Shopping

The 27 best brands to shop for cookware sets in 2023

Some people love cooking with all of their hearts, while others prefer ordering in or grabbing takeout from their favorite restaurant (and we don’t blame you).

Whether you’re the first or latter, you should always have reliable cookware sets at home. But we get it; everyone may be looking for something slightly different that meets their individual needs (and wallet).

So whether you are searching for nonstick options from Made In or ceramic cookware from GreenPan, the cheapest option or the best cookware sets to gift someone else, we’ve got you covered.

We’ve done the heavy lifting for you and found the best cookware brands for serving your finest dishes (or leftovers) on your go-to dinnerware.

Read on to discover reliable shops stocked with everything from casserole and baking dishes to pressure cookers.

Happy cooking!

(Related: Best flatware and silverware sets)

Best Stainless Steel: Made In

Get inspired with Made In. With stainless steel and carbon steel cookware, you won’t be dissatisfied. But if, for whatever reason, you are, Made In offers a lifetime warranty.

Editor’s Pick: The Stainless Sets

Silver cookware layed on table
Made In

Cookware Features:

  • Handles that stay cool
  • Induction compatible
  • Professional-quality non-stick
  • Made of 5-ply stainless steel

Why we like it:

  • Frictionless cooking surface
  • Oven safe
  • Lifetime warranty

If you’re new to Made In cookware, we suggest starting with this 6-Piece Set. It’s award-winning, which should earn your vote of confidence, but if you need another reason to give it a try, we’re fans of its construction. Featuring five layers of metal for unparalleled heat conduction, your days of scraping burnt bits off the bottom of your pans are over with this! You will have to wash the non-stick pan, but is that really a big deal? We don’t think so.

Set includes: Non-stick frying pan, stainless clad frying pan, 2-quart stainless clad saucepan with lid, and 8-quart stainless clad stock pot with lid


Best 9-Piece: Misen

Editor’s Pick: Misen 9-Piece Non-Stick Cookware Set

Misen’s mission is simple: “To create premium cooking essentials for honest and affordable prices.” Best of all, the brand’s quality materials and thoughtful designs make for the perfect cooking companion.

9 piece cookware set from Misen
Misen

Cookware Features:

  • Durable handles
  • PFOA-free coating
  • Induction compatible

Why we like it:

  • 5-star rating on Misen
  • Oven safe
  • Also available in a 5-piece, as well as 12-piece set

For the hostess with the mostest, this 9-piece set will get you through every holiday. We love that it includes a stockpot, perfect for boiling pasta, making soup in large batches or boiling a massive amount of spuds for Thanksgiving mashed potatoes. Each piece is non-stick, which we know makes some nervous. However, the coating is PFOA-free, so rest easy. Everything can be placed in the oven, too!

Set includes: 10-inch pan, 12-inch pan, 3-quart saucier with lid, 3-quart sauté with lid, 8-quart stockpot with lid


Best Eco-Friendly: Green Life Cookware

Offering bright, pastel colorways, GreenLife Cookware takes cooking — and kitchen aesthetics — to new heights. Find everything you need, from saucepans to griddles and, of course, sets.

Editor’s Pick: GreenLife Soft Grip Healthy Ceramic Nonstick 16-Piece Kitchen Cookware

A 16-piece cookware set in the color yellow, along with four cooking utensils
Amazon

Cookware Features:

  • Snag-free interiors
  • Stay cool handles
  • Non-toxic

Why we like it:

  • Affordable
  • Includes kitchen utensils
  • Works on most stove tops

What makes us giddy about this 16-piece cookware set from GreenLife is its soft grip handles. They make it so easy to flip pancakes and shake frittatas onto our serving plate, you know? They stay cool, too, which is great, because is there anything worse while cooking than burning yourself? The pots and pans don’t have PFAS, PFOA, lead, or cadmium, which always makes us feel better, and the available color options are simply stellar. You won’t be able to use the set on induction, unfortunately, but it’s good for electric and gas stovetops.

Set includes: 4-inch mini frying pan, 7-inch frying pan, 9.5-inch frying pan, 1-quart saucepan with lid, 2-quart saucepan with lid, 5-quart stockpot with lid, 2.5-quart sauté pan with lid, 7-inch stainless steel steamer, and 4 kitchen utensils

Amazon $119.99

Best Designed: Our Place

Our Place sells some of the best pots and pans out there, and there’s no denying it! If you feel like sticking with an internet favorite, we recommend opting for the brand’s Always Pan 2.0 Home Cook Trio. With just one pan, you can boil, crisp, bake, braise, roast, steam, strain, serve, pour, and so much more.

RELATED: Read our review of the fan-favorite Always Pan

Editor’s Pick: Our Place Always Pan 2.0 Trio

Three cooking pans in a row with lids, each in the color rose gold.
Our Place

Cookware Features:

  • Oven safe
  • Toxic-free, non-stick ceramic coating
  • Space-saving design

Why we like it:

  • Free-shipping and returns
  • Chic color options
  • Includes nesting spatulas

The cookware from Our Place is made with 100% post-consumer recycled aluminum, which we feel really good about. It also doesn’t contain lead or PFAS, so if you’re trying to limit exposure to harmful metals, this a great brand to try. What we like best about this particular cookware set is that it’s designed to nest, which saves you major cabinet space. And while this set only comes with three pans (each of a different size), you can get the Our Place Perfect Pot in a selection of sizes if that’s what you’re after, or go all in and opt for the Ultimate Cookware Set which features all of the essentials any home chef needs to create delicious, camera-ready dishes for just a few, or for a full house.

Set includes: 4-quart pan with lid, 2.6-quart pan with lid, 1-quart pan with lid, and 3 nesting spatulas


Most Durable: HexClad

How do you know if a cookware brand is good? You check for the Gordon Ramsay stamp of approval — and HexClad sure has it. The brand offers pots, pans, lids, sets, and more, and each one is ready to become a cooking staple.

Editor’s Pick: 6-Piece HexClad Stainless Steel Cookware Set with Lids

Three different size frying pans with three lids.
HexClad

Cookware Features:

  • Non-toxic
  • Dishwasher safe
  • Induction ready

Why we like it:

  • Handle stays cool throughout cooking
  • Can be used with metal utensils
  • Lifetime warranty and 30-day money return

This cookware set has everything you need to whip up a serious meal. Three different size pans are included, which means you can make a sauce, boil pasta and fry shrimp all at the same time — no rinsing in between pans necessary. Another feature we love? Oh, just that it gives the ease of non-stick cookware combined with the durability of stainless steel. It makes the entire culinary process so much easier, from broiling to cleanup.

Set includes: 12-inch hybrid pan, 10-inch hybrid pan, 8-inch hybrid pan, and three tempered glass lids


Best Ceramic: Caraway

Jump on board the healthy cooking train with the chemical-free brand Caraway. We’re a personal fan of the Caraway frying pan, and its results are truly delicious. Each piece is coated with ceramic and comes in a sophisticated selection of colors such as cream, navy, sage, and more, with a new limited edition stainless steel cookware set just in time for holiday foodie gifting.

Editor’s Pick: Caraway 12-Piece Nonstick Ceramic Cookware Set

Four piece cookware set in the color cream.
Caraway

Cookware Features:

  • Works with gas, electric, and induction
  • Oven safe
  • No PTFE, PFOA, PFAS, lead or cadmium

Why we like it:

  • Beautiful design
  • Non-toxic and non-stick
  • 4.4 out of 5 stars on Amazon

Caraway cookware sort of has a cult following, and we’re not surprised. The brand makes gorgeous cookware sets that work with a variety of stovetops, so regardless if you find yourself cooking with gas or electric, you’ll be good to go. None of the pans have any nasty toxins, plus they’re available in a wide variety of colors.

This set in classic cream is one of our favorites. It comes with more than enough pots and pans to take you along your culinary journey and is easy to clean. And like we said before, it’s simply beautiful, which we think will inspire you to make some yummy creations at least a few times a week!

Set includes: 10.5-inch frying pan, 3-quart saucepan with lid, 6.5-quart Dutch oven with lid, 4.5-quart sauté pan with lid, four modular magnetic pan racks, and a canvas lid holder with hooks


Best Essential: Great Jones

Bold, quirky, and reliable, Great Jones is, well, great! The Starting Lineup Set has everything you need to start on your culinary adventures, including a Dutch oven. And FYI, this cookware set is on sale!

Editor’s Pick: Great Jones Starting Lineup Set

3 piece cookware set in white, pink, and hot pink
Great Jones

Cookware Features:

  • Oven-safe and dishwasher-friendly
  • Non-stick
  • Non-toxic

Why we like it:

  • Includes cooking sheet
  • Great starter cookware set
  • Eligible for free shipping

Sometimes, you don’t need lots of pots and pans, which is why we’re suggesting this 3-piece cookware set from Great Jones. It’s built for the flexible chef who finds themselves making a sheet of cookies one night, only to be crafting a killer pot roast the next. Everything is dishwasher- and oven-safe, and we love that it comes in a variety of colors!

Set includes: 3.5-quart Dutch oven, 8-inch pan, 13.5-inch by 9.5-inch sheet pan


Best Induction: Circulon

If you’re on the hunt for nonstick cookware, Circulon is for you. With ultimate nonstick performance, long-lasting durability, even heat distribution and easy cleanup, you can’t go wrong with this must-have brand.

Editor’s Pick: Circulon Radiance Hard Anodized Nonstick Cookware Set

Six piece set of cookware in the colors grey and black.
Amazon

Cookware Features

  • Hard-anodized construction
  • Dual riveted stainless steel handles
  • Dishwasher-safe and non-stick

Why we like it:

  • More than 7,000 ratings on Amazon
  • Works for all stove tops except induction

It’s hard to tell from the photo, but the frying pan of this non-stick cookware set has tiny ridges to prevent your meal from adhering to the surface. Its hard-anodized design will keep it in decent shape for a while, too, and everything is safe for the oven, as well as the dishwasher.

Set includes: 1-quart saucepan with lid, 2-quart saucepan with lid, 6-quart stockpot with lid, 3-quart covered sauté pan, 8.5-inch frying pan, and 10-inch frying pan


Best Cast Iron: Le Creuset

Since 1925, Le Creuset (pronounced ‘luh-CROO-zay’) has been leaving its mark in kitchens across the world. You can look forward to bold, chip-resistant colored cast iron, fine French craftsmanship, and superior performance.

Editor’s Pick: Le Creuset Signature Enameled Cast Iron 5-Piece Cookware Set

Le Creuset

Cookware Features:

  • Robust cast iron
  • Porcelain-enameled
  • Includes the lightest weight cast iron by quart on the market
  • Works with ceramic, gas, electric, halogen, induction, and oven

Why we like it:

  • Bestseller
  • Lifetime warranty and free shipping
  • Easy cleanup

We know you know Le Creuset. How can you not? The cookware brand is iconic, especially for its Dutch ovens. We love it for that single piece alone, which may be the reason we like this 5-piece set so much. Use it to create a hardy stew (via the Dutch oven) while sautéing greens or a protein in the others. Available in practically every color of the rainbow, you won’t even want to put the set back in its cabinet.

Set includes: 5.5-quart round Dutch oven, 1.75-quart signature saucepan, and 9-inch signature skillet


Most Durable: Calphalon

The leading producer of premium-quality cookware, bakeware, cutlery, and appliances is none other than Calphalon. At the brand’s start, the cookware was used in the restaurant industry and other professional food services. Now, it’s your turn to be the professional chef.

Editor’s Pick: Calphalon 10-Piece Nonstick Kitchen Cookware Set

Six pieces of cookware in the color black with lids.
Amazon

Cookware Features:

  • Silicone handles
  • Two-layer non-stick exterior
  • Oven safe

Why we like it:

  • 10-year warranty
  • More than 6,000 ratings on Amazon
  • Hard-anodized aluminum

The hard-anodized aluminum of these pots and pans should help them hold up for a long time. That’s great because we know you want to get your culinary wizardry on, so that feature is sure to help. The interior of each pot has two layers of non-stick material to keep everything in pristine condition, and the handles are extra long for safety.

Set includes: 8-inch fry pan, 10-inch fry pan, 1-quart saucepan with cover, 2-quart saucepan with cover, 3-quart sauté pan with cover, and 6-quart stockpot with cover


Best Non-toxic: GreenPan

Discover the goodness of nontoxic cookware with GreenPan. Each set is made with nonstick ceramic and uses toxin-free alternatives to traditional coatings.

Editor’s Pick: GreenPan Healthy Ceramic Nonstick 14 Piece Cookware Set

A five piece cookware set in dark blue with cooking utensils on the side.
Amazon

Cookware Features:

  • Oven and broiler safe
  • Metal utensil safe
  • Silhouette rivets
  • Dishwasher safe

Why we like it:

  • Color options
  • No PFAS, PFOA, cadmium or lead
  • Heats food fast

Besides looking pretty on our stovetop, we like that this ceramic-based cookware set isn’t made with anything harmful. The handles have a genius reverse design that prevents food from getting stuck in their crevice, and each of the bottoms of the pans are flat. This keeps oil in one place, meaning you get to use less in the long run, saving calories!

Set includes: 9.5-inch frying pan, 11-inch frying pan, 3.25-quart sauté pan with lid, 3.25-quart saucepan with lid, 5-quart stock pot with lid, silicone slotted spoon, three pan protectors, silicone spatula, and Wonder Sponge

Amazon $599.99

Best Oven-Safe: Anolon

Want the best of both cast iron and non-stick? Well, you’re in luck, as that’s exactly what Anolon is about. It’s durable, nonstick, features molded handles and features a thick stainless steel base for searing.

Editor’s Pick: Anolon Advanced Hard Anodized Nonstick Cookware Set

Dark silver cookware on counter
Anolon

Cookware Features:

  • SureGrip handles
  • Stain resistant
  • Stronger than steel construction
  • Dishwasher safe

Why we like it:

  • Evenly cooks food
  • Oven safe
  • Infinity Slide system

Ever noticed when cooking how some pieces of food cook faster than others? We have, too, and uneven heat distribution is the blame. The good news is there’s none of that with this non-stick cookware set. It’s designed specifically for uniform heat dispersal, which means your chicken, broccoli or whatever you’re cooking won’t be frozen on one side and chard on the other. The pans’ hard-anodized construction also helps to prevent them from getting nicked from utensils, keeping gross bits out of your food.

Set includes: 1.5-quart saucepan with lid, 3-quart saucepan with lid, 3-quart sauté pan, 8-inch frying pan, 10-inch frying pan, and 6-quart stockpot with lid


Best Copper Core: All-Clad

For half a century, All-Clad has been revolutionizing the cookware industry. Born in Canonsburg, Pennsylvania, the heart of the American steel, copper core and aluminum market, All-Clad’s metal fabrication is unmatched.

Editor’s Pick: All-Clad Copper Core 7-Piece Cookware

Copper core cookware set
Amazon

Cookware Features:

  • Stainless steel cooking surface with a copper core
  • Riveted stainless steel handles
  • 5-ply bonded construction

Why we like it:

  • Cooks food fast and evenly distributes heat
  • Long-lasting
  • Compatible with all stove tops

Okay, we know this is a pricier cookware set but it’s copper core ya’ll! It’s one of the best materials to make sauces, gravies and basically anything you need to cook evenly over a longer period of time. The handles of the pots and pans have a curved silhouette for comfortable gripping, and we’re definitely not made at its glossy exterior.

Set includes: 10-inch fry pan, 3-quart sauté pan with lid, 2-quart sauce pan with lid, and 8-quart stockpot with lid


Most Non-Stick: Ninja

While we are obsessed with the Ninja air fryer, that’s not all that the brand has to offer. The brand’s top-quality cookware sets are reasonably priced yet highly functional.

Editor’s Pick: Ninja C29500 Foodi NeverStick Vivid 10-Piece Cookware Set

A 6-piece cookware set in the color red.
Amazon

Cookware Features:

  • Forged aluminum
  • Even heat distribution
  • Non-stick

Why we like it:

  • 10-year guarantee
  • Heats food quickly
  • Safe for oven

No matter how high you crank up the heat, the pans from this cookware set should hold up. They’re armed with NeverStick technology to get food on your plate and off your pan in an easy slip, and the handles have a soft grip for gentle handling. The set is compatible with all stove tops, too, and can be washed by hand or placed in the dishwasher.

Set includes: 8-inch fry pan, 10.25-inch fry pan, 1.5-quart saucepan with lid, 2.5-quart saucepan with lid, 3-quart sauté pan, and 6.5-quart stock pot with lid


Best Copper : Mauviel M’Heritage

Made in France and forged to perfection, it doesn’t get much better than Mauviel M’Heritage when it comes to copper cookware. Although an investment, culinary professionals and novices with an appreciation for fine cuisine adore this brand, and so do we.

Editor’s Pick: Mauviel M’Heritage Copper 7-Piece Cookware Set

Copper cookware 7 piece set
Amazon

Cookware Features:

  • Cast stainless steel handles
  • Even heat distribution
  • Compatible with gas, electric, halogen, oven, and induction with a disc

Why we like it:

  • Genuine copper cookware
  • Long-lasting
  • Fantastic for sauces

This copper cookware is an investment. However, it’s something you’ll be able to keep for years and even pass down to future generations. An excellent conductor of heat, the made-in-France cookware features stainless steel handles that keep your hand cool while you cook. If you find you need one extra pot or saucer, an 8-piece set, as well as a 12-piece copper set, is available at Williams Sonoma.

Set includes: 1.9-quart saucepan with lid, 3.6-quart saucepan with lid, 3.2-quart sauté pan with lid, 10.2-inch frying pan, and 5-ounce bottle of copper cleaner


Best Heavy Duty: T-fal

Not only does T-fal create durable and lasting cookware sets, but the brand also prides itself on being committed to meaningful progress. Therefore, when you shop T-fal, you are saying yes to sustainable development, equal opportunities, well-balanced nutrition, and responsible consumption.

Editor’s Pick: T-fal Easy Care Nonstick 20 Piece Cookware Set

A 20-piece cookware set in black with cooking utensils included.
Walmart

Cookware Features:

  • Thermo-Spot technology
  • Pouring spots
  • Dishwasher and oven-safe

Why we like it:

  • Great reviews on Amazon and Walmart
  • Heat indicator
  • Tempered glass lids

Twenty cookware pieces under $100? Not bad. Not bad at all! And more than 2,000 folks on Amazon agree with us, praising the cookware set for its even heat distribution and easy-to-clean surface. We like its Thermo-Spot technology that lights up as you get down and dirty in the kitchen. It makes it simple to know whether a pan is hot enough without getting too close. We also adore how the pouring spouts make it a breeze to move one creation into a bowl or another pan. It’s like cooking magic!

Set includes: 4.5-inch One Egg Wonder fry pan, 8-inch fry pan with pouring spouts, 10.5-inch fry pan with pouring spouts, 10.25-inch griddle, 5-quart jumbo cooker with glass lid, 1-quart saucepan with glass lid, 2-quart saucepan with glass lid, 3-quart saucepan with glass lid, 5-quart stewpot with glass lid, baking tray, pasta spatula, spatula, ladle, spoon, and slotted spoon


Best Long Lasting: Material

Made from quality stainless steel and copper materials, not only is it a sleek upgrade to add to your kitchen, but it’ll evenly cook all your dishes. Plus, these three items will last you for years to come, making the investment worth it.

Editor’s Pick: Material The Copper Set

silver and copper pots and pans

Cookware Features:

  • 5-ply copper core
  • Stainless steel interior
  • Non-toxic

Why we like it:

  • Affordable copper cookware
  • Dishwasher safe
  • Easy to care for

As we previously mentioned, copper is great but not cheap. Hence, our excitement about this cookware set from Material. Along with being gorgeous, it’s crazy affordable! We know, we hardly believe it either.

The exterior is made of durable stainless steel, while the interior has a 5-ply copper core. It evenly distributes heat, works wonders on sauces and syrups, and is practically effortless to clean. The coated pan is available in two colors, and although there are only 133 reviews on the brand website, it has a five-star rating!

Set includes: 10.5-inch coated pan, 3-quart sauté pan, and 3-quart sauce pot


Best Budget: Gotham Steel

A popular yet inexpensive brand is Gotham Steel. Its copper tone makes it stand out, while its titanium cooking surfaces are durable and tough. You can get a full cookware set for as little as $50 on Amazon.

Editor’s Pick: Gotham Steel Hammered 10-Piece Nonstick Cookware Set

Hammered cooper cookware with a strainer.
Amazon

Cookware Features:

  • Solid aluminum core
  • Hammered design
  • Scratch-resistant

Why we like it:

  • Non-toxic materials
  • Reinforced with diamonds
  • Ceramic and titanium coating

We love the hammered look of this Gotham Steel cookware set, as well as the fact it isn’t made with anything hazardous. Its titanium and ceramic interior is award-winning, which never hurt anyone, and it also has a granite coating that’s reinforced with diamonds for a scratch-free culinary experience.

Set includes: 8.5-inch fry pan, 10.25-inch fry pan with lid, 1.5-quart saucepan with lid, 2.5-quart saucepan with lid, 5-quart stock pot with lid, and a stainless steel steamer


Best Celebrity: Rachael Ray

Celebrity cook Rachael Ray won us all over with her hit TV show and continues to wow us with her array of cookware must-haves. From bright yellows and moody reds, Rachael’s line of cookware is one of the best out there.

Editor’s Pick: Rachael Ray Cucina 10 Piece Cookware Set

Six pieces of cookware in the color red.
Amazon

Cookware Features

  • Shattered resistant glass lids
  • Rubber handles
  • Oven safe

Why we like it:

  • Includes slotted turner and spoon
  • Hard enamel porcelain exteriors

Who doesn’t love Rachel Ray? She’s fun, a cooking whiz and the maker behind solid cookware sets. We like this 10-piece Cucina cookware set best. It’s under $200 and features a sturdy, enameled porcelain exterior and pliable handles that are easy to grip. It doesn’t work with induction, but any other stove top should be fine.

Set includes: 2-quart saucepan with lid, 6-quart stockpot with lid, 3-quart sauté pan with lid, 8.5-inch and 10-inch frying pans, 11.75-inch slotted turner, and 13-inch solid cooking spoon.


Best Reviewed: Cuisinart

Julia Child and James Beard were the first culinary experts to honor the great Cuisinart. Now, people all over America abide by the brand for all of their day-to-day meals. But what keeps Cuisinart at the head of the cookware industry is its mission to create a wide array of products “preferred by chefs and favored by consumers,” according to the brand’s website.

Editor’s Pick: Cuisinart 12-Piece Cookware Set

Silver cookware on stove
Walmart

Cookware Features:

  • Triple ply construction
  • Aluminum core
  • Heat surround technology

Why we like it:

  • Aluminum core
  • Classic design
  • Oven safe
  • More than 10,000 ratings on Amazon!

If you grew up with Cuisinart products like we did, then you know it’s a trusted brand loved by both chefs and everyday cooks. We mean, Julia Child gave it her stamp of approval. Does anything else matter? This Cuisinart Cookware Set is one of our faves, not only because it comes with 12 pieces of stainless steel pots and pans but because it’s durable and armed with serious cookware technology. Its aluminum core helps to distribute heat evenly throughout each pan, while the triple-ply construction helps it hold up for years of culinary experimentation. Best of all, no matter how much you use it, they’re designed not to discolor, which means they will look practically new after each use.

Set includes: 1.5-quart saucepan with cover, 3-quart saucepan with cover, 3.5-quart sauté pan with helper handle and cover, 8-quart stockpot with cover, 8-inch skillet, 10-inch skillet, and steamer insert with cover

Amazon $229.99

Best Affordable: Paula Deen

If you’re ready to have fun in the kitchen, but aren’t ready to spend a paycheck for it, Paula Deen is the way to go. Her cookware sets have lots of neat features to appreciate, while also being affordable. If you’re a cooking newbie who wants to become more of a pro, her options are a small investment and a good place to start.

Editor’s Pick: 12-Piece Non-Stick Cookware Set

12 piece blue cookware set in kitchen
Amazon

Cookware Features:

  • Five non-stick ceramic layers
  • Oven safe
  • Stay cool handles

Why we like it:

  • Inexpensive
  • Non-toxic coating
  • Beautiful blue color

Stay cool handles combined with five non-stick ceramic layers? Yes, please — especially at this price! Beyond being affordable, this Paula Dean Cookware Set has lightweight aluminum construction to heat up green beans or mac and cheese with ease. It’s also scratch-resistant, which is always a nice feature. All pots and pans are oven-friendly and dishwasher safe, too, and work for every kind of stovetop.

Set includes: 1.5-quart saucepot with lid, 2-quart saucepot with lid, 3-quart sauté pan with lid, 8-inch fry pan, 10-inch skillet, 6-quart stockpot with lid, and 2 kitchen utensils


Best Stove Top Compatible: Kenmore

Created with “stay-cool soft-touch” handles and a glass lid to see what’s cookin’, these fun pots and pans are classic kitchen must-haves. Best of all, the pans in this line are compatible with all stovetops.

Editor’s Pick: Kenmore Arlington Healthy Nonstick Cookware

Blue pots and pans in kitchen
Amazon

Cookware Features:

  • Stain resistant
  • Non-toxic
  • Stay cool handles
  • Tempered glass lids

Why we like it:

  • Includes wooden utensils
  • Color options
  • Oven safe

Moving house? This cookware set can still come with you. It works with all kinds of stove tops and is also oven-safe. Heavy gauged forged aluminum helps to evenly cook food without random hot spots in the pan, and nothing contains PFOAs.

Set includes: 8-inch frying pan, 9-inch frying pan, 1.2-quart sauce pan with lid, 1.7 quarts saucepan with lid, 3.5-quart sauté pan with lid, 4.5-quart Dutch oven with lid, one wood slotted spoon, and one wood slotted turner


Best Ceramic Coated: Oster

Oster has it all. Whether you are looking for stainless steel cookware or ceramic-coated options, you can find it here. The brand is also moderately priced, making everyone happy.

Editor’s Pick: Oster Corbett Forged Aluminum Cookware Set

Five different pieces of cookware in the color aqua.
Amazon

Cookware Features:

  • Forged aluminum construction
  • Non-toxic materials
  • Riveted handles

Why we like it:

  • Non-stick
  • Soft touch coating handles

Durable and under $100, this Oster cookware set is nothing to pass over. The handles stay cool even as you turn up the heat, and the ceramic-coated aluminum interior warms food up quickly. It also works with all types of stove tops!

Set includes: 1.6-quart saucepan with lid, 3.1-quart saucepan with lid, 5.4-quart Dutch oven with lid, 8-inch frying pan, and 10-inch frying pan


Best Starter : Amazon Basics

For an easy buy, opt for a cookware set from Amazon Basics. Choose from 15-piece sets, non-stick options and more to customize your cooking to your needs.

Editor’s Pick: Amazon Basics Non-Stick Cookware 15-Piece Set

Black colored cookware set
Amazon

Cookware Features:

  • BPA-free non-stick coating
  • Soft touch handles
  • Spiral bottom

Why we like it:

  • More than 54,000 ratings on Amazon
  • Inexpensive

Even if you’re not much of a chef, it’s smart to have a cookware set handy. This one doesn’t break the budget, has amazing reviews on Amazon, and is of the non-stick variety. A spiral bottom helps to distribute heat throughout each pan, and the handles are soft and cool to the touch. To keep them in prime condition, we suggest not turning up the heat super high, but this will definitely get you through midnight munchies and your morning oatmeal.

Set includes: 8-inch fry pan, 10-inch fry pan, 1.5-quart saucepan with lid, 2-quart saucepan with lid, 3-quart casserole pan with lid, 5-quart casserole pan with lid, and 5-piece utensil set with pasta server, soup ladle, slotted turner, serving spoon, and slotted serving spoon


Most Decorative: Pioneer Woman

Not only are Pioneer Woman cookware sets affordable and practical, but they also come in the most beautiful designs. So, if you have your heart set on a vintage feel or love the warmth of grandma’s kitchen, this is the brand for you.

Editor’s Pick: The Pioneer Woman Frontier Speckle 24-Piece Aluminum Cookware Set

Teal cookware with flowers
Pioneer Woman

Cookware Features:

  • Even heat distribution
  • Scratch-resistant exterior
  • Tempered glass lids with steam vents

Why we like it:

  • Stainless steel riveted brackets
  • Includes cooking utensils

We love watching “The Pioneer Woman,” so of course, we want to cook with what she uses. This set has a ton (24 to be exact) of pieces to work with, including a pre-seasoned cast iron skillet! The handles are made of silicone, which feels good in the hand, and we love that the lids have steam vents, too.

Set includes: 1-quart saucepan with lid, 2.5-quart saucepan with lid, 5.5-quart Dutch oven with lid, 9.5-inch fry pan, 12-inch skillet, 4 ceramic measuring bowls, 4 ceramic measuring spoons, 8-inch cast iron skillet, 2 silicone sleeves, 2 mini au gratins, and 4 cooking utensils


Best Italian Made: Sardel

Make your finest pasta dishes from these Italian-manufactured pieces, including non-stick skillet sets. Whether it’s sauces, pasta, veggies, or more, you’ll be crafting meals with heat-resistant handles and PTFE coating for smooth, non-stick coating.

Editor’s Pick: Sardel Stainless Steel Cooking Set

silver pots and pans on a white table
Sardel

Cookware Features:

  • High-performing
  • Stainless steel
  • Durable

Why we like it:

  • Ships in 1-2 business days
  • High-quality starter set

Sardel makes some of the best cookware around, and this is a great set to go with if you’re new to the brand. Is it on the pricier side? Yes, but it’s high-quality stainless steel, which will hold up for years! It comes with all the key cooking pieces, and you can add more things to the set as you grow in your culinary skills.

Set includes: 10-inch skillet, 12-inch skillet, 2-quart saucepan, 4-quart sauté pan, 8-quart stock pan, and four matching lids


Most Trendy: Thyme And Table

A trendy yet inexpensive option is Thyme and Table. The brand is nonstick while offering fun color schemes such as sage green, metallic rainbow, and soft blue.

Editor’s Pick: Thyme & Table Nonstick 12-Piece Cookware Set

Black cookware with gold handles and four cooking protectors laid in a criss-cross pattern.
Walmart

Cookware Features:

  • Compatible with all stove tops
  • No PFOAs or PFOS
  • Heavy gauge aluminum construction

Why we like it:

  • Modern design
  • Includes dutch oven

Looks aren’t anything but gawd; we do love the look of this cookware set from Thyme & Table. It’s so pretty that we’d happily keep it on our counters for the world to see. It’s designed to completely eliminate cooking hot spots, has three PFOA- and PFOS-free non-stick layers and seriously pretty metal hardware. Almost 1,000 people on Walmart give it a five-star rating, plus it comes in two other equally chic color options.

Set includes: 6-quart Dutch oven, 8-inch frying pan, 2.5-quart saucepan, 10-inch frying pan, 3.5-quart sauté pan with lid, and four cookware protectors.


What cookware do professional chefs use?

Professional chefs use a variety of cookware depending on whatever they are preparing. However, certain types of cookware are more popular than others.

One type of cookware favored by culinary professionals is stainless steel. It doesn’t react to acid, can have a copper core for even heat distribution, and is good for making sauces, deglazing, and searing. Some of our favorite cookware brands that have stainless steel sets include:

Another type of cookware that chefs work with is cast iron. It’s good for dishes that need to be cooked slowly, like braised pork or caramelized onions, and also works for frying and searing. Capable of developing a non-stick surface over time, cast iron is also wonderful at retaining and distributing heat. If you’re interested in this type of cookware, we highly recommend checking out Le Creuset. It’s long-lasting and has iconic Dutch ovens.

Additionally, copper cookware is popular amongst chefs. It’s ideal for dishes that must maintain a specific temperature, such as sauces or syrups. It’s on the pricier side, but the plus is that it can be handed down through generations if properly cared for. We love this 7-piece set from Mauviel. Along with being gorgeous, it heats ingredients quickly and can be used on multiple surface types.

What is the least harmful cookware?

If you’re wary of non-stick cookware, you’re not alone. The main concern many have is the risk of toxic substances such as perfluoroalkyl or polyfluoroakyl (PFAS) getting into the food once it hits a certain temperature. Fortunately, today, there is no shortage of healthy non-stick cookware options.

One cookware brand we like is GreenPan. Along with being high-performance, it’s PFAS-free. Other options include Caraway Cookware, which has a non-toxic coating, and Our Place Cookware, which is PFAS-free, made without Teflon and comes in biodegradable packaging. Another alternative is sticking to stainless steel cookware sets.


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