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When my oldest daughter discovered canned chicken soup, it quickly became her all-time favorite meal. Luckily, it’s the easiest thing to make. I mean, sometimes I toss in extra frozen veggies, but other than that it’s open the can, add water, and turn on the stove.
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Ayn-Monique Klahre
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There’s a quiet revolution happening in cookware. Instead of you going to the store and picking between brands, the brands want to come directly to you. Where you once would have bought your pots, pans, and Dutch ovens from Bed, Bath & Beyond or Macy’s, now suddenly there is a small but serious wave of direct-to-consumer options. What does that mean? Direct-to-consumer (DTC) is manufacturers and brands selling directly to you, cutting out the distributor and retailer middlemen, and therefore (supposedly, anyway!) saving you money. (Think: Casper, Away, and Warby Parker — only for pots, pans, and knives.)
We seem to hear about a new cookware DTC company at least once a month, as they rise quickly fueled by the ease of building a brand through turnkey online advertising and social media. These DTC companies often source their goods from the same factories that more longstanding name brands use, and sell them right to customers — mostly online, skipping the distributor network and retail stores like Williams-Sonoma and Crate & Barrel entirely. Many of these brands have venture capital funding and, to steal wording from Silicon Valley, nearly all of them want to “disrupt” the cookware space.
Curious how these new pieces would stack up against tried-and-true items from legacy brands like All-Clad and Le Creuset, we put Kitchn editors to work. We spent months testing dozens of pots and pans from dozens of brands and these are the pieces/sets we liked the best.
Have you tried any of these brands (or any other direct-to-consumer cookware companies)? Tell us what you think about DTC cookware brands in the comments below!
What our testers thought: “When Caraway’s cookware showed up on my doorstep I was immediately taken with the glossy cream finish, and the unique way the handles looked. The skillet and pot had a classy, elegant feel that is often lacking from hardcore cookware. I would have no problem bringing either the skillet or the pot straight to the table. (I also love how the heavy, handsome lid fits both pieces!)
But how do they perform? Really beautifully. They are heavy and heat evenly, and the nonstick performance is somewhere between a true nonstick skillet and a regular pan. Not completely stick-free (the eggs stuck a tiny bit) but still high performance and very pretty to look at.” — Faith Durand, Editor-in-Chief
Who this is for: The home cook who prefers nonstick — and good design.
What our testers thought: “I’m generally skeptical of products that claim to do more than one thing well, but the Always Pan from Our Place is quickly proving me wrong. This gorgeous pan comes complete with a lid, wooden spatula, and steamer basket. It’s slick enough to cook eggs (it has a light gray nonstick coating) and deep enough to handle one-pot pasta dinners. The removable steamer basket is wider than the awkward (and frustrating!) steamer basket I usually use, and I found that foods steamed more quickly and evenly because they weren’t piled atop one another. My only complaint: Even though it would be the perfect frittata pan, the pan isn’t oven-safe. Bonus: It’s mighty lighter than it appears. Its textured coating tricked my brain into thinking it would be heavy like cast iron, but it’s way easier to pick up.” — Patty Catalano, Contributor
Who this is for: Anyone who’s just starting out, has a tiny kitchen, or is looking to jump on board with that whole #vanlife trend.
What our testers thought: “To say I’m obsessed with Made In might be the biggest understatement of the year. These made-in-America stainless steel pots look, feel, and cook with the same quality as the All-Clad pots and pans I’ve been using for years. The Sous Chef set is robust but perfectly thought-out with the right-sized pans for your most common cooking tasks. There’s a nonstick pan perfect for scrambling eggs, a 2-quart pot ideal for rice and grains, and possibly my most-used pan of the set, an 8-quart soup pot that is as good for stock as it is for braising a pork shoulder. All of these pieces are stovetop-to-oven safe. I also really appreciate that the whole set was sent with minimal packaging and everything but a few tiny strings could be recycled. The tags for each pot can actually be planted to grow herbs!” — Meghan Splawn, Associate Food Editor
Who this is for: A newly serious home chef who wants the flexibility of lots of pieces to play with.
Note: The Sous Chef set is no longer available, but we have linked a similar set above!
What our testers thought: “I wasn’t joking when I called this The New $99 Pan That Everyone Should Own. You need this even if you have no plans to host a Thanksgiving dinner any time soon. Although you can use other roasting pans for things beyond roasting, this pan is especially versatile because it’s got super-high walls, features stainless steel handles (that are angled for holding and tenting tinfoil), and is oven safe up to 1,200 degrees (!!!). So beyond poultry, this pan is really great for roasting vegetables, braising, baking, making deep casseroles, and so much more.” — Meghan
Who this is for: Anyone who hosts even one major holiday meal or makes roasted vegetables and/or casseroles on the regular.
What our testers thought: “This nine-piece set comes with five of the most useful skillets and pots (and the lids to fit each!) you’ll need to stock your kitchen. It includes 10- and 12-inch skillets, a 3-quart saucier, a 3-quart high-sided sauté pan, and an 8-quart stockpot. In general, a 12-inch skillet is my most-used pan and Misen’s version has steep sloping sides that easily contained sizzling grains of fried rice. The handles are sleek, comfortable, and don’t overheat. The handles on the lids also stayed much cooler (even atop boiling water). In some other tests, a pair of oversized pork chops seared golden-brown on the stovetop and finished in the oven in the 3-quart sauté pan, and the 3-quart saucier (which is taller than the All-Clad one I usually use) was the right size for cooking a small batch of rice or a box of mac and cheese.
While Misen boasts dishwasher-safe cookware, I opt to wash all of my cookware by hand. I noticed some discoloration on the shiny steel surface even after drying the pans immediately, but that’s not a deal-breaker for me (nothing a little Barkeeper’s Friend can’t fix!). Overall, I was impressed with the quality of the pans and the comfort of the handles. Even though I’ve been cooking with a set of All-Clad pans for over a decade, I found myself reaching for Misen’s saucier and stockpot instead. If you’re looking for a stainless cookware set that has more than the bare basics, Misen’s Essentials Cookware Set deserves your consideration.” — Patty
Who this is for: Anyone who wants to nerd out over their cookware.
What our testers thought: “As soon as I heard about Material’s new 29 line (a nod to copper, the periodic table’s 29th element), I couldn’t wait to try out the two pans, which both feature a copper core for even heat distribution and retention.
The first — The Coated Pan — is a nonstick pan, which boasts a teflon-free, fume-free coating and comes in the most gorgeous shade of emerald green. Because I eat eggs on an almost-daily basis, I christened my new pan with two crispy olive oil fried eggs. I barely needed any olive oil, as the eggs crisped up perfectly and slid right out onto my plate. I’ve also since made a perfect, fluffy frittata — with no stuck-on bits of egg left behind — that I started on the stovetop and finished in the oven. Pancakes in this pan came out golden-brown and again slipped effortlessly onto the awaiting platter.
The second pan — called The Classic Pan — is sold out, but it’s a sleek, stunning five-ply stainless steel number that comes in two sizes (12 inches and 10.5 inches). I love that it has high, sloped sides — perfect for making my “famous” (according to my husband) marinara. I started by sautéing some onions in olive oil until they were nice and golden, then added my garlic, crushed tomatoes, and fresh herbs, and let everything simmer for a bit. Pouring the finished sauce out onto my pasta was a breeze, too. When I made a pan-seared salmon, the pan went effortlessly from stovetop to oven (it’s safe up to 500 degrees F).
The best part of both of these pans? They can BOTH go in the dishwasher, which is very important to me!.” — Lauren Kodiak, Managing Editor
Who this is for: Anyone looking to outfit their entire kitchen with quality gear without breaking the bank.
What our testers thought: “After putting the Kana through its paces — making stews, braises, pasta sauce, and soup — I am into this Dutch oven. It feels sturdy, cooks evenly, cleans up easily, and hasn’t stained, scratched, or chipped. It performed as well as my Le Creuset and Staub, with minor differences in browning and evaporation that, in the end, didn’t affect the deliciousness of my meals. Its clean, elegant design goes with any kitchen, and although it might not come in as many colors as the big guys, I really like the simple look of this one. And getting white instead of, say, a bright yellow seems like a small sacrifice for such a well-made and well-priced pot.” — Danielle Centoni, Contributor
Who this is for: Anyone who wants a Dutch oven but can’t seem to get over those giant price tags on the classic French brands.
What our testers thought: “If you want something even prettier than the Milo and still less expensive than the big names, go with Great Jones. The shiny gray enamel interior splits the difference between Le Creuset’s white enamel and Staub’s black matte enamel. The light enamel makes it easier to make sure foods aren’t burning. Like its two main competitors, The Dutchess is oven-safe to 500 degrees; works on gas, electric, and induction burners; and is dishwasher-safe. It even comes with a similar limited lifetime warranty. With its glam look, solid performance, and palatable price tag, The Dutchess definitely lives up to its name.” — Danielle
Who this is for: Anyone who wants a Dutch oven but can’t seem to get over those giant price tags on the classic French brand — and ALSO cares deeply about design.
What our testers thought: “I’ve been wanting a stainless steel pan for a while now, for caramelizing onions or getting a nice sear on veggies. That being said, I don’t cook meat, so I knew I wouldn’t be turning to it daily, and therefore probably wasn’t the right candidate for a super-expensive pan (like All-Clad). This set has proven to be perfect for my needs. The skillet can easily go from stovetop to oven (and is so much lighter than my cast iron), and I love that I can pop all the pieces right into the dishwasher. I’ve been heating up soup in my 1.5-quart saucepan, making rice in the 3-quart one, and I can’t wait to make stock in the 8-quart one. These pieces actually remind me of the pans we used in culinary school, which makes me feel like a restaurant chef every night at home.” — Grace Elkus, Deputy Food Director
Who this is for: Home cooks who need the essentials but aren’t interested in spending time building any sort of collection from scratch.
What our testers thought: “This is one of the most nonsticky nonstick skillets I’ve ever used. We make a lot of eggs in my house, so it’s had plenty of use these last few months and eggs still glide out as smoothly as they did on Day One. I like that you can get it with or without the lid (if you make over-easy eggs, pay the extra $10 to get the lid and then you won’t have to flip the egg!). And even though it’s got 5-ply construction, it’s not too heavy for my weak little wrists. For what it’s worth, I’m also a fan of this 4-quart sauté pan. All the pieces are made in Italy, too.” — Lisa Freedman, former Lifestyle Director
Who this is for: Minimalists who care about deep-rooted traditions — and have a penchant for Italy.
What our testers thought: “I’ve never cooked on the stovetop with anything other than the random assortment of nonstick pans that I’ve picked up over the years, so this Brandless Stainless Steel Cookware set was a complete departure for me. After adjusting to the learning curve of cooking with stainless, I fell in love. You can tell immediately that the 5-ply cookware is high-quality because it’s so sturdy. I love that I can sear my food on the stove and finish it off in the oven, which is something I can’t do with my nonstick pans. Because of their sloped design, these handles are super comfortable to hold (just be careful when the pan is hot!). If you need me, you can find me making soups in the giant stockpot, braising chicken thighs in the lidded sauté pan, or just, you know, staring at my new pots.” — Lauren Masur, Staff Writer
Who this is for: Home cooks who like a bargain and value quality more than brand names.
Note: The Stainless Steel Cookware Set is no longer available but you can shop individual pots and pans at the links above.
About the brand: The Steckling brothers sought out to improve on traditional cast iron when they started Marquette Castings. Originally, the cast iron pieces were made in China, but they’ve since been moved to Michigan. Here in the states, they’re made through a labor-intensive process (called investment casting!), which the company says is the best way to make a high-quality casting with thinner walls and smoother surfaces. Now, they make two sizes of cast iron skillets, enameled cast iron pieces, a carbon steel skillet, and a cute leather handle sleeve.
What our testers thought: “This is not a small skillet! I found myself wishing I had more mouths to feed when I took it out of the box. The 13-inch diameter did have a little trouble fitting on my regular-sized electric burners, but it was manageable. Interestingly, despite its size, it only weighs a little more than my regular 10-inch cast iron skillet and really felt pretty lightweight to handle. The cast iron is thinner, which explains the weight, so it holds heat a little differently than a thicker cast iron skillet. While I didn’t love this for steaks (it didn’t give the crusty sear I was looking for), it was amazing for pancakes (there’s plenty of space to cook three or four at a time) and I’m excited to make paella in it this weekend!” — Sheela Prakash, Senior Contributing Food Editor
Who this is for: Anyone who wants to upgrade their cast iron.
Note: The No.13 Skillet is currently out of stock, but you can shop other pieces, including the best-selling Carbon Steel Skillet, today.
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Lisa Freedman
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If you’re not already slotting steak into your meal plan once in a while, I’m here to encourage you to do just that, be it date night at home or a random Wednesday night. There’s no need to go out for steak when you can make a delicious steak dinner from the comfort of your own home. You can keep it light with a steak fajita salad, or switch things up and make a sirloin steak sandwich.
Whether you fire up the grill, cook it on a sheet pan under the broiler, or sear it in a skillet along with potatoes or a quick pan sauce, getting steak on the table during the week is a totally doable affair. In fact, it can seem intimidating, but a really good steak dinner is a lot faster and easier to cook up than you might think. Here are 42 steak recipes to make for dinner any night of the week — no special occasion required.
For cuts like hanger steak, flank steak, and steak tips, a quick sear in a screaming-hot pan on the stovetop is all you need to get dinner on the table.
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Whether you’re cooking up skewers, foil packs, or a marinated flank, it’s truly hard to beat a steak dinner from the grill.
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When you want a more hands-off cooking method, turn on the broiler and grab a baking sheet or your cast iron skillet to cook your steak in the oven.
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Kelli Foster
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You don’t have to be Jacques Pepin to make a perfect omelette (although that would certainly help). All you really need to get the job done right is a trusty nonstick pan. But what is one to do if they’re missing that one magical pan from their arsenal? Well, that’s what we’re here for. We turned to Amazon to find the most beloved nonstick pan on the site and came across one you probably haven’t heard of, but are sure to fall for, too.
Enter: the Ozeri 8″ Stone Frying Pan, a scratch-resistant, die-cast aluminum pan with a magnetized bottom and a heat-resistant, silicone-coated handle that make it truly a force to reckon with. With an almost five-star rating, it’s beloved. The 8-incher, perfect for omlettes and other small foods, costs just $27. However, if you’re looking for something bigger, you’ll be jazzed to know it comes in 8-, 10-, and 12-inch options as well as seven different color options. So what is Amazon saying about this pan? Let’s take a look.
So what is it about the Ozeri 8″ Stone Frying Pan that has shoppers stocking up on this pan? Unlike most pans, this pick is a non-stick induction-safe beauty that uses a stone-derived coating from Germany that is 100% free of APEO, GenX, PFBS, PFOS, PFOA, and the lesser known chemicals NMP and NEP for some of the safest, eco-friendly cooking around. This coating is not only eco-friendly, its scratch-resistant, super easy to clean, and features a lovely speckled design for some extra flair.
With its solid construction and $27 pricetag, it’s no wonder over 200 people have bought the Ozeri 8″ Stone Frying Pan just in the last month. Top that off with glowing reviews to match and it’s definitely a pick we can get behind. Matter of fact, it may have just found a home on my stove — time for an omlette.
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Lauren Masur
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The quest for a nonstick pan that can actually stay nonstick for the long haul can feel, well, kind of futile. Get a new pan, then fall in love as your eggs go slipping and sliding onto your plate — but give it just a few months and you’re back to chiseling bits off the bottom again. Of course, failing to care for the pans properly is a big reason why they just don’t last that long (back away from the metal utensils!), but it’s just a matter of fact that, eventually, the coatings will get stickier over time. In addition, concerns about chemicals in PTFE (aka Teflon) coatings getting vaporized into the air at high temperatures has lured many shoppers away from traditional nonstick. Although these coatings are deemed safe and have been free of harmful PFOAs since around 2015, consumers are still wary.
Ceramic cookware has emerged as one of the most popular alternatives, but it’s known to lose its nonstick properties after just a few months of use. So when Material Kitchen, one of the many Kitchn favorite direct-to-consumer cookware brands, launched a nonstick a Teflon-free pan purported to last 37 times longer than ceramic last year, well I just had to try it out. And guess what? It’s just as good as new, after a year plus of daily use. But the good news doesn’t stop there! You can get ahold of this MVP pan for 20 percent off on Material’s site right now from now until November 29. All you need to do is add the essential to your cart (along with maybe the brand’s fan-favorite reBoard and our editor-loved knives, they shouldn’t be missed) and score the discount, easy!
When I unboxed it all those months ago, I also couldn’t help noticing how pretty it is, with its shiny stainless-steel bottom and emerald green surface. In a sea of black and gray, this 10.5-inch sauté pan is quite fetching.
The first time I held the essential, I noticed it’s decently heavy for a nonstick pan. At 2.78 pounds, it’s just a little lighter than an All-Clad skillet of the same size (by comparison the 10-inch nonstick skillets I already had in my cabinets were closer to 2 pounds 4 ounces). It makes sense considering the pan is built similarly — 5-ply construction with a copper core for even heating. (For what it’s worth, Material’s Coated Pan is decently more expensive than cheap-o nonstick pans but at least half the price of an All-Clad.) If you like a super lightweight nonstick pan this might not be the one for you, but I loved how substantial it felt and figured its heft meant there’s less chance this pan is going to warp.
The company calls the coating “mineral nonstick,” fume-free, as well as PFOA-free (again, all nonstick pans are now), Teflon-free, lead-free, and cadmium-free. It’s reinforced with stainless steel, which is why it lasts so much longer than ceramic. And don’t forget, it has that copper core. I’ve used it every day for a year and a half and it’s still as slippery as the day I took it out of the box.
The pan heats up fast. In a test of how quickly it heated a cup of water compared to other nonstick and ceramic pans, using the same burner and same flame level for all, the Coated Pan clocked in at less than a minute, while the others took about 30 seconds longer to get the water simmering. It was also noticeably more even in its heat. The water began simmering evenly all around the edges almost at the same time. The other pans started in one area and it took longer for the heat to spread.
I cooked pancakes without any oil or butter in the pan and they cooked perfectly golden and even, with no sticking. Even when I added sliced bananas and chocolate chips there was no sticking. I also fried up a bunch of eggs and made omelettes and crepes and they all slid out perfectly. When frying tofu not a single cube stuck and they cooked up crisp and evenly golden from the center to the very edge of the pan. And because the pan is oven safe to 500 degrees, I was able to cook up a frittata and let it get a finishing stint in the oven.
Supremely even heat, a truly nonstick surface, and a beauty to look at. All in all, I’m very impressed with the Coated Pan. In fact, it might just be my favorite piece of cookware I’ve owned to date.
Do you have a favorite nonstick pan? Tell us about it in the comments below.
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Danielle Centoni
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Get ready to tackle holiday baking mayhem with Pyrex’s essential glass mixing bowl set — an essential addition to every home chef’s arsenal. It’s no wonder so many go wild for Pyrex: It’s high-quality cookware, has glowing reviews, and has a culinary legacy that spans a century. Not only is this set popular, but it’s a steal at a mere $18 for three. That’s probably less than what you spend on your baking ingredients alone! So, if you’re serious about whipping up sensational desserts without draining your bank account, these mixing bowls are your kitchen savior. Join the Pyrex fan club and elevate your holiday baking game without wreaking havoc on your budget — because who doesn’t love scoring a sweet deal in the kitchen?
The versatile set includes a 1-quart, a 1.5-quart, and a 2.5-quart bowl, skillfully designed for easy nesting and convenient storage. Pyrex offers customers the assurance that these bowls are not only easily stowed away but also pre-heated oven-, microwave-, fridge-, freezer-, and dishwasher-safe. Their functionality means that you can confidently tackle a wide range of cooking or baking tasks with ease.
For only $17.95, Pyrex’s bowl set comes in three sizes (1 to 2.5 quarts), is easy to stack, and is perfect for anything from baking to leftovers. Plus, it’s tough enough for the oven, microwave, fridge, freezer, and dishwasher. Basically, it’s your all-in-one kitchen sidekick!
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Haley Lyndes
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Great news for meat lovers! If you’re struggling to find your favorite meats at the local grocery store, worry not — we’ve compiled a list of fantastic options from butchers, farmers, and other meat suppliers that ship nationwide. Whether you’re in the mood for classic choices like minced beef and chicken breast or want to explore specialty cuts, seasoned meats, or convenient pre-cooked options, these websites have a variety to suit your preferences.
Many of these brands also prioritize sustainability, offering high-quality, ethically sourced meats at affordable prices. What’s more, several provide competitive shipping rates, and some even offer free shipping, ensuring you can replenish your monthly meat stash without straining your budget. Enjoy quality meats while supporting responsible and affordable options for your kitchen!
Snake River Farms is another fantastic option for sourcing high-quality meat, and their team also values sustainability and ensures the animals are treated well. Right now, you can get a special discount on select meats — plus free shipping on orders $249 and over — using code BFSHIP.
Did we miss out on your favorite online meat store? Let us know in the comments below and we’ll keep updating the list!
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Sholeen Damarwala
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After testing several different methods, we found that both carbonated water and a mix of water, oil, and baking powder were the best egg substitutes. These two methods both delivered decent results during testing and created baked goods that were airy and fluffy in texture.
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Julissa Roberts
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We independently select these products—if you buy from one of our links, we may earn a commission. All prices were accurate at the time of publishing.
What’s a great sheet pan, though? Well, say hello to the bestselling sheet pan on all of Amazon: the Nordic Ware Natural Aluminum Commercial Baker’s Big Sheet. It’s sturdy, is guaranteed to never rust or warp, and also boasts superior heat conductivity (so you don’t have to worry about pesky hot spots). Oh, and we almost forgot, it’s only $16!
Made from pure aluminum, the Nordic Ware Natural Aluminum Commercial Baker’s Big Sheet is designed to last a lifetime. Aside from its durable, never-rust never-warp design, it’s also larger than the average sheet pan, holding more food than a standard sheet, allowing everything to bake and brown evenly. This workhorse also just so happens to be the go-to sheet pan of Angela Davis, the blogging extraordinaire behind The Kitchenista Diaries. We chatted with her recently and she confessed, “I love my heavy-duty sheet pan. Don’t just use a regular cookie sheet — there’s a big difference in the way they perform.”
Normally $28, you can save 44 percent on this baking sheet right now and nab it for just $16. So whether it’s for your next sheet pan dinner for a batch of your famous chocolate chip cookies, we think you’re going to love this sheet pan. After all, 8,000+ shoppers can’t be wrong, right?
Do you have baking sheets that you love? We want to hear all about them! Tell us about your favorite finds in the comments below.
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Lauren Masur
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We independently select these products—if you buy from one of our links, we may earn a commission. All prices were accurate at the time of publishing.
Fact: Just because a package or product listing describes a cookware set as induction-safe, that doesn’t mean it will actually cook well on an induction stovetop. In a lot of cases, the pot will heat up, but won’t actually cook evenly or quickly. And that’s clearly not great.
In order for cookware to work AT ALL on an induction cooktop, pots and pans must be made of — or incorporate — magnetic steel. The easiest way to tell if something makes the cut is to test the bottom with a magnet. If the magnet sticks, the pot will heat up on an induction burner.
Having said that, there are two types of induction-safe cookware: the type that features the same materials (like cast iron, stainless steel, or aluminum that’s encased in stainless steel) throughout the entire pan, and induction-safe cookware that feature walls made out of one material and a special magnetic disc on the bottom.
Tip: You will get much better results if you choose a pan that’s the same size as the circle on your induction cooktop.
Regular stovetops heat pots and pans through contact. Flames or electrical heating elements generate heat, and that heat is transferred through contact from the burner to the base of the pot in a process known as thermal conduction.
Induction cooktops do not generate heat. Instead, induction burners have a coiled wire just below the ceramic surface, which generates an oscillating magnetic field. The electrons move around, creating an electric current, which in turn generates heat in the pot. Science!
Got it? Now, keep reading to find out which sets are the best to buy.
The Best Induction Cookware Set
This gorgeous cookware set costs a pretty penny, but it should last you a lifetime. Each piece has a thick base that extends all the way to the edges (unlike other pots and pans that have more rounded walls), making perfect contact with an induction cooktop and giving you even browning all across the bottom.
You’ll also find rims that help prevent spills and inside measurement marks, so you know just how much milk to add to chocolate pudding without pulling out a measuring cup. The lids fit tightly, which is great for steaming rice. Profi can go in the oven up to 425°F for cooking a frittata and is safe for dishwasher cleaning, although, like all stainless steel, it may take a bit of hand work to keep it in pristine condition.
Second opinion: “Flawless, heavy-duty, high-quality!” says one reviewer. “The pots are well worth the money. They are made so well, they will probably last a few lifetimes before I can use their warranty. The lids are heavy, so you won’t have to worry about the boiling pot spitting all over your oven. The pots boil so evenly, there is no hotter spot … even heat all the way. And these pots do not cool down fast — they keep the food hot (not warm) for at least one to two hours. The handles also stay cool. Best thing is I won’t have to worry about replacing/buying pots again. Excellent product from trusty brand.”
The Best Budget-Friendly Induction Cookware Set
With a layer of copper in addition to aluminum inside the base, this collection gives absolutely even heating on an induction burner. The pots have a pretty-yet-functional tulip shape and the fry pans are deep and flared, which makes them great for both simmering a chicken stew and rolling out an omelet.
And because they can go in the oven to 500°F, you can crisp up a topping on a skillet casserole or brown off a piece of fish. Here, too, you’ll have to work a bit to keep the surfaces stain-free. And if you want the thin rim of copper around the base to stay shiny, you’ll need to pull out the copper polish. That said, it’s not all that hard to keep these looking like new.
Second opinion: “I got this set for my mom and she’s had zero complaints. And trust me, I’d hear about it if she did,” joked former Lifestyle Director, Lisa Freedman. “Plus, I get to cook with this stuff every time I go to visit and I’m impressed time after time. I have a gas stove and am considering getting myself a set, too.”
The Best Nonstick Induction Cookware Set
This cookware offers great performance on induction burners combined with easy use and care. With silicone handles, they’re super comfy to hold when you’re flipping mushrooms or serving up tomato soup. A nonstick coating on both the inside and the outside makes cleanup a breeze, whether you’re washing by hand or machine. You can choose between basic black, chocolate brown, or merlot for the exterior.
Second opinion: “Love this cookware!” says one reviewer, “Lives up to all my expectations — truly nonstick, no need for a spray, washes easily, cooks evenly. And I don’t have to yell at my husband anymore for using metal utensils and ruining the cookware — it does NOT scratch!”
For more than 30 years, I was in charge of testing and reporting on everything from wooden spoons to connected refrigerators at the Good Housekeeping Institute. I’ve walked the floors of every trade show and read every new product release for longer than most digital publications have existed!
My street cred? I also worked as a chef in New York City restaurants for seven years.
I’ve tested, used, and played with nearly every piece of kitchen gear (including pots and pans) to come on the market for years. When it comes to gear, it takes a lot to impress me, and I know what actually works.
I’ve tested what feels like every piece of induction cookware on the market (at all the price points, low to high!) and these are my all-time favorites. But you don’t have to take my word and my word alone, either. Kitchn editors — a unique hybrid of professionals and home cooks, who develop and test great recipes in real home kitchens — and real Amazon shoppers weighed in on some of these picks too, testing my favorites in the context of their actual home cooking.
After all, when it comes to kitchen gear, what matters is that it works for a home cook — not just that a chef endorses it, or that it passed some high-flying bar in a sterile test kitchen. You want gear that is above all, practical, long-lasting, and mindful of real cooks, real kitchens, and real budgets.
Do you have an induction cooktop? If so, what are the pots and pans that you use? Tell us in the comments below!
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Sharon Franke
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We independently select these products—if you buy from one of our links, we may earn a commission. All prices were accurate at the time of publishing.
From a truckload of house plants to a DIY knit-your-own-blanket kit to a sunlounger (even though I don’t have an inch of outdoor space), I have made more than a few questionable shopping decisions over the past few years. But the heftiest of all? A $750 Breville espresso machine that I impulsively bought way back during a midnight shopping spree amid quarantine. First, let me say that I realize I am lucky that I have a job and a steady paycheck. And that this is the most expensive kitchen gadget I have ever owned. But despite my rushed decision, I don’t regret this indulgence at all. On the contrary, it might be the best thing I have done for myself in a very long time.
You see, I, like many, used to start my day with a quick latte stop at my local coffee shop and followed that up with several cups of coffee throughout the day once I got to the office. All this is to simply say that I love my coffee and can’t function without it. So back when WFH orders were issued and coffee shops temporarily shut down, I was left to my own devices to supply my daily coffee needs, and let me tell you, copious cups of black coffee made in a French press can get old rather quickly. But ever since I picked up the Breville Barista Express Espresso Machine, I have been able to enjoy a huge variety of cafe-style brews right at home — and I couldn’t be happier.
The Breville Barista Express Espresso Machine is a workhorse; it pulls espresso shots like a total pro, while the steam wand (it does a 360-degree swivel!) heats and froths milk for delicious cappuccinos, lattes, and more. I also really love that it has a built-in water heater so I can simply top my espresso shot with piping hot water for a cup of black coffee or make a cup of tea without using a kettle. During hot days, I swap hot water for tap and ice cubes for a refreshing cold brew. It truly does it all.
While the machine does look intimidating, it’s actually incredibly easy to use. Once I set it up to suit my grind size (thank you, YouTube tutorials), I was able to whip up a cup of coffee within minutes: Turn on the power, use the puck to get the right amount of freshly ground beans, pull an espresso shot, and then use the milk wand to create just the desired amount of froth and heat. Easy!
This machine comes with everything you need, including a bean hopper and grinder, a tamper, four filter baskets, a steel milk jug, a coffee scoop, a razor dose trimming tool, and even cleaning supplies for when it’s time to descale the machine. Although I was worried the coffee maker would take up too much counter space in my tiny kitchen, it has a very compact footprint. And my favorite feature? The top portion works like a mug warmer. Let me tell you, nothing beats the joy of wrapping my fingers around a warm mug before the start of a hectic workday.
This coffee maker has also given me the flexibility to choose my own beans, milk, sugar, and toppings rather than rely on whatever is available at the coffee shop. For instance, I used to stick to regular milk and brown sugar, but now I use oat milk and coconut sugar, which feels like such an upgrade. I have also experimented with tons of coffee beans and discovered so many new flavors and favorites.
Our Managing Editor, Lauren, also bought this espresso maker during quarantine and is still equally smitten. “My husband and I are new parents, so our espresso machine is our most beloved appliance right now,” she says. “When we’re groggy-eyed and sleep-deprived, we know we can have a perfect shot of espresso with basically a push of a button. Also, being able to have an oat milk latte without leaving our house now is such a treat!” Agreed!
At $699.95, the Breville Barista Express Espresso Machine is definitely a significant investment, but think of all the money you’ll save creating all your favorite café-style drinks at home! Plus, if you’re looking for the perfect way to spoil the coffee lover in your life this holiday season, I can guarantee this pick will put a smile on their face — it’s still putting one on mine!
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Sholeen Damarwala
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“About three years ago I saved up and bought a Thermapen for about $100 because the reviews were excellent. I have used it ever since, and love it. I wanted another, less-expensive one for travel, so I took a chance, and got this one. As soon as I got it, I wanted to test the speed and accuracy. I tried it, side by side, on some bread just coming out of the oven. They showed the same temp within a second of each other. I tried it again this morning on boiling water for my tea. Exactly the same temp in exactly the same amount of time. I don’t know if it will hold up long-term, but I’m really happy.”
“The product is plastic, so my first thought was that it was a cheap product. To my surprise, this thermometer works like the ThermaPen — at a fraction of the cost. It is handy and gives the temperature close enough to instantly for my satisfaction. The probe pops out with the push of a button. There is a simple on/off button to save on battery life, which uses a standard AAA (included) and not an expensive button type. Great addition to my kitchen.”
“I waited to write a review because I wanted to really test it before drawing any conclusions. I’ve used this on pork roasts, a turkey, a couple of baked chickens, and candy. I compared the temps on this device with those from an older, differently branded thermometer, and they are nearly identical. I’d say it’s as accurate as any other similarly priced thermometer and a bit better than my old, more expensive one. It’s easy to clean, small for storage, and comes with a hook for hanging, which make it a great kitchen tool. I would definitely buy it again and would happily recommend it to anyone looking for a food thermometer.”
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Lauren Masur
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Want crispy bread and gooey cheese every time you make a grilled cheese? Your air fryer is the answer.
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Meghan Splawn
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We independently select these products—if you buy from one of our links, we may earn a commission. All prices were accurate at the time of publishing.
As a former professional chef and a long-time equipment tester, I have an arsenal of kitchen knives of all kinds, brands, and price points. And I have to admit: I’m partial to ones that cost upwards of $100. So, when I tested chef’s knives that sell for $25 or less, my main concern was that I wasn’t going to like any of them. Turns out, I liked three of them — and would even go as far as to say I loved one of them.
I rounded up a sampling of 10 inexpensive knives from popular and reputable manufacturers, and put them to the test: slicing ripe tomatoes, chopping onion, mincing garlic, fileting steak, and more! Here are the ones I liked best.
Do you have an inexpensive chef’s knife that you love? Tell us about it in the comments below.
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Sharon Franke
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