If you have an induction range or a portable induction cooktop then you are going to want the best induction cookware set that money can buy. Induction cookware is specific to induction burners but in some cases can work on other types of burners or open flame. However, some cookware that mare work on a gas stove, will not work on an induction burner because the cookware has to be compatible with induction burners. This is usually dependent on the type of material the cookware is made out of.
In this article, we will go over some of the types of induction cookware you could use as well as what to look for when purchasing the best induction cookware set. We will also go over some of the induction cookware sets available for purchase on the market today and which may be the best fit for you and your needs.
How to Choose the Best Induction Cookware Set
An induction cooktop will also heat up and cool down very quickly, more so than any other heat source. This allows you to heat your pans very quickly and cook food very fast. Boiling water happens in a matter of seconds to minutes depending on the size of the pot.
Induction cooktops are very selective about what kind of pots and pans can be used on them. For the Induction heat process to work, the pans need to be compatible with the induction burner for it to work.
For instance, the best types of pots and pans to use on an induction burner are going to be constructed of ferrous metals like iron, cast iron and in some cases, stainless steel. Other pots like copper and aluminum will not work on an induction burner.
However, there are some induction cooktops that can use all types of metal pans. If you do use a different type of metal the heat process will not be induction but rather a conventional burner.
Knowing what pans are and are not compatible with your induction range will help out immensely in the long run.
You will want to know how big of a set you will need for you and your kitchen. Cookware sets come in all sizes and numbers of pots included so it is best to know what you are after before you buy a bunch of pots and pans you will never ever use. Make sure whatever pots and pan you buy that they absolutely come with a warranty to protect them from damages and defects that may occur while in use. Induction cookware sets are not cheap so it is best to have them covered just in case something happens.
Construction and Design
The reason some cookware works on an induction cooktop and some don’t is because of how induction works.
Induction cooktops use a process to heat and cook food called electromagnetic induction. Electromagnetic induction is a process in which voltage is created between two compatible metals using a magnetic field. If you were to use any old pan such as an aluminum pan, the induction cooktop will automatically shut off and will not work. So, it is best to know what pans are and are not compatible.
When buying an induction cookware set, most times it will say on the box or page that it is either induction ready or induction compatible. But not all of them will say this. It is best to stick to the construction of stainless steel which is compatible with all induction burners. Cast iron or iron will also work on an induction burner but they can be hard to clean and take care of and they are also very large and heavy to move around. But, cast iron will last forever if treated properly.
If you are looking for non-stick cookware pots and pans then you need to look very carefully if it is compatible as well. Most non-stick pans are made from aluminum which is not compatible with an induction range. Most likely, the inner pan will be made of aluminum and then has a stainless-steel outer core to help with the compatibility of induction.
As far as design goes, there are several different looks and forms of pans. Just make sure you get the ones that you are most comfortable with using. No need in buying a set of cookware you don’t know how to use and are not familiar with.
Best Induction Cookware Sets
All-Clad BD005710-R D5 Brushed 18/10 Stainless Steel 5-Ply Bonded Cookware Set
The Best Induction Cookware Set
This awesome 10-piece induction cookware set includes 8” and 10” frying pans, 1.5 qt. and 3 qt. sauce pans with lids, a 3 qt. sauté pan with lid and an 8 qt. stockpot with lid. It does come with a lifetime warranty but this set is very expensive so may not be for everyone.
Each pan is constructed of 5 layers consisting of highly polished stainless-steel and conductive aluminum to create even heating throughout the pan. All the pans come with heat resistant handles and bolsters, stainless-steel flat lids and stainless-steel rivets for a tight fit. The pans are also dishwasher safe and oven safe for up to 600 degrees. These pans are also able to be used on any heat source burner for that matter.
- The pans are all dishwasher safe, oven safe up to 600 degrees and come with a lifetime warranty to protect it.
- All pans come with stainless-steel lids and heat resistant handles.
- The pans have been layered with stainless steel and conductive aluminum to create even heating.
- While it does come with a lifetime warranty, the pans are very expensive.
Calphalon Tri-Ply Stainless Steel 13-Piece Cookware Set
The Runner Up Induction Cookware Set
The next best thing comes with 8″, 10″ and 12″ omelet pans, 1 ½ and 2 ½ quart sauce pans with lids, 3-quart chef pan with a lid, 3-quart sauté pan with a lid and a 6-quart stock pot with a lid. This set costs less than half of the All-Clad set and also comes with a lifetime warranty.
The pans are not constructed as well as the first set which is why they are cheaper but they are still a great option. The pans are constructed of 2-ply stainless steel and come with glass tempered lids. The pans are all dishwasher safe and also oven safe for temperatures up to 450 degrees. The handles are also heat resistant to go from the oven to the stove with ease.
- The 13-piece induction set is constructed of 2-ply stainless steel to provide even heating throughout the pans.
- The pans are all dishwasher safe and oven safe for temperatures of up to 450 degrees.
- The pans all come with glass tempered lids and are all covered by a lifetime warranty.
- While they do cost less than the original set, their construction is not nearly as perfect as the other set.
Circulon 87529 Symmetry Hard Anodized Aluminum Cookware Set
The Best Non-Stick Induction Cookware Set
This 10-piece non-stick induction set includes 2 and 3-quart covered saucepans, 8-quart stockpot, 8-½ and 10-inch skillets and a 3-quart covered sauté pan. You are able to get this set for less than $300 but it does not come with a warranty to protect it from damages.
The pans are made from anodized aluminum which is twice as strong as stainless steel to create long lasting durability and strength. The pans have been coated in a special non-stick coating and are able to be used with metal utensils and remain non-stick. The pots and pans are all dishwasher safe and oven safe for temperatures up to 400 degrees.
- The pans are constructed of anodized aluminum and coated with a special non-stick coating for easy release of food.
- The pans are all dishwasher safe and oven safe up to 400 degrees.
- The pans are able to be used with metal utensils which most non-stick pans forbid using.
- The pans are reasonably priced but do not come with a warranty to protect them.
Viking Contemporary 3-Ply Stainless Steel Cookware Set
A Reasonable Induction Set
This set is a little more expensive than the runner up and it does not come with a warranty but still made with integrity. The set includes a 5 qt. Dutch Oven with a lid, 3 qt. sauté pan with a lid, 3 qt. sauce pan, 2 qt. sauce pan with a lid and 10″ and 8″ frying pans.
This 10-piece set is made from 3 ply stainless steel and glass tempered lids. The handles are heat resistant and the for easy transferring to the oven as well. The pans are all dishwasher safe and oven safe for temperatures up to 500 degrees.
- The pans are constructed of 3 ply stainless steel to create even heating throughout the pan.
- The handles are heat resistant.
- The pans are dishwasher safe and oven safe for temperatures up to 500 degrees.
- The set is a little more expensive than the runner up and it also does not come with a warranty to protect it.
Cuisinart MCP-12N Multiclad Pro Stainless Steel 12-Piece Cookware Set
The Best Deal Induction Cookware Set
This 12-piece set is just what any beginner or newbie would buy because it is a steal considering the price. The set includes 1 ½ and 3-quart covered saucepans, 8” and 10” skillets, 3 ½ quart covered sauté pan, 8-quart covered stockpot and a steamer insert with a lid.
The pans are constructed of 3 ply stainless-steel with a hard aluminum core to create even heating throughout the pans. The handles are heat resistant and the rivets are also stainless steel. The pans are all dishwasher safe and oven safe for temperatures up to 500 degrees. However, the set does not come with a warranty to protect it.
- The pans are constructed of 3-ply stainless steel with an aluminum core.
- The handles are heat resistant and all the lids are tight fighting and oven safe.
- The pans are all dishwasher safe and oven safe for temperatures of up to 500 degrees.
- The pans do not come protected by any warranty.
Cooks Standard 10 Piece Stainless Steel Multi-Ply Clad Cookware Set
The Basic Induction Cookware Set
Here is the standard of induction cookware no more, no less. The set includes 1 ½ and 3 qt. saucepans, 8 qt. stockpot, 4 qt. pot, 11” sauté pan, and a steamer insert all of which come with lids. The set is very inexpensive but also does not come with a warranty to protect it.
The pans are all constructed of stainless steel and fastened together with stainless steel rivets in place. The lids are also all stainless steel and flat to lock in moisture. The pans are all dishwasher safe and oven safe for temperatures of up to 500 degrees.
- The lids and pans are all constructed of stainless-steel which lock in moisture while cooking.
- The pans are dishwasher safe and oven safe for temperatures of up to 500 degrees.
- While the pans are very inexpensive, they do not come with a warranty to protect them.
Anolon Nouvelle Copper Stainless Steel Anolon Cookware Set
The Best-Looking Induction Cookware Set
This 10-piece set comes with all the pots and pans you will need. The set is available for about $300 and also comes with a lifetime warranty.
The pans are constructed of stainless steel with a European design to give a sheer elegance. The pans also have a 3-layer bottom with copper in the middle to create even heating. The pans are all dishwasher safe and oven safe with temperatures up to 500 degrees. The pans all come with lids that are deep seated to help tock in extra moisture with no boil overs.
- The pans are constructed of stainless steel with a 3-layer bottom of copper in the middle to promote even heating throughout the pans.
- All the pans are dishwasher safe and oven safe with temperatures up to 500 degrees.
- The pans all come protected by a lifetime warranty.
- The thin construction of stainless steel may make the integrity of the pan questionable and less durable.
T-fal C836SD Stainless Steel 13 PC Cookware Set
The Multiple Layer Cookware Set
In order to be able to be compatible with induction burners, a pot just has to have one type of metal that is cohesive, these pots use three different kinds. The induction cookware set is priced pretty high when compared to others sets and they do not come with any kind of warranties to protect them.
The set of cookware is constructed of 18/10 stainless steel that has an aluminum core and wrapped in several layers. This creates even heat distribution and excellent heat retention in the pan. The copper bottoms help the pans to get hotter faster. The set includes 13 pieces which are 8-inch frying pan, 10.5-inch frying pan and a 12-inch frying pan with a lid. Also included is a 1-, 2- and 3-quart saucepots all with lids, a 5-quart Dutch oven with a lid and a stainless-steel steamer basket.
The lids are constructed of tempered glass that are see through and able to lock in moisture and heat during the cooking process. They are also vented to release steam or pressure and the handles are cool to touch. The entire set is oven safe up to 500 degrees and is very easy to clean as everything is dishwasher safe.
- The 13-piece set of induction cookware is constructed of polished stainless steel and the base has an aluminum core to create fast and even heat distribution.
- The bottoms of the pans are copper plated to create excellent heat retention and the handles are constructed to be cool to touch and comfortable to control.
- The lids are constructed of tempered glass to be see-through and lock in moisture and heat during the cooking process but also able to vent to release steam and pressure.
- The induction cookware set is very expensive when compared to others and does not come with any kind of warranty to protect it.
GreenPan CC000675-001 Ceramic Nonstick Cookware Set
The Best Ceramic Induction Cookware Set
This set include 3 frying pans and 4 different sized pots with lids. The set is quite expensive compared to the other non-stick set and is also not covered by a warranty.
The 11-piece ceramic constructed set has an anodized reinforced body to make it suitable for all types of burners including induction. The inside is coated with a thermalon coating which makes is non-stick across the surface. The pans are dishwasher safe and oven safe for temperatures of up to 500 degrees. The lids are not oven safe but are tempered glass to see through.
- The pans are dishwasher safe and oven safe for temperatures up to 500 degrees.
- The ceramic constructed pans are coated with thermalon to create a non-stick surface.
- The lids are tempered glass for easy monitoring.
- There is no warranty and the set can be quite expensive.
- The pans are not very durable and may be prone to damages.
Tramontina 80101/203DS Gourmet Prima Stainless Steel Cookware Set
A Basic Set, But Too Expensive
This is another basic induction cookware set that was very similar to the other only this one is twice as expensive but this one does come with a lifetime warranty to protect it. The set includes an 8” frying pan, 10” frying pan, 5 ½ qt. sauté pan, 1 ½ qt. sauce pan, 2 qt. sauce pan, 3 qt. sauce pan and an 8 qt. stock pot. All the pots also come with lids.
The pans are all constructed of stainless steel and fastened together with stainless steel rivets in place. The lids are also all stainless steel and flat to lock in moisture. The pans are all dishwasher safe and oven safe for temperatures of up to 500 degrees.
- The induction cookware set is covered by a lifetime warranty.
- The lids and pans are all constructed of stainless-steel which lock in moisture while cooking.
- The pans are dishwasher safe and oven safe for temperatures of up to 500 degrees.
- The pans are very expensive considering the quality.
Conclusion
No matter what set of induction cookware you decide to go with, just make sure you are comfortable with it and that it is compatible with induction ranges and cooktops. The best induction cookware set is going to be expensive no matter what, so make sure the set is covered by a warranty. Otherwise, it may just be money thrown down the drain.