This set was one of the top performers in terms of the nonstick coating. Like other sets, there are rivets that attach the handle to the pan, but unlike many different sets, the rivets on these are also coated in the nonstick coating. This set also earned a 5 out of 5 when it comes to ease of cleaning. The superior ceramic nonstick coating makes it easy to just wipe these pans clean.
However, we did do some at-home testing of its sauté pan as a point of comparison in our review of the Always pan; this testing confirmed our understanding that ceramic-coated pans don’t last long . The Tramontina set we recommend is comparably priced , and unlike the Caraway set, it should last for decades if cared for properly. The Cuisinart MultiClad Pro Stainless Steel 12-Piece Cookware Set was our previous runner-up pick. However, after a new round of testing, we found the skillets warped over high heat. The bottom of the pans bowed so much that they wobbled on a flat surface.
Some pots and pans perform better on gas stoves, while others, like ceramic pieces, are best for electric or glass top stoves. Teflon can provide a great nonstick coating but can also begin to flake off after a few years, depending on how well you take care of the pan. Ceramic is also nonstick and said to be better for the environment. Ceramic pans also have a higher heat tolerance than traditional nonstick pans.
The set’s only other skillet, a 10¼-inch skillet/sauté pan hybrid, is also on the small side. We like the Tramontina Gourmet 12-Piece Tri-Ply Clad Cookware Set for its even heat distribution, durable construction, and reasonable price. The Tramontina skillets produced perfectly brown chicken pieces with nice fond development, and the saucepans and stockpot simmered liquids without scorching. We found the wide handles on the cookware and the lids comfortable to hold.
They also loved how durable this set feels, describing it as “a beast.” This set is oven safe to 500 degrees and during testing, the temperature of the pan stayed pretty Cookware Sets even. The temperatures ranged from 350 to 400 to 334 around the pan, which means when you’re browning meat or fish it’s going to be evenly cooked without a lot of fuss.
Nonstick cookware is easy to clean by hand because pressure water application might damage the surface. You do not need a lot of oil or fat to cook food on nonstick cookware. The delicate coating can get damaged if exposed to harmful conditions. Complete your kitchen with nonstick hard anodized, stainless steel or durable aluminum pots and pans. While some prefer to curate their cookware collection piece by piece and, in some cases, that makes good sense, especially for experienced chefs who know exactly what they want in each piece.
“Heavier pans tend to have thicker vessel gauge which will help to even heat,” a representative for the Calphalon research and development team explained to us. “Multi-ply sets in three or five ply are the best performing and more expensive, but cookware is an item used every day in-home kitchens and is an investment,” Rodgers says. “If you invest in a good multi-ply stainless-steel set, you will have it for an extremely long time if cared for appropriately.”
We love that the folks at Wirecutter just so happened to pick an affordable set. They said that this one has the largest pots and pans — a 5-quart Dutch oven! — out of all the sets they tested, which made them feel like they were really getting something for their money. Don’t worry, though — the handles are all super comfortable, so they’re not too hard to hold or lift.