They also feature a toxin-free design manufactured without PFAS, PFOA, PTFE, lead or cadmium. Kohl’s classic stainless steel gotham steel cookware sets include induction-compatible bases with aluminum-encapsulated bases that heat quickly and spread heat evenly while eliminating hot spots. Most importantly, a stainless steel cooking surface does not discolor, react with food or alter flavors. Additionally, solid stainless steel riveted stick handles stay cool on the stovetop for safe and comfortable handling.
They may not be induction- or dishwasher-safe, but you can stick them in ovens up to 400° for some added convenience. Sometimes a single frying pan is all you need to achieve Chef’s Table glory. Other recipes require the full treatment—steaming, boiling, sautéing.
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?
Lastly, a piece that doubles as a stockpot or Dutch oven is always one component of a set. There’s no argument with the fact that nonstick coatings keep food from sticking and make cleanup easier. However, these finishes don’t last forever; eventually they will lose their stick resistant properties. That might not bother you if you bought an inexpensive omelet pan but can be upsetting if you’ve invested in an expensive set. Copper cookware heats the most evenly and is the most responsive (meaning, take your pan of hollandaise off the burner and it stops cooking immediately so there’s no danger it will curdle).
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 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.
But your old nonstick cookware isn’t necessarily the best choice for your health. Many contain PFAs, or chemicals used to make water and oil repellent coatings for consumer goods. The forked design of the handles on our skillet and saucepans keeps them cool while they’re on the stovetop. The handles are attached to the pans by heavy duty rivets and feature holes for easy hanging.