Quick Summary: Our overall top choice for the best pot and pans set is the Cuisinart Stainless Steel 12-Piece Cookware Set. We love this stainless steel cookware because of its durability. It is dishwasher safe and has cool grip handles that make it very practical to use in your kitchen on an everyday basis.
Finding the top cookware set can make all the difference to your cooking and make your life in the kitchen much easier. Among other things, this will help to prevent food sticking to the inside of the pan (thus preventing burning), it will shrink the amount of time you spend washing up and it will ensure that your food is all evenly heated through.
In short, getting the right kitchen set will make you want to spend more time cooking and actually enjoy that time as well. You’ll eat better meals because of it and this can impact on everything from the quality time you get with your family, to your health and physique. And there’s more to it than that too!
Did you know that some cookware sets can be toxic to your health, while others add to the nutritional value of your food? And did you know that there are some culinary feats that are only possible with specific types of cookware?
There’s a lot to think about here. So how do you go about finding the right cookware set for you? What things should you look for when buying pots and pans? What material is best?
This article will answer all those questions and more. This is your complete buyers guide to finding the top cookware set, complete with popular cookware set reviews and information on what to look out for.
Quick Navigation
- Top Kitchen Cookware Sets Comparisons
- Top 10 Kitchen Cookware Sets
- What Features Make The Perfect Cookware Set For You?
- What Are The Top Cookware Brands?
- What Is The Best Type Of Cookware Material?
- Final Verdict
Top Kitchen Cookware Sets Comparisons
 | 1. Cuisinart Multiclad Pro Stainless Steel Cookware Set (Best Overall) A comprehensive 12-piece stainless steel cookware set. All items have a pure aluminum core for excellent heat conductivity. Suitable for all cooktops. Dishwasher safe and oven safe up to 500°F. | |
 | 2. Paula Deen Signature Collection This is one of the best cookware sets because of its non-stick finish that makes cleaning up a breeze, and also means that your meal won’t end up stuck to your pan. This 15-piece set includes a 6-quart saucepan, 8 and 10-inch frying pans, and even a 5-piece measuring spoon set. | |
 | In this pots and pans set with non-stick coating, the spiral bottom is designed to heat evenly with any heat source (electric or gas). One thing to note, this set is not dishwasher safe, and you will need to hand wash these pots and pans. | |
 | Rachael Ray puts her name behind one of the best set of pots and pans on the market. This 12-piece cookware set is available in a variety of colors, so if you are looking to match the decor of your home, you will have plenty of options to choose from. | |
 | 5. DuxTop Stainless Steel 17 Piece Induction Set This is a great option because it is a 17-piece cookware set and can be used on an induction stove. The lifetime limited warranty means you can use this set without being worried about damaging any components. The stock pot is a great option if you make a lot of soups or stews. | |
 | This 10-piece set includes a 12-inch frying pan with pour spouts, so you can easily pour liquids. There are also 5-quart and 3-quart saucepans with lids, as well as a Dutch oven, which isn’t something you’ll find in every cookware set. With silicone grips, it is easy to handle this cookware set while you are cooking. | |
 | 7. Nutrichef Nonstick Cookware Arguably one of the best non-stick cookware sets on the market, this option includes some additional items such as a spatula, pasta fork, and soup ladle. The cookware can be used in an oven and is safe up to 500°F, making this a good option if you frequently cook at higher temperatures. | |
 | This cookware set is made from hard-anodized aluminum, which is great for even heat distribution. It is an 11-piece cookware set, which includes an 8-quart covered stockpot. The anodized non-stick coating means you do not have to worry about food sticking, but you should be careful using metal utensils on the pans, as they can scratch the coating and make it ineffective. | |
 | 9. All Clad Copper Cookware Set This cookery set is dishwasher safe and made from copper and one of the best cooking ware sets on the market. The 14-piece cookware set includes all the pots and pans you could need, such as a 10-inch skillet and a 12-inch skillet, an 8-quart stockpot, a 3-quart sauté pan, and a 6-quart sauté pan. | |
 | 10. Calphalon 10 Piece Cookware set Well-known among chefs, this anodized non-stick cookware set is one of the best on the market. The stainless steel cookware set can withstand high heats and includes a 3-quart pan, as well as an 8-inch and 10-inch frying pan. |
Top 10 Kitchen Cookware Sets
It can be challenging shopping for kitchenware, since there are so many options to choose from! Fortunately, we have done the hard work and the research for you.
Take a look at our reviews for the top 10 cookware sets. We will outline the pros and cons of each of the best pots and pans set, and provide a detailed description of what is offered in each set.
Best Overall
1. Cuisinart Multiclad Pro Stainless Steel 12-Piece Cookware Set
What you will love: Our top choice, the Cuisinart 12-piece cookware set has tight-fitting stainless steel covers work to seal in all of the food’s natural juices and nutrients, which means you will never lose out on flavor or nutrients. This alone makes this one of the best sets on the market.
In this set, you will find pots and pans including 1½ and 3-quart covered saucepans; 8 and 10-inch skillets; 3½-quart covered sauté pan; 8-quart stockpot and a steamer insert with lid.
Some of the best features of Cuisinart Multiclad Pro Cookware set:
- The tight-fitting covers mean you can simmer for hours, giving your meals a richer flavor.
- The sauté pan is great for cooking up a stir fry.
- Most sets do not have a steamer insert, which is a great way to steam fresh vegetables.
Pros:
- Dishwasher safe.
- Can be used on induction cooktops.
- Tight-fitting lids.
- Oven safe up to 550°F
Cons:
- Food can stick to the skillet if cooked at a high temperature.
Best Budget
2. Paula Deen Signature Nonstick Cookware 15 Piece Pots and Pans Set
What you will love: Next on our list, this is one of the top cookware sets because it is non-stick and will not stain. You will love the oven safe handles that do not require you to use oven mitts, even when you are cooking hot items over the stove all day.
In this 15-piece set, you will get all of these pans included: 1-quart and 2-quart saucepans with lids, 6-quart sauce pot with lid, 2.75-quart sauté pan with lid, 8-inch and 10-inch frying pans, 5-piece measuring spoon set.
Some of the best features of Paula Deen Signature Collectiont:
- Dishwasher safe, so you will never struggle with cleaning oils and grease off of any of these pots and pans.
- The shatter-resistant lids lock in heat, so you can heat evenly while you are cooking.
- The measuring spoon set is a bonus feature that most other cookware sets do not include, and you can always use an extra measuring spoon set!
Pros:
- Dishwasher safe
- 15 pieces, including some extra measuring spoons
- Shatter resistant lids
- Oven safe handles
Cons:
- Only safe in ovens up to 350°F.
Best Non-Sticky Set
3. AmazonBasics Non-Stick 8-Piece Pots and Pans Set
What you will love: This 15 piece cookware set from Amazon is small in size, but very versatile.
The 15-piece AmazonBasics nonstick cookware set includes a 10-inch fry pan, 1.5-qt saucepan with lid, 8-inch fry pan, 2-qt saucepan with lid, 3-quart casserole pan with lid, 5-quart casserole pan with lid, and 5-piece utensil set with pasta server, soup ladle, slotted turner, serving spoon, and slotted serving spoon.
Some of the best features of AmazonBasics 15 Piece Cookware set:
- The spiral bottom means that you can cook with this cookware on almost any heat source from gas to electric, but be advised that these are not to be used on an induction stovetop.
- The casserole dish is good for baking just about anything you desire, from a hot casserole to a cake for dessert.
- Non-stick, so you can fry up your favorites without worrying about them sticking to the pan.
Pros:
- Nonstick
- Comfortable soft-touch handles
- Spiral bottom for even heating
Cons:
- Not Dishwasher safe
Best Aluminum Cookware Set
4. Rachael Ray Cucina Nonstick Cookware Pots and Pans 12 Piece Set
What you will love: If you are looking for a fun color option, look no further. Matching your pans to your home decor has never been easier with this cookware from Rachel Ray.
With this 12 piece set, you will get all of the following: 1 Quart and 3 qt Saucepans with Lids, six Quart Stockpot with Lid, 8.5 Inch and 10 Inch Frying Pans, 3 Quart Sauté Pan with Lid, Slotted Turner and Spoon
Some of the best features of Rachel Ray NonStick Pots & Pans:
- The vibrant colors are unique, but be sure to take care and hand wash these pots, so that the colors don’t fade.
- Easy to handle, the rubberized stainless steel handles will help protect your hands from the heat of what you are cooking.
- Oven safe up to 400°F, you should be able to cook your favorite dishes either on the stovetop or in the oven.
Pros:
- Bonus slotted turner and spoon
- Variety of colors
- Dual-riveted rubberized stainless steel handles
- Shatter resistant lids
Cons:
- Can stain if not hand washed
Best Induction Cookware
5. Duxtop Professional 17 Pieces Stainless Steel Induction Cookware Set With Impact-bonded Technology
What you will love: One of the best stainless steel cookware set on the market with a beautiful clean, shiny look.
With 17 pieces, this large set includes – 8 and 9.5 inch frying pans; 1.6 Quart, 2.5 Quart sauce pans with lids; 8.6 Quart stock pot with lid; 4.2 Quart casserole with lid; 5.5 Quart Saute pan with helper and lid; 9.5 inch pasta basket and steam basket; 3 piece kitchen tools.
Some of the best features of DuxTop Stainless Steel 17 Piece Induction Set:
- If you have an induction stove, you know it can be difficult to find the right pots and pans. Fortunately, this cookware set is one of the best options as it can be used on any heat source – gas, electric, or induction cook tops.
- The ergonomically shaped handles are designed to help you cook safely over long periods of time.
- Dishwasher safe and oven safe up to 550°F, this is commercial grade equipment. If you consider yourself a home chef, you will want this stainless steel cookware.
Pros:
- Top choice for induction stove
- Stainless steel for durability
- 17 pieces
- Oven safe up to 550°F
Cons:
- The large size of this set means you’ll need plenty of storage space.
Best for Space Saving
6. T-fal All-in-One Dishwasher Safe 10-Piece Set
What you will love: This is one of the only sets that include a dutch oven, which is a great tool for your kitchen.
A versatile set, you will get the following – 12” frying pan with pour spouts, 11 inch sauté pan with pour spouts, 1. 5 qt saucepan with lid, 3 qt Saucepan with lid, 5 quart deep pot with lid, 1. 5 quart plastic lid, 3 quart plastic lid.
Some of the best features of T-Fal pots and pans Set:
- Designed to be stored to save space in your kitchen, this set stacks well.
- This stove is versatile in that it includes plastic lids. This means you can go from cooking on the stove to storing leftovers in your fridge without dirtying another container.
- While it is a dishwasher safe set, in order to ensure the nonstick components hold up, consider hand washing these pans.
Pros:
- Dishwasher safe
- Dutch oven included
- Lifetime limited warranty
- Plastic lids for leftovers
Cons:
- Hand washing is recommended
Best for Design
7. Nutrichef Nonstick Cookware Excilon Home Kitchen Ware 11 Piece Pots & Pan Set
What you will love: One of the best nonstick options, if you are sick of food sticking to your pans, look no further.
This set has some extra cooking utensils as well, and you would receive – 7 quart saucepan pot with lid, a 6 qt dutch oven pot with lid, 1 quart cooking pot with lid, 11 inch large fry pan, 8 inch small fry pan, soup ladle, pasta fork, and spatula.
Some of the best features of Nutrichef Nonstick Cookware set:
- The silicone grips are designed so you can safely handle this cookware without needing potholders.
- The see-through lids are great for you to be able to monitor what is cooking without taking off the lid and losing the heat source.
- This set also includes a deep pot, so if you cook a lot of soups and stews, consider this for the dutch oven alone.
Pros:
- Extra cooking utensils included
- Silicone Touch Handle Grips
- Dutch oven included
- See-through lids
Cons:
- Lids can get hot
Best Hard Anodized Set
8. Anolon Advanced Hard Anodized Nonstick 11 Piece Cookware Pots and Pans Set
What you will love: The hard-anodized construction is great for even heat distribution, ensuring nothing burns or is under cooked.
You get a lot with this set, including – 1. 5 and 3 quart Covered Saucepans, 8 Quart covered stockpot, 8 inch and 10 inch French skillets, 12” grill pan, and 3 quart Covered sauté pan.
Some of the best features of Anolon Nonstick cookware:
- The Sure Grip handles are designed to be durable. You can easily lift and carry these pots even if they are full of a heavy soup.
- The lids are shatter resistant, so even if they get dropped, they should hold up well.
- This is one of the few nonstick pots and pans that is safe to use with metal utensils. Normally, the metal can scratch and ruin the nonstick surface, but not in this case.
Pros:
- Hard anodized for even heating
- Sure Grip Handle
- Shatter resistant lids
- Nonstick is safe to use with metal utensils
Cons:
- Handles can get hot
Read more here: Best Anodized Cookware To Buy Online
Best High End Cooking Ware
9. All-Clad Copper Core 5-Ply Bonded Dishwasher Safe 14-Piece Cookware Set
What you will love: This All Clad set is known for its durability. 5-ply bonded construction with stainless steel, aluminum, and a thick copper core is designed to make sure your food cooks evenly.
14 pieces, this set includes – 10 inch and 12” fry pans, 2 quart and 3 quart covered sauce pans, 3 quart and 6 qt covered sauté pans, 12 inch covered chef’s pan and an 8 quart covered stockpot.
Some of the best features of All Clad Copper Core Cookware Set:
- It’s tough; this set was built to last and will be around in your kitchen for years.
- The stainless steel handles will never bend or break.
- All Clad is well known, and a reliable brand. All Clad has excellent customer service and will work with you if you have any issues with your purchase.
Pros:
- 5 ply bonded construction
- Reliable
- Responds quickly to change in temperatures and hating
- Riveted Stainless Steel handles
- Durable and lifetime warranty
Cons:
- Handles get hot quickly
Best Stainless Steel Cookware
10. Calphalon Classic Stainless Steel Pots And Pans 10-Piece Set
What you will love: One of the most well known brands on our list, this aluminum set can be used in a broiler, which not many sets can be.
You will get a variety of items – 8 inch Fry Pan, 10 inch Fry Pan, 1.5 qt; Sauce Pan with cover, 2.5 qt; Sauce Pan with cover, 3 qt; Saute Pan with cover, and 6 qt; Stock Pot with cover.
Some of the best features of Calphalon 10 Piece kitchenware set:
- Nonstick, while you cannot use metal utensils with it, you will not have issues with your foods sticking to the pans.
- The fill lines mean you can easily measure what you are cooking.
- The pot covers have strain holes for easy use.
Pros:
- Safe for the stove, oven, broiler, and dishwasher
- Fill lines for easy measuring
- Covers have strain holes
- lifetime warranty
Cons:
- Nonstick surface can be easily ruined with the wrong utensil
Related Reading: Best Stainless Steel Cookware You Can Buy
What Features Make The Perfect Cookware Set For You?
Even as you mull over which cookware set to buy, it is important for you to settle on the set that will best meet most, if not all, of your needs.
Some features make for the ideal pots & pans sets. As such, you should have these factors in mind whenever you shop around for kitchenware.
Handle
Any cookware should be easy and comfortable to handle. In this regard, the superior cookware set is one whose pots and pans have excellent handles. Metal handles and silicone-coated ones transition easily from a stovetop to an oven.
At the same time, wood and silicone-coated handles remain cool to the touch regardless of how long the pan has been on the stove.
Rivets
Rivets are one of the ways through which different parts of pans and pots are joined to each other. For instance, the handle to the lid is joined to the lid in the same way the main handle is fastened to the body of the pan or pot.
While parts can be held together by welding or using screws, excellent fastening will determine the durability of the kitchenware as well as be able to hold relatively large quantities of food.
Body
The body of your cookware set of choice should be suitable for the types of food that you plan to prepare it in. Therefore, the kind of food you make should help you to settle on the excellent kitchenware material.
In case most of your cooking involves braising, we recommend that you consider buying cookware made of enamel cast iron. Stainless steel, on the other hand, works best when you need to brown food. However, it is still a great all-purpose cookware choice.
Rim
While the rim of your pan or pot may not seem like a big deal, it plays a big part in ensuring that you maintain cleanliness and order in your kitchen. While a straight edge will work better for you when tossing ingredients, a slightly rolled rim makes it simpler for you to pour liquids.
Depending on your circumstances, you may prefer to have a kitchenware set that mixes different kinds of pans.
Cookware Surface
Each type of cookware surface has its pros and cons depending mainly on what you cook. For instance, stainless steel is not only the best for browning but is also a durable kitchenware material. On the other hand, nonstick makes your work easy when you are cleaning up after preparing and serving your food.
Lastly, when looking for a stick-resistant and durable material, you may want to consider settling for Wolfgang Puck cast iron enamel cookware.
Sides
Cookwares come in different shapes and sizes. This is not just linked to the amount of food that pans and pots can hold.
High vertical sides are suitable for simmering liquids while flared sides will be of great help when you require cooking liquids to reduce through evaporation. As such, great pots & pans sets are those with a depth that will ensure that your foods cook properly.
Base
The conductivity of kitchenware is a major factor for you to keep in mind when shopping for the same. In connection to this, you should consider the design and material from which the base of your cookware is made.
For induction ranges, stainless steel products will be the best as they will be responsive to the magnetic field. However, a flat base will be more appropriate for smooth-top electric ranges. Pans and pots that encapsulate aluminum bases are also known to allow for the even heating of your food.
Lid
We recommend that you buy cookwares with glass lids. The transparent lids will let you see what goes on in the pot without the need to keep lifting the lid and letting steam escape from the pot.
Reactivity of The Materials
Certain metals are known to react with specific foods. For this reason, we advise that you establish the reactivity of each product before making a decision to buy.
For instance, aluminum tends to react with tomatoes and other acidic dishes. This may lead your food to absorb some of the metal, posing health dangers to those who eat such food.
Durability & Lifetime
The top kitchenware set should offer you great durability. The material from which your pans and pots are made should be robust enough to be able to last for a long time.
When trying to determine the durability of different sets, you should rely on the warranty as a guide to ascertain the quality of the products.
What Are The Top Cookware Brands?
Now you know the What Features of the best sets and the best materials to choose from, the next question is which brands to seek out. These are some of the best options:
All Clad
All-Clad makes some of the prime cooking sets and that means durability, aesthetics and versatility.
However, the price also reflects this so if you’re looking for something cheaper, you may want to try another company. They specialize in stainless steel.
Calphalon
Calphalon specializes in aluminum kitchenware which brings a lot of specific advantages such as rapid heat transfer. This is a well-known brand though, so you don’t need to worry about heavy metal poisoning.
The company also makes stainless steel sets, though these tend to feature aluminium in some capacity.
More details here: Calphalon Pots & Pans Reviews
Rachel Ray
Rachel Ray sells a wide variety of cookware for use around the home. These come in all manner of different materials and colors and are generally very affordable.
Anolon
Anolon makes a number of different kitchenware sets, all of which are superior quality and stylishly designed. The company also produces a number of different appliances and you can get some good deals by buying these together.
Cuisinart
Cuisinart is well known for appliances but also makes some of the prime cookware for mid-range prices. These come in all manner of materials and colors and feature great build quality and finishes.
What Is The Best Type Of Cookware Material?
You’ll notice in our countdown of the ideal pots& pans that we covered a wide range of different materials including cast iron, porcelain, steel and more.
To help you decide which type of material such as Stainless Steel, Copper, Non-stick pans, Ceramic, Cast iron is best for you, it can be useful to consider these options and decide which is best for your specific needs.
This will help give you a better idea of what you’ll be getting as well before you make an investment.
Stainless Steel Cookware
Stainless steel kitchenware is affordable and durable. These pans will often last for years and they tend to look great too as they reflect light in brilliant silver. Another big advantage is that this material is dishwasher safe, which means that you can throw them into the dishwasher and not have to wash them by hand.
This is a big consideration that can save you a lot of time in the kitchen and make you more likely to cook. But there are downsides too. For one, this cookware is slow to heat and this means you a) use more energy and b) spend longer cooking. Another issue is that these pans are not naturally non-stick.
That means you’ll need to spend a little more to get a pan that uses some kind of coating, or you’ll need to pre-heat the pans/apply liberal oil.
Copper Cookware
Copper cooking set looks fantastic thanks to its bronze coloring and retro steampunk aesthetic. And it comes with other advantages too.
Many reviews recommend copper thanks to its superior heat conductivity. It’s rare to find hot spots and the pans heat up very quickly. These pans are also light without being so light as to fall over.
Unfortunately though, copper is also highly reactive and also toxic. This means that copper pans need to be lined with tin or steel and seeing as this wears off over time, that means you’ll need to keep replacing your pans.
Read more here: Best Copper Cookware Sets
Non-Stick Cookware
Non-stick pans can be made from any material. All this means is that your food won’t stick easily when you’re cooking it, meaning that it can be easily removed from the pan and meaning that it will be much easier to keep your kitchenware clean. Some materials are naturally non-stick, while others use some kind of coating.
Related article: Best Nonstick Pan For Eggs
Hard Anodized Cookware
Hard anodized cookware is used in some of the leading cookwares around. This is thanks to the durability, rapid heating, and steel-like appearance. Aluminum has been around for a while but raises concerns as aluminum, like copper, can be toxic if it enters the food.
The anodization process aims to solve this problem by using chemical baths to prepare the surface and prevent aluminum from entering the food. This means you get all the benefits of aluminum without the risks. The only downside is that this metal isn’t naturally non-stick.
Cast Iron Cookware
Cast iron cookware is naturally nonstick, oven safe and safe for cooking with. In fact, cast iron can even add iron to your diet! This is also inexpensive and allows you to brown your meats as you would if you were cooking on a stone – something that is very hard to achieve with steel.
On the negative side, this cookware is easier to burn yourself and is very heavy. It gets hotter than many other materials and stays that way for long. Combined with the weight, this can make the material unwieldy.
Another downside is that these pots are prone to rusting and need a bit more maintenance than other options. They also make stir-frying hard.
Ceramic Cookware
Ceramic kitchenware is excellent at heating up very quickly and can survive nearly any heat – heat that would melt stainless steel! It can also be used to store food in the freezer and even put in the microwave.
They’re easy to maintain thanks to a natural non-stick finish and they can be colored and patterned in all manner of styles for an attractive look too. Unfortunately, they are also very heavy and not particularly durable. Drop these and they will crack or chip, which is painful if you’re spending a lot of money.
To know the difference between ceramic and stainless steel, read this: Ceramic Cookware vs Stainless Steel
Stone Cookware
Stone cookware is something you may not have heard of but they can be a great choice if you’re really into your cooking. Cooking with stone allows you to reach much hotter temperatures for searing and browning your meats and it lets you feel that much closer to your natural roots.
Of course, it’s also not all that versatile and not suitable for every scenario, so you’ll likely need another set as well.
Final Verdict: Choosing The Right Cookware For Your Kitchen
As you can see, there are many factors to consider when it comes to choosing your cookware. If you pick any of the brands or products we’ve recommended here though, then you can be sure to get one of the top cookwares on the market that will help make your life that bit easier in the kitchen.
All that’s left then is for you to decide what materials you’re looking for and what your budget is. Everyone is different and thus everyone is better suited to different types of kitchne sets.
Decide what you want to cook, think about the types of pans you’ve used in the past and read a few reviews. Once you’ve done that, it’s time to take the plunge!
