What to Consider When Buying a Nonstick Cookware Set?

Update:21 Oct

A number of pieces. Considering how many pots and pans you actually need, we recommend at least an 8-inch skillet for quick, small tasks like eggs and pancakes; a 10-inch skillet for larger dishes or family size; A stock pot for pasta and batches of sauces and soups; and a small saucepan deep enough to cook eggs and sized for reheating and simmering.

weight and dimensions. You want a mid-weight cookware set, so make sure the pots and pans have some weight. Very light pans are too fragile and heat up too quickly; heavier cookware will give you a good burn but may be difficult to lift. For easy and efficient storage, we like sets that nest neatly to save space, but you may need to line them with a cloth or paper towel to prevent scratching.

handle. How the cookware feels in your hand matters: you want comfort and control while cooking. Some have silicone-wrapped handles, which are generally cooler to the touch and more comfortable to hold than metal ones. For ease of handling, look for an auxiliary handle (an extra handle on the other side of the main handle), which facilitates a lift to create extra balance.

The dishwasher and oven are safe. Dishwasher-safe cookware saves you time and effort—you just put it in the dishwasher, no scrubbing. Keep in mind that hard anodized metals can withstand multiple washes, while other coatings will fade faster after repeated washes. Oven-safe is suitable for a variety of dishes as it allows you to move cookware from the stovetop to the oven to finish cooking or keep warm.

Cooktop compatibility. Most cookers are designed to be compatible with gas and electric cooktops. But if you have an induction cooktop, you have to make sure the cookware you buy is compatible. Induction-ready cookware will have a base made of a magnetic material such as iron. Our selection from Ninja is compatible with induction burners.