Additionally, we evaluated how easy the handles were to hold, especially when retrieving the pots and pans from a hot oven using a side towel or pot holders. We also took note of the individual weight and thickness of the pieces in each set. To test for dripping, we observed how easily we could pour liquids from each pot. By hand-washing the pots and pans, we got a sense of how easy they were to clean. And we looked at how well each set nested for convenient storage.
The Goldilocks set’s stick handles are almost identical to the stick handles on some Cuisinart pans . In the Wirecutter test kitchen, we continue to reach for All-Clad the most. Several of our staff members have All-Clad pots and pans in their own kitchens , and they find the pots and pans continue to heat evenly and clean up well, even after years of persistent use. With the All-Clad set, we liked the angle of the pans’ stick handles and their rounded bottoms, which fit nicely in our hands. Anodized aluminum’s dark color can make it hard to tell whether foods are browning properly, which is especially important for challenging tasks like making caramel.
We also like that each piece has a helper handle, which offers extra control when moving the pan. Make sure you have the best tools for storing and maintaining your brand-new cookware set. Invest in pot organizers and racks and, if you’re going for stainless steel, copper or cast iron, definitely have a bottle of Bar Keepers Friend on hand.
And prior to joining Wirecutter, I spent over 10 years working in various facets of the food and restaurant industry. Take a good look at nonstick sets, stainless steel sets, ceramic sets (etc!), and you’ll see that there are some very well-thought-out options on the market. We looked at some of the top food and product review sites out there to see what sets experts and home cooks are loving. Field also has a full line of products for taking care of your cast iron, including a chainmail scrubber and seasoning oil.
Non-coated cookware is an incredibly heat-resistant pick that lets you cook food on all kinds of induction. Non-coated cookware is perfect for making dishes that require Cookware Sets a hard crust and searing. You can use different kitchen utensils without worrying about damage. You must use a lubricant to prevent food from sticking to the surface.
Our favorite set, the All-Clad D3 seven-piece, would cost about $50 more if you bought each piece of cookware individually. The difference will vary based on the brand and the specific set but you can expect to save some money when buying a cohesive set. In terms of design, testers noted that the pan handles had a nice feel and found that the squared-off lid handles fit comfortably in their hands. The bigger pans and pots have a helper handle for ease of holding anything heavier or hot as well.
When you’re buying cookware one piece at a time, it’s nice to get a lid, but if you have other cookware, you may already have a lid that will fit perfectly. Lids are often made from the same material as the pot, so they can withstand the same heat. Some lids are made from glass, which means you can see the food without lifting the lid, but they may not be able to handle high oven heat. Throughout the testing, we noticed the balanced feel of the pots and pans, though they do feel a little on the lower quality side of things. But the overall value of having a full set of cookware plus utensils trumps that. They were very easy to clean and are dishwasher safe, though washing by hand is recommended.
Sturdy, riveted stainless steel handles give you easy handling, and the entire pot is ovenproof up to 500 degrees. Hand washing is required for these gorgeous pieces, and our Lab tester noted that some additional upkeep is required if you prefer a shiny look versus the patina finish that will develop over time. All-Clad’s D3 Stainless Everyday 3-Ply Bonded Cookware is a tri-ply set similar to our All-Clad pick. The handles gotham steel cookware sets on these are slightly curved, which some may find more comfortable than the stick handles on our upgrade pick. This set includes 8½- and 10½-inch skillets, 1½- and 3½-quart sauce pans with lids, a 4-quart sauté pan with a lid, and a 6-quart stockpot with a lid. This may have been a one-off manufacturing error, but we’ll keep an eye on customer reviews to see if others experience a similar problem with the handle.
(However, if you prefer saucepans with two handles, some manufacturers, such as All-Clad, sell them open stock.) We also looked for sets that included a hole on each handle for hanging. Side handles are best for larger saucepans and stockpots, which have a bigger volume and require two hands to lift. All told, I’ve spent more than 130 hours researching and testing cookware sets for this guide. As a senior staff writer at Wirecutter, I have written reviews for all kinds of kitchen equipment and gadgets, including skillets, knife sets, and cutting boards.
We tested multiple skillets to be sure this wasn’t a fluke, but all of them had the same results. Although the pans were still usable after warping, their damage voids the warranty. Though a lot of stainless steel cookware claims to be dishwasher-safe, we gotham steel cookware sets still recommend washing it by hand whenever possible. A sponge does a much better job of getting into a pan’s nooks and crannies . For difficult-to-remove items like burnt-on oil or lime deposits, a sponge and some Bar Keepers Friend usually do the trick.