The 12 Best Cookware Sets to Shop Now

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Composite of best cookware sets — Photo:
Courtesy of Williams-Sonoma, Crate & Barrel

While there are many essentials home cooks should have in their kitchen, few items are more important than a set of quality cookware. But with so many materials to choose from, from stainless steel to exquisite copper (Martha's preference!), it can be daunting to find the right set for you. To help, we've rounded up the most popular cookware sets across four categories: stainless steel, copper, nonstick, and cast iron.

KellyAnn O'Donnell, senior product manager for All-Clad
Giulia Ruffoni, president of Ruffoni

Types of Cookware

Stainless steel: Stainless steel cookware is incredibly versatile, especially when it's made from premium materials. "Premium multi-layer bonded construction means heat is distributed evenly throughout the entire surface of the pan without any hot or cold spots," says KellyAnn O'Donnell, senior product manager for All-Clad. "This ensures perfect searing, sautéing, simmering, and even oven roasting every time."
Copper: If you want something more specialized, consider copper. The cookware is lauded for its beauty, but it performs well in the kitchen. "Thanks to copper's conductivity, when the heat source is removed, the cooking will stop immediately, avoiding overcooking," says Giulia Ruffoni, president of Ruffoni.
Nonstick: Every home cook should own at least one nonstick skillet for making delicate foods, like eggs, pancakes, and fish. Nonstick pans are forgiving, especially for beginner cooks—treat them well (meaning don't put them in the dishwasher), and they'll last for years to come.
Cast iron: This material has the easy release of nonstick cookware with the durability and versatility of stainless steel. Choose from enameled cast iron, such as the colorful products from Le Creuset, or non-enameled cast iron, like Lodge, which can be used for both campfire and home cooking.

The Best Cookware to Shop Now

Stainless Steel: Martha Stewart 10 Piece Stainless Steel Nonstick Cookware Set, $100
Copper: Ruffoni Historia Hammered Copper 7-Piece Cookware Set with Acorn Knobs, $1000
Non-stick: Martha Stewart Collection 10-Piece Hard-Enameled Aluminum Nonstick Cookware Set, $133
Cast iron: Lodge Seasoned Cast-Iron 5-Piece Bundle, $180

Ahead, find all of our picks for the best cookware to shop now.

01 of 12

Stainless Steel: Martha Stewart 10-Piece Stainless Steel Cookware Set

Martha Stewart Stainless Steel Cookware Set — Courtesy of Wayfair

This set from Martha includes all of the essentials: two saucepans, two skillets, one sauté pan, a Dutch oven, and matching glass lids. They're oven-safe up to 480° Fahrenheit and can be used on both gas and electric stove-tops.

Buy on Wayfair $100

02 of 12

Stainless Steel: Cuisinart Multiclad Tri-Ply Stainless-Steel 12-Piece Cookware Set

The aluminum core in this versatile set of cookware ensures even heat conduction and no hot spots. The set includes 8 ½-inch and 10-inch fry pans, 1 ½-quart and 3-quart saucepans, 3 ½-quart sauté pan, 8-quart stockpot, one steamer insert, and five lids.

Buy on Williams-Sonoma $300

03 of 12

Stainless Steel: All-Clad D5 Brushed Stainless Steel 10-Piece Cookware Set

The crème de la crème of stainless steel cookware, All-Clad is beloved by our food editors and is prized for its high-quality construction, durability, and sleek look. The set includes 8-inch and 10-inch fry pans, 1 ½-quart and 3-quart saucepans with lids, a 3-quart saucepan with a lid, and an 8-quart stock pot with a lid.

Buy on Amazon $850

04 of 12

Copper: Cuisinart Copper Tri-Ply 8-Piece Cookware Set

For home cooks who haven't cooked with copper before, this copper-stainless steel blend is a fabulous introduction to the wonders of the material. This set includes a 2 ½-quart saucepan, 4-quart sauté pan, 6-quart stockpot, 8-inch skillet, and 10-inch skillet.

Buy on Walmart $300

05 of 12

Copper: Ruffoni Historia Hammered Copper Cookware Set with Acorn Knobs

This copper cookware set from Ruffoni, a family-owned Italian company that was founded in 1931, is perfect for someone looking to build their collection of copper cookware. It includes a 10-inch fry pan with lid, 2 ½-quart saucepan with lid, 4-quart chef's pan, and 4 ¾-quart stockpot with lid. Unlike stainless steel, copper cannot withstand high heat and must be hand-washed to preserve its quality.

Buy on Williams-Sonoma $1001

06 of 12

Copper: Mauviel Copper 150b 12-Piece Cookware Set

Cook like the French with this stunning set of copper cookware that features a stainless steel interior. The bronze handles add an extra modern, super chic touch to this timeless collection. This large set includes two fry pans, two saucepans with lids, a sauté pan with a lid, a stewpan with a lid, and an oval cocotte with a lid.

Buy on Williams-Sonoma $2000

07 of 12

Nonstick: Martha Stewart Collection 10-Piece Hard-Enameled Aluminum Nonstick Cookware Set

Martha Stewart Collection Enameled Aluminum Nonstick Cookware Set — Courtesy of Amazon

For a set of nonstick cookware you can bring from stovetop to table, consider Martha's stunning collection. It's available in a range of colors, but we're partial to this milky white hue. The set is complete with a Dutch oven, sauté pan, two saucepans, two fry pans, and accompanying glass lids. And at a budget-friendly price point, this set is just right for beginner cooks.

Buy on Amazon $133

08 of 12

Nonstick: GreenPan Prestige Ceramic Nonstick 11-Piece Cookware Set

The PFOA-free nonstick ceramic surface on this set of pots and pans means that they feature an easy-release surface and non-toxic coating. The complete set includes two fry pans, two saucepans with lids, sauté pan with a lid, stockpot with a lid, and a stainless steel steamer.

Buy on Crate & Barrel $400

09 of 12

Nonstick: Calphalon Classic Nonstick 10-Piece Cookware Set

Make cooking a breeze with this quality set of nonstick pots made with heavy-gauge, hard-anodized aluminum, and tempered glass lids. Unlike most nonstick pans, these pieces can be safely put in an oven up to 500 degrees Fahrenheit.

Buy on Crate & Barrel $600

10 of 12

Cast Iron: Lodge Seasoned Cast-Iron 5-Piece Bundle

Get to know cast iron with this basic set from Lodge, America's oldest family-owned cookware company. It includes a 10-inch skillet, 8-inch skillet, Dutch oven, and round griddle. Each piece in the set has incredible heat retention and even heating to expertly sear fish, roast chicken, and even make skillet cookies.

Buy on Amazon $180

11 of 12

Cast Iron: Le Creuset Signature Enameled Cast-Iron 8-Piece Cookware Set

In addition to performing well, Le Creuset cookware also looks beautiful on your stovetop (choose from four bright hues: flame, lapis, ocean, and red). This complete set, which includes a 12-inch fry pan, skinny grill pan, 3 1/2-quart braiser, 4 1/2-quart Dutch oven, and 6 3/4-inch Dutch oven, comes with all of the essentials.

Buy on Williams-Sonoma $1400

12 of 12

Cast Iron: Cuisinel Cast-Iron Cookware Set

Each piece of cookware in this set is crafted with seasoned cast iron that can outlast years of regular cooking and washing. The pans can be used for everything from frying and baking to grilling and broiling. The tempered glass lids retain heat, prevent splashing, and preserve steam and moisture. This set comes with 8-, 10-, and 12-inch skillets, a 2-in-1 Dutch oven, grill pan, griddle, pizza pan, and pan rack.

Buy on Amazon $202

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