We Tested 200+ Cookware Sets—These 7 Are the Best of 2026
The right cookware is the key to making cooking less of a chore.
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A lot has changed in the cookware world since I started testing pots and pans in 2014. While nonstick continues to be a growing category, there's more interest in stainless steel, cast iron, and carbon steel, three materials that'll last a long time. I personally prefer stainless steel for its versatility, but I lean on cast iron and enameled cast iron for their heat retention, and nonstick for my eggs. I also like to use carbon steel when I'm cooking outdoors on my grills or pizza ovens.
When shopping for new cookware, I recommend narrowing your search first by material—each has its own pros and cons—and then by the pieces included in a set. My non-negotiables are a 10-inch frying pan, a small saucepan, and a stockpot. (And yes, while it might be an unpopular opinion, I prefer buying a set over individual pots and pans because I like having a streamlined aesthetic in the kitchen, and you can generally get a better deal.)
Our top picks:
- Best overall: Hestan NanoBond 10-Piece Stainless Steel Cookware Set
- Best value: Tramontina Gourmet Tri-Ply Clad 12-Piece Cookware Set
- Best nonstick: Circulon A1 Series 9-Piece Set
- Most versatile: Made In 13-Piece Set
In the Good Housekeeping Institute Kitchen & Cooking Lab, my team and I have tested more than 200 cookware sets. We evaluate how evenly cookware heats, how well it sears and simmers, how easy it is to clean and, for nonstick sets, how effectively the coating releases food. We also cook with many of these sets at home to assess long-term performance. These are the best cookware sets you can buy today.
Best Deal
Pros
- Aced our cookware testis
- Easy to clean and dishwasher-safe
- Heat-safe up to 1,050ºF
Cons
- Color deepens over time (but can be restored)
BEST FOR: People looking for a stainless steel set that's easy to clean; intermediate to advanced cooks
I'm obsessed with this cookware set with good reason. Each of the Hestan NanoBond pots and pans aced our cookware tests, and I've been using them in my home for the past seven years, so I know they last.
My absolute favorite part about using them is the cleanup. They're made of a unique material called "NanoBond," a stainless steel infused with titanium, which essentially makes them nonstick. Not only do meats and veggies get a nice, dark sear, but the pans clean up super easily with just a little elbow grease, an overnight soak for stuck-on bits, or a run in the dishwasher. (Most premium nonstick cookware isn't dishwasher-safe, so this is truly a win in my book!)
I also really like the shape of the pans. They have a wide cooking surface and gently flared edges for easy flipping; plus, long, thin handles that are comfortable to hold and stay cool during cooking. They sit balanced on the stovetop and work excellently on induction.
The pans heated evenly in our tests and steak browned beautifully. They're heat-safe up to 1,050°F and can even be used outside on your grill.
While they're pricey, they're in line with the cost of other high-end cookware. One thing to note: The pots and pans develop a deep blue hue after use, which some people may not prefer. (I never minded it.) The pieces, however, can be buffed back to new with the brand's stainless steel cleaner.
Features at a Glance
| Cookware material | Stainless steel |
| What's included | 8.5-inch frying pan, 11-inch frying pan, 1.5-quart saucepan with lid, 3-quart saucepan with lid, 3.5-quart sauté pan with lid, 8-quart stock pot with lid |
| Induction compatible | Yes |
| Dishwasher-safe | Yes |
| Oven-safe | Up to 1,050°F |
Pros
- Heat evenly
- Hold up after repeated use
Cons
- Pan can stain when used over high heat
BEST FOR: People looking for a reliable stainless steel cookware set that isn't pricey; new to intermediate cooks
My team and I have been using the fry pans from this set in our Lab tests for years to assess how evenly a cooktop heats. They heat evenly, have good heft, and hold up after repeated use—impressive for a 12-piece stainless steel cookware set that costs under $400.
In our cookware tests, the 10-inch skillet scored a five out of five for heat distribution and another five out of five for browning a steak. While the skillet discolored over high heat and was a little hard to clean, it didn't affect any future tests.
The handles are wide and comfortable to hold, and the pots have generally straight sides with rounded edges for easy stirring and scraping. The lids are flat with tall handles that stay cool during cooking.
Our consumer testers praised the pieces' solid, balanced feel and the variety, noting a good mix of pot sizes for everyday cooking. The pieces work well on induction.
| Cookware material | 3-ply stainless steel |
| What's included | 2 frying pans (8- and 10-inch), 3 saucepans with lids (1.5-, 2-, and 3-quart), 6-quart sauté pan with lid, 8-quart stockpot with lid |
| Induction compatible | Yes |
| Dishwasher-safe | Hand-wash recommended |
| Oven-safe | Up to 500°F |
Pros
- Highly nonstick
- Easy to clean
- Nonstick coating has held up over a year of testing
Cons
- Outside of pan scratched in our tests
BEST FOR: People who are looking for a really good and affordable nonstick frying pan; new cooks
If I'm using nonstick cookware, I want it to be lightweight, balanced, and easy to use, which is why this Circulon set stands out. In our tests, it also proved to be highly nonstick and easy to clean. Eggs slid right out of the skillet and barely needed a sponge to wipe off any remaining residue.
The long handles are wide with a silicone grip, and the pots are balanced in the hand. The lids are glass and snug-fitting, with built-in strainers.
One of our analysts used these in her home for more than a year without noticing any chipping or scratching on the coating, even when using metal utensils. She also said they remained as nonstick as when she first started using them.
The black color resists stains on both the inside and outside of the cookware, but we did notice some light scratching on the outside that didn't affect performance. The pots and pans held up well in the dishwasher.
| Cookware material | Nonstick-coated aluminum |
| What's included | 1-quart and 3-quart saucepans with straining lids and pour spouts, 6-quart stockpot with lid, 3-quart sauté pan, 8.5-inch and 10-inch frying pans |
| Induction compatible | Yes |
| Dishwasher-safe | Yes |
| Oven-safe | Up to 400°F |
Pros
- Lightweight but durable
- Offers good nonstick performance
- Heats evenly and sears nicely
Cons
- Rims scratched over time
BEST FOR: People who want a good, lightweight, nonstick cookware set; new cooks
Ceramic cookware has evolved over the years from thin pieces that required frequent replacement to heavier pieces clad with stainless steel. I, however, still really like this induction-friendly set from GreenPan that's lightweight and easy to handle: The handles are long, thin, and a little wide, and they protrude in the center to fit comfortably in your palm.
The frying pan heated evenly in our tests and seared steak nicely. Plus, it showed good nonstick properties in our egg tests and wiped clean. The sauce simmered well, and the water boiled quickly in the short, wide stockpot.
The light-colored interior helps hide any inevitable scratches, particularly around the rim. The pots and pans store relatively neatly with the help of pan protectors.
| Cookware material | Ceramic coated, hard anodized aluminum |
| What's included | 8- and 9.5-inch frying pans, 11-inch frying pan with lid, 11-inch grill pan with lid, 11-inch chef’s pan with lid, 11-inch square griddle pan, 1.5- and 3.25-quart saucepans with lids, 3.25-quart sauté pan with lid, 5.4-and 7.8-quart stock pots with lids, 3 pan protectors |
| Induction compatible | Yes |
| Dishwasher-safe | Yes, but hand-wash recommended |
| Oven-safe | Up to 600°F (lids up to 425°F) |
Pros
- Includes a large assortment of high-quality cookware
- All pieces performed well in testing
Cons
- Not dishwasher-safe
BEST FOR: Pros or intermediate cooks
This Made In cookware set is a professional cook's dream. Most of the pieces you'd reach for every day are made of five-ply stainless steel, but this set also includes a 10-inch ceramic nonstick skillet, a 12.5-inch carbon steel skillet, and a carbon steel wok for added versatility. All of the pieces work well on induction.
The nonstick fry pan offers the same heft as the brand's stainless steel fry pan and is shaped similarly, but it's coated, which allows eggs to slip right off in our tests without leaving any residue. The steak also browned nicely, a win for using a nonstick pan.
The stainless steel fry pan withstood the heat in our tests when we cooked a steak. It was harder to clean than the nonstick, but easier than other stainless steel cookware sets we've tested.
The saucepan offerings are the perfect size for all your needs, from breakfast to dinner, and the 3-quart saucier is one of the best pans we've ever used. It has curved edges and a wide rim, which helps it come to a boil faster than other saucepans. The design, combined with the material, makes it one of the fastest pans to come to a boil. The carbon-steel pan and wok are heavy-duty and require seasoning, but they are well worth the effort. They are designed to brown food deeply and are intended to last a lifetime.
The downsides? The pieces aren't dishwasher-safe, and the nonstick pan wears and scratches over time.
Features at a Glance
| Cookware material | 5-ply stainless steel, nonstick coated stainless steel, carbon steel |
| What's included | 8- and 10-inch stainless-steel frying pans, 10-inch ceramic frying pan, 2-and 4-quart stainless-steel saucepans with lids, 3-quart stainless-steel saucier with lid, 8-quart stainless-steel stock pot with lid, 12.5-inch carbon steel frying pan, 13.5-inch carbon steel wok, carbon steel seasoning wax |
| Induction compatible | Yes |
| Dishwasher-safe | No |
| Oven-safe | Stainless up to 800°F, carbon steel up to 1200°F, ceramic up to 550°F |
Pros
- Heat evenly
- Design of fry pan allows for a deep sear
Cons
- Not dishwasher-safe
BEST FOR: Pros, intermediate cooks, people looking to invest in long-lasting cookware; intermediate to advanced cooks
You'll often see All-Clad's D3 set regarded as the brand's top-tested cookware line, but I prefer the D5 set, which features two extra layers of material. While it's more expensive, it has a bit more heft, heats more evenly, retains heat a bit better, and is easier to clean.
The frying pan has a smaller surface area than some other stainless steel pans we've tested, but it allows for even heating and a deep sear, especially on induction. Their signature handles are angled, promoting a good grip for quick maneuvers.
I particularly like the shape of the saucepans, with tall, straight edges, which seem to boil more quickly than other saucepans I've used. The lids are flat, but heavy-duty with wide handles.
These All-Clad pots and pans are designed to last a lifetime, especially if you take proper care of them. They're heat-safe to 600°F, but they're not dishwasher-safe.
Features at a Glance
| Cookware material | 5-ply stainless steel |
| What's included | 8- and 10-inch frying pans, 1.5- and 3-quart saucepans with lids, 3-quart sauté pan with lid, 8-quart stockpot with lid |
| Induction compatible | Yes |
| Dishwasher-safe | Hand-wash recommended |
| Oven-safe | Up to 600°F |
Pros
- Designed to last a lifetime
- Top-quality browning and heat retention
- Doesn't require special seasoning or care
Cons
- Heavy
BEST FOR: Minimalists, advanced cooks who can appreciate the benefits of cast iron with its heavy faults; intermediate to advanced cooks
If I were a minimalist, this is the set I'd buy. It includes three pieces (a fry pan, a saucepan, and a Dutch oven) that can handle the majority of cooking tasks. The only thing to keep in mind is they're heavy and not dishwasher-safe.
I personally have been using my Le Creuset Dutch oven since 2010 and keep it out on my stovetop. I mostly use it to make soup, but I also often boil pasta because I keep it so accessible. It requires extra effort to clean and handle because it's so heavy, and it's not dishwasher-safe, but it cooks really well so I use it all the time.
Each piece is oven-safe up to 500°F.
Another big selling point of this set? A 5.5-quart Dutch oven can easily cost around $400, and you get two additional pieces for a little more.
| Cookware material | Enameled cast iron |
| What's included | 5.5-quart dutch oven, 1.75-quart saucepan, 9-inch skillet |
| Induction compatible | Yes |
| Dishwasher-safe | Yes, but hand-wash recommended |
| Oven-safe | Up to 500°F |
How we test cookware sets
In the Kitchen Lab, we've tested more than 200 cookware sets over the years, including nonstick and stainless steel models.
When testing, my team and I evaluate ease-of-use factors including comfort of holding, staining, and cleanability. We then test performance by evaluating boiling speed, scorching, browning, heat distribution, and the ability to hold a simmer.
✔️ Heat distribution test: We evaluate heat distribution by heating the pan without food and by searing a steak. We assess how quickly it reaches temperature and how well it retains that temperature over time. Pictured here is our heat distribution test setup using Crisco and flour.
✔️ Boiling test: We track how long the stockpot takes to boil water, as well as how easy the pot is to handle when full.
✔️ Browning and scorch tests: Several tests, including our steak browning test and a sauce scorching test, help us determine how easy the pans are to clean.
We cook a steak over high heat to assess browning and evenness of cooking. This also helps us understand the pan's cleanability, as steak and oil tend to stick and leave behind residue. We simmer tomato sauce in the saucepan to see how well it maintains a simmer, then we intentionally scorch the sauce to see how well it releases a burnt-on mess during cleanup. We also check how well the handles resist heat.
✔️ Nonstick tests: For nonstick cookware, we cook eggs—both over-easy and scrambled—without grease.
✔️ Ease of use tests: We consider factors like how easy the pots and pans are to clean and whether they're dishwasher-safe. We often send cookware sets home with consumer testers after lab tests to gather long-term feedback (we also continue to use the pots and pans in the Lab).
What to look for when shopping
✔️ Material: When choosing a cookware set, the material you pick will have the biggest impact on performance, durability, price, and maintenance.
• Stainless steel is a top choice for confident cooks who want excellent heat retention and browning. Most stainless cookware is layered with aluminum or copper cores to improve conductivity, and many are induction-compatible. It’s durable and long-lasting but tends to be expensive—especially multi-ply sets—and requires elbow grease to keep it looking clean. Some pieces are dishwasher-safe, but hand-washing helps maintain the finish.
• Nonstick cookware is ideal for easy cleanup and low-effort cooking. You’ll find two main types: PTFE (like Teflon) and ceramic coatings. PTFE offers better release and durability but should be used carefully—under 400°F and replaced if scratched. Ceramic is PTFE-free, heats quickly, and appeals to those avoiding traditional nonstick, but it wears out faster. The bases can be made of aluminum or stainless steel. While affordable, nonstick pans are less suited for high heat and are usually not dishwasher-safe unless labeled as such. For longevity, hand-washing is best.
• Cast iron is a heavy-duty option built to last a lifetime. Traditional cast iron needs seasoning and special care, but it delivers unmatched heat retention and is naturally nonstick with use. Enameled versions are easier to clean and don’t require seasoning, though they tend to be pricier.
• Carbon steel is a lighter alternative to cast iron that also builds nonstick seasoning over time.
• Copper is the most responsive to heat—great for precision cooks—but it's high-cost, high-maintenance, and not compatible with induction unless bonded with other metals.
✔️ Types and sizes: Look for sets that cover a wide range of cooking tasks without unnecessary extras. The best cookware sets usually include:
• 10-inch fry pan or skillet for eggs, stir-fries, and searing
• 1–2-quart saucepan with lid for sauces, grains, and reheating
• 3–4-quart saucepan with lid for pastas, soups, and larger batches
• 5–8-quart stockpot or Dutch oven for boiling, stewing, and braising
• Sauté pan or braiser with lid for one-pan meals and shallow frying
Lids usually count as individual pieces. So a 12-piece set may only contain six or seven pots and pans. Higher-end sets often add extras like steamer inserts or smaller omelet pans, but more isn't always better—focus on versatile pieces made of materials suited to how you cook.
What is considered the best type of cookware?
We recommend stainless steel as the best all-around cookware for most people. While there’s a slight learning curve compared to nonstick (you need to use enough oil and properly preheat the pan to avoid sticking), the durability, performance, and flexibility make it the best long-term investment for everyday cooking.
Stainless steel cookware is incredibly versatile, allowing you to sear, sauté, simmer, boil, and even bake—all with one set. High-quality stainless (especially multi-ply with an aluminum or copper core) heats evenly, performs well on most stovetops—including induction—and can last a lifetime with proper care.
What is the healthiest or most non-toxic cookware set?
I don’t love using the terms “healthy” or “non-toxic” to describe cookware. It’s often used in marketing to create unnecessary fear or confusion, but most cookware sold in the U.S. is regulated and safe to use when used as directed. That said, if you’re avoiding synthetic nonstick coatings like PTFE (Teflon), there are great alternatives on the market today.
• Ceramic nonstick cookware (often marketed as "green" or "eco-friendly," which we consider to be misleading terminology because it's uncertifiable) is made with a silica-based coating (derived from sand). It is made without PTFE, which appeals to individuals who choose to avoid traditional nonstick products. The coating tends to wear out faster than PTFE, and, like traditional nonstick, it isn't suitable for high-heat cooking or use with metal utensils.
• Cast iron and carbon steel are also solid picks that develop a natural nonstick surface over time as you season the pan. For easier cleaning, enameled cast iron offers a coating-free option that doesn’t require special care but still delivers great performance.
• Stainless steel is nonreactive, free of coatings, and easy to maintain, but doesn't offer the slippery nonstick surface some cooks are after.
Why trust Good Housekeeping?
Nicole Papantoniou is the senior director of the Good Housekeeping Institute Kitchen & Cooking Lab. She has tested and overseen the Lab testing of more than 100 cookware sets since she started in 2019. It's one of her favorite categories to test because every pan is so unique. She's a trained cook and an avid home cook, and is basically always testing cookware even when she's not technically working.
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