Cookware Brands

Hold your horses, tighten those reigns. We know what you want, but be patient, we’ll get to it. Prior to launching right into the best cookware brands we need to first cover some starter points. You can’t just become the next Jamie Oliver over night, even young Jamie had to learn the in’s and out’s before nailing down a mean grilled cheese sandwich.

The allure of owning top-notch cookware is real and enticing. Everything from stainless steel to cast iron, copper and nonstick enamel await. But like cars, computers, pets or flooring, just going out and picking something up might score you a win every now and again but will likely leave you frustrated and wishing you had taken the time to do your due diligence.

Cookware isn’t rocket science, but does take some brain cells. First up, before considering a purchase it is recommended to take inventory of what you already have. Next, what is your cooking style? If you are searing meat, prefer slow-cooked sauces, or are a fry captain, then uncoated stainless steel might be an appropriate option. Your cooktop also matters. The smooth-top cooking range is by far the most popular so flat-bottomed pans would be a likely fit. If you’ve got an induction cooktop then having magnetic properties with your cookware is a sound idea. See what we’re saying? This stuff takes some serious planning!

One of the most popular types of cookware is stainless steel. A classic, long lasting stainless steel is great for braising and browning food. This is often sold in sets and is durable, easy to clean and care for, provides uniform heating and is compatible with nearly all cooktops. A frequently mentioned con with stainless steel is it can be difficult to clean at times and if you opt for uncoated then purchasing a nonstick pan is recommended. Speaking of nonstick, these pans are great because no oil is needed. Nonfat or low-fat dishes can be prepared seamlessly and most nonstick pans are oven safe even up to a whopping 500 degrees Fahrenheit.

Seeking to up your cooking game a bit higher, then the enameled cast iron is just for you. Frying, sautéing, browning or searing, known for their colors and majestic look and feel, enameled cast iron is the type of cookware that sits on the stove top and draws in comments. They are heavy and sturdy, so make sure you’re up for the challenge. But if so, like cast iron they are well worth the investment. Speaking of cast iron, this might be the sturdiest type of cookware on the market. Warning, they aren’t dishwasher safe and can be tough to clean if using everyday. But a slow cooked piece of meat could not be tastier in anything else.

So now that we’ve covered the types of cookware, and what to keep in mind before purchasing, let’s pull out some dollars already. All-Clad Metalcrafters is a Pennsylvania based cookware company, fabricating high-end products since 1967. Founder John Ulam was a metallurgist so you know the quality is certainly on point. Another classic is none other than American Kitchen Cookware. Offering an assortment of nonstick cookware, this is a company that started small and hit it big. Straight out of Wisconsin, these guys know their stuff and it is nearly impossible to whip up a bad dish in these bad boys.

Two great choices and many more where that came from. Just because you never trained to be a chef doesn’t mean you can’t fiddle about. Tap in today, you owe it to your taste buds!