Must-Have Cookware for Every Style of Cooking and Budget

Best Overall Ceramic Cookware Set

• No of pieces: 10
• Material: Stainless steel ceramic nonstick
• Included in set: 8- and 10-inch frying pan, 2 1/4- and 3-qt. saucepans with lid, 3-qt. sauté pan with lid, 5-qt. stockpot with lid, 3 pan protectors

Price at GreenPan: $999.99

If you want top-notch stainless steel cookware that also offers the convenience of nonstick, look no further than this 10-piece set from GreenPan. Though it's a bit of an investment, this set combines the best of both worlds – the durability of stainless steel with the ease of nonstick cooking.

Plus, these pans work on any cooktop, thanks to their induction-friendly design. The lids come with vent holes, and the largest pot has two pour spouts, making pouring liquids a breeze.

Best Ceramic Nonstick Cookware Set

• Number of pieces: 14
• Material: Aluminum
• Included in the set: 7- and 9.5-inch frypans, 2- and 3-quart saucepans with lids, 5-quart stockpot with lid, 2.5-quart saute pan with lid, stainless steel steamer insert, 3 nylon cooking tools

Price at Amazon: $130

Blue Diamond cookware is crafted from aluminum with a ceramic interior coating, a departure from the typical PTFE coating. What sets it apart is its ability to withstand high temperatures, reaching up to 850 degrees F on both the stovetop and in the oven.

This means you can confidently sear a sirloin in a frypan or glaze pork chops under the broiler without worry. The even heating of Blue Diamond pans eliminates the need to shuffle pancakes around the pan, ensuring they all cook uniformly.

Best Value Ceramic Cookware Set

• Number of pieces: 10
• Material: Aluminum Ceramic Nonstick
• Included in the set: 9.5- and 11-inch Frying Pan, 2.4 QT Saucepan with Lid and steamer, 4.3QT Casserole Pot with Lid, 4.5QT Saute Pan with Lid, White Silicone Turner

Price at Walmart: $79.99

CAROTE offers a budget-friendly alternative with their 10-piece cookware set, providing you with a complete collection for less than the cost of a single pan from some other sets. The design closely resembles pricier ceramic cookware, but these pans are constructed from aluminum instead of stainless steel, making them more affordable.

It's important to mention that these pans are not suitable for oven or dishwasher use. The handles, made from Bakelite—a heat-resistant but not heat-proof hard plastic—cannot withstand the high temperatures of the oven or the dishwasher.

Best Stainless Steel Cookware Set

• Number of pieces: 10
• Material: Stainless steel with aluminum core
• Included in the set: 8- and 10-inch fry pans, 2-qt. saucepan with lid, 3-qt. saute pan with lid, 3-qt. soup pot with lid, 8-qt. stockpot with lid

Price at Williams Sonoma: $699.95

If budget is not a concern, the All-Clad cookware set is the ultimate choice. Consistently excelling in tests, All-Clad ensures perfect browning and maintains stews and sauces at an ideal simmer. Crafted entirely from gleaming stainless steel, it boasts an aluminum core that contributes to its exceptional performance.

The skillets feature a sloped shape for effortless omelet flipping. With riveted handles securely attached to the base, you can trust that they'll never come loose. The D3 set is oven-safe up to 600 degrees, offering versatility in your cooking options.

Best Splurge Stainless Steel Cookware Set

• Number of pieces: 10
• Material: Stainless steel
• Included in set: 10-inch fry pan, 2-qt. and 4-qt. saucepans with lid, 3-qt. saute pan with lid, 9-qt. multi pot with lid and insert

Price at Amazon: $849.95

Featuring the distinctive three-ring design, this Le Creuset set offers essential cookware for a range of cooking techniques. The triple-layer construction, complete with a full aluminum core from base to rim, ensures exceptional heat distribution.

Compatible with all cooktops and oven-safe up to 500°F, this set provides versatility in your cooking options. The pans strike a balance in weight, not too heavy nor too light, delivering performance on par with heavier alternatives.

Best Value Stainless Steel Cookware Set

• Number of pieces: 12
• Material: Stainless steel
• Included in set: 10- and 12-inch fry pans, 1.5-, 3-, and 5-quart covered saucepans with lids, 6-quart deep saute pan with lid, and 8-quart stockpot with lid

Price at Walmart: $117

If you desire the polished look of professional stainless-steel cookware without breaking the bank, look no further than this set. Whether you're caramelizing onions or simmering a Bolognese, it delivers solid performance. The rounded handles provide a comfortable grip, enhancing your cooking experience.

Tramontina is oven-safe up to 350 degrees F, allowing versatility in your cooking methods, and it's also dishwasher-safe for easy cleaning convenience.

Best Traditional Nonstick Set

• Number of pieces: 10
• Material: Stainless steel
• Included in set: 8- and 10-inch frying pans, 2.5- and 3.5-quart saucepans with lids, 4-quart sauee pan with lid, 8-quart stockpot with lid

Price at Walmart: $399.99

This set stands out with its stylish black finish and shiny metal handles, creating an aesthetic appeal. The handles are long enough to provide a perfect balance for each pan, and All-Clad's signature concave shape ensures they are comfortable to hold.

The pans, slightly heavier due to their well-built construction with durable, heavy-gauge hard-anodized aluminum, promise longevity. With oven-safe capabilities up to 500°F and compatibility with any stovetop, these pans offer versatility. The included glass lids are oven-safe up to 350°F, and the set is dishwasher-safe.

Best Nonstick Cookware Set

• Number of pieces: 11
• Material: Anodized aluminum
• Included in set: 8.5-inch skillet, deep 12-inch skillet with lid, 1.5- and 3-quart saucepans with lids, 4-quart saute pan with lid, 8-quart stockpot with lid

Price at Amazon: $333.36

This set ensures top-tier nonstick performance, effortlessly releasing even the stickiest foods, such as fried eggs and pancakes. The outcome is virtually spotless surfaces, achieved even without the need for butter. Anolon's versatility shines through, as the cookware is oven-safe up to 400 degrees F, enabling a seamless transition from stovetop to oven.

Best Value Nonstick Cookware Set

• Number of pieces: 15
• Material: Aluminum nonstick
• Included in set: 8- and 10-inch fry pan, 1.5- and 2-quart saucepan with lid, 3- and 5-quart casserole pan with lid, 5-piece utensil set with pasta server, soup ladle, slotted turner, serving spoon, and slotted serving spoon

Price at Amazon: $52.20

This 15-piece set from Amazon is the perfect budget-friendly option for those starting from scratch. However, it's important to note that these pans are designed for use over low and medium heat only. The handles are made of plastic, and the nonstick coating can be damaged at high temperatures.

Best Hybrid Cookware Set

• Number of pieces: 13
• Material: Hybrid
• Included in set: 8-, 10- and 12-inch frying pans with lids, 8-quart stockpot with lid,  2- and 3-quart saucepots with lids, 12-inch wok

Price at Amazon: $839.99

These pans deviate from typical nonstick options as they require some oil for tasks like cooking eggs. However, they offer quick and even heating, characteristic of nonstick cookware. Their nonstick properties become evident when seasoned and used with a bit of cooking oil.

The laser-etched hexagon top is robust enough to withstand metal utensils, setting them apart from most nonstick pans. With tri-ply construction akin to multi-clad stainless steel pans, they remain significantly lighter.

Best Great Looking Cookware Set

• Number of pieces: 10
• Material: Stainless steel
• Included in set: 8.5- and 11-inch skillets, 1.5- and 3-quart saucepans with lids, 3.5-quart saute pan with lid, 8-quart stockpot with lid

Price at Hestan: $899.95

Hestan ProBond cookware combines an attractive appearance with high performance, offering a competitive price point compared to stainless steel cookware sets from All-Clad. Although not as exceptionally durable as the NanoBond line, the ProBond pieces are still well-constructed.

With a 10-piece set, you get a solid assortment of basics at a more economical price than purchasing individual pieces. While you can complement your set with ProBond nonstick skillets, you may need to explore another brand for a Dutch oven.

Best Budget Cookware Set

• Number of pieces: 13
• Material: Aluminum with stainless steel base
• Included in set: 8.5-inch frying pan, 10.25-inch deep frying pan with lid, 1.5- and 3-quart saucepans with lids, 3-quart saute pan with lid, 6-quart stockpot with lid, turner, cookie pan

Price at Amazon: $139.35

This colorful set is perfect for those who prefer vibrant kitchen tools, available in shimmery shades like red, light blue, burgundy, teal, and a classic gray. Despite its budget-friendly price, this set provides even heating and features a nonstick interior for easy egg scrambling and quick pan cleanup.

Rachael Ray adds some nice touches not always found at this price point, including riveted silicone handles for durability, glass lids, and flared rims that make pouring a breeze.

Best Overall Copper Cookware Set

• Number of pieces: 9
• Material: Stainless Steel, Copper
• Included in set: 10- and 12-inch fry pans, 3.4-quart sauce pan with Lid, 3.4-quart stainless steel steamer insert, 4.8-quart saute pan with Lid, and 8-quart stock pot with lid

Price at Sur La Table: $699.96

Copper cookware is renowned for its outstanding heat conductivity and distribution, making it both functional and visually appealing in the kitchen. If you're seeking a copper set that excels in these aspects and more, the Viking set is an excellent choice. It features specially designed handles for optimal balance, comfort, control, and easy lifting. The set also includes domed metal swing lids for added convenience.

Best Value Copper Cookware Set

• Number of pieces: 8
• Material: Stainless steel, copper and aluminum
• Included in set: 8- and 10-inch skillet, 2.5-qt. saucepan with lid, 4-qt. saute pan with helper handle and lid, 6-qt. stockpot with lid

Price at Sur La Table: $299.95

For those seeking the advantages of copper cookware without breaking the bank, the 8-piece Cuisinart set is a popular choice. These pans are crafted with a triple-ply combination of aluminum, stainless steel, and copper, ensuring excellent heat conductivity and distribution. Known for their reactivity, these pans heat up evenly and consistently, providing reliable performance in the kitchen.

Best Upgrade Cookware Set

• Number of pieces: 10
• Material: Stainless steel with titanium cooking surface
• Included in set: 8.5- and 11-inch skillets, 1.5- and 3-quart saucepans with lids, 8-quart stockpot with lid, 3.5-quart saute pan with lid

Price at Hestan: $1,799.95

Hestan's NanoBond cookware may not fit every budget, but if you can afford it, it's exceptional and well worth the investment. Beyond its striking appearance and comfortable feel, this cookware delivers the kind of performance expected at its price point, including even heating, steady simmering, and no burning at the bottom or in the corners.

The NanoBond technology involves bonding thousands of titanium-based nanolayers to the stainless-steel surfaces, making it 400% stronger than traditional stainless steel, and highly resistant to staining and scratching. Remarkably, these pieces can withstand heat up to 1050°F.