Most people think you need to spend top dollar on the best cookware sets. But just as these pots and pans vary in material, so do their price range. In fact, buying a set can be less expensive than getting individual pieces. Having the same type of cookware also makes it easier to understand how they heat on your cooktop, whether it’s gas, induction, or electric. If you’re looking to upgrade your kitchen experience, we’ve got you covered. Read on to find the best cookware set for every type and budget.
Navigation
- Best Cookware Sets Comparison Chart
- Cuisinart MultiClad Pro Stainless Steel Cookware Set
- Circulon Symmetry Nonstick Cookware Set
- Rachael Ray Create Delicious Nonstick Cookware Set
- Misen Starter Cookware Set
- Duxtop Professional Stainless Steel Pots and Pans Set
- Calphalon Classic Nonstick Pots and Pans
- Verdict
- FAQs
Best Cookware Sets Comparison Chart
Cuisinart MultiClad Pro Stainless Steel Cookware Set
The best cookware set — stainless steel
Nothing spells cooking like a pro better than stainless steel pots and pans. Fewer still can match the reputation of the Cuisinart Multiclad Pro Stainless Steel when it comes to cookware sets. Its 12-piece collection is a versatile set that boasts an attractive design and delivers professional results. To ensure its quality, Cuisinart even gives the set a lifetime warranty.
Constructed from stainless steel and an aluminum core, these pots and pans are suitable for induction cooktops. They’re also oven-safe up to 550ºF and boast long and comfortable handles that stay cool on the stovetop. Shopper says they are “heavy and sturdily built” and “heat quickly and cook evenly as advertised.”
The set includes three sizes of saucepans, an 8-quart stockpot, and two skillets. You also get a 20cm steamer insert. Moreover, all pieces come with tight-fitting stainless steel covers. Cuisinart adds that both cookware and covers are dishwasher-safe.
Works With: Gas, Electric, Induction | Material: Stainless steel, aluminum
Dishwasher Safe: Yes | Max Heat: 550ºF
Circulon Symmetry Nonstick Cookware Set
The best cookware set — nonstick
Cooking is fun. Cleaning pots and pans, however, isn’t. For effortless cleanup, consider the Circulon Symmetry Nonstick Cookware Set. The set’s pots and pans feature raised circles that create grooves for a nonstick surface. Meanwhile, a premium, triple-layer nonstick surface is guaranteed to last 15x longer than regular coatings.
Circulon’s 11-piece set includes three sizes of saucepans, each with its own lid. You also get 8.5-inch and 10-inch frying pans and an 8-quart stockpot with a lid. Lastly, the collection adds a 3-quart sauté pan with a cover. All lids are made from tempered glass.
In terms of durability, it’s hard to fault Circulon’s Symmetry collection. All pieces boast a hard-anodized aluminum body. Meanwhile, their handles are crafted from stainless steel wrapped in silicone and securely riveted to the pots and pans. These handles are oven-safe up to 400°F, too.
Works With: Gas, Electric, Induction | Material: Stainless steel, aluminum
Dishwasher Safe: Yes | Max Heat: 400ºF
Rachael Ray Create Delicious Nonstick Cookware Set
The best cookware set on a budget
Many people are intimidated by getting an entire set because of the price. Fortunately, there are budget-friendly collections. The Rachael Ray Create Delicious Nonstick Cookware Set is one of them. Retailing for just $170, the cookware set includes six pots and pans, a cookie pan, and a medium spatula. The collection also comes in six eye-catching colors.
Despite being an affordable option, the Create Delicious set has a few premium features. Its silicone and stainless steel handles, for instance, are riveted instead of screwed. On the other hand, the collection’s lids are made from glass. Meanwhile, the cookware’s base is stainless steel, making it suitable for induction cooktops.
To make the cooking experience convenient, the pots and pans feature a flared rim for easy pouring. The company has also coated the interiors using Platinum Shield nonstick technology, which is 9x harder than titanium. While the stockpot and baking pan are on the small side, the fact the set is suitable for all cooktops more than makes up for it.
Works With: Gas, Electric, Induction | Material: Stainless steel, aluminum, enamel
Dishwasher Safe: Yes | Max Heat: 400ºF
Misen Starter Cookware Set
The best cookware set for beginners
While cookware sets are value-for-money, beginners have no need for multiple stockpots and frying pans. If you’re just easing your way into the kitchen, the Misen Starter Cookware Set is a good first step. The modest 5-piece collection comes with a 10-inch pan, a 3-quart sauté pan, a 3-quart saucier, and lids.
For novices, the $200 plus price tag may be a deterrent. You can have 11-piece or even 12-piece sets with that much money. However, if you’re taking your cookware seriously, the quality of Misen’s collection is hard to argue with. All pieces are made from a 3.0 mm thick composite featuring 5 layers of stainless steel and aluminum.
In terms of performance, Misen’s cookware heats quickly and evenly. They also feature ergonomic handles that remain cool on the stovetop. For beginners, the difference should be noticeable. Whether you’re sauteing vegetables or whipping up sauces, you’ll find yourself spending more time in the kitchen thanks to this set.
Works With: Gas, Electric, Induction | Material: Stainless steel, aluminum
Dishwasher Safe: Yes | Max Heat: 500ºF
Duxtop Professional Stainless Steel Pots and Pans Set
The best cookware set — induction
Induction ranges are popular because they’re sleek and energy-efficient. However, this type of cooktop requires a special type of cookware. Our pick for the best induction-friendly cookware set is the Duxtop Professional Stainless Steel Pots and Pans Set. The 17-piece collection boasts a heavy bottom with impact-bonded technology, making it durable and versatile.
The induction cookware set comes with two sizes of saucepans and a 4.2-quart casserole. You also get an 8.6-quart stockpot, a sauté pan, and two sizes of frying pans. If that’s not enough, Duxtop adds accessories, too, including a boiler basket, steam basket, 2-prong fork, spoon, and slotted turner. Except for the fry pans, all cookware comes with a lid.
Duxtop crafted its pots and pans from high-quality 18/10 food-grade stainless steel. On the other hand, the accompanying lids are made from tempered glass. Duxtop’s cookware is also straight-sided and features a drip-free pouring design.
Works With: Gas, Electric, Induction, Halogen, Glass | Material: Stainless steel, aluminum
Dishwasher Safe: Yes | Max Heat: 550ºF
Calphalon Classic Nonstick Pots and Pans
The best cookware set for glass top stoves
Glass stovetops are known for their rapid heat control and sleek appearance. Because they offer a flat surface, they can double as countertop space. Moreover, you don’t have to worry about food dropping inside the stove. But glass is fragile and regular cookware might crack the surface. If you have a glass range at home, consider the Calphalon Classic Nonstick Pots and Pans.
The cookware set’s stainless steel and bonded aluminum base is both flat and smooth — suitable for glass and induction ranges. But the material used also ensures even heat distribution so food cooks better. Calphalon’s 10-piece glass-friendly cookware also features a dual-layered nonstick interior for hassle-free cleanup.
Cooking with the pots is a breeze, too. They come with interior measure marks and integrated pouring spouts. Meanwhile, some of the tempered-glass lids have straining holes, too. Calphalon’s collection includes a 6-quart stockpot and two sizes of frying pans. You also get a 3-quart sauté pan and two sizes of saucepans.
Works With: Gas, Electric, Induction, Glass | Material: Stainless steel, aluminum
Dishwasher Safe: Yes | Max Heat: 450ºF
Verdict
Cuisinart and Rachael Ray’s cookware set stand out among the rest.
Cookware sets are an investment if you want to take cooking seriously. Any of the collections on this list should help you with that goal. However, two sets stand out the most.
Our pick for the best overall purchase is the Cuisinart MultiClad Pro Stainless Steel Cookware Set. The 12-piece collection includes a wide assortment of pots and pans. It also boasts an attractive design and excellent cooking performance that should appeal to novice and seasoned cooks alike.
We also recommend the Rachael Ray Create Delicious Nonstick Cookware Set. The eye-catching collection is a budget-friendly set with excellent performance and unbeatable value.
FAQs
The Cuisinart MultiClad Pro Stainless Cookware Set is the best cookware set to buy. The 12-piece collection boasts an attractive design, excellent performance, and sturdy construction.
Stainless steel cookware is the superior choice when talking about durability. High-quality stainless steel pots and pans can last years of use.
Yes. Calphalon offers some of the most durable cookware sets today. Their collections include robust and versatile hard-anodized aluminum pots and pans.
If you want to take cooking seriously, you’ll need to have the basics covered. Every kitchen needs to have a sauté pan, stockpot, saucepan, and nonstick skillet. Experts also recommend getting a wok, cast-iron skillet, and Dutch oven.