I wasn’t quite sure what I could make with the 1-quart pot other than reheating a single serving of soup or melting a stick of butter (other sets have a more versatile 2-quart pot). And the sauté pan was small, too; it won’t fit more than two large chicken breasts. If you have a family or like to batch cook, this set probably won’t work for you. But consider T-fal if you’re on a budget, need a little help with cooking and cleaning, have a small kitchen or stove, or have fewer mouths to feed.
The lids are clear with stainless steel handles that are designed to stay cool. Plus, the handles feel comfortable to hold and protrude a bit to fit comfortably in your grip while cooking. One perk is that the pan comes with protectors to help prevent scratching when storing. Even so, its cute light-colored interior prevents any nicks and scratches from being too noticeable.
Unlike most cookware, Ninja’s lids are also oven-safe up to 500˚F. Made of anodized aluminum, which gives it some heft, and a nonstick finish that’s Teflon-free, this set combines unbeatable performance with durability. We love that the handles stay cool while cooking and were blown away by the set’s outstanding heat distribution, quick boiling and even searing. The nonstick coating was so effective that we could scramble eggs or sauté veggies without oil or butter — they slid right off the pan! Few single pieces of cookware come with accessories, aside from lids.
The lids are made with extra wide brims so you can place hot coals on top and cook from above. We ordered 25 different nonstick gotham steel cookware sets to perform side-by-side testing in our kitchen. Our product testers spent hours examining each set’s design and performance with an omelet and rice pilaf test as well as a simmer and scorch test. They have straight sides, which help maximize the cooking 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 500˚F.
The secret lies in its airtight glass lid that keeps steam and moisture in while cooking, releasing air while preserving flavor. Cook everything from chicken curry to brussels sprouts and creamy mashed potatoes in minutes with Anyday. The Pioneer Woman’s gotham steel cookware sets Fancy Flourish cookware setfeatures Ree Drummond’s signature floral print. Copper is not as standard nowadays, but it provides cooking with quick heat up. Since copper is an excellent conductor, novices might find it hard to maintain temperature.
Their line now boasts four nonstick pans, a 10-inch sauté pan, an 8-inch frying pan, a 3.5 quart saucepan, and an 8-quart stock pot. They’ve also added a chef’s knife, a cutting board, a baking sheet, and an array of kitchen utensils to their lineup. When you’re shopping for a stainless steel cookware set, it’s important to note how many pieces there are and what’s included.
In our tests, they heated evenly and maintained a steady simmer; plus, the pan and lid handles stayed cool. We particularly liked how the lids fit smoothly onto each pan, an often overlooked detail. Eggs and pancakes slid off the pan without any grease needed, and the inside of the pan wiped clean. Get inspired to whip up something tasty with these chef-approved cookware sets. A complete cookware set is one of the best ways to equip your kitchen with the cooking basics quickly, easily and with great value baked in. Sur La Table specialize in offering cutting-edge and traditional cookware sets by the best brands in the world, including All-Clad, Mauviel, SCANPAN, Staub, GreenPan, Demeyere, Le Creuset and more.
It can be stored or left on display to elevate your kitchen’s decor. There are even attachable rubberized bumpers to protect this beauty from scratches. Store your pans with organizers to avoid stacking the pans, which may inadvertently scratch or chip the cooking surface and can remove the non-stick. Only use low to medium heat with ceramic cookware, as higher heat settings will reduce the coating’s longevity. But they are generally going to have lots of pots and pans in a range of sizes that you probably won’t use.
Donna Currie is a cookbook author who reviews products and writes roundups for The Spruce Eats. Her passion for quality cookware started when she toured a cookware manufacturer and saw how pots and pans were made. She’s personally reviewed two of the featured cuisinart knife for The Spruce Eats and has used individual pieces from many of the other featured sets. Besides having nonstick interior coatings, some aluminum cookware has an anodized exterior, which hardens the metal, creates a colored surface, and protects the exterior from stains and corrosion. Anodized cookware usually has either a nonstick-coated interior or a thin layer of stainless steel on the interior, so none of the aluminum is exposed.