I Tested and Reviewed The Best Cookware Sets

From nonstick to stainless-steel, ceramic and nontoxic, we’ve done the research and found the top best rated cookware sets in the market right now. The Best Cookware Set​​ After researching over 40 pots and pans sets and rigorously testing 18, we recommend the Caraway Nonstick Ceramic Cookware Set because it offers solid non-toxic construction, even heating, and comfortable design at an affordable price.

A good cookware set is a great way to own high quality pots and pans without necessarily handpicking each piece yourself. Any pot can cook food, but the best cookware sets give you the best collection of cooking pans and pots without having to handpick each piece separately.

About Our Cookware Tests

While our team of experts were testing pots and pans, I paid special attention to the number of pieces, heat distribution, design elements and maintenance, and how much of elbow grease is required to clean up and get things sparkling. Then, the fun began when our testers put each pots and pans set through real-world tests.

• Water Boiling Test: We put four (4) cups of water in the smallest saucepan in the set and measured how long it takes to heat the water to a boil over medium heat.
• Fried Egg Test: This is one of the easiest way to assess the quality of a cooking pan, especially nonsticks. We make sure to take note of how crispy the edges looked, how easy it is to slide out of the pan, if the egg gets stuck, and the overall evenness of the finished fried egg.
• Pan-Seared Chicken Breast Test: We cook store-bought chicken breasts, checking for even heat distribution, ease of maneuvering, and fond development.

After countless hours of testing and reviewing, we’ve developed a list of the best cookware set in 2024 -2025.

Our Top Picks

• Best overall: Caraway Nonstick Ceramic Cookware Set (12 Piece)
• Best high end: All-Clad D3 3-Ply Stainless Steel Cookware Set 10 Piece
• Best selling affordable cookware: CAROTE 21Pcs Pots and Pans Set non stick
• Best nonstick cookware set: All-Clad HA1 Hard Anodized Nonstick Cookware Set, Pots and Pans Set
• Best stainless steel: Tramontina Tri-Ply Clad Stainless Steel 12-Piece Cookware Set with Lids

Best overall cookware set: Caraway Nonstick Ceramic Cookware Set

Good for: newlyweds, first-time homeowners and anyone looking to reset their stovetop needs.

Best cookware set non-toxic

Caraway Nonstick Ceramic Cookware Set (12 Piece)

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4.5

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Highlight

The fact that Caraway pans are free from PTFE, PFOA, and other harmful chemicals gives me peace of mind. Knowing that my family’s meals are prepared on a safe, non-toxic surface is a top priority for me.

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Real Consumer Report: 100% non-toxic and non-stick ceramic cookware. I’m absolutely in love with this set. Caraway is quickly becoming my go to brand for kitchen cookware. Everything is high quality and looks new after an easy quick wash. The pots and pans are very nice to use, and food does not stick.Read More +

Material

Aluminum

Number of pieces

12-Piece

Handle Material

Stainless Steel

Heat distribution

Excellent/Good

What’s in the box

Included in this set: 10.5″ fry pan, 3-quart saucepan, 4.5-quart saute pan, 6.5-quart Dutch oven, magnetic pan racks, canvas lid holder

Bottom Line

Bottom line

At the top of the highest rated best cookware set is Caraway Nonstick Ceramic pots and pans set. I love Caraway because this durable and good looking ceramic nonstick cookware set comes with all the pieces you need on a daily basis and serves as an excellent multi-purpose cookware set.

Who should use it: 

It’s perfect for the minimalist cook or if you have very little storage room.

These Caraway cookware collection of Non-Stick pots and pans are a premium addition to any kitchen, blending health, efficiency, and style into a product that stands the test of time. They’ve elevated my cooking routine, and I can’t recommend them highly enough.

This Caraway ceramic-coated cookware set turned out to be a top contender in our test, rising to the top of our nonstick-set ratings. Many of our kitchen cookware expert and testers loved this set for its design, durability and efficacy. It’s perfect for the minimalist cook or if you have very little storage room.

This cookware set from direct-to-consumer brand Caraway is the perfect blend of performance and design. Its PTFOA free, non toxic and compatible with all stovetops including gas, electric, and induction. The selection is thoughtfully curated, and each set is available in a variety of stylish hues with a modern finish that looks great on the stovetop.

It comes with 14 pieces, but only half of them are pots or lids. The rest are various hooks, racks, trivets, and things you probably dont have space for, unless of course, if this is your first cookware set.

It excels in all of our key cooking tests, and the handles are sturdy and stay cool to the touch while you’re cooking. The heat distribution is controlled and even, giving a subtle sear and gentle buildup of color without scorching. The nonstick surface is perfect for cooking eggs evenly without sticking, and its easy to clean.

Best high end: All-Clad D3 3-Ply Stainless Steel Cookware Set

What can I say about the best cookware set I have used? I have had this set for a year now and they are great, all the set still looks brand new and I use it a lot!

Best high-end cooking pans and pots set

All-Clad D3 3-Ply Stainless Steel Cookware Set 10 Piece

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On Amazon’s store

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4.7

Our ratings take into consideration factors like price, cookware material, type, ease of clean, even heat distribution and customer reviews. All ratings are determined by consumer reports and the editorial team.

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On Amazons’s store

Test Report

This set is beautiful and has given us an amazing first time experience in cooking with stainless steel. The All-Clad D3 3-Ply Stainless Steel Fry Pan with Lid, 12 Inch, stands as an exemplary culinary tool that has undoubtedly surpassed my expectations. As an avid home cook, I can confidently say that this pan is simply unparalleled in its performance and craftsmanship, elevating every cooking endeavor to a professional level.Read More »

Material

Stainless Steel

Number of pieces

10-Piece

Handle Material

Stainless, Stainless Steel, Stainless-steel, Steel

Heat distribution

Excellent/Good

Included in the set

Included in the set:  10-piece set includes 8-inch and 10-inch fry pans, 2-quart and 3-quart covered saucepans, 3-quart covered sauté pan, and 8-quart covered stockpot. Featuring the exceptional All-Clad D3 tri-ply construction for superior heat distribution and retention.

Bottom line

The pots and pans set of All-Clad D3 are beautiful and with proper care will last forever. Cooking is much more enjoyable and cleaning a breeze. Lids don’t leak but the lid handles can get hot and burn you if you’re not aware.

This cookware set had a lot of good reviews from our cooking experts. Many home cooks we spoke to like the quality, beauty, professional grade quality and even heat distribution of the All-Clad D3 Tri-Ply Stainless Steel cookware set that help the pots and pans cook evenly. However, I must warn this set is heavy and expensive.

For superior-quality cookware that will last a very long time, we recommend getting the All-Clad D3 Tri-Ply Stainless Steel 10-Piece Set. Professional chefs and home cooks agree the All-Clad tri-ply cookware is the best for both professional and home use because it’s so durable and of high quality.

This All-Clad Cookware Set is an outstanding choice for anyone that loves to cook. This set is awesome, and offers exceptional durability due to its construction. They have a quick and even heat distribution, which significantly improves cooking performance for things like searing and browning.

Being able handle temperatures up to 600°F, makes them suitable for use in the oven which I’ve done for Cinnamon rolls. The set is also relatively easy to clean, with most food residues coming off easily with a bit of soaking and scrubbing, and their dishwasher safe. I still use vinegar and baking soda after each use to shine them back up.

In addition to its practical benefits, the polished stainless steel finish adds a sleek, professional look to any kitchen. Although this set is a significant investment, the durability, performance, and aesthetic appeal make it well worth the price, ensuring it will be a valuable addition to the kitchen.

Best selling affordable cookware: CAROTE Pots and Pan Set

CAROTE 21Pcs Pots and Pans Set non stick

I found this cookware set on Amazon quite attractive and knew we had to test out its heat distribution and cooking feature to see if it is as convenient as it seems! In my opinion, this kitchen pots and pans set is the prettiest of the bunch.

This is a fantastic set, and nothing has stuck to my pans. I love the color and style of all the items and provided you’re careful not to use any metal spoons or similar utensils, I think these pots and pans from Carote will last you a long time. The price is just right for a set of this quality, too.

Helpful review: “Initially, I got this set because of all the great reviews, and it did not disappoint. I love the design, I love how lightweight they are yet they are great quality. They heat up evenly and easy to clean. They’re solid, nothing sticks including burnt cheese, etc. I like the spoon rest on the handles and that the lids are clear with vents for steam.

The only thing that is slightly annoying is that the pour spout on the pans is designed to be held with your right hand.

Best nonstick cookware set: All-Clad HA1 Hard Anodized Nonstick Cookware Set

We have had this All-Clad HA1 Hard Anodized Cookware Pots and Pans Set, for about a year and a half, actually. We bought it when we moved into our home back in the day and its lived up to our expectations. If you’re specifically looking for a great nonstick pots and pans set, the All-Clad HA1 Hard-Anodized Nonstick Cookware Set has your back.

Best Cookware Set non stick

All-Clad HA1 Hard Anodized Nonstick Cookware Set, Pots and Pans Set

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On All-Clads store

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4.6

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Highlight

This All-Clad HA1hard-anodized nonstick cookware set contains everything you need to cook a fantastic meal. This particular cookware pot and pans set from All-Clad has a Superb nonstick coating (the best I’ve ever used, without exaggeration). Its easy to clean and has a pretty even heat distribution (for non-stick cookware).Read More

Material

Hard-anodized aluminum

Number of pieces

10 pcs or 13 pieces available

Handle Material

Stainless, Stainless Steel, Steel

Heat distribution

Excellent/Good

What’s in the box

Included in this set: 8- and 10-inch frying pans, 2.5- and 3.5-quart saucepans with lids, 4-quart sauté pan with lid, 8-quart stockpot with lid

Pros and Cons

Pros: Lids fit tightly, it’s easy to clean, Build is durable and of high quality

Cons: Its heavy, can be hard to store if you lack space

Firstly, the “All-Clad” brand is like the mark of kitchen royalty. It’s like this cookware set has been knighted as a culinary champion, with a reputation for outstanding quality and performance that even professional chefs swear by.

With this set, you’ll get a solid PFOA free hard-anodized cookware with even heating that is compatible with all cooktops, including induction.

It overcame our tests in style with a sleek, black finish and shiny stainless steel handles. The handles are well designed to ensure safe grip, and long enough to create a perfect balance with each pot and pan. All-Clad’s signature concave shape makes them very comfortable to hold.

The pans are a little heavier than other cookware’s we’ve used, because they’re well-built with durable, heavy-gauge hard-anodized aluminum. All-Clad also coats each pots and pans with three layers of PFOA-free nonstick material, which gives this set a nice finish and helps the food release easily.

In our cooking test, this cookware performed well. The lid fit tightly onto the saucepots. This way, steam was trapped inside, and it produce some of the best rice in the testing room. We were also impressed at how crispy our chicken skin became.

This set creates a hard sear most nonsticks can’t touch. It is not the most affordable cookware set, but our testers agreed this set is the clear choice for anyone who prefers nonstick, because its wide variety of pots and pans make it worth every penny. Our only major complaint was storage. The pans don’t sit very well, making storage for small spaces difficult.

Best stainless steel: Tramontina Stainless Steel Tri-Ply Clad Cookware Set

I’ve had this Tramontina stainless steel cookware pots and pans for several months now and I absolutely love it. The quality of this cookware great – it has a nice heft to it and feels very sturdy and well-made.

Tramontina Tri-Ply Clad Stainless Steel 12-Piece Cookware Set with Lids

I’ve had stainless steel cookware before which I didn’t like because everything stuck so bad. No such trouble with this pan. It is not like using a non-stick pan, but food does not weld tight to it and you can turn breaded items without tearing the breading. It is easy to clean after soaking a couple minutes.

Our testers liked this set for a lot of reasons:

If you need a professional-looking stainless-steel cookware but don’t have the big bucks to shell out, Tramontina Gourmet Stainless Steel Induction-Ready Tri-Ply Clad Cookware Set is the set for you.
You’ll get solid performance whether you’re caramelizing onions or simmering a Bolognese. The handles are rounded and well built, offering a comfortable grip.

This collection of stainless steel pots and pans offers you a lot of value for your money. In addition to the basic saucepans and skillets, you get a large saute pan, a large 8-quart stockpot, and a Dutch oven. The 12-inch fry pan is deep and rounded, which makes this set perfect for stir fries. In summary, you’re pretty much covered for every possible cooking need.

The set is compatible with all cooktops, including induction. Tramontina cookwares are oven safe, and can be placed in the oven up to a temp of 500 degrees F, which should be more than enough for everything from braising a pot roast, to keeping a casserole warm, to browning off an apple.

Like all stainless steel cookware’s, this cookware is dishwasher safe, however our cookware experts recommend washing your pots and pans by hand, as the dishwasher makes it prone to some discoloration over time.

Stainless steel cookware is the most popular cookware material. They’re nice to look at, and also deliver in terms of performance, as this metal is incredibly durable.

Included: 10″ and 12″ fry pans, 1.5 and 3-quart covered saucepans, 6-quart deep sauté pan, 5 -quart Dutch oven, and 8-quart stockpot

What makes an ideal set of kitchen cookware?

Cooking Pans and Pots in a Complete Cookware Set

• Small saucepan (1 – 2 qt): A smaller pot great for boiling eggs, small batches of grains or legumes, and reheating soups and sauces.

• Large saucepan (3 – 4 qt): A medium pot ideal for boiling/steaming veggies and making small batches of pasta.

• Stock pot (6 – 12 qt) or Dutch oven (5 – 8 qt): A large pot for making stock, stews, pasta, and soups. A Dutch oven is typically shorter, wider, and a bit more oval than a stock pot, and usually comes in smaller sizes.

• Skillet pan (8 – 12 inches): A pan with slanted sides ideal for everything from scrambled eggs to sautéing veggies. (Note: The terms “skillet,” “frying pan,” and “omelet pan” seem to be used interchangeably in cookware sets, but for consistency we’ve used the term “skillet” across the board.)

• Sauté pan (3 – 4 qt): A deeper pan with straight sides perfect for searing meat, making risotto, and whipping up sauces.

Stainless steel vs Nonstick Cookware: Which Cookware Material is Better?

It all depends on what’s important to you – ease of cleaning or durability and searing. Nonstick cookware is stick resistant. This means you don’t need to use a lot of oil during cooking, which makes it a good option for the health-conscious. Nonstick is really easy to clean, but expect the coating to only last a few years before the whole thing needs replacing.

Stainless steel pans are often coated but will last longer if undercoated as the steel is more durable than the coating. Stainless steel also sears and browns foods really well (something you’ll miss out on with nonstick). It is also notorious for food sticking. I have personally cleaned stainless steel skillets from almost every manufacturer, and cleaning is a nightmare.

What about Cast Iron and Copper Cookware Sets?

We didn’t consider cast iron, enameled cast iron, or copper cookware sets because their specialized care instructions and ingredient limitations mean we probably don’t need a whole set of them. Our experts recommended you really only need one or two pieces of these specialized materials, and a whole set would be more expensive and not practical for everyday use.

In our previous article, we explained how cast iron, stainless steel and aluminum cookware differ from each other.

Methodology: How we researched, tested and compared cooking pots and pans to find the best cookware sets

Buying Guide: Cookware Sets

Bestselling Pots and Pans set

We started with bestselling cookware sets from major retailers like Amazon, Bed Bath & Beyond, Macy’s, Walmart, Crate & Barrel, and Williams Sonoma. We wound up with 66 contenders ranging from 5-18 pieces, with a variety of construction materials and an even greater variety of price tags. Our cheapest kitchen cookware sets started at $40 while our most expensive reached a whopping $2,000.

Well-rounded collections

While it’s tempting to go straight for the 17-piece cookware set, bigger sets don’t necessarily give you more bang for your buck. In fact, you’re likely to end up with overly-specific pieces, like oval fish pans and small Sauciers, or simple filler items, like cookbooks and spatulas (yes, pretty much anything in the box counts as a piece).

So, while not everyone needs the same pans – those cooking for one or two people will generally require fewer and smaller pieces than someone cooking for the whole family – the best cookware sets will contain useful, versatile pieces, without doubling up on impractical sizes.

We talked to experts and scoured cooking blogs to identify the most useful, versatile pieces for both novice and confident home cooks.

Check for the construction materials

Different types of cookware construction will result in different cooking experiences. It really comes down to preference and how long you’re willing to scrub at the kitchen sink.

We discovered that the main things to keep in mind with cookware materials are:

• cooking surface.
• heat conducting core.
• exterior body.

Most cookware has alternating layers of metals with a conductive core of aluminum or copper. More layers deliver better heat distribution, greater durability, and a heavier pan.

The outer layer, or exterior body, is often stainless steel, aluminum, or anodized aluminum (aluminum made more durable and non-corrosive through an electrochemical process), because these materials are generally lightweight and conductive.

Comfortable handles and heft

As we unboxed our 12 shiny cookware sets, we quickly noticed some key features that would add up to a world of difference in everyday cooking.

“Usefulness is more important than branding. A good brand with the wrong features is not useful at all.”

A comfortable and well-balanced handle is vital. All our sets came with metal or silicone handles. Our experts’ chefs advised plastic handles tend to crack, fade, and can’t handle high heat – but we discovered not all handles are created equally.

Handles with full contours that fit snugly in grip, and lid handles that were smooth and accommodated larger hands performed best. We also considered the heft of each piece and whether the design felt balanced enough to handle the construction’s weight. If a pot or pan feels too heavy when empty, it’s going to be a real pain when full.

Heat distribution (should be even)

Heat distribution refers to how well heat is maintained throughout the cooking surface of a pan. Poor distribution of heat in a pan creates “hot spots” that can scorch your food and cook things unevenly. So, we tested the three most common pieces of cookware in each set (saucepan, skillet, and sauté pan) for heat distribution using a thermal imaging camera.

Fast heating is an important factor for professional chefs, like Nick Musser, Corporate Chef at Bargreen-Ellingson Restaurant Supply Store, who told us he expected his cooking pans to quickly react to heat

I hate a pan that takes forever to heat up. I want to hear that garlic or butter sizzling within a few seconds.”

However, we noticed that thinner, lighter pans, like the Rachael Ray, Martha Stewart, and Cuisinart Multiclad quickly skyrocketed to above 400℉, which is much too hot for nonstick coating.

The Cookware Brands We Tested

Here are the top cookware brands we tested in alphabetical order:

• All-Clad
• Anolon
• Belgique
• Cuisinart
• Calphalon
• Lagostina
• Rachael Ray
• T-fal
• Tramontina

Cookware FAQ