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The Best Cookware for Every Cook

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Channeling your inner professional chef is certainly a lot easier when you have the best cookware, especially when you choose a set that perfectly suits your cooking style and kitchen appliances. When you want to fry, steam, boil, sear and saute, you want to make sure you have the right tools to master all your favorite recipes and cooking techniques on hand.

If you cook on a gas stove, then you need cookware that distributes heat very evenly, which is why stainless steel is an ideal option. Top brands like Cuisinart, All-Clad and Calphalon all make and sell individual pieces as well as full sets of stainless steel cookware. Some stainless steel cookware, such as the Duxtop Professional Stainless set, works with induction stovetops, which require pieces to have magnetic bottoms. If you're looking for the best nonstick cookware set, we've got you covered on that as well. Here's a look at some of the best cookware options on the market.

Best Overall: Cuisinart Multiclad Pro 12-Piece Cookware Set

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With more than 1,700 five-star reviews, the Cuisinart Multiclad Pro 12-piece cookware set is popular among cooks of all skill levels. The polished surface is nonreactive, and three-layer construction is designed to provide even heating, optimal heat retention, and minimal hot spots. Stay-cool handles are a bonus for this dishwasher-safe set, which works on a variety of cooking surfaces, including induction cooktops.

Best Value: Cook N Home 12-Piece Stainless Steel Cookware Set

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Ideal for anyone just starting out or looking to outfit their kitchen without busting their budget, the Cook N Home 12-piece stainless steel set comes complete with everything you need to start cooking. Each piece is made of 18/10 stainless steel for superior quality and results. The glass lids feature steam vents and provide easy viewing, and everything is dishwasher-safe.

Best Nonstick: Cuisinart GreenGourmet 12-Piece Cookware Set

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Looking for a nonstick option? Consider the Cuisinart GreenGourmet cookware set, which comes in 12-piece and 15-piece options. Boil water, sear meats, and whip up your favorite dishes while enjoying even cooking. This hard-anodized aluminum set is nonreactive. Each piece is designed for optimal heat conduction and scratch-resistance.

Best Ceramic: GreenPan Valencia Pro Ceramic Nonstick Cookware Set

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The ceramic interior of the GreenPan Valencia cookware set is diamond-reinforced, making it a durable option that's safe to use with metal utensils. It's free from contaminants like lead, perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). The hard-anodized exterior resists scratching and is safe to pop in the dishwasher. Each piece features a base made with Magneto technology for optimal stability and warp-resistance.

Best Splurge: All-Clad D3 Stainless Steel Cookware Set

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Timeless, versatile, and warrantied for a lifetime, the All-Clad D3 stainless steel cookware set is a terrific option for professionals and anyone who spends considerable time in the kitchen. Three-ply bonded construction allows you to achieve perfect searing. Each piece in this set is compatible with any cooktop. You can use it in the oven or under the broiler at up to 600 degrees Fahrenheit.

Best Cast Iron: Lodge Seasoned Cast Iron Bundle

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Complete your kitchen with the Lodge cast iron bundle, which is already seasoned with 100 percent vegetable oil so that you can get cooking faster. It's ideal for searing, but the heat retention of cast iron also lends itself well to broiling, braising, sauteing, grilling, and baking. This USA-made set is built to last.

Best Stainless Steel: Duxtop Professional Stainless Steel Induction Cookware Set

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It may not be from a well-known household name, but the Duxtop Professional 17-piece stainless steel induction set should not be overlooked. It's designed to last and works with every cooktop, especially induction. It's dishwasher-safe and safe to use in ovens up to 550F. It comes with everything from frying pans to stockpots. It even includes a steam basket, pasta basket, and three kitchen tools.

Best Copper: Martellata 10-Piece Copper Set

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The gorgeous hammered copper exterior of the Martellata 10-piece copper cookware set adds a distinctive touch to the kitchen. Made in Italy, this attractive set features 18/10 stainless steel interiors for flavor purity and excellent searing. It also features three-layer construction for even heating that ensures reliable results.

Best for Tight Storage Spaces: Calphalon Premier Space Saving Stainless Steel Set

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Are you short on storage space? The neatly stacking design of the Calphalon Premier 15-piece set, gives you around 30 percent more space to work with. The set comes with all the pieces you need to create your favorite recipes or to try new things in the kitchen. The stay-cool handles add convenience while the tri-layered construction provides even heat distribution.

Best Dutch Oven: Staub Cast Iron Round Cocotte

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For soups, stews, and braising meat, it's tough to beat the performance and versatility of Staub's Cast Iron Round Cocotte, which offers four-quart capacity and reliable results. It comes with a heavy lid that keeps moisture in during the cooking process. It's oven-safe at temperatures up to 900F. The smooth, enamel bottom makes it ideal for use on any cooktop, including ceramic, gas, and induction.

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