The Best Cookware Sets

Saturday, September 14th

2024 Cookware Set Reviews

Cuisinart

• Prices from $49.95 to $499.95
• 43 cookware sets
• Stainless steel and non-stick options
• Save 10% with email subscription
• Free shipping on orders $35+
• 30-day return policy
• Lifetime warranty
• "A-” Better Business Bureau rating

Cuisinart has been under management from Conair Corporation since 1989 and is a universally recognized name in the kitchen supply world. They became most widely known for their food processors after big names like Julia Child and James Beard promoted them, but they have a wide range of products for everyday cooking as well.

Broad range of cooking supplies

The Cuisinart inventory includes appliances, cookware, cutlery, bakeware, tools and gadgets, outdoor grilling products, and replacement parts and accessories. You'll find one of the most extensive selections of kitchen items at Cuisinart compared to any other online company.

Something for every type of cook

At Cuisinart there is a selection for all different cooking preferences with 43 different cookware sets in total. Their non-stick cookware sets are a great option for those who want easy cleanup and easy release of food. If your main priority is durability and low maintenance, there is a great selection of stainless steel cookware here. There are small 1-piece sets to full 17-piece sets, including some that stack for smooth storage.

Sort by price

If you just need a starter set of pans at the lowest possible price, Cuisinart has a 2-pack of non-stick skillets (9” and 11”) for $49.95. An even better deal would be to get the 11-piece non-stick set that comes highly rated by customers for $99.95. This includes 4 types of kitchen utensils, one frying pan, two saucepans with lids, and a stockpot with a lid. The stainless steel pans from Cuisinart are very popular, but more expensive than the non-stick options. The priciest set here is $499.95 and includes a 13-piece set of saucepans, skillets, and stock pots with lids. This set is also extremely highly rated and well-liked by customers. Cuisinart lets you sort their products by ratings and prices from low to high.

30-day returns

Like most companies, Cuisinart wants you on their marketing list, so they'll give you 10% off in exchange for your email address. You'll also get free shipping as long as your order total is at least $35 or above. When your order arrives, there will be a return form included in the package. If you fill that out, you can send back any items to Cuisinart within 30 days from the date of purchase for a full refund if needed and you'll be responsible for the cost of return shipping.

Lifetime warranty

Cuisinart has extremely high ratings on their individual products. It's great to see that they allow them to be honest and informative for potential buyers. On each product listing there is also a straightforward list of features, specifications, and warranty information. All Cuisinart cookware products come with a lifetime warranty that guarantees your product to be free of defects in material and workmanship.

Great recommendations

We are happy to see that Cuisinart has an "A-” rating from the Better Business Bureau. This is a popular brand that has served thousands of customers over the years and is known for their high quality products. Most people have nothing but good things to say about the performance of Cuisinart's cookware and since it all comes with a lifetime warranty, you can feel confident that it will last years to come if it's well cared for.

Our top choice

We like that Cuisinart has a solid selection of cookware that caters to people who like both non-stick and stainless steel options. We can attest to the fact that this brand makes high quality items that are durable and work well. Cuisinart is a safe option for purchasing cookware sets online and they've earned our highest rating.

HexClad

• Sets ranging from $219 to $700
• Lifetime warranty
• Safe for gas, electric, and induction cooktops
• Free shipping
• 30-day return policy
• Thousands of happy customers
• "A” Better Business Bureau rating

HexClad's claim to fame (and it's a pretty good one) is that Gordon Ramsay uses their cookware at home. The quote to back this up is, "HexClad stands up to my demands at home and in the studio. Not only are they beautiful pans, but their hybrid technology cooks to absolute, utter perfection.” So there you have it, folks! HexClad says that the selling points of their products are their non-stick hybrid technology, excellent temperature control, easy care (oven and metal utensil safe), easy cleaning, and lasting durability.

High quality that comes with a price tag

So let's jump to pricing here since we're all wondering what a magnificent pan like this would cost. If you want to start small with the Essentials Bundle (which was sold out at the time of this review), you'll get a hybrid frypan with a lid and pot for $219.99. If you're just looking to cook some chicken and veggies here and there, this might feel expensive. But if you're a serious home cook who doesn't want to mess around with flimsy pots and pans, you might consider spending the money for HexClad. Their 12-piece set with multiple sizes of fry pans and pots with lids is $699.99 (when on sale, down from $999.99 regularly). Shipping is always free from HexClad, so luckily you don't have to worry about paying for that as well.

Well liked by customers

We couldn't help but laugh at HexClad's offer to give us up to $75 off our second purchase if we claimed the discount and provided our email address. Normally you get a deal on your first purchase, so it seemed a little bold to assume that we'd be back for more and then we could save some money. However, this company does have unfiltered customer reviews and there are thousands of them on most products. The vast majority of them are 5 stars and people really are blown away by how well these pans hold up and work. A recent review said it was "worth the financial risk”. So maybe we would come back for a second or third order after all!

Lasts a lifetime

If you're buying HexClad, it should be the last pans you ever have to buy. The company stands behind this with their bold claims about the way they make their products as well as their lifetime warranty. All manufacturer defects are covered for the life of the product as long as you register it on the website after purchase. HexClad points out that cosmetic blemishes may occur over time and are not covered by the warranty since it should not have any effect on the overall performance of the cookware.

30 days to return cookware

If you have buyer's remorse or decide you don't need as many pots and pans as you purchase from HexClad, you can send them back to the company within 30 days of purchase, provided they're in their original, unused condition. Customers are responsible for the cost of return shipping and handling.

Loyal, die-hard customers

The Better Business Bureau gives HexClad an "A” rating, which is phenomenal. Even customers on third-party sites outside of HexClad's product listings have great things to say about the company. People say the cookware is worth every penny and even professional chefs have commented about how these cookware sets include all the perfect details to make gourmet meals turn out beautifully. The funniest comment was from someone who, in all caps, said that they have all the HexClad pots and pans and in their will they are giving them to their children because they love them so much. Who knew someone could be so passionate about their cookware?

Surprisingly thrilled with HexClad

Admittedly, we were a bit skeptical of HexClad at first because it seemed like they were taking themselves far too seriously for a company that sells pots and pans. However, as home cooks ourselves, we can appreciate sturdy, durable cookware that is easy to clean and won't break after a few years. HexClad hasn't earned our highest rating only because their pricing is likely out of reach for some people and not everyone needs as hard core of cookware as you'll get here. However, if you're tired of replacing cookware and need something that will cook to perfection, HexClad won't let you down. This is a fantastic company with high quality products that will last you a lifetime.

Caraway

• Prices from $90 to $1,005
• Free shipping on orders over $90
• Free returns
• 30-day free trial
• 1-year warranty
• Beautiful, colorful cookware

Caraway makes "kitchenware designed for the modern home cook”. Interestingly, the founder of Caraway, Jordan Nathan, created the company after overheating a non-stick PTFE (teflon) coated pan and getting sick with Teflon flu (an illness associated with chills, headache, fever, and raised white cell blood count 4-8 hours after exposure to the thermal byproducts of fluorocarbons). The founder started researching and found that it only takes about 2.5 minutes for Teflon coated pans to heat up to 500 degrees and start releasing toxic chemicals into the air. Eek! Nathan then created Caraway as a safe alternative to non-stick kitchenware that has been so popular for years.

Gorgeous cookware

If you want beautiful cookware, look no further than Caraway. Looking through their online store is so enjoyable because everything is gorgeous, fun, and unique. It will be hard to stop at just cookware sets here. Their cookware is made of a ceramic non-stick material that's free of PFOA, PFAs, lead, cadmium, nickel, and other toxic metals. The pans are naturally slick, so it requires less oil, butter, and scrubbing during cleanup.

Unique, bold color choices

The cookware sets from Caraway come in 6 classic colors including cream, navy, gray, sage, perracotta, and marigold. They also have two iconic colors including black with gold hardware and white with gold hardware. Whichever color you choose is sure to be eye-catching and beautify the space the pots and pans are used in. You have a couple choices for full cookware sets or you can buy the pieces individually.

Unique sets

Caraway's best seller is their cookware set for $395 that includes a fry pan, saucepan, saute pan, dutch oven, and storage that easily slides into a cupboard. Some other fun choices are the "minis” that include a small 8” fry pan and 1.75 qt. sauce pan perfect for 1 or 2 servings. A full 9-piece set of minis sells for $595. If you're a college student, single, or just a married couple who doesn't have a ton of storage space or need for big cookware items, the mini set would be perfect. Caraway also has a "squareware” set that comes with storage organizers, two griddle pans, a double burner griddle, and a roasting pan for $495. If you want to buy individual pieces of cookware, you could expect to spend between $100 and $150 on any given saucepan or skillet. When you spend over $90 you'll get free shipping.

Stainless steel choices

Besides Caraway's gorgeous ceramic cookware, they also have a line of stainless steel pots and pans. Their most expensive set is $1,005 and comes with 9 pieces. Their standard stainless steel cookware set is $695 and includes storage, a fry pan, saucepan, saute pan, and a dutch oven. If you're looking for 100% non-toxic, long-lasting pans, stainless steel is the best option. It takes some getting used to and learning how to avoid your food sticking, but stainless steel is a great choice and it's nice that Caraway offers them.

Put cookware to the test

One of the most unique aspects of Caraway's business model is their 30-day free trial they offer to customers. If for any reason you aren't happy with the cookware you purchase, you can return it for a full refund as long as you include all the accessories and original packaging. The company doesn't explicitly state that the cookware needs to be in unused condition, so we can assume that this trial period means that if you test out their products and aren't impressed, they'll give your money back.

Short warranty

Make sure you're happy with the cookware you buy from Caraway, because unlike many other companies, Caraway only offers a one-year limited warranty on their products. If you need any part of your cookware repaired or replaced due to manufacturer defects, you can submit a claim for evaluation first. The company will decide if your product qualifies and replace or repair your item for free if it does. However, once the year mark has passed from the date of your purchase, no refund or warranty claims will be accepted.

Tens of thousands of reviews

Some of the products from Caraway have over 40,000 customer reviews. Customers first and foremost love the look of these pans. Next, there is great feedback about how easy it is to clean Caraway cookware, how evenly it cooks without sticking, and everything else you'd hope to get from these pots and pans. You can sort ratings by highest, lowest, ones that include photos and videos, newest, and more so that you get the full spread of opinions. This is the best way to learn about Caraway since the Better Business Bureau doesn't have a rating for them and there aren't a lot of customer reviews on third-party sites.

Making positive changes

We highly appreciate companies like Caraway who make healthier, safer options for customers. Not only are these ceramic and stainless steel pans non-toxic, but they are the prettiest cookware we've ever seen. It's the perfect duo! The only thing really missing here is a longer warranty. Be sure to read through their care and cleaning instructions to get the most out of your Caraway pans so they last as long as possible. We like this cookware brand a lot and they've earned one of our best ratings.

GreenLife

• Prices range from $65 to $285
• Free shipping over $75
• Ceramic non-stick pans
• Extensive recipes available for free
• 60-day return policy
• 2-year warranty on non-stick coating
• Periodic sitewide sales
• Unfiltered customer reviews

GreenLife's goal is to bring healthy cooking within everyone's reach. Part of this is providing healthy cookware, so they use Thermalon, a ceramic non-stick coating that the company says excludes PFAS, PFOA and other toxic chemicals commonly found in cookware. The ceramic coating heats up quickly and reduces messes along with being dishwasher safe. Along with selling cookware, bakeware, tools, and appliances, GreenLife has an extensive library of recipes on their website that you can check out for free.

Bright colored cookware

There are 34 combinations of cookware you can select from if you're looking for a set from GreenLife. They range from a 4-piece to a 23-piece set, usually including stackable saucepans, frying pans, kitchen utensils, and a stock pot. The fun thing about GreenLife is that their pots and pans come in unique, bright colors like hibiscus, lavender, turquoise, cream, periwinkle, navy blue, and others. Their soft grip 16-piece set comes with 13 color options, so you won't get bored browsing here.

Low prices

The 16-piece cookware set also happens to be the best selling one on the site. It normally costs $171.99, but was on sale for $119.99 while we were shopping. That's a screaming deal for how cute this set is and how much it comes with. The smallest, simplest, and least expensive cookware set from GreenLife is their 4-piece soft grip set that includes a non-stick frypan, griddle, and saucepan with lid for $64.99 (on sale for $34.99). The 23-piece soft grip cookware set comes in four colors and costs $285.99. It comes with enough to stock your whole kitchen with all the essentials, so it's a great deal.

Spin to win

You can spin to win on GreenLife's website for a chance to save up to 25% off your order. Of course you'll need to provide your email address to claim the offer, but it could be worth the money. At the time of this review, they were also running a major sale for 40% off if you applied the discount code they provided. If you keep an eye on the site and wait for a sale like this, you'll save a ton of money. You'll also always get free shipping on your cookware set from GreenLife if you spend at least $75 at checkout.

60-day return policy

GreenLife gives customers 60 days from delivery to return their unused products in the original packaging. An email address is provided on the website that you'll need to send a message to in order to initiate the return. All the shipping costs for returning products are the responsibility of the customer.

2-year warranty on non-stick coating

If you run into workmanship issues with your GreenLife cookware, know that there is a 2-year warranty on the Thermolon non-stick coating. For issues outside of the coating, there is a lifetime warranty on all cookware products. If the product has a defect during the warranty period, GreenLife will either repair or replace the product.

Honest customer reviews

The Better Business Bureau does not have a profile or rating for GreenLife. Luckily, the company has honest customer reviews on all their cookware sets to give you a good idea of how they perform. People tend to love the colors of GreenLife's pots and pans and most say they are durable, easy to clean, and store nicely. However, there is a minority group of people who have not been happy with GreenLife's cookware sets, so it's helpful to read why on the site. All the information you gather from comments and photos will help you know if this is the right place for you to buy cookware.

All ceramic non-stick pans

Ceramic non-stick pans are a popular choice for cookware, so if that's your preference, then GreenLife has you covered. However, it would be nice to at least see a full stainless steel set here since that's also a material free of PFOA, PFAS, and aluminum, which is what GreenLife is known for. Their selection looks bigger than it is since all the colors of a set are listed as individual products, so when you break it down, there are really only 8 different sets here. You could mix and match by buying individual fry pans, saute pans, or roasters, but you'll definitely get the most value out of a full set. Overall, we like how simple GreenLife's site is, their prices are fantastic, the colors of their products are fun, and their honest customer reviews helped guide us through the best products, so this is a great option for non-stick and non-toxic cookware options.

Xtrema

• Prices from $270 to $453
• Pure ceramic cookware
• 30-day trial
• Free shipping on orders over $225
• Save 15% with email list signup
• 10-year warranty
• Forever replacement program
• California Prop 65 compliant
• Family owned and operated

Xtrema is a family owned and operated company dedicated to offering uncomplicated, non-toxic cookware made of pure ceramic cooking surfaces. The company holds the power of sharing a meal with friends and family at its heart and aims for its cookware to cultivate a nourishing, communal experience for everyone at the table. Xtrema is one of the only 100% pure ceramic based cookware companies on the market and is compliant with California's Prop 65, which is no easy task.

Functional and minimalistic

There is a long list of high quality products you can purchase from Xtrema's website. In addition to their cookware, they have a great selection of bakeware, teaware, food storage products, cooking accessories, and lids. The cookware set selection itself is about as basic as it gets, though. It screams functional, high quality, and minimalistic with just 7 sets in total. Everything comes in a sleek black color with no other variety.

Prices reflect quality

The prices of cookware sets range from a traditional 3-piece saucepan set for $269.99 (on sale from $359.99) to a 12-piece stockpot-with-lid set for $452.24 (on sale from $602.99). Most of the options just come with 2 or 3 saucepans or skillets and nothing more, so you're getting the essentials here. You can unlock 15% off and free shipping if you are willing to join Xtrema's email list. Otherwise, free shipping doesn't kick in until you hit the $225 mark.

Protect your health with Xtrema

Xtrema isn't a cheap place for cookware, especially when you consider that a set really doesn't contain much variety. The selling point for this company is that everything is made without metals, so it won't leach heavy metals, Teflon, PFOA, PFAS, or other toxins into your food as you cook. For really health-conscious individuals, the cost of a higher-quality pan is more than worth it when you consider potential risks. All of Xtrema's cookware is handcrafted by specialty Chinese ceramic artists and can withstand extreme temperatures and conditions. They're safe on the grill, in a fire, on the stovetop, in the microwave, and in the dishwasher.

30-day trial

Customers have 30 days to test out Xtrema to decide if they want to keep the products. If you're less than satisfied, you can either return it unused for a full refund, or pay up to a 15% restocking fee if you send back your items used, unclean, or missing accessories. You can contact Xtrema for a prepaid return shipping label that will be deducted from the refund, or pay the cost of sending it back on your own. Xtrema stands behind their products and is confident that after using them, customers will want to keep them for life.

Forever replacement program

On top of a 30-day trial and warranty, Xtrema has a forever replacement program where you can get one free replacement of a product if something goes wrong with the quality or it doesn't stand the test of time. Subsequent replacements are discounted 30% with a small shipping fee based on your location. We appreciate their dedication to keeping customers satisfied and using their products, since you'll be committing some serious money to a full set of pots and pans here.

10-year warranty

For 10 years after purchase, Xtrema guarantees their cookware. This means that if the products are used under normal conditions and encounter issues with craftsmanship or materials, they are eligible for a free replacement.

Real world feedback

To see how well Xtrema performs in the real world, check out what customers have to say at the bottom of a product page. The vast majority of feedback is overwhelmingly positive, with comments about how durable the pots and pans are, how happy people feel cooking with them, how easy they are to clean, and how well the non-stick surface works. Xtrema isn't rated by the Better Business Bureau, so these reviews are going to be your most useful guide.

We like what we see

Xtrema offers a lot to their customers and seems to truly want to keep them happy. We like their commitment to giving back to the community and protecting the environment on top of making safe cookware. They have a generous trial period that most companies don't offer and their forever replacement program is definitely unique. For the price, you don't get a lot of pieces in a cookware set like you might elsewhere, so just know you will have to fork out a pretty penny to get everything you might need in your kitchen if you're starting from scratch. We like what we see here and have given Xtrema a good rating.

Anolon

• Prices from $89 to $679
• Free 3-day shipping on all orders
• Guaranteed for life
• Dishwasher-, induction- and oven-safe options
• 30-day returns
• FDA-compliant

Anolon is proud of their history that dates back to 1986. This is when they pioneered their hard-anodized non-stick pan. This process is the functional refinement of aluminum components as anode in cold electrolytes, which creates a thin, non-metallic conversion coating. This type of metal is free of teflon, PTFE, and PFOAs, all things which are raising major health concerns for the general public.

24 cookware sets

There are 24 results for cookware sets at Anolon. Their selection includes a few hard-anodized non-stick options as well as stainless steel. Within their company they have a few different brands that differ based on the style of the pots and pans and materials they're made out of. Some come in fun colors like aqua blue, gold, cream, and brown. The AnolonX brand ranges from a 2 to 12-piece set all made of their non-stick material. You'll get a couple different sizes of frying pans, covered saucepans, and a covered stock pot depending on the selection you choose.

King of non-stick pans

The AnolonX brand of cookware is dishwasher-safe, induction compatible, and oven-safe up to 500 degrees. Everything they sell is FDA-compliant and even has a stainless steel mesh layer so that you can use metal utensils when you're cooking. This same layer allows you to sear, similar to if you were using cast iron, since it is engineered to unite heat and fat. It keeps oil at the center of the pan for better caramelization. All the brands sold by Anolon have slightly different features, but the AnolonX has the biggest selection and some pretty great features.

Fair pricing

The least expensive choice at Anolon in their cookware set selection (that's currently in-stock) costs $89.99. It's a 3-piece set, so it includes a gourmet saute pan and skillet with a lid. It's one of the non-stick choices from the Advanced Home brand. It comes in a gray, black, and gold color. The most expensive cookware set comes from the AnolonX line for $679.99, on sale from $969.92. It's a 10-piece set with 3 sizes of frying pans, 2 covered saucepans, a saute pan, and a covered stockpot. Their most popular choice is the same set, but with 10 pieces for $579.95, on sale from $829.93. If you sign up for Anolon's email list, you'll be able to save 10% on your next order. If you're buying a cookware set for $500+ dollars, then this might definitely be worth it.

Limited lifetime warranty

All orders from Anolon come with free 3-day shipping. If you're not completely satisfied with your purchase, you can send it back within 30 days for a refund. The items need to be in original packaging and in new, unused condition. If you've tried out your Anolon pots and pans and find that they have defects with craftsmanship or don't work as promised, they are backed by a lifetime warranty. This only covers cookware that has been used and cleaned appropriately. Some cookware is not dishwasher-safe, can be overheated, or can be damaged with abrasive cleaners. If this is the cause of your cookware not looking or performing correctly, this will not be covered by the warranty. Be sure to read the details of your particular product to ensure you know how to care for it before buying.

Read customer reviews of products

Anolon is a brand of California-based Meyer Corporation. They are one of the largest cookware companies in America and also sell popular brands like Farberware, KitchenAid, Rachael Ray, Circulon, and others. They allow unfiltered customer reviews on their cookware, so we learned a lot from reading through those. Most customers are thrilled with the performance of the Anolon pans and have been long-time buyers of the brand.

Good customer service response

Customer service seems to be responsive and helpful as well. We would refer heavily to the reviews on the product you're interested in, and not lose too much sleep over the fact that the Better Business Bureau gives Meyer Corporation a "D-” rating. This corporation oversees so many companies that we don't think their rating is a direct reflection of how much you'd like a cookware set from Anolon.

Functional and affordable

Anolon doesn't have as big of a selection of cookware sets as some other companies we've reviewed, but they have a decent enough selection to satisfy most people's needs. We like the features of their AnolonX brand and can easily see why they are one of their most popular products. Prices also seem reasonable and for a 10- or 12-piece set, it's good to see that they've been priced affordably. For a functional, affordable new set of cookware, Anolon deserves your consideration.

Circulon

• Prices range from $55 to $350
• 21 cookware sets
• Free shipping on orders over $49
• Limited lifetime warranty
• Save 10% with email signup
• 30-day return policy
• Honest, unfiltered customer reviews

Circulon has 35 years of expertise and is one of a few kitchenware companies owned by Meyer Corporation. The company sells hard-anodized, stainless steel, and aluminum material cookware.

4 must-haves

Circulon created four "Gotta Haves” for everyday cooking that they believe can all be acquired through the products they sell. The first is non-stick performance. They boast that their pots and pans last 10x longer than other brands because of their patented high-low circle design for reducing surface abrasion. The second "gotta have” is long-lasting durability. Next is even heat distribution, and finally, of course, easy cleanup. Although the collections of cookware from Circulon vary, all of them are designed to meet these four requirements.

Browse key features

Customers have 21 cookware sets to choose from at Circulon. They range from a 3- to 27-piece set depending on how extensive your needs are. Circulon has different lines of products that vary in their features. Their ScratchDefense A1 Series, Premier Professional, SteelShield, Symmetry, and Momentum collections are induction-suitable with fully encapsulated steel bases for optimal searing while preventing hot spots. All of the pots and pans are dishwasher and metal-utensil safe. Circulon's website is easy to navigate and includes plenty of photos of each product with all their unique details included.

Nothing too expensive here

Circulon offers customers 10% off their order if they sign up for their email list. They also ship orders for free as long as you spend over $49. The least expensive set from Circulon is their weeknight cookware set for $55.99. It includes an 11” non-stick frying pan, a 10”x15” non-stick cookie pan, a nylon slotted turner, and a nylon spoon. It comes in a chocolate/black color, chocolate color, and all black. The priciest choice from Circulon is actually surprisingly inexpensive for an 11-piece set. For $349.99 you can get the ScratchDefense hard-anodized non-stick set that includes two saucepans with straining lids, a non-stick saute pan, a stockpot, steamer basket, and two fry pans. It's similar to the best-selling set that includes 10 pieces for $299.99. These materials are meant to be forever scratch-resistant and oven-safe up to 400 degrees.

Lifetime returns on ScratchDefense line

There are a lot of big promises made by Circulon. So how well do they stand by them? If you believe that your item is defective, you can submit a warranty request with photographs to Circulon for a chance at a replacement of the item or defective part(s). This guarantee doesn't cover damage from misuse, abuse, accident, or normal wear and tear. For the Circulon ScratchDefense line specifically, the company will issue a full refund of a qualifying purchase during the lifetime of the product if it does not fulfill your expectations. The company says it is their best non-stick yet and they stand by their high quality standards.

Return products within 30 days

If you need to return any of your products to Circulon, they have a 30-day return policy that allows you to send anything back in new, unused condition. To initiate a return you'll need to submit a ticket and fill out pertinent information related to your order. Within 1-3 days of submitting a return request, Circulon's customer service team will respond in 1-3 business days with instructions.

Honest reviews

If you want to read honest reviews from customers about Circulon, it's all on their website. Individual products will list a rating out of 5 stars and a certain amount of reviews, but when you click on them, it takes you to a full list of about 380 reviews from customers all mixed together. So in the end, they don't end up being product-specific, but they are still helpful to read through. You can sort by rating and read all the bad 1-star things people have to say. Some never received orders, some say the company has gone downhill, and others say customer service is awful. We are happy to see that the company allows all of these to be posted to their site. To their credit, there are also 5-star reviews saying Circulon exceeded expectations, they're happy with everything in their cookware set, and the pricing can't be beat. Also, parent company Meyer Corporation receives a "D-” rating from the Better Business Bureau, but this isn't necessarily a direct reflection of Circulon.

Comes down to material preference

When it comes to making a decision about Circulon, it will likely come down to your preference about materials you like to cook with. The company's website does list that their products contain fluoropolymer, PTFE, FEP, and PFAs. For some, this is a big "no no” and they won't want to shop at Circulon at all. For others who are less worried about potential health hazards and want a good pan with a solid warranty, low price, and non-stick features, Circulon could be a big winner.

A good, basic option for some

If you're looking for basic non-stick pans that will get the job done without breaking the bank, Circulon is a good option. These cookware sets don't dazzle us so much that we'd give them one of our highest ratings, but they will be a good choice for some people, so they've earned a solid rating from us.

All-Clad

• Prices from $99 to $2,199
• 40 cookware sets
• Bonded and non-stick cookware
• Up to 45-day returns
• Lifetime warranty
• Free shipping on orders of $99.95 and up
• Unfiltered product reviews

All-Clad began in Canonsburg, Pennsylvania, where they still operate today. Since this area is known as the birthplace of the American steel and aluminum industry, they have unmatched access to metal fabrication technology and skilled workers. The company specializes in bonded cookware, which is a combination of layered stainless steel and aluminum. All-Clad boasts that this way of making pans cooks food more easily, makes it easy to clean, doesn't alter flavors, tarnish, or warp.

Bonded and teflon pans

The two types of cookware sold through All-Clad are their bonded pots and pans as well as their non-stick option. The company uses PTFE (commonly known as Teflon) to coat their non-stick products that are oven-safe up to 500 degrees. There are 40 total cookware sets ranging from 3 to 20 pieces. Their biggest set is all made of stainless steel and includes skillets of all sizes with some lids, multiple sauce pans, a flared roaster with a rack, and a tool caddy with a slotted spoon, ladle, fork, and tongs.

Mix and match

If you prefer to mix and match the All-Clad cookware you have, you can buy pieces individually. They have a couple wok and chef pans, 60 different fry pans and skillets, griddles, speciality cookware, outdoor cookware, and even accessories like pan organizers, silicon grips, stainless steel and aluminum cleaner, oven mitts, and more.

Everything on sale

At the time of this review, All-Clad had all of their cookware sets on sale. It wasn't a special time of year, but all of them had discounts between $100 to $755 off. This could be their all-the-time way of marketing or we just got lucky and scored some deals. Their cheapest set of cookware was $99 and included two non-stick frying pans (10” and 12” ) with lids. Their most expensive set was $2,199.99 for a 14-piece set of different sized fry pans, saute pans, sauce pans, and stock pots with lids. It was made of the bonded aluminum and stainless steel material with a copper core. For all purchases over $99.95, customers will receive free shipping.

45-day returns

If you haven't used your All-Clad cookware and it's in the original packaging, you have up to 45 days from the delivery date to return it for a full refund. Through your online account with All-Clad that you used at checkout, you can initiate your return and receive a return label. For all cookware sets, All-Clad will deduct $19.95 from the refund for the return label.

Lifetime warranty on cookware

In the event that you've used your All-Clad cookware and found it to have structural defects or issues with the material, it's covered under the company's lifetime warranty and they'll replace it at no cost. Contact customer service to get this taken care of as soon as you identify a problem.

Declining customer satisfaction

All-Clad's Better Business Bureau (BBB) rating is a "C”. Technically this rating is listed under Groupe SEB North America, a corporation that was started in 1954 and is also known as Emerilware and All-Clad Metalworks. This rating reflects the organization's interactions with customers online and in local locations. This isn't an ideal rating, but neither are some customer reviews. All-Clad has mostly positive product reviews, but some people complain of subpar performance, poor customer service, and pushback when trying to take advantage of the lifetime warranty. Some long-time customers even recently said they feel like the quality of the pans have declined and are not as good as they used to be.

Better options elsewhere

Since there are other great brands available online for cookware, All-Clad isn't one of our top choices. We're concerned with quality and customers' ability to take advantage of the warranty or return policy when necessary. They also use somewhat basic materials in their cookware that we might find anywhere else online. We appreciate unfiltered customer reviews on individual All-Clad products and feel like this will be the best guide for customers, but there are other brands we prefer to buy our cookware from.

Tramontina

• Prices from $39 to $325
• 67 cookware sets
• Multiple color choices
• Variety of cookware materials
• 30-day return policy
• Free shipping over $99

Tramontina is a Brazilian company named after its founder, Valentin Tramontina. The first product launched was a pocketknife in 1930. As the company slowly grew their locations throughout Brazil, their list of products grew as well. In 1986, they opened their first distribution center abroad in Houston, Texas. They now serve over 120 countries with over 22,000 items.

67 cookware sets

Cookware makes up the biggest portion of Tramontina's inventory with things like dutch ovens, frypans, grill pans, griddles, roasting pans, and more. To get the most value and buy their cookware in a set, you'll have 67 options to choose from. You can sort by price, collection, quantity, material, and color. The smallest set of cookware here is a 3-piece and the biggest is a 16-piece. You can choose from aluminum, stainless steel, hard anodized, ceramic, cast iron, and non-stick surfaces.

Free shipping over $99

The least expensive cookware set you can get from Tramontina is a 3-pack aluminum non-stick fry pan in either a cobalt blue or black color with a gold geometric design throughout. It costs $39.95, whereas you'll pay $324.95 for the priciest set here made of all stainless steel with 14 pieces altogether. Tramontina offers free ground shipping on orders over $99, so if you want a cookware set with some variety, you'll most likely hit that mark.

Popular stainless steel sets

The amount you spend on a cookware set here largely depends on how many pieces and the material you're interested in. The top sellers include a stainless steel 10-piece set for $229.95 and a 10-piece aluminum set for $99.95 that comes in a raspberry color. There are a few other stainless steel sets that seem to be popular, so this is by far their best-selling material. If you're getting a non-stick pan, some of the color options include silver, gray, purple, green, blue, red, copper, white, and black.

30-day returns with $15 shipping

If you're not satisfied with your cookware and it's in new, unused condition, you can return it to Tramontina's warehouse within 30 days of purchase. Each item returned will incur a flat $15 shipping and handling fee in exchange for a prepaid shipping label from the company.

Missing warranty information

It was a bit frustrating trying to find warranty information for the cookware from Tramontina. Their warranty page says that you'll find details within the packaging of your products when they arrive, but it also says that you'll find warranty information on the product pages of the website. Despite our best efforts, we could not locate warranty information when we clicked on a product and read through the description and features. The company should make this information easier to find, since it could be a factor in someone's purchasing decision.

Read customer reviews

Tramontina flops in the eyes of the Better Business Bureau, where they receive an "F” rating. However, the reasons for this rating come down to about 14 total complaints and the company's failure to respond to and resolve them. If instead you go off of the customer reviews on the cookware set you're considering, you'll have a far better gauge of whether or not Tramontina is a good place to shop. Customers have posted photos and unfiltered feedback about the performance of their pots and pans and experience with the company. Most people give the products 5 stars, but there is some mixed feedback that's worth reading into.

Average cookware brand

If you don't want to feel like you're overspending on some simple pots and pans, Tramontina could fit the bill. We like that there is a range of materials and everything is under $350, even for a full stainless steel set. There's nothing overly fancy about Tramontina and we are disappointed by their lack of warranty information, so although Tramontina isn't a bad place to shop, we are giving them an average rating among cookware brands.

Calphalon

• Prices from $36 to $729
• Save up to 25% off with email and text signup
• 117 cookware options
• Free shipping on orders over $100
• 60-day return policy
• Lifetime warranty on most cookware products

Calphalon is a major producer of cookware, bakeware, cutlery, and appliances. The company was founded in 1963 by Ronald M. Kasperzak under the name Commercial Aluminum Cookware. Calphalon first supplied the restaurant industry and other professional food services before expanding to products for the home chef. Like some rival companies, Calphalon claims to have invented hard-anodized aluminum cookware in 1968 using a process from the aerospace industry that makes cookware more durable and resistant to corrosion. Kasperzak called this invention "Calphalon”, hence the new name of the company as of 1992.

Sort through 117 choices

The cookware collection from Calphalon includes 117 options. Some of these are sold as individual pieces, others have between 2 and 15 pieces in a set. Customers can sort the options by material, type, ratings, special features (stackable, induction-compatible, metal utensil safe, oil-infused, silicon handles, no boil-over inserts), price, set size, capacity, handle material, and use and care.

Sign up for emails and save

Calphalon provides customers with a 20% off coupon for their first purchase of a 10% off code for a future purchase when you sign up for their email list. If you also give your phone number, you'll get 25% off your first purchase. Not bad! The least expensive thing you can buy from Calphalon is a hard-anodized non-stick 8-inch fry pan for $36.99 and the most expensive is a signature 10-piece non-stick set with two frying pans, two covered saucepans, a saute pan, and a stockpot for $729.99. This particular set has been featured by Good Housekeeping as the best overall non-stick cookware.

Well-liked stainless steel options

We like that all the products from Calphalon have customer reviews. Interestingly, the most expensive signature 10-piece set doesn't have great reviews, so even though it was featured by a popular media outlet, quite a few people are disappointed that the non-stick surface seems to wear off quickly even with wooden or plastic utensils and non-stick spray. Their best-selling cookware sets actually aren't made of Calphalon's "revolutionary” non-stick coatings. Rather, they are all made of stainless steel. There's a popular 10- and 13-piece set, and a space-saving set of 10 where all the fry pans, sauce pans, saute pan, and stock pot nicely stack on each other.

60-day return policy

Customers will get free standard shipping if they spend over $100 at Calphalon. Some companies offer free shipping on purchases worth much less than this, but if you're getting a full cookware set here, you should be able to meet this benchmark. Plus, you could always add on some bakeware or kitchen and cutlery tools from Calphalon as well. If you need to return anything you purchased (as long as it's unused), you can send it back within 60 days for a full refund, less shipping and handling.

10-year and lifetime warranties

All cookware purchased from Calphalon comes with a lifetime warranty, except the Select by Calphalon and Calphalon Simply line, which instead has a 10-year warranty. You can submit a warranty claim on Calphalon's website or give them a call. You'll need proof of purchase for your product and will be asked to upload photos of the issues you're submitting a claim about. The warranty on Calphalon products only covers manufacturing defects, not problems related to consumer misuse.

Less than ideal customer ratings

The Better Business Bureau doesn't have a listing for Calphalon, so they aren't rated at all. Again, we would heavily rely on what customers say about individual products listed on the website when choosing a cookware set here. However, some third-party sites have opinions from buyers who are mostly disgruntled with Calphalon. Some say that the quality is poor and even after gentle care, the pans scratch and quickly show wear. Some people have had major issues trying to return their products and even warranty claims were denied when they shouldn't have been. The overall feedback from customers about Calphalon is concerning.

Not a top contender

When we take the product reviews and third-party customer reviews into account, Calphalon doesn't stack up against their competition. They don't have sky high reviews or a long list of happy customers who repeatedly buy from this company. This is a red flag for us, so Calphalon-brand cookware sets aren't ones we can recommend.

Farberware

• Prices range from $49.99 to $179.99
• Free shipping on orders over $60
• Unique Disney cookware
• 30-day return policy
• Limited lifetime warranty

Farberware traces back to 1900 when S.W. Farber first made a set of tin and copper cookware. Since then they've created new lines of aluminum and stainless clad cookware and hybrid ceramic non-stick pots and pans. The company prides itself on durability, design, innovation, and value. Aside from their cookware selection, you'll also find a wide variety of bakeware and coffee percolators.

Small selection

When you're browsing through inventory at Farberware, you can sort the selection by type (cookware sets, frying pans and sautes, saucepans, grill pans and griddles, stockpots, steamers, roasters, and more), material, and collection. You'll find stainless steel, ceramic non-stick, and non-stick pans at Farberware. It won't take much narrowing down to make a choice on which cooking set to buy here though, since there are only 16 options to begin with. This is a pretty small selection that we aren't very impressed with.

Only low prices

There is only one fully stainless steel cookware set that's a 10-piece priced at $149.99. The other choices are non-stick pots and pans that come in colors like navy blue, gray, aqua, yellow, or black. The cheapest choice is a 15-piece non-stick cookware set that ranges from $49.99 to $69.99 depending on the color you choose. Although this is a low price, it also is a cookware set that comes with a low rating, so it might not actually give you the most bang for your buck. Even the most expensive set of pots and pans from Farberware might be considered cheap. A 10-piece non-stick cookware set with a stainless exterior and non-stick interior is just $179.99 and has a single customer rating of 5/5 stars.

Cookware for the Disney fans

You'll have a slightly bigger selection if you choose to buy individual pots and pans instead of cookware sets from Farberware, but they still don't have nearly as many options as some of the highest-rated brands we've seen. If you want some unique cookware and you're a big Disney fan, they have a Disney-exclusive line of cookware that's branded all over with Mickey Mouse. This includes a dutch oven, frying pan, stockpot, saute pan, and saucepan. Again, not a huge selection, but if you fit into the niche of Disney fanatics who like their houseware decked out in that beloved character, Farberware has some options for you.

30 days for returns

Farberware will ship any order for free as long as the total of the purchase reaches at least $60. When your cookware arrives, you have 30 days to decide if you want to keep it or not. As long as it is in original packaging, new, and in unused condition, you can send back your items to Farberware within 30 days of purchase. To initiate a return, follow the instructions on the returns page on the website to submit a ticket. It's also important to note that you'll be responsible for any return shipping charges incurred.

Limited lifetime warranty

If there is any sort of defect in the material or workmanship of the Farberware cookware you purchase, the company guarantees it for the lifetime of the item. You can either contact the company through their website or the phone number they have listed to get in touch with their customer service department and start a warranty request.

Concerning reports

Farberware has an "F” rating from the Better Business Bureau (BBB) with a concerning pattern of complaints. The BBB warns that the company has allegedly been selling products without informing customers that they can become faulty after a certain amount of time. Although Farberware included a limited lifetime warranty, they don't seem to honor this and the company becomes unresponsive when people reach out with issues.

No love lost

Outside of the major problems reported through the Better Business Bureau, we aren't excited about any of the cookware sets from Farberware. Due to their pattern of complaints, we wouldn't buy from this company, but there's no love lost since we aren't thrilled about their products anyway. Farberware isn't a great option for cookware sets and you may end up with a faulty product, so skip this brand and check out a higher-rated one instead.

T-fal

• Black, gray, and red color choices
• 5-layer technology for better durability
• Lifetime guarantee
• Unfiltered customer reviews

T-fal began way back in 1954 by Marc Gregoire when he decided to try coating his wife's pans to see what would happen. The results surprised him and two years later he started the T-fal business to produce non-stick frying pans. He is said to be the first creator of non-stick cookware and started a revolution of ways to make cooking easier. The company has been in endless pursuit of new innovations ever since and, interestingly enough, also ended up inventing the first cordless iron.

5-layer technology

T-fal boasts that their cookware is 10x more resistant than other non-stick cookware sets because of their platinum 5-layer technology. It consists of an aluminum base, then 2 resistant layers, thermo-spot, and finally a non-stick finish layer. Aside from their non-stick line, T-fal also says they sell hard anodized cookware, ceramic, and stainless steel. We like that this company tries to cater to so many material options since people's preferences vary widely.

Major website issues

One thing about shopping online from T-fal that we don't love is their website. Everything is weirdly organized and getting a straightforward list of their cookware sets is like navigating a maze. Individual pots and pans are mixed in with sets, but everything is supposed to be separated by what materials things are made of. When we click "stainless steel” we're taken to a list of non-stick pans. In fact, regardless of how we try to narrow our search, we end up on the same page of 69 products. T-fal needs some serious back-end work to get their site functioning smoothly.

Small selection

From what we are able to find on T-fal's site, all their cookware comes either in black, gray, or red. When you click on a product you're interested in, you'll find that no price is listed. That's because T-fal doesn't even sell directly from their own website. Most pots and pans have a link saying that you can buy them from other retailers. One of their smallest sets is a black 2-piece fry pan set and their biggest one is a gray 20-piece set. Overall, there isn't a huge selection here and it appears the company is majorly downsizing their inventory from what it once was.

No return policy, but a lifetime guarantee

Since you can't buy T-fal products from the brand itself, they don't have a return policy listed on their website. If you decide to purchase their products elsewhere, the return policy would be directly through the retailer. However, there is a lifetime guarantee listed on T-fal's website saying that if your cookware needs replacing or repairs because of defective material, construction, or workmanship under normal use, you can contact their customer service department or website to get it taken care of.

Unimpressive ratings

The Better Business Bureau (BBB) gives T-fal a "C” rating, which we aren't very surprised or impressed by. T-fal does have customer ratings on their products, but most of them are from a few years ago. There are also very few reviews on each item, so we can't say they are extremely helpful. On top of this, most of them are average ratings at best, so it doesn't seem like T-fal makes the most top-of-the line products.

Skip T-fal

There are so many great options for buying cookware sets that we don't see why T-fal should be considered a top choice. You'll have to go out of your way to find a retailer who sells what you want from them and we don't gather that the cookware is high quality anyway. T-fal has earned the lowest ranking on our list.