Cookware

Frying Pans & Skillets

This all-purpose pan features moderately high, slightly-flared sides that are perfect for frying chicken, hash browns and more. nonstick skillets are great for omelettes and fish.

Saucepans

This versatile kitchen essential can be used to cook delicate sauces, reheat leftovers and cook sticky grains like rice and oatmeal.

Sauté Pans

While seemingly similar to fry pans, sauté pans feature higher, straighter sides and a flat bottom to accommodate meats, poultry, sandwiches and more. Nonstick surfaces are not preferred for sauté pans.

Multipots & Steamers

Multipots are similar in size and structure to soup or stockpots but feature steamer inserts for perfectly prepared veggies and more.

Dutch Ovens

The Dutch oven, with sides slightly shorter than it's total diameter, is best for slow cooking stews, braises, roasts and casseroles. Colorful cast-iron versions are great for oven-to-table serving.

Roasters

Large, rectangular roasting pans feature low sides so your entrée can easily absorb all of your oven's heat. A roasting rack will help elevate food above the cooking surface to let fats and juices drain away.

Griddles

Low sides and a large, flat cooking surface make griddles ideal for pancakes, toast, eggs and much more. Larger double-burner griddles are especially handy for family meals.

Grill Pans

Grill pans feature a ribbed cooking surface that raises food so fats can drain away; making grill pans the perfect pick for preparing steaks and hamburgers

Aluminum Cookware

Advantages

• Heats quickly
• Lightweight

Considerations

• Less durable
• Possible reaction with acidic foods
• Generally not dishwasher safe

Hard-Anodized Cookware

Advantages

• Even heat distribution
• Durable

Considerations

• Generaly not dishwasher safe

Tri-Ply Cookware

Advantages

• Even heat distribution
• Durable

Considerations

• Heavy
• More expensive

Cast-Iron Cookware

Advantages

• Even heat distribution
• Maintains heat
• Durable
• Seasons over time

Considerations

• Heavy
• Requires upkeep

Ceramic Cookware

Advantages

• Nonstick without traditional chemical process

Considerations

• Less durable

Copper Cookware

Advantages

• Maintains heat
• Attractive appearance

Considerations

• More expensive
• Less durable
• Requires upkeep

Stainless Steel Cookware

Advantages

• Lightweight
• Durable
• Resistant to stains and rust

Considerations

• Heats less evenly
• Heats slower

Is a heavier pot or pan always better than a light one? Top-of-the-line cookware is usually heavier than less expensive brands. The heavier a pot or pan is, the more securely it will sit on the stovetop. However, you do need to be able to lift it off the burner with ease. If it's too heavy for you, it could cause other hazards.

Is there one material for cookware that is recommended about the others? Each type of material can be very beneficial depending on your specific cooking application. No one type is universally the best. They all have advantages and disadvantages. See our cookware materials guide for more information.

In 18/10 stainless steel the 18 refers to the percentage of chromium that is found in the steel. It's important because it helps to fend off corrosion. The 10 refers to the percentage of nickel in the piece. This also fights against corrosion and helps give your cookware a shiny finish. You can also find 18/8 stainless stell.

Use pans with flat bottoms for the proper heating elements in a ceramic stove top to function optimally. For more information, consult your stove top manufacturer's guidelines and recommendations.

Heavy-gauge construction is a primary feature in great cookware. If it's not think enough, it's not going to conduct heat properly. Other features include stay-cool, oven-safe handles, even heat conductivity and a nonreactive cooking surface. Always be sure to look for features specific to your individual cooking needs.

What type of utensil works the best with cookware? This depends on the material your cookware is made of. Nonstick surfaces will scrath easily and should be used with nylon or wooden utensils. Copper, aluminum and stainless steel are very scratch-resistant, and could be used with metal utensils.