• Zwilling Madura Plus Nonstick Skillet
• Cuisinart Chef’s Classic Nonstick Skillet

Williams Sonoma

Williams Sonoma offers a range of cookware, from high-quality nonstick skillets to specialty pieces. They carry heritage brands like Le Creuset and Ruffoni, as well as their own line of cookware designed with home cooks in mind. For those on a budget, the Open Kitchen collection offers kitchen essentials at wallet-friendly prices.

Open Kitchen by Williams Sonoma Stainless-Steel 10-Piece Cookware Set

Sur La Table

Sur La Table rivals Williams Sonoma with its selection of iconic cookware brands like Staub, DeBuyer, and All-Clad. They also have their own line of cookware available in stainless steel, ceramic nonstick, hard anodized nonstick, and carbon steel. Keep an eye out for flash sales and specials throughout the year, and don't forget to sign up for email updates to get $15 off your first order over $75.

Crate & Barrel

Crate & Barrel offers a fantastic assortment of cookware sets and individual pieces from brands like GreenPan, Cuisinart, All-Clad, and Viking. They also have their own line of durable five-ply stainless steel and stylish ceramic nonstick cookware, which are slightly more affordable than their competitors.

Crate & Barrel EvenCook Core 12-Inch Stainless Steel Fry Pan

Food52

The Food52 shop offers a curated collection of cookware that is both functional and stylish. They feature well-known brands like All-Clad and Hestan, as well as more unique options like the Food52 x Dansk Købenstyle Saucepan, which comes in a variety of bright hues. Don't miss the exclusive Five Two by GreenPan collection, offering nonstick and stainless steel essentials.

Milo by Kana Cast Iron Cookware Set

Macy's

Macy's has a massive selection of cookware sets and individual pieces at various price points. You can find affordable options from brands like Anolon and T-Fal, as well as more expensive pieces from All-Clad, ScanPan, and Le Creuset. Macy's often runs promotions and sales, so you can get a great deal on cookware.

• Martha Stewart Collection 8-Quart Dutch Oven
• Blue Diamond 10-Piece Cookware Set

World Market

World Market offers a small but mighty assortment of affordable and durable cookware. They carry a variety of cast iron skillets from Lodge, budget-friendly BK carbon steel pans, and nonstick ceramic options from GreenPan. You can also find enameled cast iron Dutch ovens, painted tagines, paella pans, terracotta ollas, bamboo steamer baskets, and hand-hammered woks for global cuisines. Members of the World Market rewards program receive exclusive discounts and free shipping.

Amira Large Hand Painted Ceramic Tagine

Target

Target is a one-stop shop for cookware, offering a wide range of options from brands like T-fal, Calphalon, Cuisinart, and Lodge. You can find nonstick, stainless steel, and hard-anodized pieces to suit your cooking style. Target's own brand, Made By Design, offers kitchen utensils and cookware at very affordable prices.

Select by Calphalon with AquaShield Nonstick 10" Fry Pan with Lid

Exclusive colours and sets

When it comes to exclusive colours and sets, there are a few department stores that stand out.

Williams Sonoma carries the Williams Sonoma Open Kitchen collection, a curated assortment of kitchen essentials at wallet-friendly prices. They also offer exclusive colours and sets from heritage brands like Le Creuset and Ruffoni.

Sur La Table has its own line of cookware, designed by chefs and available in stainless steel, ceramic nonstick, hard anodized nonstick, and carbon steel.

Crate & Barrel offers the popular ceramic nonstick set from Caraway in a dreamy array of colours. They also have their own line of pots and pans, available in durable five-ply stainless steel or stylish ceramic nonstick.

Food52's shop features a tightly curated collection that is simply great to look at. They offer polished cast iron pieces from Smithey Ironware and DeBuyer’s French Copper collection. Don’t miss the Five Two by GreenPan collection, a line of nonstick and stainless steel essentials available exclusively through Food52.

Macy’s runs promotions often, giving you plenty of chances to get a deal on cookware. They offer affordable starter sets from brands like Anolon and T-Fal, or investment-worthy pieces from All-Clad, ScanPan, or Le Creuset.

Direct-to-consumer brands

There are a number of direct-to-consumer (DTC) brands that have emerged over the last decade that are worth checking out. These brands often source their goods from the same factories that more longstanding name brands use, and sell them directly to customers, cutting out the distributor and retailer middlemen. Many of these brands have venture capital funding and want to "disrupt" the cookware space.

Equal Parts

This brand sells knives, cutting boards, utensils, and accessories in addition to pots and pans. They offer entire sets for under $300, such as the Simple Kitchen ($299), which includes a pan and pot, chef’s knife, cut-and-serve board, three prep bowls, measuring set, and colander. Equal Parts also offers personal, human-led coaching to help you find enjoyment in home cooking—meaning all products come with eight weeks of access to a text-based cooking coach.

Our Place

Our Place creates unique cookware rooted in the modern, multi-ethnic American kitchen. They make main pieces like plates, side bowls, cups, and the Always Pan ($145) that make cooking simple and hassle-free. Our Place invests in ethical factories that provide supportive environments and compensation to their teams. They also create special collections that include pieces like a cleaver and tortilla warmer to spotlight different cultural celebrations around food.

Caraway

Caraway makes non-stick ceramic cookware without polytetrafluoroethylene (Teflon). The brand stresses that its products are made without harmful chemicals, ethically, and as eco-friendly as possible. The set includes a fry pan, sauce pan, Dutch oven, and sauté pan, and retails for $395. The pieces come in fun hues like perracotta (pink + terra-cotta) and sage. The materials are also eco-friendly, releasing up to 60% less CO2 when produced compared to traditional non-stick coatings.

Great Jones

Great Jones is a modern cookware brand that is as Instagrammable as it is practical. They are best known for their colorful Dutch oven, which comes in shades like broccoli green and mustard yellow and retails for $145. It’s super easy to clean, too, which makes it the hero product of the collection. They also offer stainless steel sauce pans and frying pans, with prices ranging from $45 to $95.

Milo

Milo is a cookware start-up known for its affordable Dutch ovens and skillets. All of Milo’s products come in enameled cast iron, which promises long-lasting heat and easy-to-clean surfaces, and a lifetime warranty. Their Dutch ovens cost $75 for a smaller version and $95 for a larger one, while their skillet costs $65.

Made In

Made In offers a wide range of products, including stainless steel cookware, knives, non-stick pans, carbon steel pans, and more. They have partnered with a third-generation family-owned factory in Austin, Texas to make their cookware. The inner layer comes from Kentucky, the stainless steel comes from Pennsylvania, and even the non-stick materials are sourced from America. They also offer a Blue Carbon Steel Roasting Pan ($99) that is versatile and can be used for roasting vegetables, braising, baking, and making deep casseroles.

Frequently asked questions