Cookware

Choose Materials Before Brands

The material of a pan decides how it heats, how much care it needs, and what you can cook in it. Brand matters less than picking the right metal for the job. Many experienced cooks end up with a mix rather than one matching set: a nonstick skillet for eggs, stainless steel for searing and sauces, and cast iron for high heat.

Main Cookware Materials

• Stainless steel (clad): durable, oven safe, and good for browning. Look for tri-ply or multi-ply construction with an aluminum or copper core for even heating. Our guide to stainless steel cookware sets compares options.
• Nonstick: easy release and simple cleanup, best on low to medium heat. Coatings wear over time and should not be overheated empty.
• Ceramic-coated: a nonstick alternative without PTFE, though the slick surface often fades faster with heavy use.
• Cast iron: holds heat extremely well and lasts for generations with seasoning. Enameled cast iron skips seasoning and handles acidic dishes better. See our cast iron cookware brands guide.
• Copper: very responsive to heat changes, usually lined with stainless steel, and needs polishing to keep its shine.

Check Your Cooktop

Induction cooktops require magnetic cookware. Cast iron and most stainless steel work; pure aluminum, copper, and glass do not unless they have a magnetic base. A quick test is to see whether a magnet sticks firmly to the bottom of the pan. Our induction cookware guide lists compatible picks. On glass-top electric ranges, flat bottoms make better contact, and heavy cast iron should be lifted, not slid.

Sets vs Individual Pieces

Large sets look like a bargain but often include small pots you rarely use. A focused core of about five to seven pieces covers most cooking:

1. A 10 or 12 inch skillet
2. A 3 quart saucepan with lid
3. A 5 to 8 quart stockpot or Dutch oven
4. A saute pan with straight sides
5. A nonstick pan for eggs and delicate fish

Common Mistakes

Using metal utensils on nonstick, preheating nonstick pans empty on high heat, and putting cast iron in the dishwasher all shorten cookware life. Check oven-safe temperatures for handles and lids before roasting. Good stainless sets often run between $150 and $500, while a single quality skillet can cost under $50. Pair your pans with the right tools from our utensils and gadgets section.