These pots and pans have a slick, nonporous chemical coating along the inside that creates a nonreactive surface that keeps food from sticking. The exterior can be made of aluminum, stainless steel, and even ceramic. We brought together two of our cuisinart knife in-house recipe developers for a day of play in the kitchen. The GreenPan SearSmart Hard Anodized Healthy Ceramic Nonstick 10 Piece Cookware Pots and Pans Set was the clear top performer, but there were a few other sets that also impressed us.
The Anolon Advanced cookware set cannot be used with an induction cooktop. Additionally, it lacks the magnetic surface required for this type of heating element to function. Additionally, each item can be used in the oven, and the glass lids are all interchangeable.
For anyone looking for additional colors, Crate & Barrel carries four exclusive colors with gold hardware. The clad construction means it heats and cools quickly and evenly, resulting in more optimal temperature control. The marinara had a rich, deep flavor, and cleanup was easy even after a long simmer. It was the turkey burgers, though, that confirmed All-Clad as my top choice.
Caring for uncoated cast iron cookware is a whole different story. In general, soap and detergents should never be used with cast iron. This is because cast iron pans need to be seasoned, and soap and water damage the seasoning. Maslin pans are usually made of either stainless steel, copper, or aluminum. They are quite large and heavy, but they have one large handle that goes across the top of the pan and allows you to lift it up easily. They do not come with lids since paella is supposed to be cooked without a lid on.
For more guidance on how to take care of your copper pots and pans, check out our guide to copper cookware. We ordered 25 different nonstick cookware sets to perform side-by-side testing in our kitchen. Our product testers spent hours examining each set’s design and performance with an omelet and rice pilaf test as well as a simmer and scorch test.
After extensive testing, the Cuisinart Multiclad Pro Stainless Steel 12-Piece Cookware Set is the best overall winner because of its quality, high-level of performance, and design. The GreenPan Hudson Ceramic Nonstick Cookware Pots and Pans Set, 8-Piece is a more affordable option that boasts excellent nonstick performance and is a good value, too. We seared, flipped and scrambled to find our favorite nonstick pans. Compatible with all stove tops, including induction, and oven safe up to 400°F. The Beautiful 10 Piece Non-Stick Cookware Set is made for everyday cooking with friends and family.
Automatic dishwashers are good at cleaning the dishes thoroughly, but they are also very tough on cookware. For this reason, some types of cookware can be safely washed in the dishwasher while for others this is not recommended. Well, although stainless steel is very durable and impact-resistant, it is not the best heat conductor out there. Copper and aluminum, on the other hand, conduct heat much better. Paella pans are usually made of carbon steel, stainless steel, or enameled steel which allows for easier cleaning.
TheWilliams Sonoma Thermo-Clad Copper Set is a great intro to copper set, offering the heating abilities of copper and the accessibility of stainless steel. Our best overall pick, which is also stainless steel, is less expensive and offers much of the same benefits as this All-Clad set. However, the longevity and durability of the All-Clad D3 line may make it worth spending the extra money, depending on your cooking needs. The largest pot in this 12-piece collection is only four quarts, but if you’re not hosting a party, that should be big enough for pasta night. Plus, the set includes a serving spoon, spatula, and a slotted spatula, so you’ll be ready to dole out dinner. And if you have leftovers, the 2-quart pot comes with a refrigerator lid so you can store them.