THE 5 BEST INDUCTION COOKWARE SETS OF 2024
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Induction cooktops are a great upgrade to streamline and update your kitchen appliances. Quicker to heat and more consistent in temperature than traditional electric or gas stoves, these high-tech ranges are also more efficient using energy. A stovetop upgrade might also require new pots and pans — not all of the best cookware sets are induction-compatible.
If you're in the market for the best induction cookware set, we've put together some options for you. The Made In Stainless Set is a well-curated collection that will stand up to vigorous use, including both a stainless steel and a nonstick frying pan. For a larger piece set, the Cuisinart Multiclad Pro 12-Piece Set offers variety at an accessible price point and includes a steamer basket insert.
Our top picks for the best induction cookware
Best overall: Made In Stainless Set — See at Made In
Best nonstick: All-Clad HA1 Hard-Anodized 10-Piece Cookware Set — See at Amazon
Best budget: Cuisinart Multiclad Pro 12-Piece Cookware Set — See at Amazon
Best ceramic: Caraway Cookware Set — See at Amazon
Best splurge: Hestan Culinary Nanobond 10-Piece Cookware — See at Williams Sonoma
Best overall
This ultra-curated collection from Made In was designed with chefs and professional kitchens in mind, so they're made to withstand vigorous use. Made of 5-ply stainless steel with an aluminum core, they're constructed for optimal heat conduction. The flat rivets make it easier to clean and nest the pans for storage. Tight-fitting lids for the saucepan and stockpot help retain heat and keep moisture from evaporating too quickly — plus, you can use the lids to cover the fry pans in a pinch.
The pots and pans in our pick for the best induction cookware set are oven-safe up to 800 degrees, which makes them incredibly useful for finishing dishes in the oven and under the broiler. With the exception of the nonstick pan, the Made In pieces are dishwasher-safe, but hand washing is always the safest bet to protect pans from damage.
Best nonstick
Made of hard-anodized aluminum, this set from All-Clad features three layers of nonstick coating, allowing eggs, rice, and delicate fish to slide off the surface with ease. The double riveted handles provide secure handling as you move the pans on and off the stove, while the included tempered glass lids let you monitor what's cooking.
The included pieces are all oven-safe to 500 degrees and varied enough for most cooking needs (though you may need to supplement with a larger frying pan if you're cooking for a bigger crowd). These pieces are dishwasher safe, but hand-washing is recommended to prolong the life of the nonstick finish. You can't go wrong with one of the best induction cookware sets.
Read more about the best nonstick pans in our dedicated guide.
Best budget
If you're looking for a set that will give you the most bang for your buck, this one from Cuisinart fits the bill — it includes six different pans and lids, plus a steamer insert. Made of tri-ply stainless steel, these pieces will stand up to metal utensils. The tapered rims prevent spills when pouring liquid or tipping, and the lids create a tight seal to keep moisture and heat contained. They're oven-safe up to 550 degrees and can be cleaned by hand or placed in the dishwasher.
Best ceramic
This Instagram-worthy cookware is one of the best induction cookware sets. It has a minimalist silhouette and is available in an array of beautiful colors that complement almost any kitchen decor. This set includes four pans that are essential to any kitchen, allowing you to cook scrambled eggs, sauces, stir-fries, and braises. It's also safe to use in the oven up to 550 degrees. The heat threshold is higher than most typical ceramic and nonstick pans, making this set extremely versatile and durable. This thoughtfully curated set also includes an organizer for lids and a magnetic rack for pans.
Read our full Caraway Cookware review.
Best splurge
This splurge-worthy set is eye-wateringly expensive. But thanks to Hestan's proprietary titanium-based alloy bonded to stainless steel, these pans are extremely durable and can withstand heavy use as well as heat up to 1050 degrees. You can use them on the stove, in the oven, and even on the grill, earning the set a spot on our list of the best induction cookware.
Hestan's pans have excellent heat conductivity and the stick-resistant surface can even be used to make eggs (you'll need to use butter or oil for extra slip). The set is dishwasher-safe and features sealed rims to prevent delamination. While you'll have to polish the sets with the included cleaner to retain their mirror-like finish, the extra care and expense are worth it.
What to look for in induction cookware
Pan assortment (for sets): When choosing any cookware set, it's more important to consider how useful pieces will be for your cooking needs than to be swayed by piece count alone. If you are cooking for one or two people and have limited space, pick a set with just the essentials: a frying pan, saucepan, and stock pot. If you tend to cook for a crowd, pick a set that has larger capacities, like 10- or 12-inch frying pans and 3- or 4-quart saucepans. If you have the space and need more pieces, opt for a set that includes "nice to have" accessories like a steamer basket or utensils.
Handling: Good pans should always have a little bit of heft to them, which helps to keep them steady on the stove. Just be sure that your pans are a weight that you can handle, and consider that they will also be even heavier when they're full of food or liquid. Another feature to look at is the handle shape; they should feel comfortable in the hand and be securely attached by rivets. A steeply angled handle can stay cool longer, but be more difficult to store.
Heating: While an induction stove can definitely improve overall heat distribution, the best induction cookware set should also be able to retain temperature and be responsive to heat changes. Consider the maximum heat threshold for your set — if you intend on using your pans under the broiler or to finish a dish in the oven, you'll want a threshold of at least 450 degrees or higher.
Maintenance and cleaning: If you don't like hand-washing cookware, you'll want a set that can be placed in the dishwasher for easy cleaning. Most sets, despite being labeled dishwasher safe, will last longer if you opt to wash them by hand. Be sure to thoroughly read the manufacturer's care instructions for specific information on maintaining your cookware.
Induction cookware FAQs
Why don't all pans work on induction?
Induction stoves work using an electromagnetic field to send electric currents directly into cookware to heat it up, but it requires that the pan's bottom be magnetic. Some materials, like cast iron and carbon steel, are ready to use on most induction stoves. Stainless steel or hard-anodized aluminum requires special construction in order to be compatible. If you're not sure, see if a magnet will stick to the bottom of your pan — if it does, your pan may be induction-ready, but always check the manufacturer's guidelines before using it.
What's the advantage of an induction stove?
With induction ranges, there is very little wait for a pan to heat up so it is more energy efficient than both gas or electric stoves. Induction stoves are only hot when they're in direct contact with an induction-compatible pan, so there's also a safety advantage: the cooktop will be cool to the touch the moment the pan is removed from the burner.
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2024-03-28T19:22:59Z dg43tfdfdgfd