Stainless steel cookware is made from a traditional, uncoated material that’s extremely durable, conducts heat evenly and can handle high-heat cooking. It’s also superior for browning and searing, making it a good choice for serious home cooks. Since it lacks a coating, it’s also great for anyone who is tough on their pots and pans. That said, it’s not as beginner friendly, because foods will stick without the right technique. There are pros and cons to both ceramic and nonstick cookware, but if you’re wondering which cookware is better, it all depends on what you value most. Who says your cookware can’t look great while putting dinner on the table?
Some larger cookware sets can cost as much as a month of rent, but this ten-piece OXO set covers all your bases at a reasonable price. Not only does this 12-piece kit come with a Dutch oven with lid, two fry pans, and three saucepans with lids, it also includes a spoon and slotted spatula to complete your kitchen gear collection. Once you’ve invested in a nonstick cookware set, you’ll want to ensure that you follow the proper use and care instructions outlined by the manufacturer. One rule of thumb is to never use nonstick cooking sprays as they can cause a build-up of film. Most pans tout the ability to cook without the use of added oil or butter, but a little bit is okay. This Ninja set lives up to its name with a no-chip, no-flake, nonstick finish.
We checked what professional reviewers had to say about their test results and what home cooks reported about long-time use. We’ve been sautéing, frying and simmering in our test kitchens all day, every day for years. Using our pro experience, we’ve picked the perfect cookware sets for all kinds of cooks. These pans are also oven-safe up to 400 degrees, so you can easily finish stovetop dishes like skillet chicken Parmesan in the oven. They’re designed with brushed stainless steel silicone handles for a comfortable grip and have shatterproof glass lids for ease of checking on cooking progress.
All-Clad cookware is synonymous with quality, which makes it a go-to brand for professional chefs and seasoned home cooks alike. These pots and pans boast a heavy-gauge anodized finish that promotes rapid heating with even temperature control, as well as a sturdy PFOA-free nonstick interior that’s easy to clean and dishwasher safe. Tuxton, one of the OG kitchenware brands, knows how to make cookware that’s made to last, and its 10-piece set is no exception. Made with stainless steel, Tuxton’s saucer and pot is easy to use and clean up, and it’s relatively more affordable than other premium on the market.
It’s also lightweight given its sturdy construction, which means it’s easier to move between the oven and stovetop. Whether they’re made from clay or, more commonly, constructed of other materials like stainless steel and aluminum and then glazed, ceramic pots and pans are safe to use and non-toxic. However, there’s a reason why when you think of Teflon, you think “durable”—ceramic-glazed cookware has a much shorter lifespan than traditional nonstick or stainless steel. If cared for properly, you can get a good three years out of your ceramic cooking gear before its coating starts to wear. Not only do these feature a nonstick surface, but with 13 assorted pots and pans, this collection puts your average 12-piece set to shame.
If the handles are loose or broken, or the bottom of a pan is warped , it’s time to shop. And of course, when the coating of a nonstick pan is flaking, it’s got to go. We also like that each pan has a helper handle, which allows Cookware Sets for easy movability. The 13-inch square pan is a unique size, ideal for browning and then braising or baking; it can be stored under the large skillet, while the pots can be stored on top of the in a compact fashion.
And when you’re churning out three meals a day like you have five minutes left on Gordon Ramsey’s clock, used and abused cookware is not your friend. Investing in a trusty set of pots and pans will help you prepare meals easier and faster—and when you know what to look for, they’ll also last longer. Heat-resistant handles, side spouts, and brightly colored ceramic coating are all hallmarks of the best cookware sets.
We also added tips to the story for how to use and care for your nonstick cookware. Even the stickiest foods, like fried eggs and pancakes, fall out of the pan, leaving the surfaces virtually spotless, even when you don’t use butter. While you may think of nonstick as best for frying, you’ll also appreciate how rice doesn’t stick to the pots. You can also count on these pots and pans to brown burgers evenly and simmer a tomato sauce steadily. The body of the pan is anodized aluminum and the exterior finish, which comes in your choice of gray, indigo, bronze or black, is also nonstick for the ultimate in easy cleanup.
If you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission. With all the professional-grade essentials in one set, upgrade the way you cook in one fell swoop. Although you can find sets for $100 or less, durability and longevity are hit-or-miss. Spend a little more, say $130 to $300, and you are likely gotham steel cookware sets to find a basic set that meets your needs. Special care is required to get the most out of the nonstick surface. Men’s Health participates in various affiliate marketing programs, which means we may get paid commissions on editorially chosen products purchased through our links to retailer sites.