A good, durable, effective and efficient set of pots and pans creates the foundation for any kitchen. But sometimes, it can be more difficult than you think to find the best value for your unique needs.
Today’s pick? Since you asked…I like Rachel Ray’s Hard Enameled 10 piece set.
Some people buy pan sets that they only ever use 1 pan from. Some find that they need to replace the set after a short period of use. Others find the perfect set for them and just have great luck!
Take the guessing out of the equation by following this guide below. I found some of the top rated, most popular, and most tested pan sets that will give you a great value for your purchase. If you’re on a budget, but still looking for the best possible pans, you’ve come to the right place.
Best Overall: Cuisinart MultiClad Pro Stainless Steel 12-Piece Cookware Set
Cuisinart’s set is the best for the price because it’s made with durable, easy to clean, heat conducting stainless steel. Yet it is lightweight and comfortable to hold. It also has three layered construction with an aluminum core for superior and even heating. This is an extremely versatile set because the pieces are oven safe up to 550 ℉. The rims of the pots are designed for drip-free pouring, making all types of cooking a breeze.
Check out the Cuisinart MultiClad set at Amazon.
The 12 pieces in this set include a 1 ½ and 3 quart saucepans with lids, 8 and 10 inch skillets, a 3 ½ quart saute pan with its own cover, an 8 quart covered stockpot, and a steamer with a lid. You can also pick up the smaller 7 piece set at a fraction of the price if you don’t need as many pieces. This MultiClad Pro set gives you great, affordable value.
Best Seller: Vremi 15 Piece Nonstick Cookware Set
Vremi’s set holds the number 1 best seller spot at Amazon, and for good reason. You can’t beat the price plus the number of pieces and the quality of this cookware is incredible. Made from durable aluminum, the set features a nice nonstick coating with a sleek black design or for a few bucks more you can opt for a multi-colored set to jazz up your kitchen.
See the Vremi for your self at Amazon
In addition to the pots and pans you get with this set, Vremi includes 5 kitchen utensils as well. You get a non-stick spatula and ladle plus a few other handy kitchen tools. This is perfect for someone who is truly starting from scratch. Get this one and have all you need to get cooking instantly.
Budget Pick: Cook N Home 12-Piece Stainless Steel Cookware Set
Cook N Home offers excellent quality at a super low price. The stainless steel construction conducts heat well and the added capsulated bottom delivers even and thorough cooking. One of the defining characteristics of this set is its tempered glass lids, which let you see your food while it’s cooking. Also? Oven safe up to 350 degrees.
See the Cook N Home at Amazon.
This set includes a 1 ½ quart saucepan with its own lid, a 1 ½ quart, 2 quart, and 3 quart casserole pan with corresponding lids, a 5 ½ quart stock pot with its own lid, and a 10 inch frying pan with a lid.
Non-Stick/Aesthetic Pick: Rachel Ray Hard Enamel 10 Piece Cookware Set
If you want a nonstick set that brings a pop of color to your kitchen, this is a perfect budget set for you. With 7 different colors to choose from, you also get a hard enameled interior for each pot and pan. For added safety and cooking ease, the handles all have rubber grips. Glass lids let you peek on the action without letting the heat escape. The whole set can take the heat of a 350º oven.
See the Rachel Ray set at Amazon.
With 1 and 2 quart saucepans with lids, a 3 quart saute pan with a lid, 8 ½ and 10 inch skillets, and a 6 quart stock pot, this starter set will nicely outfit any kitchen. While the stockpot is smaller than average, it’s great for just starting out on a budget.
High-End Option: All-Clad Tri-Ply Stainless Steel 10 Piece Set
If you’re looking for a full luxury set on a budget, the All-Clad Tri-Ply stainless steel set is for you. The set is extremely durable and well made, and the cookware is suitable for both professional and home kitchen use. The only setback of this set is that the largest skillet is 10 inches, however with the quality of the rest of the pieces, you’ll be able to create beautiful dishes on a budget.
Here’s the All-Clad 10 piece set at Amazon.
Conclusion
If you want a great set of pots and pans, the options abound. Each of these will serve you well, and won’t break the bank. If I were in the market for a good set, I’d go with the Rachel Ray set. The colors will make a bold statement in your kitchen and hard enamel is a really great surface for cooking, yet this set isn’t crazy expensive.
Additional Resources
Image credit via Flickr Creative Commons: Aitor G. and Nate S.
