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If you use your cookware almost everyday or you’ve just had it for ages, stop right now and take a long, hard look at it. Are your pots and pans scratched, chipped, burned, rusted or warped? Have the handles and knobs seen sturdier days? Just like the items in your fridge and pantry, your cookware has an expiration date. The good news is replenishing your kitchen stash can be fun, especially if you know what to invest in. We asked Ron Dutes, Executive Chef of Lazy Bear Personal Chefs, to help us upgrade.
The Best Budget Cookware Sets at a Glance, According to a Culinary Expert
Best Overall: Caraway Non-Toxic Ceramic Non-Stick 7-Piece Cookware Set, $395
Best Versatile:Alva Cookware Maestro Essentials 7-Piece Set, $399 (originally $686)
Best Stainless Steel:Cuisinart 17-Piece Cookware Set, Chef’s Classic Steel Collection, $280
Best Cast Iron:Lodge Seasoned Cast Iron 7-Piece Skillet Cookware Set, $77
Best Enameled Cast Iron:Le Creuset Signature Enameled Cast Iron 5-Piece Cookware Set, $575 (originally $820)
Best Hybrid:Hexclad 20-Piece All-In Bundle, $1,200 (was $1,704)
Best Copper:Mauviel Copper Triply M’3 S 7-Piece Cookware Set, $900
Best Splurge:All-Clad Copper Core 5-ply Bonded Cookware Set, 10-Piece Set, $1,500 (originally $1,930)
How to Choose the Best Cookware Sets
“Variety is the key to my cookware collection, says Dutes. Luckily, there is a range of cookware options on the market for various budgets. If you want to mix it up, you can always buy a few different kinds of smaller cookware sets, otherwise you can go all in with a bigger set in your favorite material.
The key things to look out for when choosing cookware are durability, heat retention, heat conductivity and maintenance, or how easy the pots and pans are to clean and care for. Here’s what our expert has to say about these characteristics:
Durability
“In the realm of durability, stainless steel and cast iron reign supreme. Stainless steel is like the trusty companion that never lets you down, resisting rust, corrosion, and scratches with unwavering strength. And then there’s cast iron, the heavyweight champion of the kitchen. Its robust build and seasoned surface can take a beating and still come out shining.”
Heat Conductivity and Retention
“When it comes to heat conductivity, nothing beats copper. This material is like the reliable workhorse of the kitchen, swiftly distributing heat across the entire cooking surface and offering unparalleled conductivity for that perfect sear and precise temperature control.”
Maintenance
“Stainless steel makes life easy with its dishwasher-safe nature and resistance to stains and odors. Cast iron, on the other hand, requires a bit of TLC, with regular seasoning sessions to keep that natural nonstick surface in prime condition. But trust me, the effort pays off when you’re effortlessly flipping eggs without a hint of sticking.”
It should be noted that most types of cookware are handwash-only (preferably with non-abrasive cleaners), and it’s wise to default to this when in doubt. However, some materials can tolerate the dishwasher, so read the manufacturer’s directions.
What to Avoid in Cookware Sets
One material Dutes recommends avoiding when choosing cookware is aluminum, which happens to be a pretty ubiquitous — and affordable — option. “Its tendency to impart a metallic taste to food, especially acidic dishes, just doesn’t sit well with me. I prefer to stick with materials that enhance, rather than alter, the flavor of my creations,” he says.
And while nonstick cookware is so convenient, Dutes advises steering clear of “cheap, unknown brands.”
“The risk of toxic fumes when these pans reach high temperatures just isn’t worth it. Instead, I invest in reputable mid-level options that prioritize safety and performance,” he says.
Luckily, there are chemical- and Teflon-free nonstick options on the market. We’ve rounded up eight of the best cookware sets available in a range of expert-approved materials, and we’ve generally stuck to affordable, mid-range options, though we did toss a few splurges in — sets that will become smart investments in the long-term.
“When it comes to cookware, quality is non-negotiable,” says our chef. “Sure, high-quality materials may come with a heftier price tag upfront, but they’re investments in your culinary journey. If you’re going to splurge, do it right, because in the kitchen, excellence knows no shortcuts.”
Experts in This Article
Ron Dutes: Executive Chef of Lazy Bear Personal Chefs
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Caraway 7-Piece Cookware Set
Another popular non-stick cookware option is ceramic. Caraway is by far and away the most popular brand in ceramic cookware, as its coatings are free of toxic Teflon and is easy to clean without scratching — just use a soft sponge dipped in soapy water (and make sure to cook with plastic, wood or silicone utensils).
This 7-piece set has chic stainless handles that stay cool to the touch, and the pieces work on all cooktops. Best of all, they come in cute colors! The enameled coatings come in six fun colors including a cheerful marigold.
Pieces included:
3-quart saucepan with lid
4.5-quart sauté pan with lid
10.5-inch fry pan
6.5-quart Dutch oven with lid
Pot and lid storageAlva Cookware Maestro Essentials 7-Piece Set
This Alva Cookware bundle is a superior everyday cookware set across the board, as it’s non-stick, works with any kind of cooktop and thanks to its thick aluminum base and stainless steel welded handles, it’s heavy-duty enough to go the distance.
The base is triple-layer, in fact, which makes for excellent heat conductivity. And its non-stick coating is PFAS-free, which means it contains zero harmful chemicals or subtsances, which is one of the most important things to look out for with nonstick.
Pieces included:
11″ Maestro Nonstick Frying Pan
6.3″/1.7 QT Maestro Saucepan with Lid
9.5″/3.3 QT Maestro Nonstick Skillet with Lid
9.5″/7.8 QT Maestro Stockpot with LidCuisinart 17-Piece Cookware Set, Chef’s Classic Steel Collection
Stainless steel is a go-to option for durability, heat retention, heat distribution and ease of care. When it doubt, invest in stainless.
“For mid-level stainless steel options, I often recommend Cuisinart,” says Dutes. “Their stainless steel cookware sets strike a balance between quality and affordability, offering durable construction and versatile pieces suitable for various cooking tasks. Plus, Cuisinart is a reputable brand known for reliability and customer satisfaction.”
Walmart has several great and very reasonably priced Cuisinart options, including a 10-piece set — but for an extra $30, you can upgrade to this robust, 17-piece Cuisinart cookware set that has every piece you could ever want. It’s an excellent long-term investment.
Pieces included:
1 Qt. Saucepan w/Cover
2 Qt. Saucepan w/Cover
3 Qt. Saucepan w/Cover
3.5 Qt. Sauté Pan w/Cover
4 Qt. Dutch Oven w/Cover
8 Qt. Stockpot w/Cover
8″ Skillet^10” Skillet
12″ Skillet w/Cover
20 cm. Multi-Steamer InsertLodge Seasoned Cast Iron 7-Piece Skillet Cookware Set
If you’re looking to sear or brown to perfection, nothing beats cast iron. Cast iron pans are heirloom-worthy in that they develop a natural non-stick surface the more you use them, providing you wash, season and store them properly. (As in: don’t overwash them! Seriously!)
“Their unparalleled heat retention makes them indispensable, and they deliver that beautiful, clean sear effortlessly,” says Dutes.
“Lodge’s cast iron skillets, Dutch ovens, and griddles are known for their excellent heat retention, durability, and value for money. Lodge offers a wide range of sizes and styles to suit every cooking need.”
This set of three heavyweight pans by Lodge conducts heat like a dream and comes pre-seasoned so food won’t stick and the skillets won’t rust (another risk with this material).
Pieces included:
8″ and 10 1/4″ skillets
10 1/2″ diam. griddle
6″ sq. red silicone potholder
Red silicone handle cover
Red pan scraper
Black silicone grill-pan scraperLe Creuset Signature Enameled Cast Iron 5-Piece Cookware Set
“Cast iron can last for generations,” says Dutes, and that includes enameled cast iron, which is both pretty and powerful. Le Crueset is a leader in cast iron, and its Signature five-piece cookware set includes a Dutch oven, saucepan and skillet — three of the basics to have on hand.
Unlike a cast iron pan, Le Creuset enameled cast iron requires no seasoning, so it’s less effort to take care of. But it’s still a pro at searing because it excels at retaining and distributing heat. And unlike cheaper enameled cast iron pots, the knobs on these lids stay cool no matter what. Achieve your juiciest, most flavorful one-pot dishes in these too. And try the newest color: peach!
Pieces included:
5 1/2 qart Round Dutch oven
1 3/4 quart Signature Saucepan
9″ Signature SkilletAll-Clad Copper Core 5-ply Bonded Cookware Set, 10-Piece Set
Dutes calls copper “the Ferrari of cookware” and “the crown jewel of the kitchen.” If you’re going to splurge, do it with All-Clad (pretty much any culinary pros will tell you it’s the brand they swear by). “Some inexpensive copper cookware may have poor-quality coatings or linings that can degrade over time, potentially exposing food to copper or other harmful substances. A high-end copper set offers unmatched conductivity and craftsmanship.”
All-Clad’s Copper Core cookware sets take it to the next level, using a five-ply bonded construction that combines stainless steel, aluminum, and a thick copper core for fast and even heating. This is a solid set of cookware that will go the distance.
Pieces included:
8-inch Fry Pan
10-inch Fry Pans
2-quart Sauce Pan w/ lid
3-quart Sauce Pan w/ lid
3-quart Saute Pan w/ lid
8-quart Stockpot w/ lidHexclad 20-Piece All-In Bundle
If you want to make an investment in kitchen essentials that are guranteed to last, are non-stick, and you want to invest in an all-in-one set, Hexclad’s 20-piece cookware set is the perfect purchase. This set comes complete with the brand’s most popular pans, plus mixing bowls and even a chef’s knife.
These pans are a brilliant hybrid of stainless and nonstick. Meaning, you actually can use steel utensils on their surfaces without damaging them, yet they behave just like nonstick. Plus, they’re dishwasher safe and feature a stay-cool handle. You’re going to love how effective (and easy to use) these pieces are.
Pieces included:
12-piece Hybrid Cookware Set
10″ Hybrid Wok
7QT Hybrid Deep Saute Pan/Chicken Fryer
3PC Mixing Bowl Set
8″ Chef’s Knife
13″ Hybrid GriddleMauviel Copper Triply M’3 S 7-Piece Cookware Set
If you want a more conventional copper cookware set that gives your kitchen that high-end charm, Williams-Sonoma is the spot, and Mauviel is a great brand to opt for.
The pieces use a stunning .5mm copper exterior and 18/10 stainless-steel interior that cooks evenly. It’s made by a family-owned brand in Normandy, France, so it can really be your very own “piece of culinary history,” as Dutes puts it. Mauviel makes cookware sets of various sizes, but if you’re new to copper, try this seven-piece set to start.
Pieces included:
10″ Fry Pan
2-qt. Saucepan with Lid
3 1/2-qt. Sauté pan with Lid
6 1/2-qt. Stew pan with LidPin It!
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