If you’re an infrequent or casual cook, a set containing just the basics would probably cover your needs. If you enjoy cooking and spend lots of time in the kitchen, however, a larger set with a few specialty items would likely serve you well. And if there are specific pieces of cookware you need beyond that, you could purchase those pieces individually. The best cookware sets don’t just perform well; they also look gorgeous in the kitchen and are built to last for many years.
Our cuisinart knife are made in France with high quality stainless steel. Cookware is the latest from Ninja, the brand that makes our best overall air fryer. Their pots and pans are durable enough to handle a steak, but light enough to move around and use for the simplest of tasks, like frying an egg or boiling water. They have straight edges, which helps maximize surface area, and slim lids. Their nonstick coating is applied at a very high temperature to help avoid chipping and scratching and is oven-safe up to 500ºF.
Even professional chefs rely on nonstick skillets to cook tricky items like eggs and fish. It’s evident that HexClad knows that from looking at their product line, which only includes skillets and one wok. Unlike traditional nonstick pans, they’re designed to withstand high temperatures in order to achieve a good sear.
PerformaPro Stainless Steel fry pans and sauté pans feature the Techno Release™ raised pattern on the pan’s interior for easier release of food and easier cleanup. Cookbook author and broadcaster Yasmin Khan is a fan of GreenPan’s nonstick cookware. “They’re great,” she says, “The saucepan you can use for a stew, for pasta — it’s very versatile. You can use other ones for frying onions, for poaching eggs.
A. Yes, but don’t let this stop you from choosing a nonstick set that you suspect has Teflon cook surfaces. PFOA, the potentially toxic chemical that was once a key chemical in the manufacturing of Teflon, has not been used since 2013. Regardless of how often you cook or your culinary skill level, there’s a cookware set to fit your needs and budget. Although cast iron is a poor conductor of heat, once it does heat up, it stays hot for a long time due to its mass. It is very durable, can withstand extremely high heat, and is relatively inexpensive. This popular kit from a reputable brand comes with a wide range of pieces to suit various cooking needs.
We use our 8-inch pan to fry crispy eggs in olive oil all the time. HexClad pans boast a patented hexagon design that’s laser etched onto the inside and outside of the pan. This layer provides the nonstick attribute, while still allowing the pan to get very hot and cook evenly thanks to its stainless steel base and aluminum middle layer. The design on the outside helps prevent staining and allows for easier cleanup.