Calphalon Nonstick Cookware Set

Whether you’re frying up an egg, simmering soup or sautéing vegetables, the right set of pans can turn an amateur cook into a professional chef. Well, that might be a stretch, but a good quality set of nonstick cookware can make a world of difference in your home kitchen. Unfortunately, there are so many cookware sets on the market, deciphering which one is right for you can be difficult and time-consuming.

Shopping for and purchasing a full set of cookware can be intimidating, but there’s no reason you need to be overwhelmed or limit it to a wedding registry staple. It’s fair, there are a lot of different products available that look almost identical yet vary widely in price and quality. However, there are some easy rules of thumb to follow that can help you make sense of all the options. What really sets the great nonstick cookware apart from the average nonstick cookware is ease of use and effective heating. After all, pots and pans that do not cook evenly and clean easily are not helpful at all.

Most sets will include a variety of shapes and sizes of pots. A set with more pieces may seem like a better deal, but you don’t want to clutter your cabinets with pots that will simply sit and gather dust. The basics you really need are a 10 to 14-inch straight-sided saute pan, a traditional 3 to 4-quart saucepan with tall, straight sides, an 8 to 10-quart pot for cooking for the masses and a 10 to 12-inch nonstick pan.

Skillets can vary widely in how well they distribute heat on different types of ranges. Some are better browning meat, and others excel at maintaining a steady simmer without overdoing it.

Just because a set says it’s nonstick, doesn’t mean it truly is and everything will slide right off. The whole reason to find a nonstick set is how easy to use they should be. Ideally, no food will stick to the cooking surface, and they will be a breeze to clean. Instead of a long soak and heavy scrubbing, one swipe of a sponge or dishcloth will make them sparkling and clean again. The benefits extend to the actual cooking process too. With a nonstick surface, you can heat up just about anything with little to no oil.

To help you determine whether a nonstick surface is high-quality, you can look at the number of layers in the interior coating and the formula composition. The pricier cookware brands often use patented coating, boasting better food release. In general, you want to look for three layers of nonstick coating for better durability. If the cooking surface of the pan feels rough, that’s a sign that it only has one or two layers of nonstick coating and won’t last as long. A smoother surface signals a higher number of layers and more durability. You also want the nonstick coating to have a matte finish.

It’s also worth noting some handles can become too hot to touch or make them unsuitable for use in the oven. Some pots and pans even feature oven and dishwasher safe materials.

The All-Clad Hard Anodized Nonstick Cookware Set came out on top among strong competition. It is made of anodized aluminum and features a nonstick interior finish. The interior finish is so strong, you can even use metal tongs and accessories to flip food while cooking without worry of scratching. What’s notable is the stainless steel base that makes all 13 pieces safe for induction burners. It heated evenly, cooking meat thoroughly from edge to edge. It also effectively prevented food from sticking to its surface.

Similarly, the 12-piece and 17-piece T-fal Hard Anodized Nonstick Cookware sets also features hard-anodized aluminum. What makes both of these sets special is the Thermo-Spot heat indicator. This alerts you that the pan is preheated correctly and ready to use. For the best value, the 12-piece T-fal Hard Anodized Nonstick Cookware can’t be beat. But the versatile 17-piece T-fal Hard Anodized Nonstick Cookware set has every pot, pan and accessory you could possibly need for any recipe.

While most sets of nonstick pots and pans come in standard metallic shades, one recommended set comes in a range of fun colors to liven up your kitchen. All 12 pieces of the Rachael Ray Cucina Hard Porcelain Enamel Nonstick Cookware Set are available in one of seven festive shades. You can choose from among agave blue, cranberry red, lavender, lemongrass green, sea salt gray, mushroom brown and pumpkin orange. 

No matter which one you choose, each of these pots and pans sets will brighten up your cooking and your kitchen as soon as you unwrap them and click on the stove.

• Not all pots and pans can work with induction ovens. If you have an induction oven, pay close attention to the materials in the sets to find one that will work.
• There a few signs of a high-quality, durable nonstick coating. Look for a smooth, matte finish to signal at least three layers of the coating. If the cooking surface of the pan feels rough, that’s a sign that it only has one or two layers of nonstick coating and won’t last as long
• Many types of nonstick cookware can go into the oven, but be sure to note specific maximum temperature levels that it can withstand. If there’s no temperature listed, there’s likely part of the pots or pans that can’t handle the heat. Sometimes the handles can melt or the nonstick material can degrade.
• Though you might be tempted to get a big set of pots and pans, especially if they’re at an affordable price,  you don’t want to end up filling your kitchen with items you’ll never use. Instead, stick to a few basics that can cover a wide range of needs: a 10 to 14-inch straight-sided saute pan, a traditional 3 to 4-quart saucepan with tall, straight sides, an 8 to 10-quart pot for cooking for the masses and a 10 to 12-inch nonstick pan.
• Nonstick cookware is not the best for searing or browning foods. That’s largely because they aren’t ideal for use on very high heat.
• Pay close attention to warranty limitations. Many cookware sets include excellent warranties to back up the purchase. However, you can void the warranty by placing them in the dishwasher or misusing them in some other way.