While these finishes, which are derived from sand, are not quite as good at releasing food and not as long-lasting, they can be safely used at higher heats. Ceramic cookware doesn’t seem to get tested all that much, but the thorough editors at Good Housekeeping have done it! They like this anodized aluminum set because it consistently released food nicely, heated evenly, and can withstand temperatures up to 600 degrees. Their budget pick (this T-Fal set for $120) tested well but got dinged a little because it didn’t heat quite as evenly. Misen sticks to the original intent of a DTC model, cutting out the middle man to make premium products more affordable. They offer an extensive line of stainless steel pans and a whole range of knives as well, a more varied line than other DTC cookware brands.
Eggs and rice cooked perfectly, and the pans were a breeze to clean afterwards. While the turkey burgers and marinara didn’t quite get the full, gorgeous sear and extra-flavorful fond that they did with the All-Clad, the final results were still juicy and flavorful. Additionally, the size and dimensions offered in the set work really well with standard recipes.
Made of stainless steel with an aluminum core, they areinduction compatible, oven safe to 550 degrees, and dishwasher safe for easy cleaning. The varying sizes of the pans and the fact that they can all go in the oven contribute to this set’s versatility. Plus, none of the food stuck to the pan when properly browned whether it was searing scallops or delicate omelets. The long handles stay comfortably cool during cooking and have hanging holes for storage, but our home tester did caution that the side loop handles can get quite hot. While it’s not exactly a budget buy, All-Clad’s D3 line of steel cookware should last for decades if cared for properly, making it a worthwhile investment for a home chef. Each cookware piece is made from three-ply stainless steel with a thick-gauge aluminum core for fast conduction, and riveted stainless-steel handles.
Like all stainless, this cookware is dishwasher safe but is prone to some discoloration over time. This direct-to-consumer ceramic line is a triple threat in design, durability and efficacy. Plus, it’s perfect for the minimalist cook or the person with very little storage room. Even heat distribution, quick boil and breezy clean-up make Caraway your dinner-in-a-pinch partner-in-crime. We recommend their star-studded collection for newlyweds, first-time homeowners and anyone looking to reset their stovetop needs.
We simmered large batches of tomato sauce in the stockpots to test for scorching. We sprinkled the surface of each skillet with a dusting of flour and placed the pan over a medium-high flame cuisinart knife to see how evenly the flour browned. By using the links on our site to purchase products, we may receive a small commission that helps us to find even more great deals and giveaways.
The pots and pans are generously sized and perfect for large-batch recipes, though we do wish there were one more small frying pan included for quick, small tasks, like frying an egg or two. We think this set is a really good choice if you don’t mind slightly heavier cookware or the gotham steel cookware sets fact that it stains slightly with use. It cooked on a par with the Tramontina and All-Clad sets we recommend. But because Goldilocks is a newer direct-to-consumer brand, we don’t know yet how it will perform over time (though we’ll keep using it and update this guide accordingly).