The 5 best cookware sets in 2022

August 29, 2022

The 5 best Cookware Sets in 2022

From avid home cooks to take-out connoisseurs, we all need a few pots and pans. Cookware sets can be daunting, no matter how confident you are in the kitchen — there’s an almost endless variety of materials and different combinations of pieces. However, we found that you can use those factors, the material and number of pieces, to guide your choice.

We turned to the experts, who all agreed that less is more when it comes to cookware. Based on our own experiences and conversations with chefs, food editors, and leaders of the Cookware Manufacturers Association, we came up with the following as a basic outline for an ideal cookware set.

1 Tramontina Stainless Steel Tri-Ply Clad 12-Piece Cookware Set

Tramontina Stainless Steel Tri-Ply Clad 12-Piece Cookware Set

Tramontina's 12 Pc Tri-Ply Clad Stainless Steel Cookware Set includes the essentials to equip your first kitchen, update your current one, or whip up your favorite recipes. The premium 18/10 stainless steel set features tri-ply clad construction for even heat distribution from all sides of the pan.
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2 T-fal All-In-One Hard Anodized Dishwasher Safe Nonstick Cookware Set

T-fal All-In-One Hard Anodized Dishwasher Safe Nonstick Cookware Set

life's culinary adventures with T-fall all-in-one hard anodized toxin-free nonstick cookware.
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3 All-Clad D3 Stainless Cookware Set

All-Clad D3 Stainless Cookware Set

All-Clad’s Stainless 3-ply cookware features a thick-gauge aluminum core that attracts heat fast, while the addition of stainless steel ensures even heat distribution for consistent results across the entire cooking surface, all the way to the rim.
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4 Caraway Nonstick Ceramic Cookware Set

Caraway Nonstick Ceramic Cookware Set

Caraway's signature is its ceramic nonstick coating. Ceramic coatings offer the same nonstick properties as traditional ones, but contain no trace elements of PFOA, PFTE, lead, or cadmium. Caraway cookware has an aluminum core that ensures rapid and even heating, while the coating decreases your need for oil and makes the surface easier to clean.
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5 Williams Sonoma Thermo-Clad™ Copper 10-Piece Cookware Set

Williams Sonoma Thermo-Clad™ Copper 10-Piece Cookware Set

Copper provides the most efficient and even heating of any cookware metal. Since copper is a reactive metal, most cookware is lined with a nonreactive interior like tin or stainless steel. The Williams Sonoma Thermo-Clad Copper Set has a stainless steel interior, so you can worry less about cooking acidic foods.
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Our cookware research methodology

While we haven’t yet tested the sets in this guide firsthand, our picks are based off of extensive research and expert interviews. Here are the factors we considered when putting together this guide:

Pieces: The first thing we did was establish a list of essential pieces all cookware sets should have. Our three experts agreed that quality is more important than quantity when it comes to cookware. Chernick, Battiliana, and Phojanakong each suggested a pared down list of essential pieces. With this input and our own experience in the kitchen, we created the guidelines found at the top of the page.

Materials:We identified the pros and cons of different cookware materials, Chernick recommended stainless steel for cookware sets because it can handle the wear and tear of a busy kitchen, and we agree. Stainless steel is durable, doesn’t require special maintenance, and cooks most things well. 

Construction: We considered the construction of each cookware set. Besides cast iron, most cookware is made by layering different metals. This can increase the heat conductivity of less conductive metals; for instance, stainless steel pans often have aluminum cores because aluminum heats up much quicker. Additionally, having multiple layers makes the cookware more durable. Battiliana said there is a connection between performance and quality, as thinner metal pans will wear out faster than better constructed pans.

What should I avoid when buying a cookware set?

Steer clear of cookware sets with too many pieces that will clutter your kitchen. Less is more — most home cooks just don’t need three different sizes of saucepans. 

Beyond the pieces, consider the material best suited to your cooking style. For instance, nonstick cookware is great for casual cooks who want the easiest pan to use and clean, while stainless steel holds up better over time.

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