Cooking is something we all want to be great at, even if we don’t want it bad enough actually to put the effort in. Luckily there are a few tricks you can use to immediately improve the taste and quality of the meals you cook.
Today’s pick? Go with the Cuisinart Multi-Clad 7-piece set.
Surface matters
The cookware you use can vastly improve your abilities as a chef. But it isn’t good enough to just get a good set of cookware, it needs to be one that caters to your cooking style, and what type of cooking surface you use.
Gas stove considerations
Today, we will talk about what kind of cookware you should get for use on a gas stove. In general, you will want to make sure that you purchase cookware that has a flat bottom with no ridges. You want it heavy enough to withstand the heat that gas stoves can generate, and durable enough that is doesn’t begin to warp over time. Buying a sub-par set of cookware just means you will have to purchase another set sooner than you would if you had gotten a quality set.
Rachael Ray Cucina Hard Porcelain Enamel Nonstick
This set comes with 12 separate pieces, each pot, pan, or skillet serving its own specific purpose. You can purchase it in a variety of different colors. You’ll find one that matches well with your kitchen decor.
See all the colors of the Rachel Ray Set at Amazon.
All pots and skillets are made with durable aluminum and a sturdy hard enamel porcelain exterior. The PFOA free nonstick surface means you don’t have to worry about sketchy chemicals getting into your food.
The pots and pans are oven safe up to 400º, making them good for some oven use but mostly you will be using these on the stovetop.
Included in this cookware set is:
- 2 saucepans, 1-quart and 3-quart
- 6-quart covered stockpot
- 2 skillets, 8-inch and 10-inch
- 3-quart covered sauté pan
- Spatula and large spoon
The pans have dual-riveted, rubberized stainless steel handles and shatter-resistant glass lids (the lids are not oven safe). And this cook set comes with a lifetime limited warranty.
Should you get this Rachael Ray set?
This is a nice looking cooking set, and anyone who wants to stay within their kitchen theme would probably love this set. It falls a little flat for me though because it can’t withstand the oven temperatures that I typically cook in. If you are only looking for sets to use on your stove-top, there is no reason not to go for these.
Cuisinart MCP-7N Multiclad Pro
This Cuisinart set comes in a 7-piece set. While that may not seem like much, because the set is made of high-grade stainless steel, it is useful in any cooking situation. Cuisinart gave this set an updated cast-stainless steel handle to help keep it cool to the touch for the duration of its use. Plus they are dual riveted to provide maximum strength.
Check out the Cuisinart Set for yourself at Amazon!
The rims of the pots, pans, and skillet taper to allow for drip-free pouring and allow the lids to sit perfectly on the pans creating a leak-free seal.
Let’s look at what is included in this cookware set:
- 1.5-quart saucepan with cover
- 3-quart saucepan with cover
- 8-quart stockpot with cover
- 10-inch skillet
All of these pans are dishwasher safe, but hand washing is recommended. If you do use the dishwasher, be sure to dry them immediately to prevent discoloration. These pans are oven safe and can withstand temperatures up to 550º.
Should you get the Cuisinart Cookware Set?
If you are looking for a set made from quality material that will last, you might like this set. It can handle pretty much any temperature that you will be cooking with. And it isn’t going to cost you an arm and a leg. I think you’ll enjoy this set from Cuisinart. This is the best overall deal, giving you adequate quality with a price that shouldn’t send you into sticker shock.
Next, check out my guide to the best Stovetop Kettle
All-Clad Stainless Steel 10-piece Cookware set
That thing I said earlier about sticker shock? Well this set will probably give you that. All-Clad is a company renowned for premium quality cooking products, which are going to outlast most of the people who use them. The downside to that is, you pay a premium price for that level of quality.
Here’s the All-Clad 10-piece set at Amazon.
The 3-ply construction bonds some of the strongest and most durable stainless steel with an encapsulated interior aluminum core. The aluminum provides superior heat distribution while the high-quality stainless steel provides the ability to withstand extremely high temperatures without bending or warping.
In the mood for stew? Here’s my review of the best Pot for Cooking Stew
This ten piece set includes:
- 8-inch fry pan
- 10-inch fry pan
- 2-quart and 3-quart saucepans with lids
- 3 quart saute pan with lid
- 8-quart stockpot with lid
These can withstand oven temperatures all the way up to 600º (without the lids on them) and come with a limited lifetime warranty.
Should you buy the All-Clad set?
If your number one priority is to get the best quality of cookware that money can buy, then this is clearly your best option.
Does your gas oven need a little love? Here’s my guide to the best Oven Cleaner for Gas Ovens
Wrap – Up
Getting the proper cookware for your stove is very important. Especially when using a gas cooktop since gas reaches very high temperatures. While it may feel like you save money by getting cheap cookware, it will only cost you in the long run. Any of these three sets will do the job.
But if you want the option to use your new pots and pans on your stovetop and in the oven, I would go with one of the stainless steel options. Unless you really like the brand name of All-Clad, the Cuisinart set will serve you and your gas cooktop well for many years to come.
Have you been considering a slow cooker? If so then we’ve got a cope of guides for you.
- A roundup of the best slow cookers for bone broth
- A list of the best large capacity slow cookers
Additional Resources
Image credit via Flickr Creative Commons: Janne H. and Conan
Because Brock is the tallest member of the team at 6 foot 5 inches, when he’s not thinking about food, he’s eating his favorites: pizza, burgers, tacos and burritos. He's always experimenting with the latest kitchen gadgets and exploring new techniques in the kitchen.