Who among us hasn’t inadvertently burned a pot or pan – or two? However, some people routinely burn cookware to the point of no return. And as a result, these individuals end up with mismatched cookware sets that look like they survived a 5-alarm house fire. Trust me, these people would welcome new, matching cookware sets or individual (open stock) pots and pans, which is one of the best kitchen housewarming gifts.
These are a few recommendations.
Calphalon Classic Hard-Anodized Nonstick 6-Piece Essentials Set
Nonstick cookware that retains heat – but not food – can help in the fight to prevent burnt pots and pans. Using water-based, easy-release Aqua-Shield nonstick technology, the Calphalon Classic Hard-Anodized Nonstick 6-Piece Essentials Set is a budget-conscious option that performs well. Also, the cookware (including the lids) is oven safe to 450 degrees F, dishwasher safe, and has stay-cool handles. The set includes an 8-inch frying pan, 10-inch frying pan, 12-inch all-purpose pan with lid, and 3.5-quart saucepan with straining lid.
Le Creuset 5-Piece Signature Enameled Cast Iron Cookware Set
Cast iron is durable enough to be an heirloom item, and the Le Creuset 5-Piece Signature Enameled Cast Iron Cookware Set is made of durable, chip-resistant enameled cast iron. The cookware evenly distributes heat and moisture. It’s suitable for every type of stovetop (including induction), oven safe to 500 degrees F, and dishwasher safe – although hand-washing is recommended). And since it’s made of enameled cast iron, the set does not require seasoning. There are a dozen color choices to choose from, including Flame, Nectar, Caribbean, Oyster, and White.
Kilne Everything Pot and Steamer Bundle
Replace several cookware items with the Kilne Everything Pot and Steamer Bundle, which includes a 5-quart pot with a nonstick porcelain ceramic coating, along with a silicon matte lacquer exterior. The pot (which is compatible with all stovetops) is oven safe up to 750 degrees F, and the self-basting, steel-release lid is oven safe to 480 degrees F. The bundle also includes a stainless-steel steamer/strainer basket. The pot and steamer can be used to not only steam, but also deep fry, sear, broil, boil, roast, bake, braise, stew, and serve. Color choices are Peppercorn, Sage, and Meringue.
Zwilling Madura Plus 10-Piece Pots and Pans Set
The Zwilling Madura Plus 10-Piece Pots and Pans Set has a multilayer granite nonstick coating. The plasma primer is designed to be 40 times more durable than traditional nonstick coatings, and is also scratch- and abrasion-resistant. Flared rims reduce messy spills when pouring, and glass lids keep the moisture inside. The cookware – compatible with all stovetops – is oven safe to 300 degrees F, and the stay-cool handles are ergonomic. The cookware set, which can be wiped clean, includes the following: 8-inch fry pan, 10-inch fry pan, 1.5-quart saucepan w/lid, 3-quart saucepan w/lid, 2.6-quart sauté pan w/lid, and 5-quart Dutch oven w/lid.
YETI 12” Cast Iron Skillet
Durable enough to be used for cooking over a campfire, the YETI 12” Cast Iron Skillet can certainly handle any cooking scenario in the average kitchen. The polished, pre-seasoned pan has a natural non-stick barrier (as opposed to PFOA/PTFE engineered coatings). Lighter and thinner than traditional cast iron skillets, it also has an ergonomic handle and convenient pouring spouts on either side. The kit includes a scraper tool and metal ring rag for cleaning the pan, along with a cotton storage bag.
Heritage Steel x Eater Series 5-Piece Essentials Set
For extremely high temperatures, the Heritage Steel x Eater Series 5-Piece Essentials Set is oven safe to 800 degrees F, broiler safe, and induction compatible. The cladded steel set has a polished cooking surface and a brilliant metallic matte finish. Also, the stay cool handles have an angular design that makes them easy to maneuver. The set includes a 10.5” fry pan, 3-quart saucepan with lid, and 4-quart sauté pan with lid.
Ninja Extended Life Premium Ceramic 9-Piece Cookware Set
The Ninja Extended Life Premium Ceramic 9-Piece Cookware Set has a CeramicLock coating that’s free from harmful chemicals, and designed to provide 5 years of nonstick performance. The cookware is oven safe to 550 degrees F, and can be used in broilers and on all types of ranges. It’s both metal safe and dishwasher safe. The set includes an 8-inch fry pan, 9 ½-inch fry pan, 11-inch fry pan, 1 ½-quart saucepan with lid, 2 ½-quart saucepan with lid, and 6-quart stock pot with lid.
Marcellin 4-in-1 Cast Iron Stack
A space-saving option for cast iron cookware is the Marcellin 4-in-1 Cast Iron Stack, which includes a 5.9-quart Dutch oven, 10.25-inch cast iron skillet, 10.25-inch cast iron grill pan, and 15.25-inch universal lid. The octagonal shape makes it easy to stack the set, which is pre-seasoned with vegetable oil and has a smooth and polished finish that quickly releases food so that it doesn’t stick. The set is oven safe up to 500 degrees, and compatible with all kitchen heat sources – and the grill pan can also serve as a second lid.
HexClad Hybrid 6-Piece Cookware Set
The HexClad Hybrid 6-Piece Cookware Set uses a laser-etched stainless steel hexagonal network of ridges. In addition to creating a beautiful design, the ridges increase searing capabilities. The set includes a 12-inch pan with lid, 10-inch pan with lid, and 8-inch pan with lid. The cookware, which has heat resistant handles, is oven safe to 500 degrees F, and the tempered glass lids are oven safe to 400 degrees F. It’s also induction-compatible.
GreenPan Elite Reserve 6-Quart Slow Cooker
Help your favorite cook to give those pots and pans a rest with the GreenPan Elite Reserve 6-Quart Slow Cooker, which has one-touch presets for slow cook, roast, brown/sauté, and steam. Using ceramic nonstick that’s free from PFAS, the heavy-duty pot has silicone handles that make it easy to pop out and rinse clean (although the pot is also dishwasher safe). The slow cooker also has an easy-to-read LCD display, and a tempered glass lid. It’s available in several colors, including Black, Premiere Stainless Steel, Cloud, and Blue Haze.