Best Cookware Sets for 2024

Dimensions of cookware set

An important consideration is what pieces are included and whether or not they are essential to your kitchen. There are cookware sets that go as large as 14 pieces, but they tend to have a lot of pots and pans in different sizes that you probably won’t use. I wouldn’t recommend going larger than eight or nine pieces (this includes lids which count as pieces) unless you have both the space and the money for all those extras.

Choosing the right cookware material

The most important decision you’ll make is what material your pots and pans are made of. Cookware is typically made of aluminum, cast iron, stainless steel, copper, nonstick chemicals (Teflon), or a combination of materials. As you might guess, each type of cookware surface has its pros and cons when it comes to cooking, cleaning, durability, and storage.

For example, aluminum cookware is cheap, but it’s not very durable and I wouldn’t recommend buying an all-aluminum set. Stainless steel pots and pans can withstand abuse better and won’t warp or dent like aluminum. Stainless steel is also a slow conductor of heat, so steel pans often have a core made of a more conductive material like aluminum or copper.

For most people, stainless steel cookware with an aluminum core is the best material combination for a set. Materials like copper and cast iron have their advantages, but also some serious pitfalls. Cast iron and carbon steel are both somewhat heavy and require a bit more cleaning and care, so you may not want to splurge on a whole set. Copper cookware is also harder to care for and generally costs a lot more than its stainless steel counterparts.

Nonstick is another popular option. I recommend having at least one nonstick pan – Teflon or ceramic – for eggs and other sticky foods. You’re never going to be able to sear food with nonstick like you can with other materials, so keep that in mind if you opt for an all-nonstick cookware. It also won’t last as long, as nonstick coatings break down over time.

Costs and budget

When it comes to cookware, you get what you pay for, but that doesn’t mean you have to pay more than it’s worth. High-end copper cookware and stainless steel collections can cost thousands of dollars, but a quality set of pots and pans doesn’t have to cost much more than a few hundred.

Cheap cookware is different from budget-friendly. Our value-packed picks are still sturdy enough to handle your everyday recipes and shouldn’t warp for years to come. If you settle for cheap cookware, you could end up with broken handles and burnt salmon from uneven heating.

Nonstick and cast iron cookware are the least expensive materials, and reliable sets can be found for under $100. Good stainless steel cookware sets of three or four pans typically cost a few hundred dollars. Copper cookware is the most expensive, typically costing around $500 or more, even for a small set.