Cookware sets are one of the most money-saving purchases you can make as far as kitchen utensils go. Instead of buying each piece of cookware separately, you can shop for cookware sets that contain the specific items you want for a much lower price. Take the Cuisinart Chef’s Classic stainless steel 7-piece set, for example. According to Cuisinart’s current MSRP prices, the complete set is valued at $99.95. However, each piece bought separately will cost $169.80. That’s a lot of money saved.
The great thing about cookware sets — although it can be quite a daunting thing at first — is that there are so many different combinations, varieties, and price ranges available to you. Know your budget, and know how much storage room you have in your kitchen for a new set. A 15-piece set will be extremely cost-effective only if you have the room to store it.
Stainless Steel Vs. Non-Stick Cookware Sets
Most cookware sets come in one of two varieties: stainless steel or non-stick. Typically, those who favor a healthier approach choose stainless steel, while those looking for convenience and speed go with non-stick.
Stainless steel cooking surfaces take a bit of getting used to, but they are often preferred over non-stick by professional chefs. This cookware works best when used at a stovetop setting of medium heat or lower. Also, if the material is multi-layered with high-quality steel and/or a copper insert, the surface will heat up much quicker. Adding small amounts of oil or water is also helpful to keep food from sticking to the bottom. A well-rounded stainless steel set to look at is the Cuisinart Multiclad Pro 12-piece set complete with stockpot, steamer, saucepans, skillets, and fitted lids.
Non-stick cookware sets typically coat their surfaces with Teflon to keep food from burning or sticking to the bottom of the pan. However, recent research has shown that Teflon can be harmful to one’s health. A great compromise for those with health concerns is the Green Gourmet line by Cuisinart. It’s non-stick without using any harmful chemicals. For example, this 12-piece Green Gourmet cookware set is hard anodized and is coated with a scratch-resistant ceramic surface.
Cookware Set Essentials
Most cookware sets are basically a variety pack. They’ll include saucepans, skillets, and a stockpot — essentials in any kitchen. Most come with lids, and some have lids that are made to fit on multiple cookware items, meaning less lids you need to store.
Cuisinart and Farberware are two of the most popular manufacturers of cookware sets these days. Both companies make sets that are high quality and include the essentials plus a couple more goodies depending on the set you get. Cuisinart sets will often throw in a steamer insert or double boiler. Farberware sets can come with a set of covered mixing bowls, like the Farberware Classic Stainless Steel set. It’s also common for Farberware to use non-stick skillets mixed with stainless steel pots in their sets, too.
Many celebrity chefs also have their own line of cookware sets like Emeril Lagasse, Paula Deen, and Rachael Ray. Overall, these are quality sets, but they aren’t “above and beyond” the quality cookware sets from other brands — so they’re best used by foodie fans that love to see their favorite chef’s cookware in their own kitchen.
Mauviel Cookware Sets
The crème de la crème of cookware manufacturers is Mauviel, a traditional French company that makes cookware for classical French cooking. Most of their products use copper as both a heat conductor and a beautiful exterior.
Two sets to peek at are the Mauviel Cuprinox Pour La Table set and the Mauviel Cuprinox Style set. The former is the most lightweight of all of Mauviel’s cookware sets with exceptional copper heat distribution, while the latter is a more well-rounded product set that also includes a free container of Copperbrill cleaner.
Read all of our cookware set reviews below:
In the 1980s, one of the many technological advancements in kitchen cookware was the invention of a titanium ceramic non-stick cooking surface. Companies used titanium to make the surface more durable, allowing cooks to use metal utensils without fear of chipping or cracking the surface.
Swiss Diamond decided to take ...
The great thing about buying a full set of cookware is that you get to start all over, fresh. All of your pan sins of the past can be erased, if not forgiven. You open the big box and unwrap a whole set of matching pans and lids that ...
Although this set of Farberware Classic Stainless Steel Cookware does have an adequate range of saucepans, stockpots, saute pans, and mixing bowls, modernization of the Classic series did result in a drop in overall quality. Some pieces in the set may last a lifetime, but others will need replacement in a ...
This stainless steel Chef's Classic 7 Piece Cookware Set from Cuisinart includes three pots and a saute pan. Oven safe to 550 degrees Fahrenheit, the base of each piece holds a layer of encapsulated aluminum for even and efficient heat distribution.
One-and-a-half-quart and three-quart saucepans plus an eight-quart stockpot give ...
KitchenAid's Gourmet Essentials ten piece Cookware Set is constructed from hard anodized cast aluminum that's both light and strong. Three saucepans in one, two, and three quart sizes, plus two saute pans and a stock pot, are enough to start out a small kitchen.
Aluminum cookware like this looks tougher than it ...
Stainless steel fans can rejoice at the news that Cuisinart has this complete set of cookware on sale for less than the price of one or two pans from some competitors.
For a popular blend of looks and durability, it is hard to go wrong with stainless steel cookware. This set from Cuisinart ...
This set is designed for all of the boiling tasks you can throw at it. Use the cooker alone for large batches of chili or hot soup. Use the large pasta basket and small steamer basket to produce healthy versions of seafood and vegetables or to prep and drain ...
There's no need to buy a cheap, one-use roasting pan and create more waste. The Calphalon roaster can give you better results than you'd get from an aluminum throwaway and ensure your dinner safe transport to and from the oven. It will earn a place among your favorite cookware. The tall handles are ...
The reasons to buy this set extend beyond the quality pan and into the extras included along with it: a stainless rack, two roasting lifters, and a thermometer. The rack is nicely shaped to support meat, allowing fat to drip into the bottom of the pan and air to circulate as ...
If you're looking for value, this set will give you a great selection without breaking the bank. It also includes several extras you won't find in most cookware collections. The matching mixing bowls come in handy during many stages of prep in the kitchen and the snap-on lids allow you to ...
Stainless steel pots in a versatile range of sizes, a stockpot, two skillets and a saute pan--all with nonstick linings and perks you won't notice until you use them--make this Cuisinart Classic Chef's cookware assortment invaluable.
What you can't see adds to energy efficiency and overall value. Pot and pan ...
The look of the set is what truly makes the Paula Deen Porcelain set stand out. Highlights include the unique copper plated knobs and hanging rings. The Paula Deen signature is emblazoned across the bottom of each pan and the PD logo is on the lid knobs as well. For ...
The Multiclad Pro cookware line brings all of the benefits of cooking with stainless steel to bear in this twelve piece set. Stainless steel can be as easy to handle as nonstick cookware when it comes to cleaning and upkeep. The mirror polish interiors are non-reactive and release foods well. These ...
KitchenAid continues to add to their lineup, this time with a colorful set of nonstick cookware sure to please those looking for a comprehensive set for the kitchen.
The set is made from heavy aluminum for even heating with a bright red porcelain enamel finish on the exterior. The interior is coated with ...
It's time to get the party started. Talk about a social affair. What could be more fun than sharing a meal? And I mean truly sharing. With a gorgeous 15-piece Swissmar Fondue set, the food is the centerpiece.
The Swissmar Montblanc Meat Fondue set includes one ...
The Anolon Professional Cookware Set is constructed of hard anodized aluminum, coated with a triple layer of DuPont Autograph to form the nonstick cooking surface. These Anolon pans resist scratching and denting. This set includes two and three quart saucepans and lids, a four quart sauce pot and cover, a five ...
The Cuprinox Pour La Table five piece set from Mauviel contains a 1.7 quart saucepan and lid, a 3 quart saute pan and lid, and a 10.2 inch fry pan. This line has the lightest weight of all of the copper cookware lines offered by Mauviel. You still experience the ...
The Emerilware Cast Iron Smoker is a five in one product, allowing cooks to smoke, broil, grill, roast or deep fry inside the preseasoned cast iron chamber. Just invert the lid, also made of heavy cast iron, to convert from smoker to grill. The matte enamel finish assures food with ...
The five piece set from Mauviel's Cuprinox Style line includes a 1.8 quart saucepan and lid, a 3.3 quart saute pan and lid and a 9.4 inch fry pan. The combination of these three pans will meet the basic needs of any kitchen from amateur to professional. An excellent introduction ...
If you'd asked me a month ago, I would have said if you already own a colander, don't bother buying a pot with a pasta insert. The colander works just fine. Since then, I've changed my mind.
Why? After laboring over raviolis made from scratch and rolled out by hand, ...
The Precise Heat set comes with two stainless steel pans, a nine and a four quart size. The pans can be used in a number of ways. Lock the metal lid with the pan handles of either pan to use as a pressure cooker or use them as regular pans with ...
The Maxam set includes a 1.7 quart saucepan and lid, 2.5 quart saucepan and lid, 3.2 quart saucepan and lid, 7.5 quart roaster and lid, an 11.4 inch skillet, and a double boiler (with a base than can double as an extra 3 quart pan), five egg cups, a five hole utility ...
The Cuisinart Classic Stainless Steel line features pans with 18/10 stainless steel mirror polish exteriors. An aluminum core creates even heat which spreads quickly and remains in the pan without forming hot spots. The stainless steel cooking surface preserves the original flavors of your food without reacting with them.
Gently tapered rims reduce ...
The Rachael Ray 10 Piece Porcelain Enamel Cookware Set includes one-and-a-half and three quart size saucepans and lids, a six quart stockpot and lid, a ten inch saute pan and lid, an eight inch and a ten inch skillet.
Tempered glass lids mean you can monitor your cooking without losing moisture ...
The Trudeau Fondue Set allows you to create hot oil meat or melted cheese or chocolate fondue. The stainless steel pot comes with a double boiler insert and has a forty ounce capacity. The Lazy Susan base holds six stoneware sauce bowls. The set also includes six forks, six spoons, a ...
Cuisinart has taken extra steps to create a set of cookware which is more ecologically friendly. The Green Gourmet set includes a water based Ceramica nonstick surface which won't peel and is free of petroleum, PTFE and PFOA. The hard anodized aluminum exteriors are scratch resistant nonstick ceramic based surface. The ...
The showy exteriors of the Calphalon Simply Enamel set are porcelain enamel, resistant to scratching. The interiors are nonstick for easy release of food and simple cleaning. The stainless steel handles remain cool during stovetop use. The tempered glass lids are domed shaped and allow you to monitor your food ...
In the Cuisinart Classic Stainless set, the mirror polish finish of the 18/10 stainless steel really shines brightly. The cooking surface of this line is also stainless steel, which won't react with food, or stain or trap flavors and aromas either. The aluminum encapsulated base of each pan draws heat in ...
These Rachael Ray cookware pieces feature a satin finish stainless steel with aluminum capped bases, so they gather and hold heat and cook without burning. They are easy to clean, dishwasher safe, and nonreactive. The set includes a one and a half quart saucepan and lid, a three quart saucepan and ...
The Myson Paella Enthusiast Kit comes with an authentic Spanish paella pan sized to serve six, 1 kilogram of paella rice, 1 gram Mancho Oro saffron and 2.5 ounces Rey de La Vera sweet smoked pimenton (paprika), and a cookbook. The cookbook is Paella Paella by Maria and Natalia Ballinger. ...
The Mauviel seven piece set of Cuprinox Style copper cookware includes an 11 inch fry pan, a 3.4 quart saucepan and lid, a 3.3 quart saute pan and lid, a 6 quart stockpot and lid, and a container of Copperbrill cleaner.
The ergonomic design to the cast stainless steel handles gives ...
I'm just as skeptical about products that seem underpriced as those that are clearly overpriced. Still, there are some selling points to the T-Fal's 10-piece set of nonstick pots and pans.
First of all, nonstick inside and out means easy cooking and easy cleaning. The glass-domed lids have ...
Do you know any cheese lovers? Anyone who loves to host a good party? Maybe someone who fits both categories?
Rachael Ray's Cast-Iron Fondue Set would make a great gift for such a person. Or for yourself.
The cast-iron pot boasts even heat distribution and excellent heat retention. It ...
There are so many cookware sets out there that it's hard to distinguish one from another. These days, you'll find a lot of cookware sets made from stainless steel and with stay-cool grips that are oven-safe. Most sets include the same pieces- 7-inch and 9-inch skillets, 1 1/2-, ...
Circulon continues to refine their cookware offerings with another variety of hard-anodized aluminum pan sets. The Elite Cookware set includes six pans with the proprietary nonstick finish, plus four stainless steel and glass fitted lids.
For the price, this is a rather good deal on a quality set of cookware. Circulon pioneered ...
The Mauviel pasta set includes a seven quart stockpot, a stainless steel colander insert, and a copper lid. The exterior is hammered copper, highly conductive and extremely efficient in delivering heat. The interior tin wash is created through a traditional process, not electrolytic deposit. The handles are bronze and securely ...
Here's a great way to get a young person (or anyone of any age moving out on their own) off to a good start. The Farberware Enhanced 10-Piece Cookware set includes all the basics by a maker with an excellent reputation.
The set includes 1-, 1 1/2-, and 2-quart saucepans, a ...
Farberware has been manufacturing kitchen cookware for over a hundred years. It's good to see that they continue to update the line to keep current with modern trends. Although not innovative, the Millennium Soft Touch line has solid features and durable good looks for the price.
A good quality set of cookware is ...
From stockpot to saute pan, this 17 piece Chef's Classic Cookware set from Cuisinart has every pot and pan you'll need to outfit your kitchen. The polished stainless steel is attractive and durable, with lids that fit so perfectly the manual provides instructions for breaking the vacuum seal they ...
Anodized aluminum cookware has become very popular in the last few years. The technology of hard-anodizing aluminum produces a product that is very durable as well as being lighter and much less expensive than stainless steel.
This Chef's Classic set from Cuisinart is certainly a comprehensive combo of pots and pans. ...
The Farberware Affiniti 12 piece set includes saucepans in 1, 1 1/2, and 3 quart sizes plus lids; a 6 quart covered stockpot; 10 and 11 inch skillets; a slotted spoon and slotted turner; and an 11 inch Affiniti square griddle. The exteriors are metal flake porcelain and the nonstick interiors ...
This Farberware set would make an excellent starter grouping, containing a pan for virtually every need in the kitchen. The set includes a one, one and a half and two quart saucepan with lids, a six quart covered stockpot, skillets in eight and ten inch sizes, a slotted spoon and a ...
All-Clad has a reputation for excellence in their cookware and this set has all the basic pieces you'll need to experience that reputation for yourself.
Three bonded metal layers combine to provide superior heat distribution along the bottom and into the sides of these pans. The copper, more than an attractive exterior, is ...
Let's just get this issue out of the way: This cookware doesn't compare to something like All-Clad. But at this price, who cares? Circulon offers fantastic cookware at a fantastic price. You can tell a Circulon pan from the telltale circular grooves. They claim that they protect the nonstick coating ...
The cast iron griddles, skillets, and pots my Grandmother used were nothing like the Le Creuset Classics Set. This modern offering is what you get if someone listened to your grandmother's suggestions and made things better.
The wonderful part of cast iron is the even heat. You don't have ...
The Stainless line is the bestseller among All-Clad's cookware collections. Three ply bonded construction of stainless steel over a thick core of aluminum equals even heat distribution not only along the bottom of the pans, but into the sides. The interiors are highly polished 18/10 stainless steel- stick, stain, and corrosion ...
Three ply bonded construction and 18/10 stainless steel interiors are the basics behind the superior performance of these All-Clad pans. Aluminum cores enable efficient and effective heat distribution. The exteriors are a brushed aluminum alloy. Extensive use of aluminum means strength in a product that is lighter in weight.
The stainless ...
The Le Creuset Fondue pot will help you prepare your most hassle free fondue yet. Start the pot on the stove and transfer it to the burner for faster heating. Many recipes are included with the set. At one and three quarter quart capacity, there will be enough room for guests ...
The Copper Core set features a patented five ply bonded design. A highly responsive copper core is wrapped in aluminum to enhance heat apportioning while keeping weight in check, then 18/10 quality stainless steel is bonded to the aluminum. Stainless steel on the interior is highly polished, easily maintained and ...
This is a very practical set of everyday cookware, complete with tempered glass lids for the saucepans. The All-Clad company created these in partnership with Celebrity Chef Emeril Lagasse, with a few details customized to his specifications.
These are constructed of 18/10 Stainless Steel. That number is a technical way of saying there ...
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