But there are distinct advantages to buying a full set of cookware in one fell swoop. For one, you’ll save money since most brands offer a discount for the set versus buying each piece individually. Finally, there’s an aesthetic bonus since all your Cookware Sets cookware will match in whichever style you choose. There’s also a seven-piece version of this same set at Walmart for $190 if this feels like too much cookware. The smaller set is the fry pan, chef’s pan and stockpot with lids and a few utensils.
During the process, I also consulted gear pro and kitchen equipment tester, Sharon Franke, a 30-year veteran of the Good Housekeeping Research Institute. After the testing was complete, Nick DeSimone compiled this list. Nick has spent hours and hours on the line Cookware Sets pushing cookware to its maximum capacity. They have nearly a decade of professional kitchen experience and have handled nearly every pot and pan on the market. Over time, they have learned which brands and sets make the cut and which are better left behind.
PTFE starts to break down at 500˚F and can decompose more significantly at or above 660˚F, so use your nonstick pans over a medium or low flame. “If you like nonstick, but worry that the finish won’t last, this might change your mind. This set is very versatile and amazing for high-heat cooking.” Our home tester found the price to be “affordable considering the quality and number of useful pieces you get.” We expect this set to last a long time so it’s definitely an investment worth making. Wirecutter is the product recommendation service from The New York Times. Our journalists combine independent research with over-the-top testing to save people time, energy and money when making buying decisions. Whether it’s finding great products or discovering helpful advice, we’ll help you get it right .
This Rachael Ray set performed well during testing, with testers noting that it cooked evenly and was easy to clean. Testers didn’t love the blue silicone handle as well and preferred a set to have more than one skillet. They did appreciate the 1-quart saucepan, however, and felt that it was a good set for someone who just needs the cooking basics.
The one brand that I considered testing but ultimately did not was Great Jones, which has garnered quite the following and fanbase in recent years. Alas, their Family Style Set is a mix of cast iron, stainless steel and nonstick, and it didn’t meet our criteria. Any heavy high-quality cookware can be reused as long as there is not any physical damage. Nonstick is best for easy cleanup and lower temperature settings.
Some pans are easier to clean than others, and if you are looking for something lower maintenance, it’s important to know ahead of time what you need to do to keep the pans clean and in good shape. If you’re on the hunt for a comprehensive, best all-around set, look no further than our Best Overall pick, the Farberware Dishwasher Safe Nonstick Cookware Pots and Pans Set. For those in the market for an affordable set that doesn’t skimp on design or function, check out the GreenLife Soft Grip Healthy Ceramic Nonstick Set. ✔️ Use medium or low heat to cook with nonstick, but refer to the manufacturer’s instructions for what temperature is best.
If you’re looking for more hardware, there arenine-piece and 12-piece sets available. For a more budget-friendly option, Calphalon makes a reliable 10-piece nonstick set for around $200. After heating up one of the pans, testers cooked up several scallops and found they did not stick, had clean flipping, and were easy to remove from the pan. Testers found that they got similar results when they cooked a frittata as well, noting that there was little sticking and that the pan offers a nice, even sear. After cooking, they noted that the pans could be easily cleaner and had little discoloration. The new-and-improved Anolon Smart Stack is our favorite set for easy storage because the pots easily stack.
And we believe the Tramontina Gourmet 12-Piece Tri-Ply Clad Cookware Set is the best for most home cooks because it offers solid construction at an affordable price. Before you balk at the price, the editors at Cook’s Illustrated point out that this set will last you a lifetime. And the set price is actually a bargain compared to adding up even just a few of the pieces separately. The testers said the cookware browns food perfectly, feels balanced, has stay-cool handles, and holds up very well over time. For what it’s worth, we’re big fans of this set and it was also Wirecutter’s choice for an upgraded pick.
To find the absolute best nonstick cookware sets, we subjected a handful of popular, top-rated brands to rigorous testing, from frying eggs to simmering marinara sauce. If you’re looking for the best overall set, you can’t beat the superior cooking abilities of the All-Clad D3 Stainless Nonstick. For the best value, the T-fal Unlimited Cookware Set is perfect for beginners and those with smaller kitchens. This 10-piece set includes an 8-inch skillet, 10-inch skillet, 2-quart saucepan with lid, 3-quart saucepan with lid, 3-quart deep sauté pan with lid, and 6-quart stockpot with lid.
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. The GreenLife cookware set comes with a healthy ceramic nonstick coating that does not let the food stick to the body. It is derived from sand and free of PFAS, PFOA, lead, and cadmium, ensuring effortless cooking with no side effects. Every pot is equipped with soft grip bakelite handles that stay cool on the stovetop, allowing you to cook with comfort.