After going through an intensive research process to narrow down our short list of top products in this space, we tested Cuisinart Multiclad Pro Stainless Steel 12-piece set to be sure that it’s worthy of our recommendation. Guided by experts, we spend hours looking into the factors that matter and test to verify manufacturer claims.
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Having the right tools in your kitchen makes all the difference in how your finished dishes turn out. High-quality pots and pans are some of the most important, and buying them in a set can help you save considerably over purchasing the pieces individually. The best cookware sets contain a variety of pots and pans to prepare an array of recipes and feature premium materials that heat evenly to ensure your food cooks perfectly every time.
The BestReviews Testing Lab considered more than two dozen cookware sets, testing many to determine the best overall set. We put the cookware to work, sauteing, frying, boiling and baking various recipes to see how quickly and evenly they heat. We paid careful attention to how efficiently they cooked, how nonstick their surfaces were and how effectively they performed different cooking techniques, as well as the texture and doneness of each recipe we prepared.
Ultimately, our favorite is the All-Clad D3 3-Ply Stainless Steel Cookware Set. This professional 10-piece set is made to last and comes with a limited lifetime warranty.
Easy to Use
Number of Pieces: 12 | Oven-safe Temperature: Up to 550 degrees | Compatibility: Induction, gas and electric | Weight: 21.4 lb | Handle Type: Stainless steel
Thanks to its attractive, modern design, the Caraway Nonstick Ceramic Cookware Set impressed us right out of the box. It was one of the best-looking cookware sets we tested, so we didn’t mind leaving the pots and pans out on our testing area’s stovetop. Fortunately, this set blends form and function perfectly, and they performed just as well as they looked. The pots and pans were a good size for all the recipes we prepared, and while they were slightly heavy, the weight gave them a sturdy, durable feel. The handles were easy to grip and felt well-balanced in our hand, though we noticed the handles’ lower portion closest to the body of the cookware got hot during cooking.
Most impressively, the Caraway cookware heated up quickly and evenly. We used an electric stove during our testing, which typically takes a while to sufficiently heat pans. The Caraway pots and pans needed less than two minutes to heat up, allowing us to cook more efficiently than with other cookware sets. The heat was even across the pan, too, so our fried eggs were perfectly cooked. In fact, we found their finished texture to be fluffier than usual.
We had a similar experience with the vegetables we sauteed, which were crisp on the outside but wonderfully tender on the interior. One of Caraway’s main marketing claims is that their cookware boasts a nontoxic but highly effective nonstick surface. Our testing found that these pots and pans were some of the best we’ve ever used at releasing food. From eggs to pancakes to vegetables to steaks, all our recipes slid from the cookware’s surface with minimal oil or butter needed.
With this impressive nonstick surface, the Caraway Nonstick Ceramic Cookware Set was also very easy to clean. We wiped away any food residue left behind with a sponge and didn’t have to scrub hard at all. Overall, we scored the Caraway set a 10 out of 10 for its beautiful appearance, durable design, even heating and highly effective toxin-free nonstick surface.
Lightweight Design
Number of Pieces: 11 | Oven-safe Temperature: Up to 450 degrees | Compatibility: Induction, gas, electric and ceramic | Weight: 17.8 lb | Handle type: Detachable Bakelite with silicone
With more than 10,000 five-star reviews, the Carote 11-Piece Nonstick Pots and Pans Set is a clear Amazon customer favorite. Our experience fell in line with the rave reviews, which surprised us, considering how affordable these pots and pans are. They were extremely lightweight, feeling similar to Tupperware, so we could easily move them around our testing area.
We also loved how comfortable and secure their handles were. It was highly impressive because the cookware’s handles are removable to make storage easier. However, we found that these detachable handles were some of the sturdiest among the cookware sets we tested — not to mention that the Carote pots and pans were the most convenient to store because we could detach the handles.
The Carote pans have a nonstick surface similar to the other nonstick cookware sets we tested. We were very pleased with how well one of the pans released scrambled eggs. We even left the pan with the egg residue in the sink overnight but had no trouble removing it the next morning with soap and water. The cookware wasn’t quite as efficient as the other sets we considered, needing nine minutes to evenly brown a slice of bread on medium-high heat and 16 minutes to bring water to a boil in the 8-inch saucepan. However, we found that the pans heated evenly once they were fully warmed up, so we had no issues with hot spots or unevenly cooked food.
The Carote set seemed fairly durable during our testing. We used metal utensils with the pots and pans but didn’t observe any scratches afterward. We give this set a 9 out of 10 because of how easy it was to maneuver, store and clean, as well as how evenly it cooked our recipes. We also loved that the lids were clear so we could monitor our food without removing them.
Customer Favorite
Number of Pieces: 17 | Oven-safe Temperature: Up to 400 degrees (350 degrees lids) | Compatibility: All cooktops, except induction | Weight: 28.7 lb | Handle Type: Riveted silicone-coated
There are numerous reasons to love the T-Fal Hard Anodized Cookware Set, which is why it’s one of our editors’ favorite picks. Made by T-fal, a trusted brand in kitchen products, it’s a huge set that includes 17 versatile pots, pans, skillets and more that are essential for avid cooks. Each piece is durable and made of hard anodized exteriors with nonstick titanium cooking surfaces that allow food to slide off with ease.
We love that the proprietary Thermo-Spots turn red to let cooks know when the pots and pans are ready for cooking. Although this set won’t work with induction stoves, it delivers excellent results on all other types of cooktops. The cookware in this set is oven-safe to 400 degrees (lids are oven-safe to 350 degrees). We also love that silicone-coated handles are comfortable and easy to grip.
Not only are they built to last, the pieces of this set can be placed in the dishwasher for fast cleanup. We are also thrilled about the limited lifetime warranty that provides peace of mind and protects your investment.
Best Heirloom-Quality Cookware Set
Number of Pieces: 11 | Oven safe temperature: Up to 500 degrees | Compatibility: Induction, gas and electric | Weight: 63.15 lb | Handle type: Enameled cast iron
Considering the brand’s reputation, it’s probably no surprise that the Le Creuset Signature Enameled Cast Iron Ultimate Cookware Set stood out as one of the most durable sets we tested. Made of enameled cast iron, these pots and pans are also some of the heaviest we considered. That certainly made them feel like some of the sturdiest cookware, but we found it made handling the pans a bit more difficult since it required two handles. The handles were solid and comfortable to hold, but they did get hot during cooking, so we had to wear oven mitts.
The Le Creuset cookware heated quickly and evenly, allowing for pretty efficient cooking. It took five minutes to evenly brown a slice of bread on medium-high in one of the pans and 10 minutes to boil water in the saucepan for our quinoa. We were especially impressed with how perfectly the Signature Skillet cooked delicate fish during our testing. The variety of pieces included in the set also makes it highly versatile. We performed seven cooking functions in them, including sauteing, searing, baking, braising, frying, boiling, roasting and steaming. Like the Beautiful set, the Le Creuset pieces are oven-safe up to 500 degrees, which allows you to prepare a wide array of recipes that start on the stovetop and finish in the oven.
However, perhaps the most obvious reason this cookware set is a candidate for passing down to family members is its striking appearance. It is available in five stunning colors and bears the iconic Le Creuset design that easily transitions to the table for serving. We rated this set a 9 out of 10 because of its beautiful look, long-term durability and top-notch cooking performance.
To determine which cookware set would top our list, we put the models we considered to work, so we could compare several key features, including how quickly each could cook standard foods and how nonstick their surfaces were. We also tested how easy the sets were to clean and maintain.
To see how quickly each cookware set could heat up and cook food, we performed several tests with common foods. We added a tablespoon of water to a pan from each set and recorded how long it took to boil. We also placed a slice of bread in a pan from each set and noted how long it took to be evenly browned from edge to edge. This test helped us evaluate whether the pans had any hot spots, too. Additionally, we prepared scrambled eggs, chicken breasts and veggie burgers in pans from each set, recording how long it took for each food to be cooked through.
After preparing various foods, we removed the pans from each set from the stovetop or oven. We then timed how long it took until we could safely handle each pan without oven mitts or other protective gear.
To evaluate how effective and durable the nonstick coating for each cookware set was, we prepared sticky foods like eggs, fish and cheese-based dishes, paying attention to how easily the pans released the foods. We also noted how easy each cookware set was to hand-wash after preparing these sticky foods.
We assessed how durable the cookware sets were by first considering how sturdy and secure the handles were, particularly when the pots and pans were filled to near capacity. We also performed drop tests, letting a pan from each set fall from a height of approximately 3 feet and checking it for dents or scratches. Additionally, we evaluated how durable the pans’ nonstick coating or other interior surfaces were by using metal utensils while cooking and checking the surface for scratches afterward.
We evaluated how easy each cookware set was to clean by preparing sticky or greasy foods in a pan from each set. Afterward, we noted how difficult it was to hand-wash the pans and noted any changes in the interior after multiple cleanings. If a set was dishwasher-safe, we also cleaned the pans in the dishwasher to see if any residue was left behind and whether the interior had any scratches.
How well pots and pans conduct heat is an important consideration when looking at cookware sets because it affects how evenly they can cook food. Cookware that doesn’t conduct heat well can have hot spots that lead to dishes that are burnt in some areas and/or undercooked in others.
The type of metal a set is made of plays a significant role in how well it conducts heat. The most common cookware set materials include:
Some cookware materials can react with foods, particularly those that are acidic like tomatoes, citrus or vinegar. When materials like aluminum, cast iron and copper react with acid, they can give your food a metallic taste and even alter its appearance.
If you regularly cook with acidic ingredients, a cookware set made of non-reactive material like stainless steel is your best bet. However, many sets also feature reactive metals with a ceramic, enamel or nonstick coating to prevent the pots and pans from reacting with your favorite tomato sauce recipe. That means you can get all the benefits of the reactive metal without worrying about how acidic the dishes you prepare in the cookware are.
Cookware sets vary in durability because some materials are more prone to scratching, rusting, denting or staining than others. Softer materials like aluminum can dent easily if dropped and are more likely to scratch if you use metal utensils while cooking in them. Nonstick pots and pans can also be more delicate because the coating is often easy to scratch.
On the other hand, stainless steel is a particularly hardy metal, so it doesn’t scratch, dent or discolor as easily as other options, making it one of the best options if the longevity of your cookware is your primary concern. Enameled cast iron cookware is another highly durable option because the thick, heavy metal resists denting, while the enamel coating reduces the chance of pitting or staining.
The maintenance required to keep a cookware set in good condition varies pretty widely. With some pots and pans, you only have to clean them after use, and they’ll last for years. Stainless steel and nonstick cookware, including ceramic-coated varieties or enameled cast iron, are typically very easy to maintain, so they won’t take up too much time.
However, some materials can be a bit fussier. Copper cookware requires hand-washing, but you must be careful not to use an abrasive sponge or cleaner. If you don’t want the exterior to develop a patina, you’ll also need to polish it occasionally. Cast iron cookware must be seasoned with oil before its first use, which helps it resist rusting and develop a nonstick surface. You also have to take care when cleaning it, avoiding abrasive sponges and cleaners to prevent the seasoning from being removed.
The most versatile cookware sets can go from the stovetop to the oven, so you can use multiple cooking methods to prepare a dish. While the bodies of most pans are heat-safe, their handles may be made of plastic or other materials that aren’t suitable for use in the oven.
Even cookware that is oven-safe may only be able to withstand certain temperatures. For example, some pans may be oven-safe up to 600 degrees, allowing you to prepare nearly any recipe. Other cookware may have a lower maximum temperature, so you can only use them for dishes cooked at 400 degrees or less.
Cookware sets vary in the number of pieces they contain, so it’s important to choose an option that has the pieces you need to prepare your favorite recipes. You can purchase individual pots and pans if you require a specialty tool, but you’ll likely save money if you can find a set that includes nearly all the pans you want.
However, bigger isn’t always better when it comes to cookware sets since you don’t want to crowd your cabinets with pots and pans you won’t use. Most sets include frying pans, one or two saucepans, a stockpot and matching lids, which can work well if you don’t cook that frequently or prepare overly complicated recipes. However, if you are an avid home chef, you may want to look for sets that include items like a Dutch oven, utensils or a steamer insert.
A basic cookware set that covers most cooking needs includes the following.
Some additional pieces that are useful but not essential include the following.
A. Even if you aren’t an avid home cook, you’ll want to make sure you choose a pots and pans set that includes the components you’ll need to whip up your favorite recipes. Additionally, before you invest in a set with just a few pieces, you should take into consideration that your cooking needs may change in the near future. Typically, a 10-piece cookware set with standard pots, pans, and a few lids is a sound option.
A. Yes, but don’t let this stop you from choosing a nonstick set that you suspect has Teflon cook surfaces. PFOA, the potentially toxic chemical that was once a key chemical in the manufacturing of Teflon, has not been used since 2013.
A. When a set is described as ceramic nonstick cookware, the term refers to the coating that’s applied over a base metal such as aluminum. Ceramic coatings are durable, very stick-resistant, and free of metals and harmful chemicals. The best ceramic cookware sets will hold up to years of use with little to no peeling or chipping of the coating.
A. The best nonstick cookware sets hold up well to use when cared for properly. To keep your stick-resistant coatings on pots and pans from developing scratches, do not use metal utensils when cooking. Avoid abrasive cleansers and harsh scrubbers during cleanup.
Jennifer Blair has covered kitchen and home products for BestReviews since 2017. She has written articles about kitchen tools and appliances, including cookware sets. An avid home cook, she currently relies on a Cuisinart cookware set to prepare her favorite pasta dishes, casseroles and more.
