When looking for the best kitchen cookware, you might be confused about which brand to choose. If you’ve already used a few brands, then you can simply start with one of these.
The first brand that you should look at is Mauviel. This Danish company has been producing cookware for over 50 years. Its products are made from 100% copper and are known to be durable and rust-proof. You can also choose from stainless steel or non-stick varieties.
Best Kitchen Cookware Brand
From cast iron to stainless steel to nonstick, the options for cookware are practically endless. But a skillet is just a skillet—or is it?
To narrow down your selection, we’ve parsed through the market to find the best kitchen cookware brand available, from the most aesthetically pleasing to the workhorses you’ll use for every recipe.
WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENT KINDS OF COOKWARE?
The exact cookware you choose will depend on a few things: your budget, your cooking style and your aesthetic preferences. That said, here are a few types of cookware you’ll find:
- Stainless steel cookware is uncoated, extremely durable, conducts heat evenly and can handle high-heat cooking. Since it lacks a coating, it’s superior for browning and searing, and it’s also great for anyone who is tough on their pots and pans. That said, it’s not as beginner friendly, because foods will stick without the right technique.
- Nonstick cookware can be constructed out of a variety of metals (like aluminum or steel) but is finished in a coating that releases food with very little cooking oil or technical skill. That makes it ideal for beginners, less frequent cooks or anyone who loves eggs. The downsides? Nonstick surfaces are susceptible to scratches, so they require specific care, and the cookware is usually less durable overall.
- Ceramic cookware is a newer nonstick option that’s ideal for anyone concerned about PFOA or PFTE, two health- and environment-hazardous chemicals that used to be found in some nonstick coatings. (The FDA has required such materials to be phased out.) It’s beginner friendly, but like nonstick cookware, ceramic can scratch—newer market options are designed with durability in mind.
- Cast iron cookware is heavy, extremely durable and excellent at retaining heat, so it’s good for searing, frying and other heat-intensive cooking methods. It requires regular seasoning (aka oiling and heating to create a nonstick surface) and isn’t easy to maneuver, but it will last a lifetime if cared for properly.
- Carbon steel is an extremely hard, lightweight material that conducts heat quickly and has few hot spots. It can be used similarly to cast iron but is better for sautéing because it’s easier to physically handle.
THE 14 BEST COOKWARE BRANDS AT A GLANCE:
Scroll down for in-depth breakdowns of each pick.
- Millennial Approved: Caraway
- Best for First Kitchens: OXO
- Best Carbon Steel: Misen
- Best Nontoxic: Green Pan
- Best Stainless: All-Clad
- Best Cast Iron: Lodge
- The Instant Heirloom: Le Creuset
- Best Dutch Ovens: Staub
- Cutest Design: Dansk
- Loved by the Pros: Scanpan
- Best Nonstick: Calphalon
- Best for Everyday: Cuisinart
- For a Splurge: Mauviel
- Best on a Budget: T-Fal
CARAWAY
1. CARAWAY
Millennial Approved
Caraway launched into the cookware space in 2019 as a “healthier” nonstick option that marries form and function. With bright color options and smart design elements, it’s already become a millennial (and Instagram) favorite. In our own tests, we were impressed by the slick ceramic nonstick surface, the oven-friendly design, the lack of hotspots and the included modular storage solutions. But because it’s a newer, direct-to-consumer brand, you won’t find as many product options here. The cookware line includes essentials only: a 10.5-inch fry pan, 3-quart sauce pan, 4.5-quart sauté pan and 6.5-quart Dutch oven.
Pros
- Ceramic surface is very nonstick
- Thoughtful design elements and modern aesthetic
Cons
- Fewer product options
- Stainless steel handles get hot
OXO
2. OXO
Best for First Kitchens
You might know OXO more for its kitchen gadgets than its cookware, but the brand applies the same considerate design to its pots and pans that it does to its corn peelers and iconic POP containers. All of OXO’s cookware has a similar aesthetic, but you have a few options to choose from: Non-Stick, with silicone-wrapped handles; Non-Stick Pro, with stainless handles; and Stainless Steel Pro, which isn’t nonstick. The cookware is accessibly priced, too, so it’s a great option for beginner cooks or someone outfitting their first kitchen. However, seasoned pros might feel limited by the somewhat small lineup—it’s mostly skillets unless you buy a whole set.
Pros
- Choice of three styles: Nonstick, Nonstick Pro, Stainless Steel Pro
- Affordable but high quality
Cons
- Collection is mostly basics
MISEN
3. MISEN
Best Carbon Steel
Never heard of carbon steel? No worries: Like cast iron, it’s made from an alloy of iron and carbon, but contains slightly less carbon content, making it thin, smooth and lightweight. When seasoned properly, it can be as slippery as a nonstick pan, and it heats up lightning fast for searing and sautéing. Misen’s carbon steel is versatile and affordable (but performs just as well as a higher priced, “premium” brand). The brand—which launched on Kickstarter as a solution to the cheap but low-quality tools available to home cooks—also offers stainless steel and nonstick pans. The cookware line is all essential, but the brand adds new pieces frequently.
Pros
- Professional quality at an affordable price
- Offers carbon steel pans
Cons
- Product line is minimalist
GREENPAN
4. GREENPAN
Best Nontoxic
GreenPan is basically the OG “nontoxic” nonstick cookware brand. Quick refresh: Teflon was the gold standard for nonstick cookware, until the FDA found that certain chemicals used in its manufacturing process are toxic to our health and the environment over time. GreenPan’s nonstick surface is made from silicon-based Thermalon, which is scratch resistant and can withstand temperatures up to 850°F. There are plenty of open-stock styles to choose—from skillets to stockpots, quick-heating to ultra-durable—or you can opt for a full set. Prices range from $150 to $720 for multi-piece collections.
Pros
- Wide range of collections for diverse cooking needs
- Nonstick surface is nontoxic and scratch resistant
Cons
- Some styles are quite expensive
- Nonstick is the only surface option
ALL-CLAD
5. ALL-CLAD
Best Stainless
Upgrading your old cookware? Building a registry? Getting serious about searing? There’s All-Clad for that. While the 50-year-old company offers ceramic, nonstick and hard anodized cookware, it’s the stainless steel collection that keeps us coming back. It’s made from two layers of stainless bonded with aluminum for conductivity, durability and overall performance. The brand offers everything from tea kettles to massive 12-quart stockpots, and while it’s not the cheapest option on the market, consider it a lifetime investment.
Pros
- Stainless steel is durable, heat conductive and great for browning
- Classic design with plenty of styles to choose from
Cons
- On the expensive side
- Slightly heavy
LODGE
6. LODGE
Best Cast Iron
Everyone should have at least one cast iron skillet in their cookware collection, and Lodge is a no-brainer choice. It’s extremely affordable, available in a myriad of sizes and styles, and will last forever with proper seasoning and care. (FYI, the new models come pre-seasoned). Cast iron is ideal for getting a gorgeously brown, crusty sear on proteins, and it does double-duty for baking projects (hello, skillet cookie). However, it’s very heavy and takes a long time to heat up, so it’s not great for every task (like sautéing).
Pros
- Inexpensive
- Durable
- Versatile
Cons
- Heavy
- Heats up slowly
LE CREUSET
7. LE CREUSET
The Instant Heirloom
The glossy enamel! The jewel-like colors! The French je ne sais quoi! What we’re trying to say is, Le Creuset (founded in 1925) is a staple among cookware brands. It’s not all talk though—the pieces are as high-performing as they are good looking, and if you’re willing to spend a little (OK, a lot) cash, the investment will serve you well for years to come. There are size and shape options in addition to color, and the enameled cast iron is great for searing and braising. But keep in mind that these pieces are capital-H heavy.
Pros
- Beautiful, durable design
- Many options for color and size
- Great for braising and searing
Cons
- Expensive
- Heavy
8. STAUB
Best Dutch Ovens
TBH, whether you prefer Staub or Le Creuset is a personal preference—they’re both top performers. But we think Staub (also a French heirloom brand) has a slight edge for certain uses, thanks to the innovative design tweaks in its French ovens. The lid has a patterned, textured surface that continually returns moisture to the pot, ensuring that braised, slow-cooked dishes are moist and tender. Plus, the enameled cast iron retains and distributes heat evenly, and the interior is slightly textured for superior browning. It’s not available in quite as many colors, though, and is heavy and expensive like Le Creuset.
Pros
- Unique lid design is ideal for slow-cooking and braising
- Enameled cast iron retains heat
Cons
- Expensive
- Heavy
DANSK
9. DANSK
Cutest Design
If you’re a sucker for retro design and Scandinavian style, Dansk is all but sure to win you over. The 1950s brand is known for its Kobenstyle casserole, with a stout shape and lid that doubles as a trivet. The construction is enameled carbon steel, so it heats up quickly and evenly and is available in a rainbow of colors. Once a vintage find, it’s now easy to scoop up since being acquired by Food52.
Pros
- Mid-century aesthetic
- Enameled carbon steel is pretty and functional
Cons
- Moderately expensive
- Lineup isn’t as expansive as other brands
SUR LA TABLE
10. SCANPAN
Loved by the Pros
Many professional chefs will scoff at the mention of nonstick anything, but Scanpan is the rare exception. “I love and use Scanpan all the time,” the Institute of Culinary Education’s lead chef, Barbara Rich, tells us. That’s because the Danish cookware heats evenly, is relatively lightweight and is oven-safe up to 500°F. While the brand offers plenty of styles, we like that the CTX line combines the look of stainless steel with a food-safe ceramic interior for a slick surface that’s also nontoxic. You can also pick and choose pans as you please if you don’t want to commit to a whole set, but the cookware can get costly depending on the line you choose.
Pros
- Beloved by professionals
- Lightweight, oven-safe and heats evenly
- Combines nonstick abilities with stainless appearance
Cons
- Can be expensive
CALPHALON
11. CALPHALON
Best Nonstick
Real talk: Many nonstick cookware brands aren’t all that durable. But Calphalon’s signature style, hard-anodized aluminum, is designed with durability in mind. It has a nonstick surface for easy cooking and cleanup, but the try-ply construction ensures it will hold up to regular use. The only downside to this is that the pieces are heavier and more expensive than other nonstick brands.
Pros
- Hard-anodized aluminum is nonstick but durable
Cons
- Heavier and more expensive than other nonstick brands
CUISINART
12. CUISINART
Best for Everyday
Founded as a home appliance brand in 1971, Cuisinart made its name on the food processor. But its cookware line is just as useful for everyday kitchen tasks. With an extensive range of saucepans, skillets, stock pots and other essentials (all in a variety of finishes, all at reasonable prices), it strikes the ideal balance between high quality and useability (read: it’s not so expensive that you’ll only use it on special occasions).
Pros
- Extensive range of products
- Relatively affordable
Cons
- Choices can be overwhelming
For a Splurge
If money is truly no object and you can’t resist shiny new (kitchen) toys, behold Mauviel’s copper cookware. The French brand, hailing from Normandy and founded in 1830, is known for its premium products and eye-catching copper-coated steel offerings. But it’s not just for looks: The copper encourages heat conductivity and control while cooking. But this also means it’s extraordinarily expensive—it’s not a must-have, but a worthwhile luxury if you’re looking to treat yourself.
Pros
- Copper cookware is heat conductive and temperature sensitive
- Aesthetically pleasing design
Cons
- Cost prohibitive
T-FAL
14. T-FAL
Best on a Budget
Fun fact: T-FAL was the first cookware company to introduce Teflon nonstick to home cooks (T-FAL is a portmanteau for Teflon and aluminum). It’s still known for being an accessible, budget friendly option, making it ideal for new cooks. (Don’t worry: The nonstick coating is safe as long as it’s not heated beyond 500°F.) While it’s a smart choice for budding chefs or outfitting an apartment kitchen, we’ve found that the pieces aren’t as durable as other brands.
Pros
- Affordable
- Nonstick
Cons
- Less durable than other nonstick options
Best Kitchen Cookware Brands In USA
There are a few different kitchen cookware brands in the USA, but here are a few that are worth considering: All-Clad, Cuisinart, and Lodge. Each brand offers something a little bit different and can range in price, but we’ll focus on three of the most well-known and popular models. All-Clad focuses on stainless steel cookware and their cookware line is also quite diverse.
Vollrath – The company is based in Wisconsin, but many of their products are actually made in China. Their Wear-Ever aluminum cookware line is particularly heavy-duty and commercial grade. These are great for the average home, but you may want to consider purchasing a product with an extended warranty from Amazon, which covers any defects. Additionally, Vollrath does not honor warranties for home users, but you can buy an extended warranty through Amazon.
Cuisinart – This brand is popular with consumers and chefs alike, and is a direct-to-consumer brand. They have an impressive list of awards for their name and are available in retail stores and online. Their products are affordable and easy to use, and many of them are dishwasher-safe. Despite their price tag, these cookware brands have a long-lasting legacy of quality.
Best Kitchen Pot Brands
There are several brands that make high-end cookware. The All-Clad brand is an excellent choice for serious home cooks, as their pots and pans are made from clad materials (a layer of copper or aluminum sandwiched between two layers of stainless steel).
You can choose from a wide selection of All-Clad products, all of which are durable and long-lasting. Regardless of the price, you will find a high-quality pot or pan to meet your needs.
If you’re looking for professional kitchen ware, you can’t go wrong with Misen. The company is known for its top-notch non-stick range and competitive pricing. If you’re looking for a set with nine pieces, you can choose an individual pan.
Another notable brand is Mauviel, a French home appliance manufacturer that began as a food processor and later expanded into other kitchenware. While the brand is known for its premium copper cookware, they also produce cookware made from stainless steel and aluminum.
If you’re looking for a professional grade kitchen pot, you can consider the brand Le Creuset. This brand specializes in professional-grade pots and pans, but their everyday products are just as functional. The company’s carbon steel cookware is notable for its quick-heating properties and lightweight, non-stick cooking.
The French company Mauviel is considered the best kitchenware money can buy. Founded in 1830, the French company offers premium copper, stainless steel, and aluminum cookware. Some of their collections include black tin and other durable materials.
Top Kitchen Pot Brands
If you are looking for a kitchen pot that is made to last for generations, you should choose the best brand that offers the highest quality and the most features for your money. The most popular brand is Le Creuset.
The clad metal construction of these pots ensures even heating and long-lasting performance. The brand’s cocotte is a favorite among home cooks, due to its matte black interior and self-basting system.
Rachael Ray has a wide variety of different colors, and its cookware is made of high-quality materials. Handles are well-constructed and silicone-covered for comfort and security. The lids are made of heat-resistant glass. Another unique brand of kitchen pots is All-Clad, which is handcrafted in Canonsburg, Pennsylvania. The company’s cookware is a safe alternative to Teflon, and has been the most popular choice among chefs for over three decades.
The renowned cookware brand Le Creuset has a wide variety of sizes, shapes, and materials. In addition to their range of sizes and prices, these pots are also known for their excellent non-stick properties.
If you prefer to buy individual pots, you can also purchase a complete set made of stainless steel. The US-based Cuisinart specializes in food processors and other kitchenware before expanding into other products. The brand is under the Conair Corporation since 1989.
Top 10 Kitchen Cookware Brands
Cuisinart is a brand that’s known for being both functional and beautiful and has won the Gold Hermes award. It’s also one of the oldest makers of kitchenware, founded in London in 1815.
The company focuses on creating collectibles as well as ceramic tableware and individual cutlery designed by celebrity chef Gordon Ramsey. Their collection of pots and pans demonstrates how much they care about their customers.
Abbio, a direct-to-consumer brand, is one of the most popular brands of cookware in the United States. Founded in 1971, this company uses local steel and aluminum industries to produce its high-quality products. The name “Abbio” comes from the Italian word “abbiocco,” which means satisfied. This is one of the few direct-to-consumer brands that uses local steel and aluminum industries.
Another great brand is Circulon, which is a global company and the second-largest distributor of cookware. The company’s stainless steel and hard-anodized non-stick cookware are popular with home cooks and chefs. With five core products, Circulon is among the top choice among those who are on a budget. With a wide selection of styles and prices, Abbio makes it easy to find the perfect cookware for your kitchen.
Circulon is a manufacturer of premium-quality kitchenware that has mastered the art of non-stick technology. Their signature system features raised circles and three layers of premium non-stick. This makes it easy to clean and ensures effortless food release. While the company’s cookware is expensive, it still comes with a lifetime guarantee. A variety of sizes and styles of cookware is available in the market.
FAQs
What is the best brand in cookware?
The Best Brands When it Comes to Cookware There are many brands that claim to be the best, but one is All-Clad. Based in Western Pennsylvania, All-Clad uses materials from the local steel and aluminum industry to make quality pots and pans. Founded in 1971, All-Clad was created by a home cook named John Ulam, who was inspired to take his metalworking skills to the kitchen.
What cookware do top chefs recommend?
If you’re an aspiring chef, you may be wondering, “What cookware do top chefs use?” While you can find recipes and reviews of specific brands on various websites, a top chef will probably have his or her own brand. It doesn’t matter which brand you choose – the most important thing is that you can trust the cooking instructions. A set of quality cookware will last for years and will not cause your kitchen to look like a disaster.
Which cookware is best in USA?
If you’re a shopper who cares about quality and the environment, buying American-made cookware may be the best choice. Not only is it good for American businesses, but you’ll also get better customer service from companies that are based in the United States. But how do you find the best cookware made in the USA? This article will help you make the right decision. It may surprise you to learn that some of the top-rated cookware in the world is actually made in the USA.
Which cookware brand is best for health?
If you’re interested in buying new cookware, the best choice is one made from nonstick materials. Nonstick cooking surfaces are the safest option for most people, as they do not release chemicals into the food as they cook. Moreover, nonstick cookware can last for several years, compared to cheap brands. Regardless of your budget, consider a few factors before buying new cookware.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a premium kitchenware brand, Mauviel might be the brand for you. This French company specializes in professional grade copper cookware and offers a variety of other kitchen essentials.
The company’s carbon-steel collection is known for its durability and ability to simulate non-stick cooking. Another popular brand is Made In. These high-end pieces are inexpensive and still luxurious enough for the most discerning chefs.
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