The best cookware set is one that is versatile and durable with all the essential pieces. A pots and pans set that matches your kitchen interior design is an added bonus.
We scoured through all of the best cookware set brands to find the best cookware set for your needs in the kitchen. This list includes a variety of cookware types including the best stainless steel cookware set, best nonstick cookware set, and best cast iron cookware set.
Top 8 Best Cookware Sets On The Market
Aside from cookware type, and also the cookware materials of cookware sets, we also look into other aspects that influence your decision. For example, we considered how much kitchen cabinet storage it takes up and the design of the pots and pans set.
Take a look at our final choices for the best cookware sets currently on the market. Which one do you see yourself cooking within your kitchen, to aid you in making the most scrumptious meals?
1. Anolon Advanced 11-Piece Cookware Set
Best Cookware Set Overall
Our winner for the best cookware set is the Anolon Advanced Hard Anodized Nonstick set. It has durable quality, a variety of oven safe and dishwasher safe pieces and good value for money.
An interesting feature of these pots and pans is that both the inside and outside are nonstick surfaces which make for easy cleanup after cooking. Another advantage is that each piece is oven safe for up to 400°F which is rare with nonstick cookware sets.
The pots and pans are constructed using a triple layer that has twice the strength of stainless steel and is resistant to scratches from metal utensils. The lids are made of tempered glass that locks in flavors and nutrients.
Set includes:
1 x 1.5 quarts saucepan with lid
1 x 3 quarts saucepan with lid
1 x 3 quarts saute pan with lid
1 x 12-inch skillet with lid
1 x 8.5-inch French skillet
1 x 8 quarts stock pot with lid
2. Calphalon Premier Space Saving Hard Anodized Aluminium Cookware Set
Best High-End Cookware Set
This Calphalon cookware set is everything that you want in a cookware set. It is nonstick, made of durable materials, stackable, dishwasher and oven safe and very beautiful making this the best cookware set on our list.
The pots and pans of this Calphalon cookware set are made of nonstick hard anodized aluminum with flat tempered glass lids and strong stainless steel handles. The nonstick interiors are made of three layers that are resistant to scratches from metal cooking utensils.
The stainless steel handles are easy to grip loop handles that do not get hot when cooking on the stove top. You don’t have to restrict yourself to the stove top through – each piece in the set is safe for use inside an oven of up to 450 °F.
Another great feature earning this Calphalon best cookware set title is that each piece stacks on top of each other. The flat lids are made of tempered glass and each piece has the same diameter making stacking easy and saving you 30% more space in the kitchen.
Set includes:
1 x 8-inch frying pan
1 x 10-inch frying pan
1 x 2.5 quarts saucepan with lid
1 x 3.5 quarts saucepan with lid
1 x 4.5 quarts soup pan with lid
1 x 3 quarts saute pan with lid
1 x 5 quarts sauteuse with lid
1 x 8 quarts stock pot with lid
3. H0melabs 15-Piece Non-Stick Cookware Set with Cooking Utensils
Best Budget Cookware Set
This starter cookware set by H0meLabs is a great housewarming gift for your friend’s first apartment. It comes with 15 nonstick pots and pans and even includes the basic cooking utensils.
The pots and pans are made of aluminum with a nonstick interior, enamel body and handle that do not get hot. It is a versatile set with sizes varying from 1 to 4.2 quarts.
The glass lids are vented but do not let any steam out or oil splatter when closed. Although the pots can handle oven use up to 300 °F, the lids are not safe for use in the oven.
Set includes:
1 x long handle 1-quart pot with lid
1 x long handle saute pan
1 x long handle 1.3 quarts pot with lid
1 x short handles 1.75 quarts pot with lid
1 x short handles 4.2 quarts pot with lid
1 x long handle frying pan
1 x slotted spoon
1 x slotted spatula
1 x spaghetti server
1 x soup ladle
1 x potato masher
4. H0meLabs Yellow Ceramic 8-Piece Cookware Set
Best Ceramic Cookware Set
These bright yellow ceramic pots and pans are the best cookware set for homey country style kitchen. The yellow is modern while the wood handle and white ceramic interior has a rustic quality.
A cool design feature is the slanted sides of both frying pans in the set. This slight angle allows for easier flipping.
The pieces are made of nonstick and scratch-free durable die-cast aluminum with a white marble coating for quick and even distribution of heat. The bottoms are a spiral bottom which means that each piece is safe for an induction stovetop, too.
The pots include steam-release lids but neither the lids nor the pots and frying pans are oven safe. They do all feature Bakelite handles which do not get hot during cooking.
Set includes:
1 x 2.8 quarts Dutch oven with lid
1 x 5 quarts Dutch oven with lid
1 x 4 quarts shallow casserole with lid
1 x 1.3 quarts angled frying pan
1 x 1.7 quarts angled frying pan
5. Lodge Seasoned Cast Iron 5-Piece Bundle
Best Cast Iron Cookware Set
There is nothing more rustic than cast iron cooking and this is the best cookware set that captures that spirit. It is a small cookware set but includes the essentials for full flavor cast iron cooked dishes.
Lodge is a small family run business in Tennessee. Their seasoned cast iron pieces are layered with vegetable and then baked at high temperatures which gives the interior a naturally easy-release surface.
Taking care of cast iron pots and pans is different from other cookware materials since the seasoned layer must be preserved. This means that these pieces are not dishwasher safe and cannot be scoured with a metal sponge.
Also, remember that when you start using cast iron pans you might notice oil bubbles that leave a brown stain which is normal and safe. Stay gentle with cast iron pans and only use nylon brushes and hot water for washing or a very mild soap.
More experienced cooks can add seasoning to the cast iron cookware set. Browse online for recommendations and how to season a cast iron pan.
Set includes:
1 x 10.5 inch round griddle
1 x 8-inch skillet
1 x 10.25-inch skillet
1 x 10.25-inch iron lid
1 x 5 quarts Dutch oven
6. Cuisinart MCP – 12N Multiclad Pro Stainless Steel 12-Piece Cookware Set
Best Stainless Steel Cookware Set
Sometimes simple stainless steel is the best cookware set and this Cuisinart cookware set is one of the best examples of stainless steel cookware set. Proper stainless steel cookware does not react with food which prevents any changes to the flavors in the dish which might occur with a cast iron cookware set, for example.
It is a sturdy design with a Triple-Ply aluminum core for efficient and even heat distribution. Each piece, including the lids, are oven safe for temperatures up to 500°F.
The handles are made of stainless steel as well but thanks to the Cool Grip Technology they will not get hot on the stove top. The stainless steel lids are a snug fit that prevents the loss of flavor and nutrients while cooking.
This Cuisinart cookware set guarantees a lasting quality that will stay functional and scratch-free for the next generation. It is a minimal and classic design that fits into any kitchen style.
Set includes:
1 x 1.5 quarts saucepan with lid
1 x 3 quarts saucepan with lid
1 x 3.5 quarts saute pan with lid
1 x 8 quarts stockpot with lid
1 x steamer insert with lid
1 x 8-inch open skillet
1 x 10-inch open skillet
7. Magma Products 10-Piece Nesting Stainless Steel Cookware Set
Best Complete Cookware Set for Small Kitchens
Just because you have limited kitchen cabinet storage space, does not mean you do not enjoy cooking. This 10-piece stainless steel set is the best cookware set for small kitchens.
This is not a stacking cookware set but a nesting cookware set which means there is a size gradient that allows the pieces to fit inside of each other. At the end you are only taking up the space of its largest pot while the other cookware pieces are secured inside it with a bungee-like storage cord.
The kitchen storage solution to this cookware set are the removable handles and the lids that fit all pieces. Yes, you only have lids for two pieces at a time but you get a lot of extra storage space in return.
The pots and pans are made of marine grade stainless steel with a sleek mirror finish. Magma Products uses Tri-Clad Technology which consists of three layers that allow for even heat distribution.
The entire set is safe for use in the oven, including the lids. All pieces are also safe for in cleaning in the dishwasher.
Set includes:
1 x 10 inch saute pan/frying pan
1 x 1.5 quarts saucepan
1 x 2 quarts saucepan
1 x 3 quarts saucepan
1 x 5 quarts stockpot
1 x lid for saucepans
1 x lid for stockpot and saute pan/frying pan
2 x removable handles
1 x bungee storage cord
8. Circulon Premier Professional 13-Piece Hard-Anodized Cookware Set
Bonus Feature – Most Beautiful Cookware Set
The final best cookware set recommendation is a bonus. This Circulon cookware earned a spot for its beautiful and functional design.
These stainless steel pots and pans have a unique chocolate bronze finish and an Autograph nonstick interior. The pieces are scratch-resistant for metal utensils, oven safe for up to 400°F and dishwasher safe.
The combination of the hard-anodized construction and stainless steel base allows for quick heating and avoids hot spots inside the pan. The nonstick layer is also long lasting because of the grooved design on the bottom.
Set includes:
1 x 1 quart straining saucepan with lid
1 x 2 quarts straining saucepan with lid
1 x 1 quart straining saucepan with lid
1 x 5 quarts saute pan with lid
1 x 8 quarts stock pot with lid
1 x 8.5-inch French skillet
1 x 10 inch Frech skillet
1 x 12-inch French skillet
How to Choose a Cookware Set For Your Kitchen
A cookware set is a long term investment so be considerate in deciding which is the best cookware set for you. Here are a few questions to think about while you are browsing for a cookware set and are looking for a cookware buying guide to help you.
Which Pots and Pans Do I Need in a Cookware Set?
Think about what you like to cook and which cookware pieces are needed for those recipes.
What type of cookware do I need for my favorite recipes?
Different cookware materials can hold different degrees of heat which makes some types more suitable for certain recipes than others.
For example, cast iron cookware sets are best for grilling, stainless steel cookware sets are best for stews and sauces, ceramic cookware sets are good for slow cooking and oven recipes while nonstick cookware sets are good for low heat dishes.
How Much Kitchen Cabinet Storage Space Do I Have?
Cookware sets can take up a lot of space so if you are in need of a kitchen storage solution then go for cookware sets that stack or a nesting cookware set.
What is Your Budget For Your New Cookware Set?
The cookware set price can range anywhere from $50 to $2000 with the best quality cookware sets starting around the $200 budget.
