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We’ve corralled some of the best cooking sets no matter the material you’re looking for.

The best cookware sets feature a variety of pots and pans in one bundle, ensuring you stock up on the essentials all in one go. While price point often drives what we end up purchasing, there’s more to consider when looking for the best cookware sets than simply choosing what’s most affordable.

“When purchasing cookware, skill level in the kitchen and material are two important factors to keep in mind,” says Drew Chase, associate buyer for cookware at Williams Sonoma. Anyone who’s struggled to remove stuck-on food knows that the right material makes all the difference. But, there are many material options to choose from, Chase admits. So before you look to add cookware to your kitchen, it’s best to learn about what’s out there.

These are some materials to consider when looking for the best cookware:

Ahead, explore top-rated and expert-approved cookware sets to stock your kitchen and elevate your cooking. We can't wait to see the healthy recipes, easy appetizers, and other amazing creations you whip up with your new gear!

It seems too good to be true, we know. This eight-piece cookware set boasts 37,000 Amazon reviews and an almost perfect five-star rating. “Perfect. The sizes are great and overall quality is good too. Works just as well as the high-priced pans. Would recommend,” wrote one satisfied customer. Though, many reviewers note that the coating wears away after long-term use. So for the price you’re paying for this extensive nonstick set, it seems to be worth it!

Featuring a saucepan, frying pan, saute pan, and dutch oven, Caraway’s cookware set has the essentials. Made of nonstick ceramic, these are must-haves for a reason. “I love the blue color! They are the most energy-efficient pots and pans I have ever used,” said one happy customer. “Nothing sticks, no oil needed, and so easy to use on low heat. Such a joy to cook with! I love how the lids fit tightly, the coasters to set them on, and how neatly they all store in my cabinets. Win!”

This set comes with 10 pots and pans and is made with five-ply stainless steel. Amazon reviewers love the set, too. “This set is great. I recommend it to anyone looking to purchase stainless steel. After much research, I found the chefs all recommend the five-ply. It cooks up wonderful meals and cleans easily. No sticking and I used the pot for rice. Fabulous. Wish I would have made the investment bought this years ago,” wrote one satisfied customer.

Chase classifies this non-stick duo as a must-have for beginner cooks. It features two nonstick frying pans, in 8-inch and 10-inch diameters. Use these when you’re making your favorite scrambled eggs or cooking up some delicious grilled cheese.

Looking for a cookware set that checks off all the boxes, but doesn’t completely break the bank? This set by Rachel Ray features 10 nonstick pots and pans with pretty blue handles. Plus, all pieces are oven and dishwasher-safe, and the lids are shatter-resistant! 

This 16-piece cookware set has all of your needs covered fur just under $100. The set includes: 4-inch mini frying pan, 7-inch and 9.5-inch frying pans, 1 quart and 2-quart saucepans with lids, 5-quart stockpot with lid, 2.5-quart saute pan with lid, 7-stainless steel steamer, and four kitchen utensils.

This expansive set is dishwasher and oven safe (up to 400 degrees) and features a ton of pots and pans. You’ll get four frying pans with lids, a square griddle, three saucepans with lids, and a steamer insert. And, with over 8,000 reviews on Amazon, customers seem to love all it has to offer. “I love these pans! I bought them about two years ago and they are still in great shape. Nonstick is great, heat distribution is great. I take care to wash them by hand. Best pans I’ve had,” wrote one satisfied customer.

“For avid cooks, we recommend the Mauviel Copper M'200 CI 10-Piece Cookware Set which was the original copper cookware Chuck Williams brought to the US from France,” Chase says. At just under $2,000, this set is definitely for the professional.