Best Affordable Pots And Pans

If you're looking for a new set of pots and pans, you'll want to consider the types of food you cook, how often you cook, and how many people you usually cook for. A good set of pots and pans should include a mix of shapes and sizes, as well as materials such as dependable stainless steel, decent nonstick, and workhorse cast iron.

If you're looking for a set in the $60 range, you may want to consider the Farberware Nonstick Cookware Set, which includes 15 pieces and is available for $119 on Amazon, $70 on Wayfair, and $109 at Walmart. This lightweight, nonstick set offers great performance and includes all the necessary pieces for a home cook. The pieces distribute heat evenly, though they do tend to run hot, and the nonstick surface makes them easy to clean by hand.

Another option to consider is the Cuisinart Chef's Classic Nonstick Skillet, which is available for half the price of the Farberware set. This eight-inch pan can be used regularly for up to three years, making it a great budget option.

If you're able to stretch your budget a little further, the Zwilling Madura Plus Nonstick Skillet is a fantastic option that will last for years. This eight-inch pan is comfortable to hold and has a smooth, easy-release surface. It's available for $80 at Bloomingdales.

Stainless steel vs non-stick

Stainless steel and non-stick pans each have their pros and cons, and most home cooks will want to have at least one of each. Stainless steel pans are generally more expensive and more durable than non-stick pans. They are versatile and can be used to fry, sauté, boil, braise, brown, and sear food. They can also withstand higher heat and be transferred from the stovetop into the oven. On the other hand, non-stick pans are generally less expensive and are ideal for cooking delicate ingredients that are more prone to sticking, such as eggs, crepes, pancakes, and fish. They are also easier to clean than stainless steel pans. However, non-stick pans are not designed for high heat and are often not meant to be put in the oven. Additionally, the non-stick coating can be damaged by high heat, metal utensils, and non-stick cooking sprays.

When choosing a stainless steel pan, look for a multi-ply pan with an aluminum or copper core. These materials are heat conductors, and the stainless steel coating gives the pans a non-reactive finish. For non-stick pans, look for a thicker, heavier bottom that will evenly distribute heat. It is also ideal if the non-stick pan is oven-proof and has an oven-safe handle.

Stainless Steel Pans:

• All-Clad D3 Stainless Steel Fry Pan
• Misen 12-Inch Stainless Skillet
• Tramontina Gourmet 12-Inch Tri-Ply Clad Fry Pan
• Calphalon, Zwilling, KitchenAid, Anolon, and Hestan stainless steel pans

Non-Stick Pans:

• Zwilling Madura Plus Nonstick Skillet
• Cuisinart Chef's Classic Nonstick Skillet
• Anolon Advanced Home Nonstick Hard-Anodized Aluminum Frying Pan Set
• Tramontina Professional Aluminum Nonstick Restaurant Fry Pan
• GreenPan Paris 10" Aluminum Open Fry Pan

Budget-friendly options

Farberware Nonstick Cookware Set

This lightweight, nonstick 15-piece set offers great performance and includes all the necessary pieces while staying within a budget. The set includes an 8-inch frying pan, a 10-inch frying pan with lid, 1-quart and 2-quart saucepans with lids, a 5-quart Dutch oven with lid, a 9 x 13-inch cookie sheet, and 5 nylon kitchen utensils. The pans distribute heat evenly, though they tend to run hot. The nonstick surface makes these easy to clean by hand, though you might have to pay extra attention to the area around the handle rivets to scrub away any food particles that may have gotten stuck.

Lodge Seasoned Cast Iron 5-Piece Set

This set from Lodge includes two skillets (8-inch and 10.25-inch), a 10.5-inch griddle, and a 5-quart Dutch oven with a lid. For a fraction of the price of some other sets, Lodge’s enameled cast-iron set is an affordable and well-made favourite. Cast iron is incredibly durable, so you can use these pans on the stove, in the oven, under the broiler, on the grill, and even over a campfire. The pieces are pre-seasoned so you can use them right out of the box, although additional seasoning and continued cooking will improve their nonstick properties over time.

Cuisinart MultiClad Pro Saucepan

This saucepan from Cuisinart has a stainless-steel finish and an aluminum core. It is markedly less expensive than some other stainless-steel options. Strategist senior editor Winnie Yang has owned hers since 2017 and says “the quality is exceptional for the very reasonable price.” She uses it at least five times a week for cooking grains or heating soup and just sticks it in the dishwasher afterward for easy cleaning.

Lodge Pre-Seasoned Cast-Iron Skillet

Lodge’s skillet is perhaps the most well-known and beloved cast-iron skillet on the market and is just $20. Cast iron can get really hot and retain that heat, go from stove to oven, and even has some nonstick properties if seasoned correctly. If you only had to cook with this single pan for the rest of your life, you’d be pretty okay: You can sear, sauté, braise, fry, and bake in it.

Cuisinart Chef’s Classic Nonstick Skillet

For half the price of some other nonstick skillets, you can get this eight-inch Cuisinart nonstick pan, which offers a great lifespan for a cheaper pan. The smooth, easy-release surface really works. My main qualm is that the handle isn’t quite as comfortable for holding and flipping in comparison to some other options.

Ceramic vs traditional non-stick

When it comes to choosing between ceramic and traditional non-stick cookware, there are several factors to consider, including performance, durability, health, and eco-friendliness. While both options are effective at preventing food from sticking, there are some key differences to note.

Heat Tolerance

Ceramic non-stick cookware can be heated to higher temperatures than traditional non-stick. Ceramic is safe to use at temperatures up to 800 degrees Fahrenheit, while traditional non-stick starts to break down at around 500 degrees Fahrenheit. This makes ceramic a better option for cooking techniques that require high heat, such as searing steak. However, it is important to note that both types of cookware should be heated on low to medium heat to prolong the life of the non-stick coating.

Cooking Performance

Both ceramic and traditional non-stick coatings are ideal for cooking delicate foods, such as eggs and fish, as they require less butter or oil to prevent sticking. Ceramic cookware, due to its aluminium body, tends to heat up faster and more evenly than traditional non-stick, making it a good choice for recipes that require even cooking over medium heat. Traditional non-stick pans, on the other hand, are better suited for cooking techniques that require lower temperatures, such as grilled cheese sandwiches, as they do not reach as high of temperatures.

Durability

Ceramic non-stick cookware tends to break down more easily and has a shorter lifespan than traditional non-stick. The ceramic coating is more brittle and susceptible to scratches, and it tends to lose its non-stick properties more quickly. Traditional non-stick coatings, such as PTFE (commonly known as Teflon), are more durable and retain their non-stick properties for a longer period of time.

Health and Eco-Friendliness

Ceramic non-stick cookware does not contain PTFE, which is present in traditional non-stick coatings. While PTFE is considered safe, it may release gases when heated to high temperatures, and its potential health and environmental impacts are still debated. Ceramic coatings, on the other hand, are derived from natural materials, such as silica from sand, and are generally considered non-toxic.

In conclusion, both ceramic and traditional non-stick cookware have their advantages and disadvantages. Ceramic cookware is ideal for high-heat cooking and provides even heating, but it is less durable and may be more expensive. Traditional non-stick cookware, such as PTFE-coated pans, offers better durability and longevity, but it may release gases at high temperatures, which could be a health concern for some individuals. Ultimately, the decision between ceramic and traditional non-stick comes down to personal preference and specific cooking needs.

Induction-compatible sets

Induction cooktops use magnets to generate heat and are safe, precise, and efficient. However, they can be intimidating to home cooks who are unfamiliar with them. Induction-compatible cookware must have a ferromagnetic base, which works with the electromagnetic coil of the induction burner. The coil generates a magnetic field that transfers an electric current directly to the magnetic cookware, causing it to heat up.

All-Clad D3 14-Piece Stainless Steel Cookware Set

This set includes a range of pots and pans of various sizes, such as skillets, saucepans, a sauté pan, and a stockpot. It is made of stainless steel with an aluminum core, which allows for even heat distribution. While this set may be outside your specified budget, individual pieces from All-Clad might be within your price range.

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

This set includes essential pots and pans, such as a 10-inch fry pan, a 2-quart saucepan, a 3-quart saucepan, a 5-quart Dutch oven, and a 5-quart sauté pan. The tri-ply construction ensures even heating, and the riveted handles provide durability and comfort. While this set may also be above your specified budget, individual pieces from Tramontina could be more affordable.

Cuisinart MultiClad Pro Triple-Ply 12-Piece Stainless Steel Cookware Set

This set includes a 12-quart stockpot, a 3.5-quart sauté pan, an 8-quart saucepan, two skillets, and a steamer insert with a lid. The tri-ply construction provides excellent heat conductivity, and the aluminum core ensures the pieces are not too heavy. This set offers high performance at a great value, making it an excellent option for those looking for a starter set or an upgrade.

Misen 9-Piece Stainless Cookware Set

This set includes a 10-inch fry pan, a 2-quart saucepan, a 4-quart saucepan, an 8-quart stockpot, and a 10-inch and 12-inch skillet. The 5-ply construction ensures even heating, and the handles are designed for comfort and control. While this set may be above your specified budget, individual pieces from Misen could be more affordable.

Goldilocks Cookware Set Plus

This fully-clad tri-ply set includes a range of pots and pans, including larger skillets. While the pans are a bit heavier than some other options, the set offers quality and convenience at an affordable price. It performed better than any other set tested in a similar price range, and the pans heat evenly.

When choosing induction-compatible cookware, it is important to look for pieces made of magnetic metals such as cast iron, enameled cast iron, carbon steel, or stainless steel. Additionally, some manufacturers attach a magnetic disk to the bottom of cookware made of non-magnetic metals to make them compatible with induction cooktops.

Ease of cleaning

Stainless Steel Cookware

Stainless steel cookware is known for its durability and heat retention. However, one of the challenges with stainless steel is that it can be more difficult to clean compared to other materials. Food can stick to the surface, especially if the pan is overheated or if there is a buildup of grease or residue. To clean stainless steel cookware effectively, it is recommended to use non-abrasive tools such as soft sponges or cloths, and mild detergents. Soaking the pans in warm, soapy water can also help loosen any stubborn residue. Some stainless steel cookware sets are dishwasher-safe, but hand washing is generally recommended to maintain the shine and prevent discolouration.

Nonstick Cookware

Nonstick cookware is designed to be easy to clean due to its slick coating. Food releases easily from the surface, and cleanup usually only requires a gentle scrub with a soft sponge or cloth. However, it's important to note that nonstick coatings can be delicate, so harsh scrubbing or metal utensils should be avoided to prevent scratching or chipping. Nonstick cookware is typically not dishwasher-safe, as the high temperatures and harsh detergents can damage the coating.

Ceramic Cookware

Ceramic cookware, especially those with a ceramic nonstick coating, can be relatively easy to clean. Similar to nonstick cookware, food releases easily, and cleanup is often a breeze. However, it's important to follow the manufacturer's care instructions, as some ceramic coatings may not be dishwasher-safe. Additionally, harsh scrubbing or metal utensils should be avoided to prevent damaging the coating.

Cast Iron Cookware

Cast iron cookware requires special care and maintenance. It is not recommended to wash cast iron cookware in the dishwasher or with harsh detergents, as this can strip away the seasoning. Instead, hand washing with mild soap and water is generally recommended. Proper drying and re-seasoning are also important steps in maintaining cast iron cookware. While cast iron can be more maintenance-intensive, it can develop a natural nonstick surface over time with proper care.

Aluminum Cookware

Aluminum cookware, including hard-anodized aluminum, is generally easy to clean. Food releases easily, and these pans are often dishwasher-safe. However, it's important to note that regular aluminum cookware may react with acidic foods, so it's best to avoid harsh chemicals or abrasive tools when cleaning. For hard-anodized aluminum, it's important to follow the manufacturer's care instructions, as some coatings may be more delicate.

Frequently asked questions