“If you are looking for a cookware set and are torn between stainless steel and nonstick, this is it. Some tasks are best left to a nonstick pan, and with the Sardel, you’ve got options.” Read on for our picks of the best Cookware Sets for your kitchen, according to our Lab testing. Since the Goldilocks set is relatively new, we don’t know how it will perform over time (as we do with the Tramontina and All-Clad sets we’ve been long-term testing for years). However, we’ll continue to test this set to see how it holds up against our other picks, and we will update this guide accordingly.
As with anything, the better you take care of your cook set, the longer it will last. One recommendation is to hand-wash all of your pots and pans instead of placing them in the dishwasher—especially cast iron and nonstick sets. Dishwashers tend to use harsher detergents and can strip or scratch the surfaces. Most cook sets can be used on any cooking gotham steel cookware sets surface; however, some perform best on certain stoves or ranges. For instance, stainless steel and copper are perfect for gas stoves, ceramic or stainless steel are great for electric stoves, and heavy-bottomed cookware is needed for glass stove tops. If you have an induction stove, magnetic material like cast iron or stainless steel is necessary.
Like purchasing any cookware set, you’ll want to make sure that what is included in the set will fit into your lifestyle. Consider how much storage space you have, how often you cook, and what you like to cook when purchasing a set. Our advice has always been to skip sets and just buy the pans you need. But new brands offering practical cookware packages compelled us to take another look. There are a huge variety of pots in different shapes, often for specific uses, like crepe pans or grill pans. In general, wide, shallow pans are best for cooking foods where evaporation is desired.
When I made a fried egg, tipping the pan ever so slightly, it slid out so fast that I nearly missed my target plate. When I didn’t quite get the simmer temperature right on my rice test using the saucepan, I expected a sticky disaster. Instead, every single grain came out without any coaxing, and the pan ultimately forgave my mistake even better than a PTFE nonstick would. I struggled to get a nice fond during the marinara test since nothing could stick to scrape off, and the burgers didn’t crisp up or caramelize the way I was hoping they would. For the sauté pan, I cooked 6-ounce thin, boneless and skinless chicken breasts for five to six minutes per side.
At Browns Kitchen, we practice and encourage the art of cooking and baking by providing the tools needed to support your culinary journey. Cookware sets can come with different coatings, determining what the final product will look like. The type of material you pick depends on your cooking requirements and overall results. The RON collection is the perfect choice for slow cooking, hearty stews, prepared on the stovetop. BergHOFF’s Ouro Gold Cookware, timeless beauty that will last for years.
Every item on this page was hand-picked by a House Beautiful editor. “If the food is very stuck on then I would recommend soaking them while hot. Barkeepers friend and a scouring pad help bring the finish back to normal,” Gilson says. “Dishwashers often don’t do the trick and the drying cycle can actually bake on the stuck-on food.” Stainless steel is going to feel heavier than more inexpensive construction items like aluminum but according to experts, that’s the point.
You can buy the pieces individually, but you’ll get the best bargain when you snag a set. Overall, testers found that the pieces in this cookware set felt well-built. The pieces have sturdy handles and after cooking, testers didn’t notice any warping. They specifically liked how easy the set was to clean, earning it a near-perfect score in that category. With just water and a spatula, testers were able to rid the pan of food remnants. It’s dishwasher safe too, making it even easier to give it a thorough clean.
You’ll also want to think about what specific pieces you need and how big of a set to buy. If you already own astockpotor small skillet you love, for example, you might want to look for a smaller set without those to save money. You’ll likely want a 10-inch frying pan, stockpot, saucepan and covered saute pan. The most common additions to these basic four are larger and smaller frying pans and saucepans. For less than $400, this Caraway set includes a 10.5-inch fry pan, 3-quart saucepan, 4.5-quart saute pan and 6.5-quart Dutch oven. It also comes with a smart magnetized storage rack and canvas lid for keeping your cookware organized.
See our guides for how to perfectly season andsafely clean a cast-iron skillet so your trusty stovetop sidekick will stay with you for decades. With the ability to hold on to heat as well as some people hold on to grudges, cast-iron cookware is ideal for searing burgers, steaks and chicken. It’s also durable as heck and will develop both a seasoning and a natural nonstick patina over time. A large collection of cookware can quickly take over your kitchen cabinets, and if you live in a smaller home or apartment, the Space Saving collection from Calphalon will be your best friend. These pans are specially designed to stack together neatly, taking up 30% less space.