For more information, see our free cookware buying guide, which includes a primer on different types of cookware and the materials they’re made of. Below are the 10 best cookware sets from CR’s latest tests, both nonstick and stainless steel, listed alphabetically by type. CR members can jump to our cookware ratings for details on how each set performed, and even more options. Anolon is behind many of our favorite kitchen products (like its top-notch roasting pan), so it was no surprise that this set excelled during testing. Each pot and pan is comfortable to hold, easy to clean and we didn’t have any trouble with food sticking. In one fell swoop, but your collection of pots and pans will look cohesive as a little aesthetic bonus.
And while you can always pick up a reasonably-priced small fry pan for eggs and crepes, filling in your set with a large pan, can set you back a bit. Tri-ply stainless steel construction throughout the base and sides for perfectly even heat distribution. T-fal’s PerformaPro cookware solves the problems of cooking with stainless steel! PerformaPro Stainless Steel fry pans and sauté pans feature the Techno Release™ raised pattern on the pan’s interior for easier release of food and easier cleanup. Ceramic cookware is popular among home chefs for its easy-to-clean nonstick surface. GreenPan’s three-piece ceramic cookware set is dishwasher-safe and nontoxic, meaning it’s free of PFAS, PFOA, lead, and cadmium, and will never release those materials in fumes if it’s overheated.
All in all, you’re pretty much covered for every possible cooking need. Tramontina can be placed in the oven up to a temp of 500 degrees F, which should be more than enough for everything from keeping a casserole warm, to braising a pot roast, to browning off an apple crisp. Like all stainless, this cookware is dishwasher safe but is prone to some discoloration over time.
These pots and pans are built with lasting quality, convenient features, and timeless design, to fuel the creativity of kitchen creators and cuisine innovators. Available in a variety of materials – including hard-anodized nonstick and stainless steel – to suit all cooking styles and techniques, for endless possibilities in the kitchen. The pots and pans in this 12-piece cookware set from Cuisinart are easy to care for, as pretty much all food will slide right off the scratch-resistant, ceramic-based nonstick coating. It’s important to remember that all nonstick cookware will scratch to some extent, but some nonstick materials are more sensitive than others.
You can get the Caraway Cookware Set in seven different colors, but my personal favorite of the bunch is Perracotta. Set your kitchen up for success with this durable collection of pots and pans. Made from hard-anodized aluminum, this cookware set is designed to heat quickly and evenly. Long-lasting nonstick provides effortless food release and easy cleanup. Sure, this set has comfortable handles and cooks food well, but what we really appreciated was the variety of products included. The set includes three sauce pots (1-, 2- and 3-quart), an 8-quart stockpot, a medium-sized 3-quart sauté pan and two skillets (8.5- and 10-inch).
Their handles stay cool to the touch and include a finger grip, so they’re comfortable to hold when cooking. They’re lightweight and should be used over low to medium heat, and the thermo-heat indicator lets you know when it’s ready to use. In our tests, scrambled eggs and pancakes cooked evenly with zero sticking. Plus, the griddle was a fun addition for breakfast items, especially bacon. Whether you hand-wash or use the dishwasher, these pieces clean up beautifully thanks to their dark nonstick finish inside and out.
We were extremely impressed by how well these 5-ply, bonded stainless-steel pots and pans distributed heat during testing. And while this set is a little on the heavy side, both in terms of price and in terms of physical weight, this cookware will last you a lifetime. The set comes with two sauce pots (1.5- and 3-quart), an 8-quart stockpot, a medium-sized 3-quart sauté pan and two skillets (8- and 10-inch). From individual skillets, saucepans, and stockpots to complete sets, KitchenAid® cookware is designed for better temperature control.
Check out sets that make it a breeze to sauté, simmer, brown, fry and otherwise cook multiple dishes at once. These pieces feature durable stainless steel construction for longevity and aluminum encapsulated bases for even heating. Browse nonstick gotham steel cookware sets that are oven safe to 350°F and dishwasher safe. This ceramic coated nonstick cookware set comes with 8- and 10-inch frying pans, 1.5- and 2.5-inch saucepans, a 3-quart sauté pan, and a 6-quart Dutch oven. As a bonus, it also comes with a steamer basket that fits inside the 2.5-quart saucepan. It’s also one of the few nonstick pan sets we tested that comes with metal lids, something we appreciate since they’re more durable and easier to store.