No matter your level of cooking expertise, when you outfit your kitchen with pots and pans, you want to be sure you pick brands that are durable and long-lasting. There are a number of factors to keep in mind when making your decision. We’ve broken down some of the best cookware brands on the market, along with factors to keep in mind as you shop.
Last update on 2024-12-12 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Types of Pots and Pans
Stainless Steel
Uncoated stainless steel is a classic choice for many people. This material is long-lasting, and many people use it for braising and browning. You can use stainless steel pots and pans to cover the vast majority of your cooking needs.
Stainless steel pans are easy to care for and don’t react with your food. They heat food evenly and rapidly. In addition, they’re often magnetic and safe for the dishwasher.
Non-stick
Non-stick cookware is cookware of any type that’s been covered in a durable non-stick coating. This coating helps to release the most delicate of foods without needing additional greasing. It’s a great choice if you’re going to be making pancakes, eggs, and other foods that often stick to the pan.
Non-stick cookware is particularly easy to clean. The majority of pieces are safe to use in the oven at up to 500 F. However, you should be aware that non-stick coatings tend to break down over time, so they’re not as durable as uncoated pots and pans.
Enameled Cast Iron
Cast iron pans are classics that are great for a number of different cooking needs. If you get covered pots in addition to your pans, you’ll have a good place to slow-cook and roast meat.
These types of cookware heat slowly and have a high heat retention. Their coating won’t react to your acidic ingredients. Cast iron tends to be dishwasher-safe. The one downside is that this material is particularly heavy, especially after you fill a pot or pan with food.
Carbon Steel
Carbon steel pans and blue steel pans are often used in professional kitchens. They’re popular with professional chefs due to their efficiency and durability. Cookware of this type is designed for high performances.
You can use these pans on any sort of cook top, from gas stoves to electric, so you don’t have to worry about incompatibility with induction heating. You shouldn’t wash these pans, but you can easily wipe them clean using a damp paper towel.
Potential drawbacks include the fact that they aren’t dishwasher safe. They also have to be seasoned with multiple oil coats to make sure they don’t rust.
With all of these materials in mind, we’ve broken down the leading cookware brands on the market. Many of them have lines made with one or more of these materials.
The Best Pots and Pans Brands
#1. All-Clad
All-Clad is one of the highest-priced brands you’ll find on the market today. The majority of All-Clad products are made with copper cores and stainless steel.
You’re most likely to find them distributed in upscale department stores, but you can also find All-Clad products online. If you want a chef-endorsed line, the Emerilware line has been endorsed by Emeril Lagasse.
#2. Anolon
Anolon pots and pans are manufactured by the company Meyer. All Anolon products have a non-stick coating. This is a moderately priced brand that can be easily found on Amazon.
#3. Calphalon
Calphalon is one of the most popular brands on the market. Not only do they make pots and pans, but they also make all the other cookware you could possibly need for your kitchen. Calphalon even makes kitchen appliances like coffee makers.
There are multiple different lines of cookware made with a number of different materials. Some are non-stick, while others are uncoated. Anodized aluminum and stainless steel are the most popular construction materials.
#4. Circulon
Circulon is another non-stick brand manufactured by Meyer. The cookware tends to be moderately priced.
#5. Cuisinart
Cuisinart is another one of the most popular brands on the market. You’ll find household appliances and other kitchen items in addition to your cookware. The prices for this brand depend on the particular line, but they tend to range from moderate to expensive.
Cuisinart products are made with multiclad, hard-anodized, or stainless steel materials. You can also get them uncoated or with a non-stick coating. In addition, the Green Gourmet Cookware line is made with ceramic surfaces instead of using a petroleum-based surface.
#6. Farberware
Farberware is yet another brand created by Meyer. This one has cookware that ranges from low to moderately priced, so it’s a good option if you’re on a budget. You can buy products in either non-stick or uncoated versions. The cookware tends to be made with aluminum.
Final Thoughts
There are a ton of good options for the best brand for pots and pans on the market. The one that suits you best will vary depending on your personal preferences. As long as you know what you’re looking for, it’s hard to go wrong.
For people on a budget, Farberware or any of the other cookware manufactured by Meyer tends to be high-quality. Top-of-the-line pots and pans are made by All-Clad and Cuisinart. These are the ones you’re likely to find in professional kitchens and settings that are serious about cooking.
