Updated January 6,2024
If you’re looking for the best cookware, then you’ve come to the right place. Williams-Sonoma is an American company headquartered in San Francisco.
The company was founded by Chuck Williams, who settled in the Sonoma area after traveling to France.
Once he came back, he realized that he could bring the best French kitchen equipment to America. He set out to find the best cookware for his family.
Best Rated Cookware Sold With Sonoma
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 cookware brands available, from the most aesthetically pleasing to the workhorses you’ll use for every recipe.
The Best Rated Cookware Sold With Sonoma includes stainless steel, copper, aluminum, and glass cookware. Each piece has an attractive finish and is durable, which makes them an excellent choice for cooking. For the best results, invest in one of these sets or several different ones, as each set has its advantages and disadvantages. Read on to find out more about the best cookware sets on the market.
Nordic Ware is a line of cookware sold exclusively through Williams-Sonoma. The company sells cast aluminum pans that are great for baking miniature bundt cakes. The cookware is nonstick and features a premium finish. These products are highly rated by bakers, and you’ll find that they are easy to clean. You’ll never have to worry about sticking to the skillet because they have rolled lips, which makes pouring easier.
Nordic Ware also has a line of cooking equipment, including a cast-iron skillet with a rolled lip. This cast-iron pan has a double-walled lid with a large handle. The skillet’s rolled-lip design is great for pouring liquids. The Williams-Sonoma Nordic Ware pans are the best when it comes to making mini bundt cakes. Their cast aluminum construction makes them extremely durable, and they are available in round, oval, and rectangular shapes.
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: GreenPan
- 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
RELATED: THE 10 BEST COOKWARE SETS FOR EVERY TYPE OF HOME COOK, FROM NEWBIES TO SEASONED PROS
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
SUR LA TABLE
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
SCANPAN
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
13. MAUVIEL
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 Cookiware Set 2024
The best cookware set for beginners is the 10-piece GreenPan Cookware Set. This set contains seven stainless-steel pans and includes a 9.5-inch skillet and a 12-inch skillet with a lid. The cookware set is induction compatible and includes a 2-quart saucepan, 3-quart sauce pan, and a 5-quart Dutch oven. It also includes a steamer insert, a nylon and wood solid turner, and a 4.5-quart sauce pan.
This set is a great option for beginners as it comes with a variety of essential pots and pans. It has an aluminum core and two layers of stainless steel that make it durable and easy to clean. The non-stick coating gives you even cooking and easy cleanup. The set comes with four stainless steel cooking utensils and a 3.5-quart sauce pan. It is also dishwasher safe and suitable for multiple cooking tasks.
If you’re on a budget, you can choose a set of inexpensive pots and pans. The Stainless Steel Cookware Set from All-Clad is made of durable materials and has a reputation for being a popular choice among cooks. The set also comes with a non-stick surface so that your food will cook evenly without the risk of sticking. Choosing a non-stick cookware set will make your cooking experience easier. A non-stick pan will also be easier to clean. The bottom part of the Set has a stainless steel bottom for a solid foundation.
Best Cookware Brands
There are many reasons to invest in the best cookware brands. The most important thing to consider is the brand name. There are several brands of cookware that are worth their price. If you’re not sure, look up reviews to learn more about them. If you’re a beginner, you should start with a brand you know and trust. If you’re looking for a more high-end product, try a high-end one first.
The best cookware brands make quality products by using high-quality materials, innovative designs, and the latest technology. These products are built to perform and last. There are many brands out there that claim to be the best, but only a handful of them have earned the distinction of a lifetime of customer loyalty and awards. It’s not easy to figure out which ones are the best. A quick online search will yield a mixed bag of cookware styles and materials.
Made In: The Made In brand is a great value for your money. The company offers premium cookware for a lower price than most of the other premium brands. The company is new to the market but has already established a loyal following. You can’t go wrong with this brand! A great deal of research should be done before you choose a cookware brand. It’s also a good idea to try a cookware product before you decide to invest in it.
Made in Cookware
Before, buying cookware meant compromising quality and price. However, Made In changed that. They are the only kitchenware company to offer free shipping to the continental United States and a 45-day, no questions asked, return policy. Regardless of your cooking needs, they are worth the investment. And since they are manufactured in the U.S., you don’t have to worry about paying an arm and a leg to get them.
With an impressive product line, Made In offers a wide range of cookware for any kitchen. You can purchase a set for a great price, and the company even has a line of professional cookware for home use. Its products are popular enough to be used by Michelin-starred chefs, yet they’re priced well below most professional brands. Plus, you can find recipe ideas, care instructions, and heat protection tips on the Made In website.
A Made In cookware set is more expensive than the Caraway set, but it comes with cleaning wax. This means that you won’t have to constantly worry about it, and you can cook with confidence. In addition, this cookware brand is ergonomic, non-toxic, and lifelong. Whether you choose to use one piece or a whole set, this cookware is worth the investment. It is a good option for those who want to use their kitchen for a long time.
Williams Sonoma
Consumer retailing company Williams-Sonoma, Inc., is headquartered in San Francisco, California. The company sells home furnishings and kitchenware. Founded in 1896, the company is now one of the world’s largest retailers. Today, the company employs over 12,000 people. Its products are sold in over 600 locations. Its products are available online. In addition, the company offers online shopping. Regardless of where you live, you’re sure to find something that suits your lifestyle.
The company is a trusted source for quality home furnishings and home accessories. The brand also boasts 230 brick-and-mortar stores across the United States. In addition to their online presence, they also have a large brick-and-mortar presence. The company’s CDO helped position the company for resilience and growth, which led to its strong fourth-quarter report. And they’ve continued to grow. They’ve managed to withstand the recession and remain profitable in spite of the adversity.
The first catalog for the Williams-Sonoma store was published in 1972. With the help of Edward Marcus, who had overseen the Neiman Marcus catalog for ten years, Williams conceived the idea for the company’s first catalogue. This catalog became a huge hit, and the company increased its circulation in 1973. By the early seventies, the company had nearly a million customers. Its popularity skyrocketed and continues to rise.
All-Clad
All-Clad is a name associated with a line of cookware manufactured by the All-Clad Metalcrafters, LLC. The company is based in Canonsburg, Pennsylvania. The company’s headquarters are located in Canonsburg. The company offers many different styles and designs of cookware. It is a U.S. manufacturer, so you can rest assured that they will meet your needs. The brand also offers a variety of other products.
The D3 is the most popular line for All-Clad. It features a three-ply construction with an induction stainless steel exterior and an aluminum core. The interior cooking surface is 18/10 stainless steel. This type of cookware is also much more affordable than copper and is ideal for home chefs of all skill levels. It’s also easy to clean, and the aluminum core evenly distributes heat. A great choice for the beginner or expert cook, this line of cookware features an extra layer of aluminum to make cleaning easier.
Another benefit to All-Clad is that it offers a wide variety of cookware. Its prices are competitive with similar brands, and some of the collections are inexpensive. However, you can still expect incredible quality, whether you’re cooking chicken, fish, or vegetables. While the All-Clad handle is straight and not cup-shaped, it doesn’t affect the performance of the cookware. Its handles are cup-shaped, but they aren’t as comfortable as those of other brands.
All-Clad Cookware
All-Clad Cookware is made in the United States by All-Clad Metalcrafters, LLC. The company is based in Canonsburg, Pennsylvania. Their cookware is designed for use in the kitchen and is a top choice among professionals. Its cookware products are backed by a lifetime warranty. You can find out more about the company and its products on its website. Here are some reasons why you should buy All-Clad cookware.
One of the best features of All-Clad cookware is its ability to evenly distribute heat and hold it for long periods of time. This means you can use high or low heat for most cooking tasks, and low to medium heat for boiling water. When the temperature is too high, food can stick or burn. By using low or medium temperatures, you can get perfect results every time. The company offers free shipping on all orders over $25.
Another great feature of All-Clad cookware is that it is dishwasher-safe. If you’re worried about cleaning your All-Clad cookware, here’s a guide to help you. All-Clad D5 pots are heavier, more durable and come with bolstered handles. They are made in the United States and are oven-safe to 600 degrees. And they’re also guaranteed to last for years.
Caraway Cookware
If you’re interested in buying a set of non-stick cookware, consider Caraway. This ceramic-coated cookware is non-toxic and a great value for the money. It’s easy to clean and includes everything you need to make delicious dishes. The best part? You’ll never have to worry about scratching or destroying the non-stick coating! Just remember not to use metal utensils with your Caraway cookware.
Caraway Cookware comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee and offers a lifetime warranty on its cookware. If you’re not satisfied with your purchase, simply return it for a full refund. It must be returned in its original packaging and accessories, and must be in unused condition. Customers have 45 days to return their items, and if you don’t, the company will charge you a 15% restocking fee.
The cookware comes with a storage solution. Four magnetic racks are included with the set and can be stacked vertically or horizontally. If you’re short on space, you can hang each lid with a hand-washable canvas hanger. The cookware has a non-stick surface, and the cookware is dishwasher-safe. You can use it on induction burners and dishwashers without worrying about fading or cracking.
The cookware is easy to clean and comes with a nice set of instructions. It also comes with an organized packaging and is branded for your convenience. Most importantly, it’s made of durable material, so the pieces you’ll cook with will stay looking great. The cookware is easy to store and clean, too, making it a good option for beginners. The reviews on caraway cookware are great, so go ahead and buy some!
Best Stainless Steel Cookware
Finding the best stainless steel cookware isn’t easy, but it’s not impossible. With 21 sets to choose from, we’ve done the research and have chosen the best options for you. Stainless steel is a versatile metal that is safe for the oven, stove, and microwave. But what should you look for? Read on to learn about the top stainless steel cookware brands and how to make the right choice.
When shopping for stainless steel cookware, think about the size of the pieces you’ll need. Consider the space you have in your kitchen. Larger pieces will take up less space than smaller ones. While glass lids are more expensive, they offer the benefit of being easy to monitor as you cook. Also, it’s nice to be able to use the pot or pan without being crowded. Stainless steel is safe for all types of food and does not absorb any flavors from the food.
Stainless steel cookware is known for its durability and ease of cleaning, but it’s not a piece of cake to maintain. Some owners report that the rivets used to hold the handles on the pans are not of the highest quality. Others have complained about minor rust-like spots and food sticking to the pots. But even these issues are easily remedied. With proper care, stainless steel cookware will be as good as new.
FAQs
Which cookware is best to use?
Stainless steel and aluminum are the most popular materials for cookware, but be careful: these types of metals can scratch and chip other types of cookware. Stainless steel is the best option because it is lightweight and conducts heat well. Stainless steel cookware can be used for deep-frying and delicate sauces. However, be aware that the high conductivity of aluminum can make it hard to judge the temperature of your oil.
What cookware does Gordon Ramsay use?
If you are planning to start your own kitchen, you may be wondering: What cookware does Gordon Ramsay use? After all, he is famous for his gastronomic expertise and his own set of cooking equipment. One of his favorite tools is the food processor, which he uses to prepare everything from sauces to cakes. But, the food processor must be kept at a low speed, otherwise it will start blowing ingredients around. To make meringues, Ramsay uses an electric whisk. He also recommends using a boos block to cut pies and other things.
What do professional chefs use for cookware?
Professional chefs use a variety of cookware, and they all have different preferences. While some prefer copper, many chefs prefer aluminum. Copper is inexpensive and distributes heat well, so it is often the preferred choice of restaurants. However, this metal can also be reactive, and it should not be used for food containing acidic ingredients. Alternatively, ceramic cookware is easy to clean and has a variety of cooking methods. This type of cookware is highly durable and is an excellent choice for restaurants. It is also quite expensive.
What cookware is the most durable?
If you’re looking for a durable cookware, steel is a great choice. Unlike other metals, it can keep heat well. Also, stainless steel is very easy to clean. Stainless steel is the best option for a cookware set with a non-stick interior. While it’s not the best material for frying, it’s a good choice for those who want their pans to last a long time.
Final Thoughts
There are many different brands of cookware sold with Sonoma. This company is based in San Francisco, California, but has products all over the world. Founded by Chuck Williams in 1922, the company has become one of the most recognized names in home kitchens. After traveling to France, he realized that American home kitchens needed quality equipment to prepare delicious meals. With that in mind, Williams saw an opportunity to bring high-quality French cooking equipment to the U.S.
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