Yahoo Movies The 10 Best Cookware Sets of 2023
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Complete your kitchen with these top sets.
Real Simple / David Hattan
Whether you’re a whiz in the kitchen or only boil pasta and reheat leftovers, every kitchen needs a cookware set. With the plethora of options available, it can be a challenge to select a set suited to your culinary needs, so we compared a variety of cookware sets for their materials, included pieces, and care. We also spoke with professionals about what we should look for when shopping.
“Factors to consider when choosing a cookware set include your cooking preferences, culinary techniques, and the types of dishes you prepare most often,” says Hector Ruiz, the President and Founder of BBQ Grill Academy. “The equipment you most often use to cook on should also be considered.”
Alison Cayne, cooking expert and founder of Manhattan cooking school Haven’s Kitchen, believes that when it comes to how many items your cookware set should have, less is more. “I'm a big believer in having fewer, better things,” she says. “All you really need is a skillet, a stock pot, a saucepan, and ideally a Dutch oven. You can, of course, streamline from there according to your needs.”
We researched and tested some of the most popular cookware sets, evaluating them for durability, design, and value for money. In addition to Ruiz and Cayne, we also spoke to Janice Carte, the founder and chef at Tiny Spoon Chef, for advice on what to look for when shopping around for the best cookware sets.
Best Overall Cookware Set: Made In 10-Piece Stainless Set
What Stands Out
The pieces in this set are well-balanced and highly durable.
What Could Be Improved
It's prone to scratching.
As the ultimate set for anyone who wants to upgrade their kitchen, Made In's The Stainless Set has six spectacularly durable and professional-grade items with four lids that will bring out your inner Gordon Ramsay. Professional chefs curated and selected each item in this set, including two well-balanced frying pans, two saucepans, a sauté pan, and a stock pot.
All items are made from a 5-ply stainless clad; a fabrication method that sandwiches an aluminum material in between stainless steel and bonds the metals together for a strong, durable surface. These products are used in professional kitchens and, though quite pricey, are worth it if you take cooking seriously. They’re oven-safe up to 800 degrees and can be used on induction ranges, but they are prone to scratching if you're not careful. If you want a smaller or larger set, you can alternatively purchase a 6- or 13-piece set.
Price at time of publish: $749
Included Pieces: 8- and 10-inch frying pans, 2- and 4-quart saucepans with lids, 3-quart saucier with lid, 8-quart stock pot with lid | Material: Stainless clad | Safe For: Dishwasher, oven, induction
Best Budget Cookware Set: T-fal Initiatives Ceramic Nonstick Cookware Set
What Stands Out
It comes with four utensils for an all-in-one set.
What Could Be Improved
It is not induction-compatible.
The T-fal Initiatives Nonstick 14-Piece Cookware Set is perfect for those who want to stock up on all the essentials or anyone who wants a simple, affordable, nonstick cookware set. The items in this set feature a unique red Thermo Spot; a helpful indicator that turns bright red when the cookware is preheated and ready for ingredients.
The set is oven safe for temperatures up to 350 degrees (apart from the lids) and can be cleaned in the dishwasher, though they're not suitable for induction stovetops. These cookware items also have a scratch-resistant and durable ceramic coating that food effortlessly slides off of. The pans feature ergonomic handles that are grippy and comfortable to hold, and most items can be nested into one another so you can store the set compactly and save precious cabinet space.
Price at time of publish: $100
Included Pieces: 8-inch and 10.5-inch fry pans, 11-inch fry pan with lid, 1- and 2-quart sauce pans with lids, 5-quart Dutch oven with lid, four nylon utensils | Material: Aluminum with ceramic interior | Safe For: Dishwasher, oven
Best Stainless Steel Cookware Set: All-Clad D5 Stainless Brushed 5-Ply Bonded Cookware Set
What Stands Out
It has seriously impressive heat-retention abilities.
What Could Be Improved
The lid handles do get hot, so you'll need to keep pot holders handy.
The stainless steel All-Clad D5 Stainless Polished 5-Ply Bonded 10-Piece Cookware Set is also commonly used in professional kitchens and favored by many a top chef. This high-quality set is incredibly durable, and after putting them to the test, we found them to be one of the best cookware sets you can buy. They’re compatible with gas, electric, and induction cooktops.
The five-layer clad construction heats up quickly and retains heat, plus the lids are fitted for even better heat retention. This set is oven safe up to 600 degrees (less than the Made In The Sous Chef Cookware Set above, but still impressive), and the handles are heat-resistant. The brushed finish looks and feels high-end and is easy to keep clean too, and the flared rims allow for easy pouring without making a mess.
Price at time of publish: $900
Included Pieces: 8- and 10-inch frying pans, 1.5- and 3-quart saucepans with lids, 3-quart sauté pan with lid, 8-quart stock pot with lid | Material: Clad stainless steel | Safe For: Oven and induction
Best Nonstick Cookware Set: KitchenAid Hard-Anodized 10-Piece Nonstick Cookware Set
What Stands Out
The anodized exteriors are scratch-proof, oven-safe, and dishwasher-safe.
What Could Be Improved
Some of the handles are a little on the short side.
If you want a nonstick cookware set that is easy to use and clean, opt for the KitchenAid Hard Anodized 10-Piece Set. The set has a minimal look, sleek design, and nothing—not even eggs—stuck to it during our testing. Even when we managed to burn rice, it still didn’t get stuck to the pot. While the surface area of the skillet is a little smaller than we would have liked, it still performs impeccably.
The handles on the pots and pans are ergonomic with curved edges that are comfortable to hold. For some reason, the 8-inch skillet and the 3-quart pot have shorter handles that aren’t as ergonomic. All items in the set feel sturdy though, and can be washed in the dishwasher—although they are practically effortless to clean by simply rinsing and gently wiping with a dish cloth under the faucet.
Price at time of publish: $260
Included Pieces: 1.5- and 3-quart saucepans with lids, 6-quart stockpot with lid, 11.25-inch square grill pan, 8.25- and 10-inch frying pans | Material: Aluminum with anodized handles | Safe For: Dishwasher, oven, induction
Best Cast Iron Cookware Set: Le Creuset 10-Piece Cast Iron Set
What Stands Out
The colorful set boasts hard-wearing enamel and superior heat retention and distribution.
What Could Be Improved
The bright colors and rustic style may not fit with every kitchen.
What’s not to love about Le Creuset’s Cast Iron Cookware Set? It has an instantly recognizable rustic aesthetic, five unique colorways, and hard-wearing enamel that is resistant to chips and cracks. As is typical of cast iron products, the heat distribution and retention are unparalleled and are safe for use in the oven, broiler, and dishwasher.
This set comes with a few Le Creuset favorites, including the 4.25-quart round Dutch oven and signature square skillet. The skillet features pour spouts on either side, a helper handle, and enameled interior that doesn’t need to be seasoned, while the versatile Dutch oven offers superior heat distribution for delicious dishes. The saucepan and Dutch oven come with tight-fitting lids that feature stabilizers so they never slip off. If you love cooking with cast iron but hate the maintenance that typically comes with this cookware, this is the set for you.
Price at time of publish: $1,150
Included Pieces: 4.5-quart round Dutch oven with lid, 5.25-quart roaster, 2.25-quart braiser, 1.75-quart saucepan with lid, 10.25-quart skillet, square skillet, 10-inch glass lid | Material: Cast iron | Safe For: Dishwasher, oven, induction
Best Ceramic Cookware Set: Caraway Cookware Set
What Stands Out
Unlike other ceramic cookware, this lightweight colorful set can handle up to 550 degrees.
What Could Be Improved
It is not as long-wearing as Teflon-coated options.
This ceramic cookware has convenient nonstick properties without any PTFE, PFOA, PTFE, lead, cadmium, or nickel. The Caraway Cookware Set is a more affordable alternative to stainless steel and comes in 12 colors, including fun options like rose quartz, marigold, and sage green. Though some ceramic cookware items aren’t oven safe, the pots and pans in this Caraway set are, and they can handle up to 550 degrees.
This set is lightweight, easy to clean (although you can’t put it in the dishwasher), non-reactive to acidic foods, and has a high heat tolerance. The lids are vented to release steam but also can be locked to retain moisture and heat if needed. With proper care, the nonstick properties should last for a while, although they may not be as long-lasting as options with a Teflon coating.
Price at time of publish: $395
Included Pieces: 10.5-inch fry pan, 3-quart saucepan with lid, 6.5-quart Dutch oven with lid, 4.5-quart sauté pan with lid, four magnetic pan racks, canvas lid holder with hooks | Material: Ceramic | Safe For: Oven and induction
Best Copper Cookware Set: Mauviel Copper Tri-Ply M'3 S 7-Piece Cookware Set
What Stands Out
The stainless steel interior guards against reactions to acidic foods.
What Could Be Improved
It's not induction-compatible, and not beginner-friendly.
Copper is an excellent heat conductor which heats quickly and evenly, but also cools down quickly. This set is the crème de la crème for cooking seafood and preparing sauces, which is why many chocolatiers also use them. However, this high-maintenance beauty is not exactly made for the novice chef. “The Mauviel pans are amazing and gorgeous, but quite hard to use and clean,” says Janice Carte, the founder and chef at Tiny Spoon Chef.
If, however, you’re a somewhat experienced cook looking for a level-up, opt for this Copper Triply M'3 S 7-Piece Cookware Set from Mauviel, a French cookware company established in 1830. This impressive deluxe kit has a polished copper exterior, cast iron handles that stay cool to the touch, and a non-reactive stainless steel interior that won’t affect the flavor as some traditional copper sets do. Made in France, this set is pricey but has a lifetime warranty to back it up.
Price at time of publish: $900
Included Pieces: 10-inch fry pan, 2-quart saucepan with lid, 3.5-quart sauté pan with lid, 6.5-quart stew pan with lid | Material: Copper, aluminum core, stainless steel interior and handles | Safe For: Oven
Best Small Cookware Set: Caraway Minis Duo
What Stands Out
This sleek nonstick set is oven- and induction-safe.
What Could Be Improved
They aren't great for cooking on high heat.
You may have seen these gorgeous Caraway Minis floating around on social media—and the hubbub surrounding them is for good reason. Not only do they have a super stylish and coveted sleek design, but like the 7-piece set, each piece is made without PTFEs, PFOAs, PFAs, lead, cadmium, heavy metals, or hard anodization. Plus, they have a nonstick ceramic coating that is easy to clean by hand.
The little Minis Duo set comes with an 8-inch frying pan and a 1.75-quart saucepan with a matching lid, making it a great option if you live alone or with a partner, or just tend to cook in small batches. These small pans also take up minimal storage space. You can use them on any type of stovetop, including induction, and they are oven-safe up to 550 degrees Fahrenheit. They’re delightfully low maintenance, keeping their new look for a long time with minimal care, and are available in eight colors to suit all tastes.
Price at time of publish: $200
Included Pieces: 8-inch frying pan, 1.75-quart pot with lid | Material: Ceramic, aluminum core, stainless steel handles | Safe For: Oven, induction
Best Starter Cookware Set: Calphalon Classic Hard-Anodized Nonstick 10-Piece Cookware Set
What Stands Out
It has handy features including measuring marks, straining lids, and long stay-cool handles.
What Could Be Improved
It's not induction-compatible.
If you’re moving out on your own for the first time or just starting your cooking journey, a starter cookware set is essential. Calphalon’s Classic Hard-Anodized Nonstick Cookware Set is ideal for newbies, as all items are fully nonstick and oven-safe up to 450 degrees Fahrenheit, so you can safely try out advanced stovetop-to-oven recipes.
The six cooking vessels included have easy-pour spouts for mess-free cooking, and long stay-cool handles for safety. They even have measuring marks, and the lids serve as straining covers, too, eliminating the need to use and clean extra strainers and measuring jugs while cooking. Even though the pieces are not induction-compatible, the price is pretty reasonable for everything on offer, and they also have a lifetime warranty for extra peace of mind.
Price at time of publish: $240
Included Pieces: 8- and 10-inch frypans, 1.5- and 2.5-quart saucepans with lids, 3-quart sauté pan with lid, 6-quart stock pot with lid | Material: Aluminum, stainless steel handles | Safe For: Oven and dishwasher
Best Cookware Set for Pros: GreenPan GP5 Stainless Steel 10-Piece Cookware Set
What Stands Out
It can live up to rigorous daily use, and has ceramic nonstick technology.
What Could Be Improved
The pieces are a bit heavy.
The professional-grade pots and pans in this GreenPan cookware set are remarkably durable and, while pricey, will last a long time and endure daily use. The set includes two nonstick frying pans with a ceramic coating, which, unlike most nonstick pans, do not contain PFAS, PFOA, lead, or cadmium.
The five-ply construction consists of three aluminum layers between two stainless steel layers for maximum and effective heat conduction, making the pans heat quickly and retain heat. The exterior has Evershine Technology to keep your cookware looking shiny and new for longer, and each piece is also scratch-resistant and dishwasher-safe. It's oven safe up to 600 degrees Fahrenheit and has beautiful gold-tone handles that add to the high-end aesthetic.
Price at time of publish: $1,000
Included Pieces: 8- and 10-inch frypans, 2- and 3-quart saucepans with lids, 3-quart sauté pan with lid, 5-quart stockpot with lid | Material: 5-ply stainless steel, ceramic coating | Safe For: Oven, dishwasher, induction
Final Verdict
The Made In Cookware 10-Piece Cookware Set is our top choice for its hard-wearing finish, durable design, and elegant stainless steel materials. It has everything you need to cook up an array of delicacies, including three saucepans with lids, a stockpot with a lid, and two frying pans. All items can be put in the oven, used on induction stovetops, and are dishwasher-safe.
How to Shop for Cookware Sets Like a Pro
Material
Stainless steel, cast iron, aluminum, copper, and enameled cast iron are the most common and traditional cookware materials. Our experts gave us the low down on the pros and cons and the differences between these materials—plus their best uses.
Stainless Steel
The most widely used material for cookware is stainless steel because it offers a great balance between price, heat conduction, and durability. Stainless steel is also popular because it requires little maintenance other than routine cleaning.
“Unlike cast iron, stainless steel cookware does not need to be ‘seasoned,’ and it is nonreactive to acidic foods, which means the metal does not release into the food and affect its taste or color,” says Hector Ruiz, the president and founder of the BBQ Grill Academy. “Good-quality stainless steel cookware is also incredibly corrosion-resistant when properly cared for.”
Ruiz adds that stainless steel cookware is particularly good at transferring heat and can handle high temperatures, though not as high as cast iron. “If you want to cook a larger variety of recipes, stainless steel cookware is a preferable choice, as it can be used for frying, boiling, and oven sautéing, among many other things,” he says.
In addition, Alison Cayne, a cooking expert and the founder of Haven’s Kitchen, tells us that stainless steel heats up and cools down much faster than cast iron. Stainless steel pans generally have layers of aluminum or copper to conduct heat and retain even heat, but cheaper ones could have pockets that get hotter and don't retain heat. Just like a fully cast iron item, if the handle is oven safe, you can easily transfer a well-made stainless steel pan to the oven.
“With stainless steel, however, you won't get the sear or deep caramelization that you will from cast iron,” Cayne says. “They’re great for a quick stir fry or sauté, but better for acidic foods (i.e., tomato sauce) because they’re non-porous. It’s also a great material for steaming veggies because the water won't leach any of the metal.”
In relation to stainless steel’s grade, Carte recommends going for a 18/10. “The 18 refers to the percentage of chrome, and the 10 to the nickel content,” she tells us. “While you can also find 18/8, it's comparable in price, but the extra nickel will yield a bit more strength and shine.”
Cast Iron
Cast iron cookware has been around for many years and is one of the strongest materials used in household and commercial kitchens. Unlike stainless steel, cast iron doesn't get dented or easily scratched when using metal tools. Since cast iron is dense, it can also resist extremely high temperatures.
“Cast iron can keep and transfer heat better than stainless steel because it is denser and it can handle higher temperatures,” says Ruiz. “There are, however, a few caveats. For starters, it is reactive, and acidic foods, including lemon juice, vinegar, and tomatoes, do not play well with cast iron. Secondly, it requires maintenance. Cast iron items require ‘seasoning’ to be rust-free, and you should also avoid boiling water in them because it can lift the ‘seasoning’ and expose the metal to the water or food.” Ruiz recommends seasoning with natural cooking oils.
Another con to cast iron cookware is that it is heavy and sometimes hard to move around the kitchen. Ruiz also mentions that the porous surface is great for searing, but tends to absorb odors when cooking foods like fish. “If you want to sear and cook at high temperatures, cast iron works great because it can not only both transfer and hold heat very well, it can maintain surface temperatures while in contact with cold proteins,” he says.
In addition, cast iron cookware can last forever with the proper care, and has a rustic feel and look. “I like serving dishes directly out of a cast iron, like a whole fish cooked in the cast iron on the grill, or a Dutch baby, or Cherry Clafoutis for dessert,” she says. For a less high-maintenance cast iron cookware set, Cayne suggests opting for one coated in enamel. These versions don’t rust and don't need seasoning.
Carte adds that you could always go vintage when it comes to cast iron pans. “My chef preference is to shop at the local flea markets and vintage fairs,” she tells us. “Cast iron pans were cast very differently in different time periods—some are very smooth, like glass, and some have more of a pebbly texture. The most important thing is that you learn to care for them and never leave them wet!”
Copper
Copper cookware is amazing at transferring heat, and its thermodynamics make managing temperature easy. Copper sets, however, are usually expensive and require extensive care to keep them in tip-top condition so they last you a while.
“It is easy to damage copper using metal cooking utensils,” says Ruiz, “but if properly maintained, it can last as long as cast iron. Copper cookware can also give food a metallic taste if it is not used properly. Chefs enjoy copper cookware, but the common consumer may find it prohibitively expensive.”
Nonstick
Nonstick cookware sets are coated with a polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) material known as Teflon, and you can find this on a range of materials. While nonstick coatings used to get a bad rap for containing toxins, Teflon is considered safe for temperatures up to 500 degrees.
“There are a few brands making nonstick pans that don't have any questionable chemicals or coatings, and they can handle spatulas and metal utensils,” says Cayne. “They're more expensive, but are great for frying things like eggs, and require less cleanup.”
Included Pieces
Cookware sets can have anywhere from three to 20 or more included pieces. These can include pots and pans in various sizes, frying pans, Dutch ovens, sauté pans, griddles, and even woks or roasting pans.
Some cookware sets might also feature pressure cookers, French ovens, and braiser pans. Most cookware sets label the pots and their lids as separate items, so keep that in mind when shopping—an 8-piece cookware set is often just four pots and four lids.
Care Instructions
Regardless of the material, the best way to care for your cookware is to clean it right after each use. “Higher quality brands can take a lot of use and last for decades, as long as you keep them clean,” says Cayne. “Ideally, wash them with soap and water, and no harsh scrubbing. Try and keep the metal utensils away and use wooden spoons instead.”
Stainless steel cookware requires little care. “Stainless steel is scratch-resistant, and its finish will last a long time,” Ruiz says. “Nonstick stainless steel cookware is simple to clean; however, standard stainless steel cookware can be difficult to remove burn marks and stains from.”
Cast iron cookware requires seasoning, which means a nice coat of vegetable oil after cleaning to keep it from rusting, and some copper cookware requires polishing, too. For more information on how to season and clean a cast-iron skillet, look at our in-depth guide.
In addition, Carte advises to always ensure that the handles and covers of pans that can go from the stovetop to the oven are definitely heat-resistant and oven-safe to avoid any accidents.
Questions You Might Ask
How many pieces of cookware do I need?
The most necessary items, according to Cayne, are a skillet, a sauté pan, a stock pot, a saucepan, and preferably a Dutch oven. “To outfit your kitchen optimally for anything you may want to cook,” Cayne advises, “you'll want a pan to sauté in, a pan to make meat in, a pot for soup and pasta, and a saucepan with a tight-fitting lid for rice, steaming, reheating, etc.” Ruiz also says these are the fundamental kitchen tools and cookware for any meal.
What type of cookware is easiest to clean?
Ruiz tells us that nonstick cookware is the easiest to clean because the coating prevents foods from clinging to its surface, making it simple to scrub and clean. “Porcelain-coated cookware is also simple to clean, although it must be done with delicacy because the porcelain coating can chip or crack if not handled carefully,” he says.
The way you cook also plays a role in how easy the cookware is to clean afterward. “The easiest pan to clean is the one that you cook in properly,” says Cayne. “Food sticks on pans when it's stirred or flipped before it's ready, or if you haven't used enough fat to properly grease the pan. In any case, a good soak overnight in warm, soapy water should fix anything.”
What is a hard-anodized cookware set?
A hard-anodized cooking set is made of aluminum that has been anodized to form a barrier between the aluminum and the food. This inhibits the aluminum reaction with acidic foods.
“Hard anodized cookware goes through a controlled chemical oxidation process where manufacturers use chemicals and high-voltage electrical currents to create a smooth corrosion-resistant coating,” says Ruiz. “Aluminum conducts heat effectively, is less expensive than stainless steel, and is very reactive, so anodized aluminum cookware is a good affordable option.”
Cayne also adds that the additional, non-porous layer (similar to an enamel coating) on anodized cookware makes them more heat resistant and sometimes nonstick.
What types of cookware do professional chefs use?
“All chefs have a stainless steel assortment, enameled cast iron, and cast iron,” Carte says. “If you're feeling fancy and you love them, you probably have a great carbon steel wok, too. We chefs also might have a nonstick or two, but they're always cheap, and we don't get too attached because these don’t tend to last as well as other options.”
What type of cookware lasts the longest?
“Stainless steel, cast iron, enameled cast iron, and carbon steel will all last at least one lifetime with proper care,” Carte says. To make them last even longer, she advises looking for an induction-safe set. “Make the most of your investment by purchasing a set that is compatible with induction cooktops,” she says. “That way, you can use it on gas, electric, or electric induction ranges—it's the most flexible option for a lifetime of use.”
What are the top cookware brands?
“My personal picks are All-Clad or Demeyer for stainless steel pans, vintage for cast iron, Le Creuset or Staub for enameled cast iron, and Smithey Ironware for anything carbon steel,” says Carte. “I'm obsessed with these brands. They're totally worth the bones they'll set you back! If you go quality, you can hand them down for generations to come... What a treat that is!”
Take Our Word for It
This article was written by Kat de Naoum, who has over 10 years of commerce-writing experience. Kat is also the Commerce Editor-at-Large at Thomas-Xometry, the leading US online platform for supplier discovery and product sourcing. For this article, we reviewed and tested multiple cookware sets and researched and considered factors such as material, style, number and types of included cookware items, and how easy they are to clean. Kat also spoke to Hector Ruiz, the President and Founder of BBQ Grill Academy, Alison Cayne, a cooking expert and the founder of Haven’s Kitchen, and Janice Carte, the founder and chef at Tiny Spoon Chef.
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