Whether you are a culinary beginner or seasoned home chef, you need the best cookware set to help deliver mouthwatering results. However, hundreds of brands out there offer a plethora of options in a wide range of styles, sizes, shapes, materials, etc.
Hence, choosing the right set of pots and pans can be overwhelming, especially if you don’t know what to look out for. Plus, Only a few of these sets live up to their hype.
Luckily, we’ve whipped up a list of the best set of cookware to ensure you make an informed decision.
Table of Contents
Cookware Made in USA: America’s Test Kitchen Best Cookware Sets for 2023
#1. Cuisinart MCP-12N Multiclad Pro Stainless Steel 12-Piece Cookware Set
Product information:
- Brand: Cuisinart
- Material: Stainless Steel
- Dimensions: 24.2 x 14.2 x 10.7 inches
- Weight: 26 Pounds
- Size: 12-PC Set
The Cuisinart MCP-12N Multiclad Pro is a 12-piece set including (8-inch and 10-inch) open skillets (1.5-quart and 3-quart) covered saucepans with lids steamer insert with lid, an 8-quart stockpot with lid, and a 3.5-quart saute pan. Each piece is dishwasher safe, oven-safe up to 550 degrees F, and induction compatible.
These pots and pans are suitable for any cooking function from browning to searing, simmering, and sauteing. They are made of an aluminum core and layers of 18/10 stainless steel that bond nicely for even heat distribution and outstanding heat retention.
Furthermore, the cooking surface features a mirror polish that is non-reactive with food and corrosion-resistant for lifetime durability. The Cuisinart MCP-12N Multiclad Pro sears salmon fillets without some parts getting burnt or stuck to the cookware like those cheap stainless steel pots and pans.
Each piece came with an ergonomic handle with stainless steel rivets for a comfortable grip and secured handling to withstand heavy-duty tasks. Also, these handles are cool to the touch but can get a bit warm under extreme temperatures.
Another thing to like about the Cuisinart MCP-12N Multiclad Pro is the tight-fitting stainless steel lids to help seal in heat, moisture, and nutrients. More so, the all-around pouring lips make pouring liquid a breeze. We also love its lifetime warranty on this cookware, showing the manufacturer confidence in this product’s ability to last many years and deliver on its promises.
Pros:
- Sturdy and reliable construction
- Affordable price point
- Anti-scratch design
- Insulated ergonomic silicone handle
- Heat-resistant stainless steel lids
Cons:
- The top stainless steel layer is not so durable
#2. Ninja Foodi NeverStick Premium Hard-Anodized 12-Piece Cookware Set
Product information:
- Brand: Ninja
- Material: Aluminum
- Dimensions: 24 x 16.5 x 14 inches
- Weight: 30.3 pounds
- Size: 12 Piece
The Ninja Foodi 12-Piece Cookware Set is manufactured at a high temperature of 30,000 degrees instead of the traditional 900 degrees F to guarantee this cookware never flakes, chips, or sticks. Thanks to its NeverStick Technology, each piece is highly durable, and the non-stick coating lasts longer and offers outstanding food release.
Furthermore, the non-stick coating, handles, and lids are oven-safe up to 500 degrees F. This allows you to transfer the pot directly into the oven from your stovetop. The handles are solid and made of stainless steel with an ergonomic design for a comfortable grip. While we might have preferred triple-riveted handles, the double rivet on these cookware sets offers secure handling and maneuverability.
Down to its construction, this cookware features a heavy-duty 4.5mm aluminum core to deliver excellent heating for consistent cooking results. However, it’s best to preheat the cookware to prevent your food from sticking to the surface. The sturdy aluminum core causes longer preheat time and makes it more forgiving.
In addition, the exterior is hard anodized to make this stainless steel cookware scratch-resistant. The lids are crafted with sleek tempered see-through lids with stainless steel rims to seal in moisture and prevent splatter.
With the Ninja Foodi 12-Piece Cookware Set, you can sear, deep fry, boil, braise, bake, deep-fry, pan-fry, griddle, saute, roast, and broil. It means you don’t have to cook with butter or oil. They are dishwasher safe and compatible with electric, gas, induction, and glass-ceramic cooktops.
This set includes 3-Quart Sauté Pan with Glass Lid, 2½ -Quart Saucepan with Glass Lid, 10¼-Inch Fry Pan, 10¼-Inch Fry Pan, 8-Quart Stock Pot with Glass Lid, 1½-Quart Saucepan with Glass Lid, 12-Inch Fry Pan with Glass Lid, 8-Inch Fry Pan, 8-Quart Stock Pot, and 3-Quart Sauté Pan share a lid.
Pros:
- Easy to clean
- Heavy-duty stainless steel construction
- Dishwasher safe
- Excellent non-stick performance
Cons:
- Customer service could be better
#3. Rachael Ray Cucina Nonstick Cookware Pots and Pans Set
Product information:
- Brand: Rachael
- Material: Aluminum
- Dimensions: 22.75 x 11 x 13.5 inches
- Weight: 1.11 pounds
- Size: 12 Piece
The Rachael Ray Cucina Nonstick Cookware is 12-piece kitchenware that comes with one covered stockpot, two covered saucepans, a saute pan, and two skillets. Also, it comes with two handy utensils – a slotted spoon and a slotted turner.
This collection features a solid enamel porcelain surface to allow you to cook at extreme heat and oven safe up to 400 degrees F. This model is available in basic and vibrant colors to match your kitchen decor.
On top of that, these utensils are non-stick for better food release performance and easy cleanup afterward. These pots and pans are from a reputable brand known for durability and reliable cooking performance. They are designed to withstand extreme heat and remain brand-new for many years to come without the paint peeling or flaking.
Rachael Ray Cucina Nonstick Cookware is made with durable aluminum for fast heat transfer and excellent heat retention. The hard enamel porcelain exterior guarantees the utensils withstand the rigors of a busy kitchen.
Best of all: the see-through glass lids are shatter resistant, and the rubberized steel handle offers a more comfortable and secure handling.
Pros:
- Oven safe to 400 degrees F
- Enhanced PFOA-free non-stick coating
- sturdy hard enamel porcelain exteriors
- Available in different color options
- Easy to clean
Cons:
- The color might fade with time
#4. All-Clad BD005705 D5 Stainless Steel 5-Ply Bonded Cookware Set
Product information:
- Brand: All-Clad
- Material: Stainless Steel
- Dimensions: 21.75 x 21 x 15 inches
- Weight: 24 pounds
- Size: 10-Piece
The All-Clad BD005705 D5 Stainless Steel Cookware Set features a 5-ply construction, alternating aluminum and stainless steel layers. These five bonded layers make the collection more forgiving and deliver remarkable heat distribution and even spread. Plus, it eliminates hotspots and guarantees consistent great cooking results.
One of the hallmarks of this cookware is it’s made in the USA, which assures us of quality, durable, and high-performing sets of pots and pans. This stainless steel is ultra-durable and touted to last many years without tarnish or warp.
Furthermore, this collection is compatible with all cooktops – induction, eclectic, and gas. Also, each piece can go from your stovetop to the oven with ease. It’s broiler or oven-safe up to 600 degrees F.
The All-Clad BD005705 D5 Stainless Steel 5-Ply Bonded Cookware Set is available in bundles from 5-piece to 14-piece. Even better, the pots and pans feature a brushed finish to make cleaning and maintenance a breeze. The lids are made of stainless steel and offer a tight fit to trap moisture, nutrients, and heat for sumptuous results.
Pros:
- Cool-touch stainless steel handles
- oven and broiler-safe up to 600°F
- 5-ply bonded construction
- Even heat distribution
- warp-free durability
Cons:
- Not dishwasher safe
#5. Cuisinart French Classic Tri-Ply Stainless 13-Piece Cookware Set
Product information:
- Brand: Cuisinart
- Material: Stainless Steel
- Dimensions: 14.4 x 25.15 x 13.8 inches
- Weight: 33.4 pounds
- Size: 13-Piece
This Tri-ply stainless steel cookware set comes with 13 pieces, including a 1.5 Qt saucepan, 1.5 Qt saucepan lid, 2.5 Qt saucepan, 2.5 Qt saucepan lid, 4.5 Qt dutch oven, 8Qt covered stockpot, 24-cm pasta insert, and 8- & 10-inch skillets. This model is made in France, known for creating many of the world’s finest kitchenware.
Down to its professional triple-ply stainless steel construction, each piece features a three bonded layer optimized for excellent heat transfer and spread. With a pure aluminum core sandwiched by stainless steel, this 13-piece cookware set delivers professional cooking performance.
What’s more? Each piece features the Heat Surround Technology to ensure heat is evenly distributed along the sidewalls and bottom of the pots and pans. Further, the stainless handles feature a contoured design to ensure a comfortable grip and stay cool to touch.
The handles are professionally riveted for secure handling and have a thumb rest for effortless maneuvering. The side grips also provide easy lifting and perfect balance for a wobble-free cooking experience.
On top of that, it comes with tight-fitting stainless lids to trap nutrients and moisture for more flavourful and healthier results. More so, this cookware is oven safe up to 500 degrees F and compatible with most types of stovetop, including induction stovetops, for a versatile performance.
Pros:
- Dishwasher-safe cookware
- Suitable for use on induction stovetops
- Oven safe to 500 degrees F
- Versatile cooking performance
- Excellent heat distribution
Cons:
- The handle is a bit too heavy
#6. Calphalon Classic Stainless Steel 10-Piece Cookware Set
Product information:
- Brand: Calphalon
- Material: Stainless Steel
- Dimensions: 24.96 x 14.57 x 10.75 inches
- Weight: 22.7 pounds
- Size: 10-Piece
Earning a spot on the best cookware sets list is the Calphalon Classic Stainless Steel 10-Piece Cookware Set. This stainless steel model offers long-lasting durability and a modern look to add style and elegance to any kitchen.
Each piece features an impact-bonded aluminum base for uniform heat distribution to support any cooking function from searing to browning and sauteing. The handles are long and cool to the touch for safe handling while you’re cooking.
Additionally, the pots come with pour spouts, measuring marks, and straining covers to enhance your cooking efficiency with less mess and guesswork. These stainless steel cookware can be tossed into the dishwasher for a convenient cleaning experience.
More importantly, they are oven safe up to 450 degrees F and work well with all types of stovetops – gas, halogen, glass, electric. However, it’s not suitable for use on an induction stovetop. The set includes an 8″ fry pan, 10″ fry pan, 1.5-qt. Saucepan with cover, 2.5-qt. Saucepan with lid, 3-qt. Saute pan with cover, and 6-qt. Stockpot with cover.
Pros:
- Stay-Cool long handles
- modern look
- long-lasting durability
- oven-safe up to 450 degrees f
- dishwasher safe
Cons:
- It tends to stain
- Not suitable for induction cooktops
#7. GOTHAM STEEL Pro Hard-Anodized Pots And Pans 13 Piece Premium Cookware
Product information:
- Brand: GOTHAM STEEL
- Material: Aluminum
- Dimensions: 24 x 12 x 18 inches
- Weight: 12 pounds
- Size: 13 Piece Cookware Set
The GOTHAM STEEL Pro Hard-Anodized Pots And Pans 13 Piece Premium Cookware has a dense, wear-resistant, and non-porous exterior made with hard-anodized aluminum for long-lasting durability. This cookware set features premium non-stick coating coupled with the Gotham Steel Titanium and Ceramic to deliver unparalleled food release performance and no-hassle cleanup.
The stainless steel handles are solid and cool-touch handles for a safe and comfortable grip. This model is oven and dishwasher-safe. The lids are made of see-through, break-resistant glass to let users keep track of whatever you are cooking without opening the lid from now and then.
The lids trap your food’s nutrients and moisture for more flavorful and sumptuous results. This set comes with a 3-quart sauté pan with lid, 3-quart chef’s pan with lid, 1. 5-quart saucepan with lid, 12. 5″ fry pan, 8″ skillet, 10″ fry pan, 2. 5-quart saucepan with lid, and 6-quart stockpot with lid.
Pros:
- Even heat distribution
- Die-Casted Stainless Steel handle
- Die-casted stainless steel handle
- No hot spots
- No warping
Cons:
- Durability is questionable
Things to Consider When Shopping for the Best Cookware Sets
Type of Cookware Material
Non-stick
To achieve excellent food release performance, many manufacturers opt for a non-stick coating – ceramic or PTFE (Teflon). The coat allows users to cook with less oil and ensures your food slides off the cookware effortlessly.
While this might sound interesting, non-stick cookware is not as durable as other options. The coating tends to degrade, and under extreme heat, it emits toxic fumes. Not only that, they are metal utensil safe.
Stainless steel
For a more eco-friendly and healthy option than PTFE coating, stainless steel is your best bet. They do not emit harmful fumes at high temperatures and are incredibly durable to serve your purpose for many years to come.
Stainless steel cookware won’t rust or scratch and can withstand extreme temperature. Hence, they are perfect for a wide range of cooking styles. High-end stainless steel kitchenware won’t discolor under any condition. However, they are not non-stick, which means you need to apply cold oil for an effortless food release experience.
Copper
Copper tends to react with your food, which is not ideal for safe, healthy meals. Hence, manufacturers coat the copper cookware with non-reactive materials such as Teflon or stainless steel to ensure your food is not contaminated.
Some products feature an aesthetic copper layer to make the cookware look glamorous and have nothing to do with the piece’s performance. Pans and pots with a copper core offer excellent thermal conductivity and a reasonable corrosion rate.
Thus, copper cookware is perfect for boiling water, sauteing beef, melting butter, making tomato sauce, and more.
Cast Iron
Cast iron cookware is known for high heat retention, corrosion resistance, and wide temperature range, making it a go-to for high-heat cooking styles. They are solid, high-performing, and durable.
The cast-iron pan could last a lifetime without discoloration or staining. More importantly, it would help if you seasoned the cookware properly for a non-stick cooking surface to make cleaning a cinch.
Weight
The best cookware set should be light to allow you to handle them with ease. If you intend flipping or shaking a pan or a pot for an extended period, it’s best to go for light options to prevent wrist pain. Our recommended weight for cookware is 2 – 3.5 pounds. The right weight would provide you with easy handling and unparalleled cooking performance without hand fatigue.
On the other hand, you might want to consider heavyweight pans you won’t be moving around during cooking, such as the Dutch oven.
Lids
Lids come in two options – metal and glass.
Glass lids
These lids are not made with the typical glass that breaks easily but from tempered glass, which is strong and able to withstand an accidental drop. They are more durable and won’t crack under rapid temperature changes.
Some of the best cookware sets come with tempered glass lids with a metal lid to avoid shattering and ensure tight-fitting. When choosing cookware with a glass lid, you should opt for ones with steam vents for pressure to escape. Another benefit of glass lids is it lets you monitor whatever you’re cooking without opening the lid from time to time.
Metal lids
Metal lids are easy to clean and super durable. They are made of metal and are not transparent. This means there’s no way to monitor the cooking process except you open the lid leading to heat loss.
Further, metal lids are good conductors of heat, meaning they won’t trap heat and steam like glass lids. Plus, most of them lack steam vents, causing pressure to build up, wiggling lid, and steam escaping.
Handle
Handles are usually made of stainless steel, silicone, or other materials. Regardless of the material you choose, ensure the handle is properly riveted to ensure it’s permanently secured to the cookware.
Also, the handle should feature some ergonomic design to make the grip more comfortable and prevent slippage. The handle should stay cool to the touch for safe handling without scalding or hurting yourself.
Equipment Review: Cookware Sets
Frequently Asked Questions About Cookware Sets
What are the best cookware brands to buy from?
There are several brands out there with a good reputation, like T-fal, Cuisinart, Rachael Ray, and Calphalon.
It’s better to purchase a complete set or by piece?
In a general sense, it’s cheaper to purchase a set than buying every piece individually. But if you don’t intend to splurge on kitchenware, then it’s best to buy the necessary piece. There’s no point in purchasing a cookware set with lots of pots you might never use daily.
Is stainless steel cookware better than non-stick cookware?
Stainless steel is an excellent material for building pots and pans. However, they have their ups and downs. They are durable, scratch-resistant, and excellent thermal conductors. Sadly, food tends to stick to the pot, except you create a non-stick layer using cold oil.
On the other hand, non-stick cookware offers better food release performance and easy cleanup. Unfortunately, they are not durable and might not be suitable for heavy-duty cooking such as searing and browning.
Which should I buy – metal or glass lids?
The glass lid is a decent choice if you love to see and monitor the entire cooking process without opening the lid to prevent heat loss. But if durability is a prime concern, you are better off with metal lids.
Conclusion
Hopefully, this post helps you choose the best cookware sets. Without top 7 recommendations, the decision process should be a breeze.
[…] See also: America’s Test Kitchen Best Cookware Sets 2021 Made in USA […]