Shop Pots and Pans & Cookware Sets

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.

Cookware Sets

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.

Good Housekeeping participates in various affiliate marketing programs, which means we may get paid commissions on editorially chosen products purchased through our links to retailer gotham steel cookware sets sites. For many people, washing dishes by hand is their worst nightmare. If eggs are a regular part of your breakfast, an egg poacher can definitely make your life easier.

However, even if your pans are dishwasher safe, you can extend their life by handwashing carefully in warm, soapy water after each use. Remember to never use scouring pans on non-stick pots and pans. If you notice scratches or flaking in your non-stick cookware, it’s time to replace them immediately. Dents and scratches in your other pans may be cosmetic, but they might also cause the food in the pan to heat unevenly. As for cast iron, even the most neglected, rusty cast iron can be revived, but if you aren’t going to take the time to do that, pass it along and replace it with a new set.

This seven-piece cookware set from direct-to-consumer brand Caraway is the perfect blend of performance and design. The selection is thoughtfully curated, and each set is available in a variety of stylish hues with a modern silhouette that looks great on the stovetop. Included are a 10.5-inch fry pan, a 4.5-quart sauté pan with lid, a 3-quart saucepan with lid, and a 6.5-inch Dutch oven with lid—all compatible with any cooktop, including induction.

Once you’re done, these stackable pieces nest easily into one another. The Caraway Ceramic Coated Set is an eco-friendly alternative to traditional nonstick pots and pans — and it’s available in six attractive colors. The more pieces in the set, the more storage space you’ll probably need. With that said, if you lack space, either look for a smaller or stackable set. “In general, sets with larger pieces are better buys unless you cook in very small quantities,” noted Franke. The highlight here is Scanpan’s signature 5-layer nonstick—called “stratanium”—which had a slightly different feel than other pans and was highly effective at preventing sticks.