Buying cookware for the house is quick and easy with cookware sets. A set can be anything from 3 pieces upwards and they provide amazing versatility combined with stylish uniformity.
The reviews and buyer’s guide will help you find the best set for your kitchen.
1. Scanpan Impact Cookware 5 Piece Set (Best Overall)
This five-piece stainless steel cookware set from Danish brand Scanpan is an excellent mid-range option. A 6.4mm bonded base ensures optimal heat distribution, while tempered glass lids allow for safe progress viewing.
These pans are compatible with all energy sources including induction and also feature a drip-free rim to allow for easy pouring.
With heavy-duty rivets securing the handles, this set is durable and long-lasting. They are also dishwasher safe and oven safe to 220°C.
What We Like:
- Great quality for the price
- Can be used on all cooktops including induction
- Dishwasher safe and oven safe
What We Don’t Like:
- Stainless steel pans can take some getting used to
2. Essteele Per Vita 5 piece Cookware Set (Upgrade Pick)
This 5 piece cookware set from Essteele includes 2 saucepans, a steamer, a stockpot and an open french skillet. This is a high-quality collection that is ideal for cooking everything from basic dishes to gourmet meals.
The pans are made from stainless steel and each has a solid copper base for optimal heat control. This cookware can be used on all cooktops including induction cooktops and they are oven safe up to a temperature of 240 degrees C. This makes cooking a breeze and gives you the freedom to cook your dishes the way you want to.
Each of the pans has a stainless steel handle and a lid and they are all dishwasher safe for added convenience and durability. This cookware is made in Italy, is excellent quality and comes with a lifetime warranty.
What We Like:
- Excellent quality
- Can be used on all cooktops (including induction)
- Lifetime Warranty
What We Don’t Like:
- Quite heavy
3. Tefal Ingenio Preference Stainless Steel 13 Pieces Cookware Set
If you’re looking for a full set of heavy-duty cookware that is space-saving and versatile, this 13 piece set from Tefal is a great option.
The pots are stackable so you can save on storage space making them perfect for homes with limited cupboard space. This set can be used with all stove types, it comes with 5 cooking pots, 3 saucepans and 2 frying pans as well as 3 lids and 3 storage lids.
There are two removable handles in this pack which can simply be clicked onto the pan you are using. The handles are durable and can carry up to 10kg of weight. Thanks to the removable handles, each pan is also oven safe and can be used as oven dishes too.
What We Like:
- Stackable
- Removable handles
- Oven safe
What We Don’t Like:
- Handle should be removed while cooking
4. Baccarat iconiX 10 Piece Cookware Set
This cookware set from Baccarat iconiX is perfect for all cooking tasks from baking and frying to grilling. The high-quality pots look professional, are lightweight and incredibly versatile.
They each have stay-cool steel handles and are ergonomically designed for comfort and safe use. The handles are also oven-safe so each can also be used in the oven as needed. They also work on all cooktops including induction.
The included lids are glass which is great for monitoring your food while it’s cooking. The mirror finish interior is easy clean and all the pans are dishwasher safe so cleaning up after cooking is quick and straightforward with this cookware collection.
What We Like:
- Stylish
- Ergonomic
- Versatile
What We Don’t Like:
- High price
5. Lodge Cast Iron Essential 6 Piece Cookware Set
If you’re looking for a small set of high-quality cast iron pans, this 6 piece set is a great option as it contains 3 pans, a pot holder, mitt and a pan scraper. This cookware is solid, durable and long-lasting so you can expect to use it for decades to come.
These pans are already seasoned and ready to use. You can use cast iron in the oven, the grill, on the stove and even over a fire. This cast iron set offers versatility and excellent heat retention.
This set of cast iron essentials offers excellent value for money. The pans are easy to clean but soap shouldn’t be used and the pan should be dried and rubbed with cooking oil after cleaning.
What We Like:
- Durable and will last for decades
- Preseasoned and ready to use
- Value for money
What We Don’t Like:
- Handles can get very hot
6. RACO Kitchen Essentials 9pc Stainless Steel Cookset (Best Value)
The best value cookware is this 9 piece stainless steel and non-stick set. This collection is ideal if you’re looking to kit out your kitchen for all of your cooking needs.
The kit includes a non-stick milk pan, 3 saucepans of different sizes, 1 stock pot, a steamer set, a french skillet, a covered saute pan and an open wok. The added benefit of this set is that they are oven safe too up to 180 degrees.
The non-stick cookware comes with a porcelain enamel exterior that is both durable and easy to clean and the stainless steel used is also high-quality. The set has stainless steel handles for comfort and control when cooking too.
What We Like:
- High quality and durable
- Excellent value
- Lightweight
What We Don’t Like:
- The handles are hollow so are difficult to dry properly after washing
7. Baccarat Stone 6 Piece Cookware Set
This 6 piece set of cast aluminium pans is best for anyone getting started in the kitchen. It is a value set that contains the essentials needed when home cooking.
The ‘stone’ non-stick coating helps to ensure even heat distribution and faster cooking times. The coating is environmentally friendly, hardwearing and easy to clean. The saucepans in the set also come with tempered glass lids with steam vents.
This cookware kit is oven-safe, dishwasher-safe and is suitable for use on all cooktops. The aluminium is lightweight, long-lasting and durable. There is also a lifetime guarantee to give you peace of mind.
What We Like:
- Value set
- Ideal for a first kitchen set
- Non-stick coating
What We Don’t Like:
- Handles can become hot
8. Cuisinart MCP-12N Multiclad Pro Stainless Steel 12-Piece Cookware Set
This collection of aluminium-based, stainless steel pots and pans provides you with everything needed for home cooking whether it’s a simple breakfast or a dinner party.
The stainless steel not only looks great, but it also ensures efficient cooking without impacting the taste of food. The bases are pure aluminium-encapsulated so they heat evenly and quickly.
The stick handles are designed to contour to your hand for comfort and the solid grip stays cool for ultimate cooking control. The glass lids are sleek and help to lock in moisture and flavour. This set comes with a lifetime warranty and is oven, broiler, freezer and dishwasher safe.
What We Like:
- Heats up quickly
- Dishwasher safe
- Cool-grip handles are strong and comfortable to grip
What We Don’t Like:
- Not non-stick
9. Jim Beam Set of 3 Pre Seasoned Cast Iron Skillets
This set of 3 cast iron skillets from Jim Beam is perfect for a variety of cooking needs. The sizes range from 6″ to 10″ so whatever you’re cooking you’ll have a skillet on hand to suit the situation.
The skillets come preseasoned so they are ready to be used straight away. They heat up with even heat distribution to ensure the food is cooked perfectly without hot spots.
The pans are high-quality and can be used for a variety of cooking tasks from baking to grilling to frying. The handles are long and have a hole in for hanging up when not in use.
What We Like:
- Long handles
- Preseasoned
- Easy to clean
What We Don’t Like:
- Some users may find the food sticks to the skillets the first few uses
10. Rachael Ray Cucina Hard Porcelain Enamel Nonstick Cookware Set
This Rachel Ray set is best for anyone looking to add some colour to their kitchen collection. This set boasts a rustic design beautifully combined with modern colour and functionality.
The pans are made from durable aluminium with hard enamel porcelain exteriors. This 12-piece cookware set includes 2 saucepans, 1 stockpot, 1 saute pan and 2 skillets. The set also includes a spoon and a slotted turner.
The rubberized stainless steel handles and shatter-resistant glass lids are ideal for ease of use and durability. These pans are oven-safe up to around 200 degrees C.
What We Like:
- Beautiful colour
- Durable aluminium
What We Don’t Like:
- Cannot be used on induction cooktops
Cookware Set Buyer’s Guide
When looking at the best cookware sets, one of the first things to consider is the material used. The most common materials are:
- Aluminium – aluminium is lightweight, low cost and cook food quickly and evenly.
- Hard anodized aluminium – this is durable, non-stick and is suitable for all hob types.
- Stainless Steel – stainless steel offers great performance over a long period of time. Steel cookware is durable, suitable for all cooktop types and will often have a copper or aluminium base to assist with even heating.
- Cast Iron – these heavy pans are long-lasting, they retain heat extremely well and are oven safe.
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Pan Types
Different cookware sets offer different pans, consider which pans are most important for your cooking needs so you can be sure the cookware sets you are looking at include the pans you want:
- Saucepans – saucepans are a kitchen essential with their deep sides and multiple uses. Whether you are boiling veggies or making a sauce, a saucepan is great.
- Frying pans – a shallow frying pan is handy for a wide range of dishes, every kitchen needs at least one frying pan (usually one with nonstick coating).
- Griddle – if you want to sear meat or vegetables, a griddle pan offers the best way to chargrill using dry heat.
- Saute – a saute pan has deep sides and comes with a lid making it great for everything from simmering sauces to quick frying.
- Woks – the broad, sloping sides of a wok is perfect for stir-frying, deep-frying and steaming food over high heat.
- Stockpots – a stockpot is a small pan with two handles and a lid, they tend to be quite deep and are best for simmering stocks and soups.
- Steamers – steamers usually come in a three-piece set where the top two pans have holes in the bottom to allow the steam to pass through (known as a steamer insert). These offer a healthy way of cooking that locks in the nutrients.
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Other Factors
- Weight – the cookware should feel comfortable in your hand, well-balanced and should not feel too heavy (remember they will be much heavier when full of food). The handle should feel ergonomic and sturdy.
- Ease of cleaning – find out if the pots and pans can be washed in the dishwasher or if they require careful hand washing after use. Cookware maintenance tips can help your pots and pans last a long time.
- Lids – do any of the pots need lids? If the set comes with lids think about the material and whether you can see into the pot without lifting the lid off.
- Oven-safe – some pots and pans can be used on the cooktop and in the oven, find out if the pans are oven safe and if so, what the maximum temperature they can withstand in the oven.