The 8 Best Cookware Sets for 2024, According to Our Rigorous Testing

While you can build your cookware collection one piece at a time, there’s something to be said for investing in a set. First off, buying individual items can add up quickly. Going for a cookware set can be more cost-effective, plus it saves you time from having to research and hunt down each separate piece. With so many high-quality options available, you can easily find a set that meets your needs, from the number of pieces included to the material you prefer. 

Taking into consideration important factors like material, versatility, and maintenance, we selected winning sets from years of testing to determine the best cookware sets out there. Continue reading to learn what cookware sets earned a spot on our list.

This cookware set comes with the essentials that home cooks need on a regular basis: two frying pans, a saucepan, and a stockpot. We love that one of the frying pans is nonstick, and the other is stainless-clad, so you can choose between the two depending on what you’re cooking. For instance, whipping up omelets would be great in the former, and searing steak would work well in the latter.

We tested this 100% non-toxic, PFOA-free set in our testing labs, and we loved the results. We experienced even heating with little to no sticking. The handles were always cool to the touch, and the stainless steel pieces are oven-safe up to 800 degrees Fahrenheit, while the nonstick pieces will handle heat up to 500 degrees.

If you’re going to invest in a cookware set, especially one where you may not get as many pieces for the price, you want it to be functional and long-lasting, and this set is certainly that. Design touches like rolled rims for easy pouring and draining, stay-cool handles, and five layers of metal for superior heat conductivity make cooking a breeze, and cleanup is pretty easy, too. The stainless-clad pieces are dishwasher-safe, so you just have to handwash the nonstick pan, but that’s standard for the material. To top it all off, the nonstick coating has a one-year limited warranty, while a lifetime warranty backs the stainless items.

Pieces Included: Two 10-inch frypans, a 2-quart saucepan with lid, and an 8-quart stockpot with lid | Construction: Nonstick and 5-ply stainless clad | Maximum Temperature: 800°F for stainless clad pieces, 500°F for nonstick | Induction-Safe: Yes

When we tested ceramic cookware, this design-forward ceramic nonstick cookware set ranked high in performance, design, and easy cleanup. The ultra-smooth surfaces are scratch-resistant, and the stainless steel handles are comfortable to hold and maneuver. Everything we cooked slid right out, living up to its nonstick name. While performance is critical, aesthetics are important, too. The set’s contemporary color options, like perracotta, navy, and marigold, make it a fun, vibrant addition to any kitchen. 

Another big plus with this set is that while it’s nonstick, it’s free of PFAs, PFOA, PTFE, and heavy metals. Simply put, you’ll get the stress-free qualities of nonstick (just watch those eggs easily slide right out), but there’s no danger of toxic fumes being released during cooking. For being nonstick, it’s also pretty impressive that you can put the pots and pans in the oven up to 550 degrees Fahrenheit. We recommend hand-washing for a longer lifespan, but cleanup should be a breeze due to its slick surfaces.

Maybe you’re choosing this set because you only want the essentials and don’t have space for extra pots and pans at home. Well, you’re sure to appreciate that the product includes modular pan racks for storing the pots and pans upright, along with a canvas lid holder with pockets that you could fix to the inside of a cabinet. 

Pieces Included: 10.5-inch fry pan, 4.5-quart sauté pan with lid, a 5-quart Dutch oven, and a 3-quart saucepan with lid (plus pan rack and lid holder) | Construction: Hard-anodized ceramic with diamond-infused thermal; stainless steel handles | Maximum Temperature: 550°F | Induction-Safe: Yes

While not the most luxurious or highest performing of our picks, this stainless steel set will have pretty much all your bases covered with its ten included pieces, whether you’re frying, stewing, or steaming. The 3-ply stainless steel conducts and retains heat very well. Just be careful since that means some of the handles may require using a pot holder or towel.

We did experience some issues with the design. There was some unexpected overcooking and sticking of rice, and the angle where the sauté pan walls join the bottom of the pan can make for an uncomfortable stirring or whisking experience, but nothing that a little adapting or extra attention cannot solve. When you’re through with cooking, there’s no added stress during cleanup: All the items in this set can go in the dishwasher. It doesn’t get much simpler than that.

Pieces Included: 8.5- and 10-inch frypans, 1.5- and 3-quart saucepans with lids, a 3.5-quart sauté pan with lid, an 8-quart stockpot with lid, and an 8.5-inch steamer insert with lid | Construction: 3-ply stainless steel with aluminum | Maximum Temperature: 450°F | Induction-Safe: Yes

A nonstick cookware set is a smart choice for those who want their cooking and cleaning to be as fuss-free as possible. Included in this well-rounded set are a fry pan, saucepan, sauté pan, and stock pot. During testing, we found the set performed well, thanks to its nonstick capability and heat retention, and each pan felt roomy and uncrowded. Apart from its modern, attractive design, these pans are 100% non-toxic and made without PFOA. Although the handles aren't the most comfortable to hold, we appreciate the safety notch that lets you know where to stop your hand from burning yourself when using this cookware. In addition, we liked the beveled lip on all pieces that allow for easy pouring with minimal drips or spills.

If you frequently move cookware from the stovetop to the oven, note that this set is only oven-safe up to 500 degrees Fahrenheit. We did find this set to be heavier than some others we've handled, but not too heavy to prevent us from giving it a strong recommendation. If you’re working with gas, electric, or induction and want a large cookware set that ranks high in durability and performance, this is an excellent choice.

Pieces Included: 10-inch frying pan, 4-quart saucepan with lid, 4-quart sauté pan with lid, 8-quart stock pot with lid | Construction: 5-ply stainless steel with two layers of professional-grade nonstick coating | Maximum Temperature: 500°F | Induction-Safe: Yes

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