The best cookware sets of 2024, per our reviews

22 Jul.,2024

 

The best cookware sets of , per our reviews

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Some people love cooking with all of their hearts, while others prefer ordering in or grabbing takeout from their favorite restaurant (and we don&#;t blame you).

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Whether you&#;re the first or latter, you should always have reliable cookware sets at home. But we get it; everyone may be looking for something slightly different that meets their individual needs (and wallet).

So whether you are searching for nonstick options from Made In or ceramic cookware from Caraway, the cheapest option or the best cookware sets to gift someone else, we&#;ve got you covered.

We&#;ve done the heavy lifting for you and found the best cookware brands for serving your finest dishes (or leftovers) on your go-to dinnerware.

Read on to discover reliable shops stocked with everything from casserole and baking dishes to pressure cookers.

Happy cooking!

(Related: Best flatware and silverware sets)

Click to go straight to our FAQs or our winners of the best cookware sets by category:

How We Tested

Testing cookware is no small feat, and we didn&#;t cut any corners. We paid close attention to the following criteria when judging each cookware set.

Material quality:

  • Durability
  • Heat conductivity
  • Resistance to corrosion
  • Non-reactivity
  • Non-toxicity

Performance and user experience:

  • Heat retention
  • Non-stick properties
  • Versatility
  • Cooktop compatibility
  • Volume capacity

Safety:

  • Handle heat resistance
  • Lid fit
  • Stability

Each piece in every set was tested with user instructions &#; pasta and sauces were made in sauce pans, steaks and sides were made in sauté pans, and soups, stews, and breads were made in Dutch ovens. We used them as we normally would, cranking up the heat and subjecting them to the occasional overnight in the sink. How easy are the sets to clean? Do they take up much space? How much do the pieces weigh? We considered these questions and more to determine our ratings and inform our reviews.

Best Cookware Sets

Jump on board the healthy cooking train with the chemical-free brand Caraway. We&#;re a personal fan of the Caraway frying pan, and its results are truly delicious. Each piece is coated with ceramic and comes in a sophisticated selection of colors such as cream, navy, sage, and more, with a new limited edition stainless steel cookware set just in time for holiday foodie gifting.

Caraway

Pros

  • Works with gas, electric, and induction
  • Oven safe
  • No PTFE, PFOA, PFAS, lead, or cadmium
  • Beautiful design
  • Non-toxic and non-stick
  • 4.4 out of 5 stars on Amazon

Cons

  • Light exterior makes detailed clean-up and regular scrubbing a necessity

Caraway cookware sort of has a cult following, and we&#;re not surprised. The brand makes gorgeous cookware sets that work with a variety of stovetops, so regardless if you find yourself cooking with gas or electric, you&#;ll be good to go. None of the pans have any nasty toxins, plus they&#;re available in a wide variety of colors.

&#;I love using the Caraway frying pans for my breakfast scrambles just as much as I love its large pot for boiling pasta for dinner,&#; said our commerce journalist Victoria Giardina. &#;Not only does it look good but it performs just as good, too. Each pot&#;s handles make it ergonomic to lift while cooking (with pot holders or an oven mitt, of course) and I love how they&#;re oven-safe up to 550 degrees Fahrenheit. That&#;s a pretty strong heat retention and they&#;ve been holding up for one year so far.&#;

&#;Whenever I use Caraway Cookware, I instantly feel like I&#;m using the crème de la crème of cookware,&#; she continued. &#;With each piece&#;s glossy exterior and nonstick coating, everything comes out delicious &#; from scrambled eggs in the morning to taco filling in the evening. It performs well under low and high heat alike and the quality remains even after cleaning.&#;

Set includes: 10.5-inch frying pan, 3-quart saucepan with lid, 6.5-quart Dutch oven with lid, 4.5-quart sauté pan with lid, four modular magnetic pan racks, and a canvas lid holder with hooks

Our Place sells some of the best pots and pans out there, and there&#;s no denying it! If you feel like sticking with an internet favorite, we recommend opting for the brand&#;s Always Pan 2.0 Home Cook Trio. With just one pan, you can boil, crisp, bake, braise, roast, steam, strain, serve, pour, and so much more.

RELATED: Read our review of the fan-favorite Always Pan

Our Place

Pros

  • Oven safe
  • Toxic-free, non-stick ceramic coating
  • Space-saving design
  • Free-shipping and returns
  • Chic color options
  • Includes nesting spatulas

Cons

  • The Perfect Pot handles tend to get hot and require barriers

The cookware from Our Place is made with 100% post-consumer recycled aluminum, which we feel really good about. It also doesn&#;t contain lead or PFAS, so if you&#;re trying to limit exposure to harmful metals, this a great brand to try. What we like best about this particular cookware set is that it&#;s designed to nest, which saves you major cabinet space. And while this set only comes with three pans (each of a different size), you can get the Our Place Perfect Pot in a selection of sizes if that&#;s what you&#;re after, or go all in and opt for the Ultimate Cookware Set which features all of the essentials any home chef needs to create delicious, camera-ready dishes for just a few, or for a full house.

According to our Associate Manager of Commerce Strategy and Development Sophie Cannon, &#;If you treat it right, it will last! I will say that I am an intense cook, and so when used on high heat or with some acidic ingredients, the pots and pans may lose their non-stick abilities faster than other brands. Performance-wise, I use the Always Pan Mini and Perfect Pot Mini every day and leave them on my stovetop. I cook for one, so the mini size is perfect, and having a wipe-clean non-stick surface is a time saver when cleaning up.&#;

Set includes: 4-quart pan with lid, 2.6-quart pan with lid, 1-quart pan with lid, and 3 nesting spatulas

Best Ceramic: Xtrema Signature Series Set

&#;Once you go ceramic, you never go back,&#; Commerce Journalist Miska Salemann mused. Xtrema&#;s unique ceramic pieces are handcrafted by skilled Chinese artisans, produce an even cooking surface and amount of heat, and are extremely lightweight.

Pros

  • 100% non-toxic
  • 40 day trial
  • 10 year warranty
  • Works with gas, electric, and induction
  • Lightweight

Cons

  • Moderate initial investment

&#;I honestly was not expecting to like this brand so much because I&#;ve always believed that everything tastes and looks better on cast iron,&#; explained Salemann. &#;I was wrong. In terms of quality, I would say Xtrema is just as nice &#; sleek, glossy, plus it contains no metals that could make their way into your food. The ceramic is VERY lightweight. That was the first thing I noticed. Definitely makes cooking a lot easier when you don&#;t have to struggle to move a cast iron pot or pan.&#;

She continued: &#;Something else interesting about ceramic vs. cast iron: With cast iron if you accidentally overheat the skillet, it&#;s very difficult to bring down the temperature which can ruin your food. That doesn&#;t happen with ceramic. You can easily take the pan off the stove and it will adjust quickly. It&#;s super helpful for beginner cooks.&#;

Set includes: 1-quart Traditions Saucepan with Lid, 1.5-quart Traditions Saucepan with Lid, 2.5-quart Traditions Saucepan with Lid, 9-inch Signature Skillet, and two 100% Organic Cotton Handle Potholders

If you love to cook like Gordon Ramsey, consider splurging on this incredible set from HexClad.

HexClad

Pros

  • Lifetime warranty
  • Metal utensil safe
  • nonstick
  • non-toxic
  • oven safe
  • dishwasher safe
  • induction safe
  • stay cool handles

Cons

  • Expensive

&#;As someone who has been in the commerce business for many years, I&#;ve tried dozens of cookware brands but HexClad is the only one that goes above and beyond,&#; said Camryn LaSala, Commerce Editor for the New York Post, Page Six and Decider.

&#;They&#;re completely non-stick and super versatile. Want to whip up a fluffy omelet? Maybe sear a filet? No problem. HexClad takes my cooking to the next level every time I use my favorite pots and pans (which is a lot)!&#;

Set includes: 12-inch hybrid fry pan with tempered glass lid, 10-inch hybrid fry pan with tempered glass lid, 8-inch hybrid fry pan with tempered glass lid, 2-quart hybrid saucepan with lid, 3-quart hybrid saucepan with lid and 8-quart hybrid saucepan with lid.

For an easy buy, opt for a cookware set from Amazon Basics. Choose from 15-piece sets, non-stick options and more to customize your cooking to your needs.

Amazon

Pros

  • BPA-free non-stick coating
  • Soft touch handles
  • Spiral bottom
  • More than 54,000 ratings on Amazon
  • Budget-friendly

Cons

  • Quality and looks aren&#;t as impressive as some competitors&#;

Even if you&#;re not much of a chef, it&#;s smart to have a cookware set handy. This one doesn&#;t break the budget, has amazing reviews on Amazon, and is of the non-stick variety. A spiral bottom helps to distribute heat throughout each pan, and the handles are soft and cool to the touch. To keep them in prime condition, we suggest not turning up the heat super high, but this will definitely get you through midnight munchies and your morning oatmeal.

&#;This was my first cookware set when I lived in my tiny starter apartment,&#; Commerce journalist Kendall Cornish said. &#;Not only did it do the job (and well), but it didn&#;t cost an arm and a leg, each piece was easy to handle, and everything could be tossed in the dishwasher. Easy, affordable, and quality.&#;

Set includes: 8-inch fry pan, 10-inch fry pan, 1.5-quart saucepan with lid, 2-quart saucepan with lid, 3-quart casserole pan with lid, 5-quart casserole pan with lid, and 5-piece utensil set with pasta server, soup ladle, slotted turner, serving spoon, and slotted serving spoon

Since , Le Creuset (pronounced &#;luh-CROO-zay&#;) has been leaving its mark in kitchens across the world. You can look forward to bold, chip-resistant colored cast iron, fine French craftsmanship, and superior performance.

Le Creuset

Pros

  • Robust cast iron
  • Porcelain-enameled
  • Includes the lightest weight cast iron by quart on the market
  • Works with ceramic, gas, electric, halogen, induction, and oven
  • Lifetime warranty and free shipping

Cons

  • Moderate initial investment
  • Heavyweight

We know you know Le Creuset. How can you not? The cookware brand is iconic, especially for its Dutch ovens. We love it for that single piece alone, which may be the reason we like this 5-piece set so much. Use it to create a hardy stew (via the Dutch oven) while sautéing greens or a protein in the others. Available in practically every color of the rainbow, you won&#;t even want to put the set back in its cabinet.

&#;Le Creuset is an excellent and iconic brand that every serious home chef appreciates,&#; raved Holly J. Coley, our Commerce Updates Editor. &#;I like its Dutch ovens best, especially for stews or anything you need to let cook for a longer time. Unlike the cheaper cookware I own, the interior is more durable and resistant to burns. It&#;s also easy to clean.&#;

&#;On a scale of 1-10, I&#;d say the cookware&#;s performance is a 10,&#; she continued. &#;It works for gas, electric and the oven. Pieces are designed so food items are not overcrowded in the pans, which helps everything heat properly.&#;

Set includes: 5.5-quart round Dutch oven, 1.75-quart signature saucepan, and 9-inch signature skillet

Made in France and forged to perfection, it doesn&#;t get much better than Mauviel M&#;Heritage when it comes to copper cookware. Although an investment, culinary professionals and novices with an appreciation for fine cuisine adore this brand, and so do we.

Amazon

Pros

  • Cast stainless steel handles
  • Even heat distribution
  • Compatible with gas, electric, halogen, oven, and induction with a disc
  • Genuine copper cookware

Cons

  • Higher initial investment
  • Not the lightest weight option

This copper cookware is an investment. However, it&#;s something you&#;ll be able to keep for years and even pass down to future generations. An excellent conductor of heat, the made-in-France cookware features stainless steel handles that keep your hand cool while you cook. If you find you need one extra pot or saucer, an 8-piece set, as well as a 12-piece copper set, is available at Williams Sonoma.

&#;There&#;s something incredible about a copper cookware set, especially a high-quality one made in France,&#; Cornish said of the set. &#;It&#;s my absolute favorite material to cook on &#; surpassing even cast iron &#; for literally everything. This set is a gorgeous heirloom that will be used for generations after me&#;or at least displayed.&#;

Set includes: 1.9-quart saucepan with lid, 3.6-quart saucepan with lid, 3.2-quart sauté pan with lid, 10.2-inch frying pan, and 5-ounce bottle of copper cleaner

Best Premium Quality: 360 Cookware 6 Piece Stainless Steel Cookware Set

360 Cookware&#;s surgical-grade stainless steel allows you to cook evenly at low and high temperatures, use less oil when cooking thanks to proprietary Vapor Technology, and looks good doing it. For some of the highest quality cookware on the market, 360 Cookware is a solid and highly impressive option.

Pros

  • Ergonomic handles

  • Oven safe up to 500 degrees

  • &#;

    Stay Cool&#; long handles


  • T-316 surgical grade stainless steel

  • Handcrafted in the USA

Cons

  • Moderate initial investment
  • Not the lightest weight option

&#;The brand 360 Cookware needs to be on more people&#;s radar,&#; raved Giardina. &#;Namely, its stainless steel composition and elegant composition make it a dream to not only cook with but also to display on your countertop when not in use. Each piece from 360 Cookware boasts proprietary Vapor Technology that helps create fast, even heat to help create the finest end result. The lids are specially designed, too, helping to capture heat to move around your food &#; not escaping out at the sides.&#;

&#;Additionally, I never feel like the coating or interior is jeopardized when I clean each pot or pan after cooking,&#; she continued. &#;It&#;s evident that the brand uses the highest-quality stainless steel with the most glossy finish I&#;ve ever seen. The products are all backed by a lifetime warranty as well.&#;

Set includes: 8&#; covered fry pan, 2-quart saucepan with cover, 4-quart stock pot with cover, and stainless steel cleaner

For half a century, All-Clad has been revolutionizing the cookware industry. Born in Canonsburg, Pennsylvania, the heart of the American steel, copper core and aluminum market, All-Clad&#;s metal fabrication is unmatched.

Amazon

Pros

  • Stainless steel cooking surface with a copper core
  • Riveted stainless steel handles
  • 5-ply bonded construction
  • Compatible with all stove tops

Cons

  • Highest initial investment
  • Not the lightest weight option

Okay, we know this is a pricier cookware set, but it&#;s copper core ya&#;ll! It&#;s one of the best materials to make sauces, gravies, and basically anything you need to cook evenly over a longer period of time. The handles of the pots and pans have a curved silhouette for comfortable gripping, and we&#;re definitely not mad at its glossy exterior.

&#;The construction of All-Clad cookware is impressive to say the least,&#; Cornish stated. &#;Easy to clean and care for thanks to a lack of crevices and connective joints, it&#;s as if each All-Clad piece is dipped in silver before it finds its way to your stovetop.&#;

Set includes: 10-inch fry pan, 3-quart sauté pan with lid, 2-quart saucepan with lid, and 8-quart stockpot with lid

FAQs

What cookware do professional chefs use?

Professional chefs use a variety of cookware depending on whatever they are preparing. However, certain types of cookware are more popular than others.

One type of cookware favored by culinary professionals is stainless steel. It doesn&#;t react to acid, can have a copper core for even heat distribution, and is good for making sauces, deglazing, and searing.

Another type of cookware that chefs work with is cast iron. It&#;s good for dishes that need to be cooked slowly, like braised pork or caramelized onions, and also works for frying and searing. Capable of developing a non-stick surface over time, cast iron is also wonderful at retaining and distributing heat. If you&#;re interested in this type of cookware, we highly recommend checking out Le Creuset. It&#;s long-lasting and has iconic Dutch ovens.

Additionally, copper cookware is popular amongst chefs. It&#;s ideal for dishes that must maintain a specific temperature, such as sauces or syrups. It&#;s on the pricier side, but the plus is that it can be handed down through generations if properly cared for.

What is the least harmful cookware?

If you&#;re wary of non-stick cookware, you&#;re not alone. The main concern many have is the risk of toxic substances such as perfluoroalkyl or poly fluoroalkyl (PFAS) getting into the food once it hits a certain temperature. Fortunately, today, there is no shortage of healthy non-stick cookware options.

Cookware brands we like are Caraway Cookware, which has a non-toxic coating, and Our Place Cookware, which is PFAS-free, made without Teflon and comes in biodegradable packaging. Another alternative is sticking to stainless steel cookware sets.

For more content, check out the New York Post Shopping section.

The Best Cookware Sets of , According to Experts

We analyze each set on its versatility, heating ability, performance, and ease of cleaning. We pay special attention to the number of pieces, design elements, heat distribution and maintenance, and how much work is required to get cookware sparkling clean again. Then, the fun began when our testers put each set through real-world tests.

Narrowing down the perfect set for you can be intimidating. Thankfully, our Allrecipes testers, including a few Allstars , are here to the rescue. They tested top-rated sets, using them as how a regular home cook would, and rated them on aspects like heat distribution, versatility, and ease of cleaning. Copper, nonstick, aluminum-clad, no matter your preference, your perfect cookware set is out there.

A cookware set is arguably the most important purchase for your kitchen. Whether it's a pot to boil water in or a pan to sauté a chicken breast , it's something you'll reach for daily. Whether your cookware is past its prime or you're looking for more cohesion in your kitchen, a complete set can take your kitchen to new heights.

Our Top Pick

Calphalon Premier Stainless Steel 8-Piece Cookware Set

PHOTO: Amazon

Why It's Great: Heats evenly; clear, tight-fitting lids; induction compatible; affordable

Grain of Salt: Might need other pans to round out your collection

Durable cookware that heats evenly and doesn't require a deep clean after a weeknight dinner are two reasons why Allstar Amanda Scarlati loves this Calphalon cookware line. After we gave it high marks in our testing, she put it through even more with searing chicken and pork chops, cooking pasta and rice, making eggy dishes, and steaming veggies. All of it was effortless and didn't require pulling out the baking soda afterward.

"The thing I liked the most about this set was the quality," says Scarlati. "The material is heavy duty and truly a non-stick product." Even if you're not a pro at the mercury ball test, fried eggs and frittatas will slide right out of this pan. The clear, tight-fitting lids are perfect for getting a glance inside the pot, while the comfortable handles don't get uncomfortably warm on the stove.

Scarlati did find minor downsides. Steaming a large amount of vegetables can be tricky since the pots are not that wide, and you might want to pick up a smaller pan for your eggs. And like all stainless steel cookware, if searing goes too far or burnt-on food occurs, you'll need some elbow grease during cleanup.

There is also an 11-piece version with a few more saucepans, while the 13-piece one includes a pasta insert and a steamer insert for the stockpot.

The Details: Stainless steel; 8 pieces; dishwasher-safe; oven-safe to 450°F

Best Ceramic

Caraway Nonstick Ceramic Cookware Set

PHOTO: Amazon

Why It's Great: Visually appealing; well-designed; comes with storage

Grain of Salt: No small pan included; interior can collect stains

You've probably seen this Caraway Cookware Set on your favorite Instagram influencer's stove. It has made a name for itself not just for how stunning the cookware looks, but for its overall superior design, which our own Melanie Fincher approves of.

Almost every facet of this set seems to be designed with usability in mind, from the pan's sloped sides&#;that are perfect for sliding an egg out of all the way&#;to the notches under the handles to alert you of how far down you can go before it gets too hot. This set even comes with smart solutions for storage like a canvas lid holder, magnetic pan rack, and cork trivets.

We noticed the pans felt thick (in a good way), which led to excellent heat control. This also allows for slower and more controlled heating, which was great for subtle searing and avoiding scorched food. It cooked super evenly and went seamlessly from the range to the oven.

Caraway is lauded for its extreme nonstick, and we found that it lives up to the hype. Our fried eggs didn't break and easily moved along the slick surface. This also made it incredibly easy to clean. We did, however, have to lug out one of the big saute pans since there's no small pan in this set. And, as Fincher notes, the interior of this can get dingy from stains. You'll have to do an extra deep clean now and then to keep it looking great for your feed.

The Details: Aluminum and stainless base with ceramic coating; 9 pieces; hand-wash only; oven-safe to 550°F

Best Nonstick

Ninja Foodi NeverStick Cookware Set

PHOTO: Amazon

Why It's Great: Induction safe; easy to grip; stylish modern look

Grain of Salt: Handles get hot

Many types of nonstick pans don't perform well at high heat and aren't oven-safe at all, but that's not the case with this set. It's oven-safe up to 500°F, so you can get that crispy exterior combined with the easy cleanup of nonstick. We love the versatility of being able to go from stove to oven and back again. Even better, these pans are compatible with induction burners. The flat bottoms and exposed stainless steel make them easy to use on induction burners and yield even heating.

We also loved the design of these handles. The metal is brushed, so it's not as slippery as regular, shiny stainless steel. However, the downside is that they, along with the lids, get extremely hot while cooking.

The Details: Aluminum with nonstick coating and magnetic base; 8 pieces; dishwasher-safe; oven-safe to 500°F

Best Budget

Bialetti Ceramic Pro 10-Piece Non-Stick Cookware Set

PHOTO: Amazon

Why It's Great: Extremely nonstick; ergonomic handles; lightweight

Grain of Salt: Poor heat distribution

The one thing we said over and over again about this Bialetti 10-Piece Ceramic Pro Cookware Set is that it is almost unbelievably nonstick. It got a rare "impressive" when there was no sticking in our chicken searing test. It was also a top performer in our egg test, with nary a broken yolk in sight. We also loved the light grey nonstick coating since it was easier to see bubbling and sizzling.

Compared to some of the other pans on this list, the Bialetti pans felt more lightweight, easy to maneuver, and had a better handle design. The handle is bolted in, feels ergonomic in hand, and is not cumbersome.

In our boiling water test, we noticed that these pans heated up lightning quick, but the heat distribution was lacking. This was likely due to its wider size, so the heat didn't go all the way to the edges leading to a hot spot in the middle.

The Details: Aluminum base with nonstick coating and stainless steel handles; 10 pieces; hand-wash recommended; oven-safe to 400°F

Best Splurge

All-Clad D5 Stainless Brushed 5-Ply Bonded Cookware Set

PHOTO: Williams-Sonoma

Why It's Great: Great at high heat; very even heating; extremely durable

Grain of Salt: Expensive, even for a splurge

All-Clad is the gold standard for most professional chefs. While a splurge, this cookware is well worth it given the quality and durability. All-Clad D5's five layers of stainless steel material wrapped around an aluminum core are incredibly durable and can take the daily wear and tear of even the busiest cook.

In most of our tests and in Scarlati's kitchen, these pans performed well in high heat. There was minimal scorching with excellent heat distribution, and we noticed even heat with phenomenal heat retention across even the larger pieces. The range of pieces is a major highlight for our Allstar. "[This has] a good variety of smaller and larger pans as well pots," she says. The depth-to-width ratio is excellent. "Food fit well in the pans, especially in the larger ones," says Scarlati.

Besides the high price, the handles on All-Clad are another sticking point: you either love them or hate them. We've found the design ergonomic and grippy, but Scarlati finds them uncomfortable and way too big. We love a helper handle in general, but these were particularly great because they made pouring much easier and even stayed cool to the touch after 15 minutes on the stove. And if this is just way too out of your budget, try the D3 line, which also performs well.

The Details: Stainless steel with aluminum core; 10 pieces; hand-wash recommended; oven-safe to 600°F

Best Starter Set

Cuisinart MultiClad Pro 12 Piece Stainless Cookware Set

PHOTO: Amazon

Why It's Great: Affordable; heats evenly; great design

Grain of Salt: Runs hot

There's not enough room to list everything we love about this Cuisinart Multiclad Pro Stainless Steel Cookware Set. We love a good deal, and this 12-piece set from one of the best names in cookware is a steal.

One of the things we loved most was how well-designed the angles in this pan were. It seems small, but our rubber spatulas easily swept through the pan's edges, so there was no sticking. The curved sides made the cooking feel smoother.

When it came to the saucepan, the higher-than-usual sides were a surprising benefit since things splattered a lot less. The handles also felt thoughtfully designed since they're more elevated and feel comfortable in proximity to the heat.

We were floored by how fast this pan heated up, and not only that&#;it stayed evenly hot. This is likely due to the aluminum core. Unfortunately, there is such a thing as a pan that's too hot. We noticed some troubling smoking, and at high heat, our food started to stick significantly, which can quickly lead to burning.

The Details: Stainless steel with aluminum core; 12 pieces; dishwasher-safe; oven-safe to 550°F

Best Cast Iron Option

Lodge Seasoned Cast Iron 5-Piece Set

PHOTO: Amazon

Why It's Great: Durable; versatile; comprised of popular cast-iron pieces

Grain of Salt: Will need some extra maintenance

Lodge is one of the best names in cast-iron cookware. This Lodge Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron 5-Piece Set is everything you need to deck out your kitchen in cast iron. Cast iron is unbelievably durable with pans passed down through generations, and with this set, you're sure to contribute to its legacy.

Some might think cast iron cookware is only for specific tasks, but when properly cared for, it can replace your favorite nonstick and stainless cookware plus your Dutch oven. Sure, cast iron is great for frying chicken and baking up a great batch of classic cornbread, but you can also make a soft scrambled egg, sear a steak, or even toss together some pasta.

To sustain the surface of your pan and build up that nonstick surface, you have to go through a process called seasoning. This is extra maintenance that needs to be done periodically to care for your cookware. They can be harder to clean and maintain if this isn't something you're used to.

The Details: Cast iron; 5 pieces; hand-wash only; oven -safe to 650°F

Best Copper

Williams Sonoma Thermo-Clad Cookware Set

PHOTO: Williams Sonoma

Why It's Great: Excellent heat distribution; well-balanced; all the essential cookware pieces

Grain of Salt: Heavy handles; will need regular maintenance

We know the price is steep, but any copper cookware worth its salt is going to be an investment. After thorough testing, we stand behind this 10-piece set from Williams Sonoma. The cookware was made in collaboration with Ruffoni, a renowned Italian coppersmith, and features 18/10 stainless steel interiors, lids, and handles (most, if not all, copper cookware will have an interior made of a more durable metal).

As one should expect with copper cookware, this set is incredibly efficient at heating, with a nice fond developing on the interior. We found each piece to be exceptionally spacious for the home cook. We could've fit up to three chicken breasts in the 4.5-quart saute pan without any crowding and the 8-quart stockpot has a great width (and is shockingly the most lightweight piece in the set).

No matter how much was in any piece, they remained well-balanced and easy to carry around. The downsides are the handles might be a bit too heavy for some and you'll need to regularly maintain the exterior.

The Details: Copper with 18/10 stainless steel; 10 pieces; hand-wash only; oven-safe to 450°F

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