Our testers started by looking at the overall design of the set, observing the materials, quantity and quality of cookware pieces, storage capabilities, shapes, and any extra features. Then they performed two tests to evaluate temperature consistency using medium and high heat, placing them on a stovetop and in an oven. With a delicious tomato sauce as their test subject, they looked for any signs of scorching. Then, to test overall performance, these in-house chefs prepared two dishes—a classic French omelette and rice pilaf — checking to see if the eggs or rice stuck to the pans. Afterward, they scrubbed the pans to evaluate how easy they were to clean.
However, you should note that all anodized cookware isn’t necessarily nonstick. Because ceramic is non-conductive, meaning it reacts slowly to heat and retains it gotham steel cookware sets well, it’s ideal for slow, steady cooking. Thus, fully ceramic cookware typically comprises roasting pans and casserole dishes that are intended only for oven use.
Wash the utensil with a cloth dipped in pure distilled vinegar to remove stains from non-stick cooking pans. When storing nonstick cookware, hang it up rather than stacking or jamming it into cupboards or drawers. Additionally, it is the best cookware choice we discovered for induction cooktops.
If you don’t need quite as many pieces, check out the 12- and 14-piece sets, too. If you plan on using your cookware in the oven, make sure that the whole thing is safe for use at high temperatures — some options gotham steel cookware sets aren’t oven-friendly at all. If you’re still unsure which size to buy, grab a measuring cup and pour one quart of water into a bowl. It will help you visualize what you’ll get with each saucepan size.
Consumer Reports buys and tests stainless and nonstick cookware sets, Dutch ovens, and a variety of frying pans, including nonstick, stainless, cast iron, carbon steel, and copper. Made of stainless steel with an aluminum core, they areinduction compatible, oven safe to 550 degrees, and dishwasher safe for easy cleaning. The varying sizes of the pans and the fact that they can all go in the oven contribute to this set’s versatility. The long handles stay comfortably cool during cooking and have hanging holes for storage, but our tester did caution that the side loop handles can get quite hot. Everything but the open skillets and the steamer insert come with lids.
You don’t want a wobbly handle to cause hot food to slop out of the pan. Circulon brand is manufactured by Meyer and features nonstick products. Prices are midrange, and this cookware is available online and in department stores, gotham steel cookware sets specialty stores, Bed Bath & Beyond, and Target. Real copper cookware provides quick and even cooking, and cools down quickly, providing maximum control. Look for heavy-gauge copper (1⁄16- to 1⁄8-inch thick) for longest wear.