We Found the 8 Best Cookware Sets of 2023
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Our top performers include functional design, non-toxic, nonstick surfaces, even heating, and durable quality construction.
Food & Wine / Russell Kilgore
While you can build your cookware collection one piece at a time, there’s something to be said for investing in a set. First off, buying individual items can add up quickly. Going for a cookware set can be more cost-effective, plus it saves you time from having to research and hunt down each separate piece. With so many high-quality options available, you can easily find a set that meets your needs, from the number of pieces included to the material you prefer.
Taking into consideration important factors like material, versatility, and maintenance, we scoured the market and tested several pots and pans to find the best cookware sets out there. Continue reading to learn what cookware sets earned a spot on our list.
Best Overall: Made In The Stainless Sets 6 Piece
Pros
There’s sturdy construction, a thoughtful design, and a great warranty behind these pieces — plus, you get two types of cookware in one set.
Cons
It’s on the pricier side for how many pieces you get.
This cookware set comes with the essentials that home cooks need on a regular basis: two frying pans, a saucepan, and a stockpot. We love that one of the frying pans is nonstick, and the other is stainless clad, so you can choose between the two depending on what you’re cooking. For instance, whipping up omelets would be great in the former, and searing steak would work well in the latter.
We tested this 100% non-toxic, PFOA-free set in our testing labs, and we loved the results. We experienced even heating with little-to-no sticking. The handles were always cool to the touch, and the stainless steel pieces are oven-safe up to 800 degrees Fahrenheit, while the nonstick pieces will handle heat up to 500 degrees.
If you’re going to invest in a cookware set, especially one where you may not get as many pieces for the price, you want it to be functional and long-lasting, and this set is certainly that. Design touches like rolled rims for easy pouring and draining, stay-cool handles, and five layers of metal for superior heat conductivity make cooking a breeze, and cleanup is pretty easy, too. The stainless clad pieces are dishwasher-safe, so you just have to handwash the nonstick pan, but that’s standard for the material. To top it all off, the nonstick coating has a one-year limited warranty, while a lifetime warranty backs the stainless items.
Price at time of publish: $493
Pieces Included: Two 10-inch frypans, a 2-quart saucepan with lid, and an 8-quart stockpot with lid
Construction: Nonstick and 5-ply stainless clad
Maximum Temperature: 800°F for stainless clad pieces, 500°F for nonstick
Induction-Safe: Yes
Best Ceramic : Caraway Nonstick Ceramic 12 Piece Cookware Set
Pros
This set offers the benefits of nonstick cookware while also being non-toxic, safe in a super-hot oven, and useful for browning.
Cons
Limited variety in what's included, but we appreciate the smart storage solution that comes with the set.
In our tests, this design-forward ceramic nonstick cookware set ranked high in performance, design, and easy cleanup. The ultra-smooth surfaces are scratch-resistant, and the stainless steel handles are comfortable to hold and maneuver. During testing, everything we cooked slid right out, living up to its nonstick name. While performance is critical, aesthetics are important, too. The set’s contemporary color options, like perracotta, navy, and marigold, make it a fun, vibrant addition to any kitchen.
Another big plus with this set is that while it’s nonstick, it’s free of PFAs, PFOA, PTFE, and heavy metals. Simply put, you’ll get the stress-free qualities of nonstick (just watch those eggs easily slide right out), but there’s no danger of toxic fumes being released during cooking. For being nonstick, it’s also pretty impressive that you can put the pots and pans in the oven up to 550 degrees Fahrenheit. We recommend hand-washing for a longer lifespan, but cleanup should be a breeze due to its slick surfaces.
Maybe you’re choosing this set because you only want the essentials and don’t have space for extra pots and pans at home. Well, you’re sure to appreciate that the product includes modular pan racks for storing the pots and pans upright, along with a canvas lid holder with pockets that you could fix to the inside of a cabinet.
Price at time of publish: $395
Pieces Included: 10.5-inch fry pan, 4.5-quart sauté pan with lid, a 5-quart Dutch oven, and a 3-quart saucepan with lid (plus pan rack and lid holder)
Construction: Hard-anodized ceramic with diamond-infused thermal; stainless steel handles
Maximum Temperature: 550°F
Induction-Safe: Yes
Best Value: Calphalon Classic 10 Piece Stainless Steel Cookware Set
Pros
For a decent price, this comprehensive set has high-performing pieces that are dishwasher-safe.
Cons
We experienced some sticking and we wished the stockpot was bigger.
While not the most luxurious or highest performing of our picks, this stainless steel set will have pretty much all your bases covered with its ten included pieces, whether you’re frying, stewing, or steaming. The 3-ply stainless steel conducts and retains heat very well. Just be careful since that means some of the handles may require using a pot holder or towel.
We did experience some issues with the design: There was some unexpected overcooking and sticking of rice, and the angle where the sauté pan walls join the bottom of the pan can make for an uncomfortable stirring or whisking experience, but nothing that a little adapting or extra attention cannot solve. When you’re through with cooking, there’s no added stress during cleanup: All the items in this set can go in the dishwasher. It doesn’t get much simpler than that.
Price at time of publish: $300
Pieces Included: 8.5- and 10-inch frypans, 1.5- and 3-quart saucepans with lids, a 3.5-quart sauté pan with lid, an 8-quart stockpot with lid, and an 8.5-inch steamer insert with lid
Construction: 3-ply stainless steel with aluminum
Maximum Temperature: 450°F
Induction-Safe: Yes
Best Nonstick: Made In 7-Piece The Non Stick Set
Pros
These pans scored well in durability, performance, and design during testing.
Cons
The handles could be more comfortable to hold, and the pans are heavier than others on this list.
A nonstick cookware set is a smart choice for those who want their cooking and cleaning to be as fuss-free as possible. Included in this well-rounded set are a fry pan, saucepan, sauté pan, and stock pot. During testing, we found the set performed well, thanks to its nonstick capability and heat retention, and each pan felt roomy and uncrowded. Apart from its modern, attractive design, these pans are 100% non-toxic and made without PFOA. Although the handles aren't the most comfortable to hold, we appreciate the safety notch that lets you know where to stop your hand from burning yourself when using this cookware. In addition, we liked the beveled lip on all pieces that allow for easy pouring with minimal drips or spills.
If you frequently move cookware from the stovetop to the oven, note that this set is only oven-safe up to 500 degrees Fahrenheit. We did find this set to be heavier than some others we've handled, but not too heavy to prevent us from giving it a strong recommendation. If you’re working with gas, electric, or induction and want a large cookware set that ranks high in durability and performance, this is an excellent choice.
Price at time of publish: $599
Pieces Included: 10-inch frying pan, 4-quart saucepan with lid, 4-quart sauté pan with lid, 8-quart stock pot with lid
Construction: 5-ply stainless steel with two layers of professional-grade nonstick coating
Maximum Temperature: 500°F
Induction-Safe: Yes
Best Stainless Steel: Hestan ProBond Collection Professional Clad 10 Piece Stainless Steel Cookware Set
Pros
Great for home cooks and professionals alike, this durable, sleek cookware set delivers high performance.
Cons
We noticed some sticking during our tests.
For a stainless steel cookware set, we’re big fans of this one from Hestan, which earned high marks in our tests for its design, performance, and sturdiness. Pick up any piece of this collection, and you’ll feel how well-made it is with its balance and durability. They’re also comfortable to use, given the ergonomic, riveted handles that offer extra stability, though we found the stockpot difficult to handle.
While testing this set, we found even heat distribution to be a strong point, with the expected slight concentration in the center, but otherwise, no hot spots outside of the center. In our rice cooking test, we found that some rice stuck to a few areas of the saucepan, requiring extra cleaning with a sponge and detergent. However, we are happy to report the rivets don’t hide any food bits.
With its excellent overall performance and design, we still think this set deserves a spot in any well-rounded kitchen. You will be able to use the set for a long time due to its quality construction and compatibility with all cooktops (even induction).
Price at time of publish: $899
Pieces Included: 8.5- and 110-inch frypan, 1.5- and 3-quart saucepan with lid, 3.5-quart sauté pan with lid, 8-quart stockpot with lid
Construction: 3-ply stainless steel with aluminum
Maximum Temperature: 600°F
Induction-Safe: Yes
Best Cast Iron: Le Creuset 5-Piece Signature Set
Pros
This colorful, artisanal cookware set will bring a spark of joy to your cooking along with quality performance.
Cons
There isn’t much variety in the pieces included, and it’s expensive.
This cookware set is beautiful in terms of both its design and craftsmanship. It’s available in a wide range of eye-popping colors, and it's made with enameled cast iron that retains heat well, minimizes sticking, and is easy to wipe down when cleaning. While it may feel super precious, there’s a lot of practicality with this set since there’s no seasoning required, the knobs for the lid are oven safe, too, and the enamel is resistant to staining and chipping. The items are even dishwasher-safe if you can believe it. We still say to handwash it, though.
One big drawback with this set is that despite the high price, you still don’t get as many useful pieces of cookware as other sets. There’s no large frypan or sauté pan here. But you do get a signature Dutch oven from the famous brand that may make up for it.
Price at time of publish: $820
Pieces Included: 9-inch skillet, a 1.75-quart saucepan with lid, and a 5.5-quart Dutch oven with lid
Construction: Enameled cast iron, stainless steel knobs
Maximum Temperature: 500°F
Induction-Safe: Yes
Best Copper: Mauviel Copper M’200 CI 5-Piece Cookware Set
Pros
You get the benefits of copper and the advantages of some other materials with this refined cookware set.
Cons
It’s a big price to pay for a few pieces, and it doesn’t work with induction cooktops.
There’s just something about copper kitchenware and tools that exude elegance. That, plus the durability of the material, makes a copper cookware set something that could easily become a family heirloom. Coming from a French manufacturer famous for its copper products, this collection combines the beauty and heat conductivity of copper with nonreactive stainless steel surfaces and comfortable cast-iron handles. That means no funny metallic flavors transferred from the copper to your food, and the handles are sturdy and easy to maneuver.
If you want this set and have an induction cooktop, you’ll need to buy the separate Mauviel Interface Induction Disk to use under the pots and pans. Otherwise, the items are good to go in the oven, broiler, and freezer. One day, you may want to add a sauté pan and/or a stockpot to your collection since this set doesn’t come with either.
Price at time of publish: $1,199
Pieces Included: 10.25-inch frypan, and 2- and 3-quart saucepans with lids
Construction: Two-millimeter copper and stainless steel; cast-iron handles
Maximum Temperature: 600°F
Induction-Safe: No
Best All-In-One: Our Place Home Cook Duo
Pros
This stylish, versatile set covers a lot of cooking needs in just two main pieces of cookware with its unique design and add-ons.
Cons
It has a low oven-safe temperature compared to other cookware sets.
More doesn’t always mean better. Whether you’re working with a small kitchen or simply prefer to go the minimalist route, this small set could be the perfect fit. Upon first glance, it may seem like you just have a pan and pot, but look closer and you’ll see that there’s a lot of stackable functionality, like a custom roasting rack for the pot, that can also be used as a steamer, or the steamer basket that can be used with the pan. You even get a beechwood spoon and spatula that are designed to nest right into the cookware. As much as this set can do, it’s really not great for finishing recipes in the oven since it’s only safe up to 425 degrees Fahrenheit. When we first got our hands on the new and improved Our Place pan, we were impressed by its versatility, improved ceramic coating, and already thoughtful design.
Looking at more technical specs, we appreciate that the nonstick ceramic coating used for both the pot and the pan is PFOA-, PTFE-, lead-, and cadmium-free. It’s also nice how lightweight both items are without sacrificing durability. The cherry on top is the gorgeous color options, which are not what you usually see offered with cookware, including a vibrant electric blue to a pretty, soft lavender.
Price at time of publish: $310
Pieces Included: 10-inch pan with a nesting spatula and steamer basket and a 5.5-quart pot with lid and nesting spoon
Construction: Heavy-gauge aluminum with ceramic coating
Maximum Temperature: 425°F
Induction-Safe: Yes
Our Favorite
We named the Made In The Stainless Sets 6-piece as our overall favorite cookware set because of its variety, quality construction, and outstanding performance. For a totally nonstick option, the Caraway Nonstick Ceramic Set and Made In Non Stick Set are great for their usability and non-toxic materials.
Factors to Consider
Material
Stainless steel cookware is durable and long-lasting, so you don’t have to worry so much about chipping, warping, rusting, or any special maintenance with cleaning. It’s also non-reactive, which means that you won’t unintentionally flavor your food with a metallic taste while cooking, and it’s okay to cook acidic foods like tomato sauce inside.
Cast iron holds heat well, so once you get it hot, it’ll stay hot for a while. You can cook with cast iron on a variety of surfaces, including induction and even an open fire (if the cast iron is uncoated, that is). There’s a big difference between uncoated cast iron, which requires seasoning and special care, and coated cast iron, which is often made with a layer of enamel that minimizes sticking and rusting.
Nonstick is a favorite of many home cooks because of how easy it is to use. It’s specifically designed so that food doesn’t get stuck on it, making it less of a hassle while frying up food and also while wiping it down afterward. To protect this coating, you have to be careful about what utensils you use on it and how you clean it. The nonstick may come from a specific synthetic coating or from ceramic.
Copper cookware conducts heat quickly and evenly (and cools quickly), so it’s useful for dishes that require delicate heat control. A more expensive material, copper is reactive, so depending on how the cookware is made, you have to be careful when working with acidic foods. A lot of copper cookware actually has an interior coated with tin or stainless steel to avoid this issue.
Versatility
There are small cookware sets with just four or five pieces, and there are large cookware sets with 10 or 12 pieces. When looking at the number of pieces included, keep in mind that most places count each lid as a separate item. Stripping things to the bare minimum, we think having at least a frying pan, a saucepan, and a stockpot for everyday cooking needs is essential. Whether you want a set that throws in multiple versions of those items in different sizes plus other cookware like a sauté pan or a Dutch oven depends on what you like to cook and how many people you’re cooking for.
Maintenance
The type of material you choose for your cookware will affect what kind of maintenance you’ll need to do. Maybe you like the ease of nonstick when cooking, but the trade-off is hand-washing without any abrasive materials to protect that coating. Other cookware (stainless steel, for example) may be totally dishwasher-safe. If you’re going to invest in a cookware set, make sure you’re ready to give it the proper maintenance required to get the longest life out of your buy.
Frequently Asked Questions
What pieces should you look for in a cookware set?
You can find cookware sets with any assortment of pieces, but it’s standard to have at least one frying pan, sauté pan, saucepan, and a stockpot or a Dutch oven. With those four items, you can fry food, sear meat, simmer sauces, braise dishes, boil ingredients, cook soups and stews, and more.
“My go-to piece is an excellent nonstick sauté pan; this is a must,” says Maxcel Hardy, restaurateur and head chef of JEDs Detroit and COOP Detroit. The Dutch oven is also one of his must-haves. “It's a perfect piece for some quick and simple recipes,” he adds. “A saucepan and an omelet pan are also good to have in a set.”
What is the best material for cookware?
The best material for cookware is a matter of personal preference. It depends heavily on how you like to cook and what food you cook the most often. For example, if you’re new to cooking, you might prefer nonstick for the low risk of food getting stuck on the pan. “I like nonstick pans because it gives a little forgiveness when cooking,” Hardy says. “Nothing will stick and it is a little tougher to burn your dish.
Many professionals opt for stainless steel because of how durable and indestructible it is, but there is a learning curve to using it and preventing food from sticking. Really, each material has its pros and cons. Hardy says copper is also nice, saying it “helps food cook evenly because of the heat distribution.”
Are nonstick cookware sets safe?
Nonstick cookware is safe as long as you follow some simple steps to protect the coating. For example, don’t exceed the maximum recommended temperature on the stovetop or oven while using it, don’t use metal utensils that could scratch its surface, and take the time to clean it properly by hand. Otherwise, you risk damaging the cookware’s coating, which can potentially result in the release of toxic fumes. For extra peace of mind, you can look for nonstick products that are PFAS-, PFOA-, lead-, and cadmium-free.
“It is essential to wash your nonstick pan with good dish soap and a soft scrub versus a metal scrub brush,” Hardy says. “You don't want to scrub the nonstick off. As long as you use newer PFOA-free nonstick cookware, you should have no worries in the safety department.”
What is a hard-anodized cookware set?
“Anodized cookware is aluminum that is sealed and fused with nonstick coating, which is suitable for cooking food at high temperatures and great for braising and stewing meats,” Hardy says. “It is also good when cooking food with high acidity levels. It is also one of the easiest metals to clean and maintain.”
Compared to traditional nonstick, hard-anodized cookware is considered more durable, and compared to stainless steel, it has more of a nonstick quality. The flip side is that this type of cookware is best preserved with hand-washing and most likely isn’t induction-safe unless it has a magnetic base.
Our Expertise
Cindy Brzostowski is a freelance writer and avid home cook who has previous experience in cookbook publishing. Her writing has been featured in Allrecipes, Blue Apron, The Kitchn, and EatingWell among other publications. For additional insights, she spoke to Maxcel Hardy, restaurateur and head chef of JEDs Detroit and COOP Detroit.
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