6+ Best Induction Cookware Sets In 2023 (& Tough Non-Stick)
Looking for the best induction cookware sets?
You've arrived at the right place.
We've tested 6 cookware sets that work on your induction cooktop.
You'll be able to cook with more heat and get out of your kitchen quicker.
Ready?
Let's dive in!
Our Top Picks At A Glance
Cookware | Benefits | Price | |
---|---|---|---|
BEST OVERALL SET | Made In Cookware 11-piece “Kitchen Sink” Set |
| |
BEST HEAT CONTROL SET | Anolon Nouvelle Copper Hard Anodized Nonstick 11-Piece Induction Cookware Set |
| |
BEST OVERALL PANS | Ozeri Stone Earth Frying Pan |
| |
BEST PERFORMANCE PANS | All-Clad HA1 Hard Anodized Nonstick Frying Pans |
| |
BEST BUDGET PANS | Cook N Home 8 and 10-Inch Sautee Skillet |
|
Who Is This For?
Induction cookware sets are for those who own an induction cooktop. If you aren't sure you have an induction cooktop or not, take a look in your kitchen and see whether you have a smooth black surface used for cooking. Odds are if you do, you have an induction cooktop.
The Criteria: How We Choose The Best Induction Cookware Sets
In order to find the best induction cookware, we had to balance quality, price and operation. Quality was determined by examining in depth the handles, lids, and cookware construction. The price was determined by the average price compared to other induction cookware, and price per piece of cookware. And finally, the operation of the cookware was determined by how fast and slow the cookware heated up on an induction stovetop.
We used the below criteria for determining the best induction cookware sets:
- Construction - It's am important factor to consider especially when you're investing into a decent cookware set. The construction of the pots and pans should be such that it will last a long time.
- Lids and Covers - Lids and covers are neccessary for cooking. We look at whether sets have sufficient lids and covers, and also look at the quality of those lids. Do they burn your fingers when you touch the lids?
- Pricing - We consider overall pricing compared to peers of the same category. For example, if we have a stainless steel set, we will compare to other stainless steel sets and not nonstick sets. In addition, we will compare the price per piece of cookware which includes lids.
- Heating and heat control - How easily or quickly does the cookware heat up for you to cook? And does the cookware maintain the heat? We found that quality cookware maintains the heat becuase of the thicker base.
- Cleaning - Is the cookware easy or hard to clean. Some cookware leave white spots, burnt food or discoloration. This can only be determined after extensive use.
One thing to note is that we didn't consider asthetics as a factor. Depending on your kitchen, stainless steel, or a different color cookware may look more or less pleasing to the eye.
Testing The Induction Cookware
We spent over 40 hours to test the 14 different induction cookware sets. We conducted the following tests on the each of the different pieces of cookware.
- Magnet Test - We took a simple fridge magnet and placed it to the bottom of the cookware. Since induction ready cookware can be used on an induction cooktop, a magic should attract to the bottom. We found that some cookware had a stronger attraction, which translated to a better cooking result. Therefore, the stronger the magnetic attraction the better the cookware, the better the cooking.
- Longevity Test - We cooked and cleaned each piece of cookware 30 times over. We wanted to see how the cookware withstood long use and see if there was any warping or unknown defects as a result. Safe to say, most cookware withstood this test just fine.
- Heat Efficiency Test - We put the induction pan on our stovetop, filled it with water, stuck a thermometer in and cranked up the heat. We wanted to see how fast water boiled to 100 °C. After that we took the pan off the stove to see how effiently it continued to heat the pan. We took note of how long it took for the water temperature to drop to 90 °C
Because of our testing, we were excited to learn about little (but important) tips to buy induction cookware. We've compiled a list below.
Our Top Tips Before Buying An Induction Cookware Set
After our research, we found a lot of tips that we'd like to share with you before you buy an induction cookware set. These tips will save you time and money.
- 1“Induction ready cookware” – Realize that not all cookware is induction ready and those that are, are indicated on the packaging. Induction ready cookware has only been popular in the past decade and reading the package label will inform you.
- 2Make sure your induction cookware set has a flat bottom. Bottoms that are uneven can vibrate and make a lot of noise on the glass surface.
- 3Take note of the weight of the lid for pots and pans. At high power, lighter lids can vibrate intensely and fall off the pot or pan when the contents inside are bubbling.
- 4Pan and pot handles that are poorly attached will often vibrate at high power. Make sure your cookware has sturdy handles.
- 5Beware of clad cookware that has a sandwich of metal layers. Typically this would be stainless steel on the outsides that covers the aluminum or copper in the inside. This type of induction cookware allows for more even cooking, however, there is a buzzing sound that is created due to the inside metal vibrating at a different speed than the outside layer. Some people have found this high pitch sound annoying while others find that the noise is typically very soft. Higher quality and high end clad cookware should not be a problem.
- 6Not all “stainless steel” cookware will work on induction stovetops. Some of the best stainless steel cookware consist of several layers of metal on the base. One sure test is to take a fridge magnet to the base of the stainless steel cookware and see if it sticks to the bottom.
- 7Shopping for induction cookware online can be easy if you look for “induction ready cookware” or “induction cooktop cookware” in the product descriptions. These days, most of the induction pans and induction cookware sets readily provide this information on the product website as well.
- 8Shopping for induction cookware in store can also be easy if you bring along a magnet. Simply hold the magnet to the bottom of the induction cookware to see if attracts, then it will tell you whether or not the cookware is induction ready.
Now that we know the tips to buy an induction cookware set, lets take a look at the top rated cookware sets below!
Best Overall Set Made in USA – Made In Cookware
Available Sizes: 11.75 inch | Weight: 6.8lbs | Pre-seasoned: Yes | Lid included: No | Add-on Options: cookware cleaner, cool tool, handle, nylon brush | Colors: Caribbean, Cerise, Flame, Merseille, Meringue, White
What We Like
What We Don't Like
The Made In brand is a premium 5-ply cookware set that is perfect for induction. The best part is it’s made in America.
This “Kitchen Sink” 11-piece set is perfect for the frequent cook . The is best known for:
- Manufacturing – Intelligent design and high-quality American manufacturing. 5-Ply stainless steel and aluminum cookware has the ability to hold heat evenly, leading to better sears and browning. Perfect for the stay at home chef.
- Professional quality at an amateur price – Made In’s set is just $569. A comparable set is hundreds of dollars more.
- Versatility – All cookware is induction ready, electric and gas compatible.
More price friendly than the rest of the premium market, this set is perfect for whatever your cooking needs. The 11-piece “Kitchen Sink” set from Made In is a great deal and the 99% five-star ratings and 100-day free trial should ease any hesitation about buying this set today.
READ FULL REVIEW: Stainless Steel Cookware Made in USA
RELATED: Best Stainless Steel Cookware
Best On A Budget: Anolon Advanced Hard Anodized
These pots and pans are covered in hard-anodized stainless steel and are induction ready cookware. Circulon is loved by chefs and professional cooks, this set heats up quickly on fire but even faster on induction. Best of all you will love the comfortable grip that is covered in silicon and the amazingly strong handles. No wonder this is our best overall recommendation!
This is a hot item and quantities are limited. We’ve seen them sold out all the time. Check the inventory and invest in a solid set of cookware now!
Best Heat Control Set: Anolon Nouvelle Copper
Best Overall Induction Pan - Ozeri Stone Earth Frying Pan
This PFOA free non stick induction frying pan is manufactured with a solid base that is magnetized for quick heat transfer. The induction pan is made of aluminum and is covered in a stone coating and the handle is solidly melded onto the pan for sturdy induction cooking. This stone frying pan is sturdy and will not shake while cooking!
Best Best Performance Pan - All Clad HA1
All-Clad HA1 Hard Anodized Nonstick Frying Pans are non stick frying pans have an amazing die-cast base for easy induction cooking. Similar to the Ozeri Stone Frying Pan, the handles are fixed directly onto the pan and won’t bend lose. These induction pans have excellent durability and easy to clean. Comes in a convenient package of 2 sizes for all your cooking needs.
Best On A Budget Pan - Cook N Home
These induction pans work on all surfaces and even come with a beautiful non stick surface! The handles are solid and use Bakelite which ensures that the handles stay cool when you cook. The aluminum base is 4.5mm thick which reduces cooking time and distributes heat evenly.
Induction Cooking Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
There are so many factors to consider before you do. Discover what is induction cooking, pros and cons of using induction, tips before buying the best cookware material for your induction stovetop.
Using an induction cooktop for cooking is the preferred technology for a serious home and restaurant chefs. This new technology has been adopted around the world and has become available in home kitchens and restaurants.
With the evolution of induction stovetops, it is now more affordable and easy to install in your home. However, most consumers don’t realize that they require special induction cookware in order for the induction to work. This is true regardless whether you have high-end stainless steel pots and pans, best stone frying pans or even the cheapest cookware on the market.
Let’s now take a look at the most important information for understanding induction cooking and finding the best cookware to use for the job
What is Induction Cooking?
Without understanding why you buy induction cookware for your induction stovetop, it’s hard to know which induction cookware set to purchase. For the purposes of this article, we’ll be referring to “electromagnetic induction” as “induction”.
Starting with an element, the electronic power of is transferred through a coil to produce a magnetic frequency. This frequency heats up the induction cookware and sets up an electric current through the cookware and heats up. The heat generated is transferred to the food that is in the cookware and is cooked accordingly.
Simply put, induction cooktops produce a magnet which transfers heat to the induction cookware because the cookware is magnetic.
As you might have noticed, when the induction cookware is moved away, the heat generation is halted. That is because the magnetic field is no longer affected.
Pros and Cons of Induction Cooking
Pros of Induction Cooking
Induction cooking has been around of years but only recently gained the reputation for temperature accuracy and power in the kitchen. There are many benefits to consider for your induction cookware set before you buy. These include:
Cons of Induction Cooking
Induction technology is quite safe overall however, there are some cons you should consider:
Looking for More Amazingly Practical and Useful Items For Your Kitchen?
Check out these little known gems for your cooking: