Finding the Best Cookware Brands
Are you looking for the best cookware brands? Look no further. Explore the world of culinary excellence with our selection of premium cookware brands, carefully selected to take your cooking experience to the next level.
Each of the brands featured here embodies the pinnacle of craftsmanship, innovation and quality, promising exceptional performance and durability that will stand the test of time.
From classic heritage brands with decades of experience to innovative newcomers pushing the boundaries of culinary innovation, our collection spans the full spectrum of style, functionality and design.
Whether you’re a discerning home cook or a professional chef, you’ll find the perfect addition to your kitchen among these prestigious brands.
Discover the exquisite collections with a wide range of cookware made from high-quality materials such as stainless steel, cast iron, copper and non-stick coatings.
Enjoy the pleasure of cooking with the peace of mind that you are equipped with the best utensils the culinary world has to offer. Elevate your culinary creations, unleash your creativity and enjoy every moment in the kitchen with the best cookware brands at your fingertips.
Why You Need the Best Cookware Brands for Your Kitchen
Whether you are a professional chef or an amateur cook, the utensils you use can make the difference between the success or failure of a dish. A good cookware set takes some of the work off your hands and makes the whole cooking experience easier.
But with so many brands offering kitchen accessories at different prices and of varying quality, how do you know which products to invest your money in?
Good cookware, be it pots or pans, conducts heat evenly and consistently. Better heat makes a big difference in cooking better food. It’s also important that your cookware is well made and of good quality so that your pots and pans don’t release potentially harmful chemicals into your food.
After all, cookware is something you will be using constantly. It should therefore be effective, durable and safe.
Some of the brands mentioned in this article are regularly used by professional chefs, but are also suitable for inexperienced amateur cooks.
Many professional chefs even advise using restaurant-grade utensils in their kitchens. Good cookware will meet you halfway in the kitchen and make it easier for you to cook and achieve delicious results.
Regardless of who you are, what kind of food you like to cook or how much experience you have in the kitchen, the best cookware brands mentioned here can be used by anyone.
The 10 Best Cookware Brands
The cookware market is so oversaturated that it can be a daunting endeavor to even know where to start shopping. But don’t worry, this article will help you get to know 10 of the best cookware brands on the market.
We’ll give you a sense of what makes the best cookware brands stand out and what they offer in terms of construction, functionality and value, so you can make the most informed buying decision possible.
#1: Cookware Set Pro – Our Place
The Pro cookware set, a carefully crafted ensemble that will revolutionize your cooking experience. Improve your cooking skills and transform your kitchen with this carefully curated collection of versatile cooking utensils.
Each item in this set is made from high-quality materials and is designed for durability and maximum performance. From sauteing and simmering to sautéing and steaming, this comprehensive set has everything you need to unleash your creativity in the kitchen.
At the heart of the Pro cookware set is the Always pan, a multifunctional marvel that combines the capabilities of eight traditional pieces in a single sleek and stylish pan.
With its ceramic non-stick coating and innovative design, the Always Pan makes cooking effortless and cleaning easy, making it a must-have for any amateur chef.
Highlights
- Versatile cooking utensils: This comprehensive set includes everything you need for a variety of cooking tasks, from sauteing and simmering to sautéing and steaming.
- Always Pan: The centerpiece of the set, the Always Pan is a multifunctional marvel that replaces eight conventional pieces. Its non-stick ceramic coating and innovative design make cooking and cleaning a breeze.
- Nesting Steamer: Enjoy preparing healthy meals and convenient cooking with the included steamer, which is perfect for steaming vegetables, dumplings and much more.
- Sturdy accessories: The set also includes a sturdy wooden spatula and stainless steel steamer basket, completing your kitchen arsenal with essential tools for success.
But the Pro cookware set doesn’t stop there. It also includes a versatile steamer, perfect for preparing healthy meals and cooking with ease.
You’ll also find a sturdy wooden spatula and stainless steel steamer basket to complete your kitchen arsenal with all the tools you need to tackle any recipe with confidence.
Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just starting your culinary journey, the Cookware Set Pro is your ticket to an enhanced cooking experience and delicious results – every time.
Upgrade your kitchen today and discover the joy of cooking with Our Place.
#2: Cook’s Essentials 10-Piece Hard Anodized Cookware Set
Cook’s Essentials produces high quality cooking utensils for the home cook. The brand offers a selection of thoughtfully designed products that make cooking less stressful and is known for its durable, premium materials such as stainless steel and silicone.
Elegant, high-quality cookware? Fine by us. The brand, which is one of our favourites among the best cookware brands, offers a range of beautiful sets in hard-anodized aluminium that contain everything you need to prepare unforgettable meals.
The cookware sets are known for their everyday practicality and feature high-quality details such as tempered glass lids and food and utensil-
, non-stick materials. There is no need to shy away from metal spoons here either.
As many of the sets are ovenproof up to a temperature of 500 degrees Celsius, you can sear your steaks on the hob and finish them in the oven – in the same pan. Cleaning is also very easy. Most pots and pans are dishwasher-safe. Packages like the 10-piece hard anodized cookware set cost $165.
Highlights
- Large selection of tools and pans
- Offers high quality cooking sets
- Made from robust, durable materials
- Oven safe up to 500F
#3: Made In Cookware
Made In Cookware is currently one of the biggest names in kitchenware. The company claims that “generations of expertise” have gone into its products, and it shows.
Made In was founded in 2016 and now produces kitchenware that is even used in Michelin-starred restaurants. Drawing on their family’s century of experience in the kitchen industry, founding brothers Chip and Jake developed a line of high-quality, 5-ply stainless copper and carbon steel cookware that is offered at a fraction of the price of similar professional products.
While a thicker layer does not always guarantee a better product, Made In designs its products to maximize the benefits of multi-layered metals and create the most even heat distribution possible in steel-clad cookware. And because they take their business directly to the consumer, they deliver better material at a better price.
According to the company’s website, “Anyone is capable of preparing restaurant-quality food at home – you just need the right tools.” Made In’s mission is to make these tools and make them accessible to every kitchen.
Related topics: For more information, check out our Made In cookware review.
What you get:
Made In offers cookware in a wide range of finishes. Made In specializes in stainless steel cladding, a multi-layered cookware developed by some of the finest craftsmen in the US and France. It is suitable for all types of cooktops and is known for its ability to conduct heat.
Made In also offers carbon steel cookware, one of the most popular materials for pans and pots. It is considered an alternative to cast iron because it has a long lifespan and retains heat well. There is also cookware made of copper, which is produced in France and is known for its heat control.
Regardless of the material, the company promises that its products are professional-quality tools for everyone.
Made In’s cookware is easy to clean and easy to maintain, making it ideal for home use. And although the company’s pots and pans hold and distribute heat incredibly well, the handles do not retain this heat and should not burn the user. This means that this cookware can also transfer from the stove to the oven without any problems.
Among the best cookware sets that Made In sells is The Executive Chef, a 14-piece collection of stainless steel, carbon steel and non-stick cookware. This set even includes a wok, which is perfect for making restaurant-quality risotto and roasting meats and vegetables.
This set is particularly suitable for amateur chefs who want to upgrade their dishes and improve their cooking techniques, as it contains everything you need to be your own personal chef.
Delivery & Cost:
Cookware doesn’t come cheap, but Made In offers affordable prices despite the undeniable and recognized high quality of their products.
The 14-piece Executive Chef cookware set retails for $1,131 but is currently on sale for $848. There are other sets available at similarly deep discounts. This price point makes the company a must-have in any list of the best cookware brands.
The company also offers several financing plans. With Sezzle’s post-purchase technology, buyers have the option to choose a flexible payment plan that consists of 4 interest-free installments.
Made In ships internationally and wait times vary depending on the destination. The company offers a 45-day trial period with every purchase. Made In will accept all returned merchandise (and cover return shipping fees for returns from the US) if you are not satisfied with the products. International returns may incur a $25 fee.
#4: Misen
Misen is a brand dedicated to producing cookware with high quality, not high prices. The company knows that consumers often can’t choose between “premium” and cheap brands, which is why Misen is committed to being both.
Founder Omar Rada knows how shocking some market prices for cookware can be. That’s why the enthusiastic amateur chef decided to develop his own line. He began by producing a chef-quality knife at a reasonable price and funded the project via Kickstarter. Given the demand – and the rave reviews for the Misen chef’s knife – Rada knew he could do more.
With the brand slogan “No matter how good you are, quality kitchen tools help you cook better,” Rada launched Misen in 2015 with a full line of knives, cookware and prep tools.
According to Rada, he and the company are “obsessed with designing great tools that we can offer you at honest prices.” Because Misen sells directly to customers and not through traditional retail channels, the company offers affordable, functional products to passionate home cooks of all skill levels.
Related: read our Misen cookware review for a full analysis.
What you get:
Misen knows that quality materials, thoughtful design and affordable prices are the foundation of great cookware. That’s why all products, from chef’s knives to Dutch ovens, are designed, engineered and tested to incredibly high standards.
In the manufacturing and testing of all Misen products, the focus is on streamlining costs and quality. This ensures that the products do exactly what they promise, without superfluous bells and whistles that can artificially inflate the price of similar products.
The company offers a wide range of products, from non-stick coatings and enameled cast iron to carbon and stainless steel pots and pans. The company does not overwhelm its customers, but offers a manageable selection of versatile, non-stick cookware suitable for all kitchen tasks. No matter what you like to cook, Misen is guaranteed to have the right product for you.
Products like the Misen carbon steel skillet are incredibly popular, and not just because of their fabulous current price of $68.
It’s a versatile, durable product that even has a non-stick coating and is lighter than traditional cast iron. Not to mention, this carbon steel pan is suitable for any cooking technique, fits from stove to oven, and is compatible with all stove types.
Delivery & Cost:
Misen’s product lines are incredibly affordable for high-quality cookware. Although prices vary from product to product, a typical Misen cookware set costs between $50 and $160.
Some of the company’s products are also covered by a lifetime warranty, meaning that if your product is damaged beyond the typical wear and tear of normal cookware, the company will replace it.
Misen’s products are only available via the company’s website. The company currently only ships to Canada, the US and Europe. Misen does not offer a guaranteed shipping time, but you can track your order via FedEx or USPS.
If you are unhappy with your Misen order, the brand accepts free returns within 60 days of purchase. However, in Canada, customers must pay for their own return labels. Please also note that all clearance items are no longer available.
#5: All-Clad
All-Clad is one of the best cookware brands that has been revolutionizing kitchen appliances for half a century. Based in western Pennsylvania, the company uses the local steel and aluminum industry to manufacture its industry-leading products.
Founder John Ulam used his knowledge of the metal industry to “reinvent the skillet” in 1971, according to the company’s website. As an ambitious amateur chef, Ulam wanted to bring the techniques he had used in his work with car parts and coins into the kitchen.
He combined stainless steel with aluminum to create a multi-layered material that was easier to clean, kept its shape and, most importantly, produced the best food. His invention became so important that the name All-Clad is still synonymous with stainless cookware today.
All-Clad is still an industry standard, a favorite of professional chefs and food media like Bon Appetit. The company’s talented craftsmen have incredible experience and continually produce some of the finest fully welded cookware available on the market.
What you get:
All-Clad bonded cookware heats food evenly and promises not to tarnish or warp over time. Their products are manufactured and quality assured to strict, transparent standards.
All-Clad’s core business is stainless cookware, but the company offers a range of cookware lines including stainless steel, non-stick, hard anodized and ceramic. In addition to cookware, All-Clad also has an incredibly wide range of products, from bakeware to kitchen electronics, tools and accessories.
All-Clad offers several cookware sets with multiple pieces at affordable prices. Sets like the D3 Stainless 3-Ply Bonded Cookware Set contain 7 pieces:
- 10-inch frying pan
- 8-inch frying pan
- 2-quart sauce pan with lid
- 3-quart sauce pan with lid
- 8-quart stock pot with lid
- 3-quart saute pan with lid
This set is easy to use, easy to clean, and easy to store, all for $800 (on sale at the regular price of $1,400).
The company also sells individual products like the 8-inch D4 Stainless Polished 5-ply Bonded Nonstick Frying Pan and the 12-inch Hard Anodized Nonstick Chef’s Pan with Lid. Although it is undeniably cheaper to buy a whole set, All-Clad’s individual products are also very reasonably priced and of high quality.
Delivery & Cost:
Although the price varies from product to product, a single piece of All-Clad cookware costs between $50 and $200, while an entire set costs between $100 and $2,000. Regardless, these products are competitively priced and of undeniable quality, making this company one of the best cookware brands.
However, it must be noted that All-Clad only ships its products within the United States. All orders are processed and shipped within 3-7 business days, depending on the delivery location.
The company also accepts returns in the original packaging within 45 days of the delivery date and will refund you the full purchase price if you are not satisfied.
#6: Rachael Ray Cucina
Rachael Ray is a big name in the culinary scene, and her Rachael Ray Cucina cookware line lives up to the hype as one of the best cookware brands. Several of Rachael Ray’s products have been praised as some of the best cookware on the market, especially their hard anodized non-stick line.
The US-based company is backed by Ray, of course, but has also been praised by media outlets such as The Spruce and Good Housekeeping. With stylish, reliable and affordable professional-level cookware, Rachael Ray Cucina can help any home cook feel like a celebrity chef.
What you get:
The Rachel Ray Cucina brand includes several product lines, including: Cookware, bakeware, tools and gadgets, plates and platters, accessories, pantry items and food storage containers. From frying pans and skillets to knives and vegetable peelers, this brand has it all.
All of the company’s products are of high quality, thoroughly tested and easy to use. Sets such as the 12-piece Hard Anodized cookware set are particularly popular.
This set, which retails for $180, includes four pots with lids, two pans, and a slotted spoon and spatula. The set can even be customized in three fun colors: Pumpkin Orange, Agave Blue and Cranberry Red.
Most Rachel Ray Cucina cookware is rated for up to 400 degrees Fahrenheit, making it ideal cookware for everyday use, but not necessarily the best choice for ambitious cooks who need ultra-high heat. As with most cookware ranges, some parts are dishwasher safe and some are not. It is important that you read the care and use instructions for each product.
Whether it’s a set or individual pieces like the 14-inch fry pan with auxiliary handle or the 8-quart covered oval roasting pan, these products are very high quality, reasonably priced and safe for use at all levels.
The company’s products also come with a lifetime guarantee, ensuring that the quality and functionality of your purchase is maintained.
Delivery & Cost:
Rachael Ray Cucina’s products are very affordable, especially for a celebrity endorsed brand. While the price varies from product to product, a single cookware item costs between $60 and $100, while a set can cost between $150 and $320. These products are also guaranteed to last, so you’re investing in products that are sure to become favorite kitchen essentials.
Rachel Ray Cucina products are only shipped to Canada and the United States. Although delivery times vary from place to place, all shipments can be tracked through the company’s website.
If you don’t like your products once you take them out of the box, the brand accepts returns within 30 days of delivery. All returned goods must be unused and in their original packaging. The company does not cover any shipping costs for the customer.
#7: Caraway
Contemporary, elegant and reliable, Caraway is one of the best cookware brands on the market today. The company’s mission is to simplify the lives of its customers by producing “well-designed housewares that significantly raise the standards of what you cook with.”
Specializing in ceramic cookware, Caraway’s products are non-toxic, easy to use and designed with the home cook in mind. The brand also claims to be environmentally friendly, writing on its website that the manufacturing process of its non-stick coatings emits 60% less CO2 into the environment than the industry standard.
Related topics: Read our review of Caraway cookware to find out more.
What you get:
All Caraway products are made without harmful chemicals like PFAS, PTFE and PFOA. Their ceramic-coated aluminum cookware is also non-stick and free of lead, cadmium and other toxins.
The ceramic provides a naturally smooth cooking surface, which means you need very little oil or butter when cooking – not to mention they are very easy to clean.
Perhaps most importantly, Caraway is also an ethical brand, which means that all their workers make their products in safe conditions, are paid fairly, receive benefits and have regular working hours.
The brand sells both cookware sets and individual items. Sets such as the incredibly popular cookware set are both visually appealing and easy to use. Thanks to their unique flat lids and thoughtful shapes, Caraway cookware is also incredibly easy to store.
This 7-piece set, which is oven safe up to 550 degrees Fahrenheit and suitable for all types of stoves, is normally priced at $495 but is currently on sale for $395. The set includes two pots, two pans and three lids. It’s also available in several stunning colors, including cream, navy blue, marigold and perracotta.
Delivery & costs:
The items in the Caraway cookware line all vary in price. Most pots and pans cost around $100, while sets start at over $300. Other products like linens and pot holders cost between $30 and $60.
Caraway only offers shipping within the US. Most orders ship within 2 to 4 business days, although the company also offers expedited shipping for some products for an additional fee.
If you want to return or exchange your products, the company offers a 30-day return policy with a full refund. It’s worth noting that a restocking fee may be charged for returns.
#8: HexClad
HexClad is all about “being ready when inspiration strikes”, as it says on the website. The company wants to be “the first and only pan or pot you reach for because you know from the outset that it will be on your plate and that it will be delicious.”
HexClad is constantly looking to innovate and improve the current offerings in the cookware market, most notably through its hybrid, non-stick stainless steel products, which are made using a proprietary laser etching
This set includes: on its triple-layer, stainless steel clad material.
They promise the versatility of a stainless steel, non-stick and cast iron pan all in one.
This US-based brand is high quality and even claims to be ethically produced. It promises that its products are closely monitored throughout production and that all employees work in safe conditions.
Related topics: Want to know more? Read our review of Hexclad cookware.
What you get:
HexClad is best known for its “hybrid technology”. This means that the company makes cookware that combines the durability of stainless steel with the easy cleanup of non-stick coatings.
Every piece of HexClad cookware is guaranteed non-stick, has excellent temperature control, is suitable for metal utensils (which is very important for fans of non-stick and stainless steel cookware) and is durable and easy to clean.
Although this company is sometimes more expensive than other cookware brands, it offers unmatched reliability and unique construction, as well as great deals on its sets. The 13-piece hybrid cookware set with lids is a favorite among HexClad fans.
This set contains:
- 12-inch pan and lid
- 10-inch pan and lid
- 8-inch pan with lid
- 12-inch wok
- 2-quart pot with lid
- 3-quart pot with lid
- 8-quart pot with lid
The entire set normally costs $999, but is currently on sale for $599.99.
Other items like the individual 12-inch stainless steel skillet are also popular with fans of the company. This product is ideal if you’re cooking for a group of people, and it’s easy to clean and dishwasher safe. Like many HexClad products, this pan is suitable for use at up to 500 degrees Fahrenheit.
Delivery & costs:
The price of HexClad products varies. Individual items such as pots and pans typically cost between $100 and $250. The brand’s sets cost between $150 and $1,000.
The company’s shipping policy is very standardized, but it only ships within the United States. Arrival dates for shipments also vary by location, but you can track your purchases through the website.
Should you wish to return your HexClad items, the brand offers a 30-day money-back guarantee. In addition, damaged or defective orders will be exchanged. The company even offers a lifetime warranty on its products should they become damaged beyond normal wear and tear.
#9: Great Jones
Since 2018, Great Jones has been “on a mission to empower home cooks and help you feel prepared and proud in your kitchens,” according to the website. The company’s name is also a nod to Judith Jones, who published the works of several influential chefs, including Julia Child.
Great Jones sells ultra-stylish cookware in a variety of styles, from stainless steel pots to non-stick ceramic pans to cast iron Dutch Ovens (affectionately nicknamed The Dutchess). No matter what type of cookware you’re looking for, this company is guaranteed to have an elegant, long-lasting product for your culinary needs.
Related: For a full breakdown, check out our Great Jones Cookware Review.
What you get:
Great Jones offers several product lines, including sets, cookware, bakeware, and side dishes (such as lids and party cloths). All products are designed to be fully functional and aesthetically pleasing, and are sure to be a great visual addition to your kitchen.
The company’s most popular products, such as the Family Style cookware set, are designed not only to make you want to cook, but also to keep your kitchen tidy as they are easy to store. The Family Style set consists of: three lids, two pots, two pans and the Dutchess Dutch Oven in trendy kitchen-inspired colors such as broccoli, toffee, blueberry and mustard.
Great Jones designs its cookware so that it is easy to store. So sets like this are perfect for people with particularly cramped living conditions. And like most other Great Jones products, the Family Style Set is multifunctional, PTFE- and PFOA-free, scratch-resistant and dishwasher-safe. This set is normally priced at $475, but is now on sale for $395.
Delivery & Cost:
Whether it’s a Great Jones cookware set or individual products like The Dutchess or the Deep Cut hybrid skillet, prices vary from product to product. Most of the company’s sets cost between $80 and $400, while individual items range from $35 to $95.
Great Jones ships both domestically and internationally. Domestic orders should arrive within 3 to 7 business days, while international orders should reach their destination within 5 days of receiving order confirmation. A full list of shipping charges and times can be found here.
If you want to return your Great Jones products, the company offers a 30-day, no-questions-asked return policy. All orders will be refunded in full, but engraved products cannot be returned.
#10: Le Creuset
All lovers of high-quality cookware should consider buying Le Creuset. Manufactured in France, the company is best known for its colorful enameled cast iron cookware, ranging from cocottes (Dutch ovens) to fondue sets.
The company has expanded its product range over the years and has been one of the leading manufacturers of cookware since 1925. The company’s enameled cast iron pots are iconic for a reason. They are a staple in professional and home kitchens due to their unparalleled versatility, exceptional heat control and the touch of chic they bring to any kitchen.
What you get:
Le Creuset cast iron cookware is made using the sand-casting process, which means it is sculpted from sand molds in licensed foundries. They are sprayed with two coats of enamel to ensure their non-stick properties and protect their smooth appearance, making them much easier to use and maintain than traditional cast iron.
All of the company’s products are also manufactured exclusively in France, following the same traditions and strict quality standards for almost 100 years.
The company has a wide range of product lines, including: Cookware, ovens (also known as Dutch Ovens), roasting and sautéing pans, grills and griddles, pots, accessories and much more.
However, the ever-popular sets, such as the well-known set of 2 round French ovens, remain the company’s bread and 82% butter. These products are best for stews, crusty bread and dishes that require long, even heating or need to move from the stove to the oven.
Like all cast iron products, they are quite heavy and not as user-friendly as a regular sauce pan or skillet, but they are pretty enough to be displayed on the stovetop on a regular basis. This set retails for $965, but is currently on sale for $699.
Even though Le Creuset products are more expensive than other cookware on the market, Le Creuset is easily one of the best cookware brands of the last century. With this company, you pay for both the guaranteed quality and the iconic look of the products. All products are available in unique colors that you can match to your kitchen, including Cerise, Flame, Blueberry and Meringue.
Delivery & costs:
Le Creuset products are guaranteed to be a favorite tool in your kitchen for a lifetime, and the prices are accordingly. Le Creuset cookware sets range in value from $275 to $10,215. Individual pieces such as frying pans and sauté pans cost between $170 and $645.
The company ships internationally and delivery times vary by country. If you are not satisfied with your product or would like to make a return or exchange, the company handles this on a case-by-case basis. You can submit your request for a return or exchange here.
Styles of the Best Cookware Brands
There are several common types of cookware currently available on the market. However, the most popular are:
- Stainless steel (or stainless steel)
- cast iron
- Non-stick coating
Stainless steel clad cookware consists of interlocking layers of aluminum and copper encased in stainless steel. It is an excellent conductor of even heat and is favored by professional and amateur cooks. It can be expensive and is prone to scratching if not well made, but it is durable and long-lasting. It can be used both on the stove and in the oven.
Cast iron cookware is affordable, durable and retains heat well. While it is heavy, requires seasoning and has limitations in use and cleaning, it is irreplaceable for many dishes and cooking techniques.
Non-stick cookware, on the other hand, is specially coated to prevent food from sticking and make cooking easier. If not cared for properly, this property can be lost over time and there are concerns that chemicals (such as PFAS) used to make non-stick materials are leaching into our food and the environment. Fortunately, there are now many non-toxic alternatives on the market.
While there are certainly pros and cons to using the above materials, most cookware made from these materials is certainly high quality and effective.
Top Materials That the Best Cookware Brands Use
In addition to the stainless steel mentioned above, which is most commonly used in modern kitchen appliances, there are several other materials that are currently used in the manufacture of reliable and efficient cookware.
These include, but are not limited to
- cast iron
- copper
- lead-free ceramics
- glass
Cast iron cookware lasts forever and requires minimal cleaning, but requires careful maintenance and is the heaviest cookware on our list.
Untreated cast iron needs to be “seasoned” for protection – a process in which a layer of oil is applied. However, many options on the market, such as pre-seasoned cast iron or enameled cast iron, already have this step taken care of.
Cast iron is known for its ability to be used on the hob as well as in the oven and for its ability to withstand heat. It’s invaluable for things like searing and browning, for certain types of baking and for dishes that would benefit from intense heat and rich flavor.
“I believe that cast iron cookware is almost always the best choice if you’re looking for high-quality cookware. Especially cast iron, which has an enamel coating for the amateur cook, meaning it is non-stick and can be cleaned in the dishwasher,” says Schubert.
Like cast iron, copper has been used to make cookware for thousands of years. Copper cookware is visually stunning (Martha Stewart is a notorious collector), notorious for its great performance and can handle heat exceptionally well.
As a strong conductor of heat, nothing heats up faster than copper. Copper cookware heats evenly and cools quickly. It is known to sear and crisp beautifully and preserve the texture and color of many foods.
Copper can be tricky. Highly acidic foods such as vinegar can attack the lacquer and even cause copper to leach into our food. And its ability to get super hot super fast can take some getting used to for the inexperienced.
Lead-free ceramic cookware comes in two varieties: Ceramic-coated cookware with a non-stick coating or all-ceramic cookware.
Ceramic-coated cookware is a great, chemical-free alternative to Teflon and other non-stick cookware. They are easy to clean and quite durable, and you get the heat-conducting benefits of a metal base with the non-stick properties of a ceramic surface.
Pure ceramic cookware is great for low temperature or slow cooking, but is less heat efficient compared to other materials and non-stick pots and pans. Both types of ceramic cookware are non-toxic and completely food-safe.
With ceramic, you should opt for the investment brands. Ceramic is generally not as durable as other materials. This means that many of the cheaper varieties are prone to damage and you will have to spend more money to replace your less expensive pots and pans.
Finally, glassware, which is not as commonly used today, is non-toxic and easy to use, but more delicate and fragile. It is not the best choice for high-heat cooking or for cooks looking for all-purpose cookware.
Glass cookware, on the other hand, is very popular with bakers. They appreciate the ability of glass to create a good crust, distribute heat evenly without burning, and see what is happening to the pastry under the surface.
How Often Should You Replace Cookware?
“The usual rule of thumb is that you should replace stainless steel every five years, whereas cast iron can last much longer. However, I think this can be a bit limiting and you should consider the amount of wear and tear rather than the length of time you’ve owned it,” says Schubert.
“It makes no sense to throw away a five-year-old pan that you use once a week, just as there’s no reason to keep a damaged pan that you use every day just because it’s a few years old.
In any case, you should look out for deformation, damaged non-stick coatings or discoloration. These are all signs that your cookware should be disposed of.
