When it comes time to cook a meal, there is no doubt that one of the most essential tools at your disposal is your cookware set, and very little can be created in the kitchen without requiring the use of a pot, a pan, or both. Whether you’re making a soup, a stir fry, a hearty casserole, or simply frying an egg, your choice of cookware will have a major impact on the final results, and this is why it’s crucial that your kitchen is stocked with that perfect set for your needs. But approaching cookware isn’t always the easiest process, and while most people understand the very basics, it can start to become complicated as you compare nonstick against seasoned, cast iron against stainless steel, and even begin considering the various sizes, shapes, and styles available to you. 

Thankfully, this buying guide has been created to help you successfully navigate the complex world of cookware, and in order to ensure you walk away with the right set, we will dive deep to cover each of the various pieces, materials, and key factors you need to understand. Regardless of if this is your very first set of cookware, or you’re simply looking to replace some pieces that have reached the end of their lifespan, this article will provide you with all of the information you need so you can feel like a professional chef every time you reach for your pots and pans. 

What’s Included?

Before you can run out and purchase new cookware, the first place you need to begin is with the various components that are typically included inside each set. Depending on what you like to cook, and how much experience you have, there may be certain pieces that you absolutely can’t live without, and others that you can skip over for the time being. In general, the price of a cookware set will be heavily dependent on how many items are contained within it, so understanding what you require and what you don’t want will not only ensure your kitchen is well-stocked, but that you don't exceed your budget as well. 

While there can be significant variety that exists among sets, some of the most common cookware items you are likely to encounter and need include:

One of the most heavily used items in your kitchen, the frying pan is a go-to choice when you need to quickly cook, sear, or brown a wide variety of foods. Its versatility and ease of use make it an essential piece for any home or professional chef, and most sets will include multiple sizes that can cover a range of needs. A true workhouse, the frying pan is one item you don’t want to skip over, and ideally you want to ensure you have a 10” or 12” version, as well as a smaller 8” option for single items such as eggs or a handful of vegetables. 

Another commonly used tool that almost every kitchen requires is a saucepan, and this essential piece of cookware is most often reached for whenever you’re needing to boil, simmer, or heat various liquids. Similar to the frying pan, saucepans are available in a wide range of sizes that can adapt to your culinary requirements, and you’ll want to double-check that the set you select includes a standard 2 quart version, as well as a larger 3 to 4 quart option that can be used for larger quantities, big batches of soup, or boiling pasta. If you typically cook just for yourself, a smaller 1 to 1.5 quart saucepan may also be beneficial, as this size can handle modest potions better and faster. 

Saucepans tend to range from 1 quart up to 4 quarts, and while these sizes are usually sufficient for every day cooking, they may not be able to hold enough if you like to cook in large batches or you tend to make a lot of soups. In those cases, a large pot may be required, and these over-sized versions are usually referred to as stock pots. Starting at 6 quarts and going up to 20 quarts or larger, stock pots are designed specifically for handling large volumes of liquid and are a must-have item for cooks who are whipping up hearty dishes, simmering for hours, or who plan on canning. While stock pots may be found inside pre-set cookware sets, they are also frequently purchased as stand-alone items, so if you feel you require one then you may need to buy it separately from your regular pots and pans. 

The majority of pots and pans that are available are intended to be used on your stovetop, but when it comes to cooking inside your oven there are some specialized pieces of equipment that you may want to consider. One of the main items that the majority of cooks enjoy having on hand is a roasting pan, and this is an essential piece of cookware for preparing roasted meats and other dishes in the oven. With its large capacity and its ability to collect and contain juices, a roasting pan makes it easy to prepare things such as turkey, chicken, or beef, and it can also hold all of your accompanying vegetables as well. Like a stock pot, however, roasting pans aren’t always included inside cookware sets, so this may be another standalone item that you will need to purchase in addition to whichever set you settle on. 

With its smooth, flat surface and large area for cooking, griddles are a must-have kitchen component that can easily cook a wide variety of food quickly and in large batches. From breakfast favorites such as eggs or pancakes, to dinner time hits like burgers or tacos, a griddle can help you produce delicious culinary masterpieces and is a very popular cookware item that you won’t want to overlook. While they may seem similar to frying pans initially, the key difference here is that griddles tend to be larger and square-shaped, which makes them an excellent choice for preparing multiple servings at once.

Materials

Once you’ve made a decision about which cookware items you want to have in your kitchen, the next thing you’ll need to explore is the various materials that these sets are available in. From stainless steel to copper, cast iron to ceramic, there is significant variety that exists on the market, and each material comes with its own set of benefits and drawbacks. Impacting the overall cost, usability, and even how you clean it, the choice of material for your cookware will directly affect your cooking experience, so it’s important that you take the time to understand each of the options in order to make the best decision for your personal needs, preferences, and budget. 

Known for its durability, resistance to staining, and non-reactive nature, stainless steel is a popular choice among both home cooks as well as professional chefs. What people love about stainless steel is that it is able to heat up evenly and quickly, and it is usually compatible with all types of cooktops, including induction stoves. Dishwasher and broiler safe, stainless steel can be easy to clean, but you will need to double-check that it has a non-stick coating included, otherwise it can be much more challenging if something burns and sticks. 

Lightweight and affordable, aluminum cookware sets are a great choice for home cooks who aren’t looking to spend hundreds of dollars when setting up their kitchen. While this material does have the potential to react with foods that are high in acidity, it also can be quite long-lasting and the potential for discoloration won’t impact its ability to heat food quickly and evenly.  

If non-stick is important to you then it’s hard to go wrong with ceramic cookware, as this material is one of the most superior choices that won’t require you to use additional oil or fat during the cooking process. Safe for baking in the oven at low to medium temperatures, and known for being environmentally friendly, ceramic cookware is versatile and popular and its main drawbacks are simply that it can be prone to chipping and may not be as durable as some of its counterparts. 

Impressively heavy-duty and durable, cast iron offers excellent heat retention and is a very popular choice in kitchens all across the globe. While it isn’t naturally nonstick, it can be seasoned to create a nonstick surface, and with correct preparation and care, it will be able to last you a lifetime. The main downside to cast iron is that it does heat up very slowly, and you need to be careful once you do remove it from the heat as the surface will remain hot for a long period of time. It also can’t be tossed in the dishwasher like other materials, and cleaning and seasoning requires much more effort that some cooks may not want to partake in. 

Offering precise temperature control and exceptional heat conductivity, copper is a gorgeous choice when you want a high-quality cookware set that will also look beautiful inside your kitchen. Extremely energy efficient, copper requires much lower temperatures for cooking than many of the other available materials and its magnetic base means you can easily use it on all stovetops, including induction models. The drawback to copper, however, is that it does require extra care and attention to keep it looking clean and not tarnished, and it can also be one of the most expensive materials which may make it unattainable for home cooks on a budget. 

Consider Your Cooktop

A final consideration that is incredibly important when purchasing cookware is what type of stovetop you currently have in your home, as certain models are not going to be compatible with all types of sets. For example, if you use a gas stove then most options are going to work for you, as this type of cooktop is almost always compatible with stainless steel, cast iron, copper, and even ceramic pots and pans. However, if you have an electric stovetop then you will need to select a set that is designed to heat more evenly, as electric models can sometimes have hot spots that may affect your cooking. Stainless steel, aluminum, and copper cookware are generally suitable for electric stovetops, and these options should help you avoid burning the culinary creations you produce. 

The biggest challenge, though, is faced by cooks who have induction stovetops, as these models work by generating an electromagnetic field that heats the cookware directly. To be compatible with induction, your pots and pans must have a magnetic base, and in most cases this means choosing sets that are made from stainless steel or cast iron. If you do own an induction stovetop then extra care is required as you browse available sets, and you will need to double-check the description to ensure it will be compatible in your kitchen.

Bottom Line

Selecting the right cookware for your kitchen is a decision that should be carefully considered, as it significantly impacts your cooking experience and the quality of the dishes you create. From the items that are contained within your set, to the precise materials they are made from, your cookware choices play a pivotal role in your culinary journey and each factor should be looked at to ensure it fits in with your needs as well as your overall budget. While it may seem overwhelming at first, with a little time and patience you can quickly narrow down your search to that perfect set for your home, making your time in the kitchen more efficient and enjoyable.