Electric stoves are not like other stoves. They require a specific type of cookware that’s compatible with their burners. So if you want to whip up a tasty meal on one, you better have the best cookware for the job.
Growing up with an electric stove taught me cookware mattered. The wrong cookware meant waiting forever for water to boil. It also meant poor heat distribution that resulted in less-than-ideal stir-fries. Once we swapped out our pots and pans with electric stove cookware, everything changed. I instantly noticed an improvement in all my dishes and wondered why we waited so long!
These days, the market is beyond saturated with options. While it’s great to have choices, trying to decide can be overwhelming. To make matters easier, I went on a hunt to round up the best cookware for electric stoves.
Quick spoiler alert, the Cuisinart 77-11G Chef’s Classic Cookware Set topped the list. But there were also a handful of other options that are stellar buys too.
This in-depth review will guide you on what to look for as well as give you the top recommendations for the best cookware. Read on to discover your new favorite pots and pans for your electric stove.
Best Electric Stove Cookware: Cuisinart 77-11G Chef’s Classic Cookware Set
Features
- 1 and 2 quart saucepan with lid
- 3 quart saute pan
- 8 quart stockpot with lid
- 8 inch and 10 inch skillet
- Steamer insert
Stainless steel is a phenomenal choice for electric stoves and the choice material for our favorite set, the Cuisinart 77-11G Chef’s Classic Cookware Set. This high-performance set transfers heat impeccably.
The quality material will withstand daily use. Meanwhile, the tempered glass lids are break-resistant.
No matter your level of cooking expertise, the Cuisinart 77-11G is well equipped to handle your favorite recipes. From construction to performance, this set is the perfect match for an electric stove.
What it’s not a perfect match for are individuals who want a nonstick coating. However, with a well-oiled pan, this shouldn’t be a problem.
Pros
- Oven-safe up to 500°F
- Freezer-safe
- Excellent performance
- Lids fit tight to trap in heat
Cons
- Other options are cheaper
- Handle rivets could use improvements
Best High-End Set: All-Clad D3 Stainless Steel 10-Piece Cookware Set
Features
- 8 and 10 inch fry pans
- 2 and 3 quart saucepans with lids
- 3 quart saute pan with lid
- 8 quart stockpot with lid
All-Clad is held in high esteem for producing quality cookware that performs like a dream. So it should come as no surprise that their All-Clad D3 Stainless Steel 10-Piece Cookware Set made the list.
This stainless steel set is as durable as it looks. Which is a feature I appreciate considering how much use I get out of my cookware. What’s even better is the fast and even heat distribution is a blessing when cooking up dinner on an electric stove.
Whether you’re searing pork chops or making pasta ziti, you can enjoy stovetop to oven compatibility. That’s right, because this cookware set is oven safe up to 600°F.
Of course, the price will certainly be a dealbreaker for some. But if you want quality performance and can afford it, then this is the cookware set for you.
Pros
- Durable
- Excellent craftsmanship
- Oven safe up to 600°F
- Quick heating
Cons
- Very expensive
- Frying pans don’t come with lids
Best Budget Set: Farberware Millennium Stainless Steel Cookware Set
Features
- 1 and 2 quart saucepan with lids
- 3 quart saute pan with lid
- 8 quart stockpot with lid
- 8 inch and 10 inch frying pans
The Farberware Millennium Stainless Steel Cookware is as easy on the budget as the electric stove. This 10-piece set is compatible with all types of electric stoves, including induction.
Whip up a marinara sauce in one of the saucepans and you’ll be pleasantly surprised by the even heat distribution. This is partly due to the thick aluminum core.
Oven safe up to 500°F, the Farberware Millennium set can handle just about all your stove to oven needs. Did I also mention this set is dishwasher safe?
The disadvantage to this set is it doesn’t have the same slippery coating as nonstick. So you’ll have to add more cooking oil so food doesn’t stick.
Pros
- Inexpensive
- Dishwasher-safe
- Oven-safe up to 500°F
Cons
- Not as slick as nonstick
- Discoloration may occur over time
Best Stainless Steel Set: Calphalon Premier Stainless Steel Cookware Set
Features
- 1.5 and 3 quart saucepans with lids
- 8 and 10 inch skillets
- 3.5 quart saute pan with lid
- 8 quart stockpot with lid
- Steamer insert with lid
Electric stoves and stainless steel go hand in hand. While there’s an endless market for stainless steel cookware, the Calphalon Premier Stainless Steel cookware set is among the best.
This 11-piece set features everything you need to get cookin’ over an electric stove. I highly appreciate the tapered rims. This makes it easier to transfer soup into a blender food processor for instance, without making a mess.
The aluminum core and stainless steel exterior offer incredible heat distribution with a professional mirror finish. It also won’t react with food as other materials do.
The feature I don’t like is that it’s easy to burn this pan. So make sure everything is properly seasoned with cooking oil before you start adding your ingredients.
Pros
- Variety of pieces
- Includes a steamer basket
- Oven-safe up to 550°F
Cons
- Food burns easily without adequate cooking oil
- Other options have equal performance for a lesser price
Best Ceramic Set: BulbHead Red Copper Ceramic Non-Stick Cookware Set
Features
- 8 inch and 10 inch fry pan with lids
- 1.5 quart, 2.5 quart, and 6 quart sauce pots with lids
- Aluminum steamer basket
The BulbHead Red Copper Ceramic Non-stick Cookware Set is our favorite copper cookware for many reasons. The ceramic coating offers a slippery nonstick surface while the aluminum and copper heat fast.
Quickly fry up an egg or cook delicate fish without fighting stuck-on food. This 10-piece set comes with a range of pot and pan sizes to fit the job. All of which perform excellently with an electric stove.
No matter what you cook, the glass lids will let you see what’s inside. This is a good feature to have when you’re cooking things like lentils or rice.
While BulbHead claims this set is scratch-resistant, I would still avoid using metal utensils. Otherwise, you run the risk of coating flakes entering your food, not to mention losing the nonstick performance.
Pros
- Low-cost
- Slick non-stick surface
- Fast heating
- Good heat distribution
Cons
- The nonstick surface can scratch
- Lids aren’t oven safe
- Handles are not cool-to-touch
Best Nonstick Set: T-fal Professional Nonstick Cookware Set
Features
- Egg wonder frying pan
- 8 and 10.25 inch frying pan with lid
- 3 quart saucepan with lid
- 5 quart stockpot with lid
- Stainless steel steamer basket
- Nylon spatula and spoon
Are you looking for a nonstick set that’s also induction stove compatible? The T-fal Professional Nonstick Cookware Set is your answer.
The titanium reinforced nonstick interior is superior to the competition. It’s uber slick, excelling in both performance and cleanup.
Place a pan on an electric coil burner and the spot indicator will glow red when properly pre-heated. Meanwhile, the riveted silicone-covered handles will remain cool for easier use.
The major drawback to the T-fal Professional set is it’s only PFOA-free, not PTFE-free. So choose your utensils wisely and avoid scratching the surface.
Pros
- Spot indicator for efficiency pre-heating
- Excellent nonstick surface
- PFOA-free
Cons
- Not PTFE-free
- Nonstick surface scratches easily
- Not the most durable option
Best Cast Iron Set: Lodge Pre-seasoned Cast Iron 5-Piece Set
Features
- 8 inch and 10.25 inch skillet
- 10.5 inch griddle
- 5 quart dutch oven with cast iron cover
I’m a big fan of cast iron. It offers incredible longevity, durability, and heat retention. If you want all that and more to go with your electric stovetop, then go Lodge. Lodge Pre-seasoned Cast Iron 5-Piece Set that is.
This cookware can do everything from simmer to saute. It comes pre-seasoned with 100 percent vegetable oil and is oven-safe. Plus, this set comes with a dutch oven. This is the only option to offer this particular piece.
Made in the USA, the Lodge Pre-seasoned Cast Iron set is fully compatible with electric stoves. This includes induction too.
What you need to keep in mind with cast iron is it doesn’t heat quickly like aluminum. It also requires a specific cleaning ritual. However, this cast iron cookware is likely to last a lifetime with proper care.
Pros
- Highly durable
- Superior longevity
- Great heat retention
- Oven-safe
Cons
- Slow to heat
- Heavy
- Handles get very hot
Best Soft Grip Handle Set: GreenLife Soft Grip Healthy Ceramic Nonstick Cookware
Features
- 4 inch, 7 inch, and 9.5 inch fry pans
- 2.5 quart saute pan with lid
- 1 and 2 quart saucepan with lids
- 5 quart stockpot with lids
- 7 inch stainless steel steamer
- 4 utensils
Reaching for a towel every time you grab a skillet handle gets old. That’s why I highly recommend GreenLife Soft Grip Healthy Ceramic Cookware.
The soft grip handles are cool-to-the-touch and comfortable. Meanwhile, the nonstick coating is PFOA-free, PFAS-free, lead-free, and cadmium-free. Additionally, this 16-piece set is made with recycled aluminum.
Choose from seven fun colors including turquoise and lavender. Even the handles on the utensils match. Speaking of utensils, the ones that come with this set are not the most durable. However, they’ll get the job done.
The GreenLife Soft Grip set is best for those who want cookware with heat-resistant handles and an eco-friendly touch at a reasonable price.
Pros
- Dishwasher-safe
- Free from toxins
- Made with recycled materials
- Available in seven colors
- Sturdy base
Cons
- Not compatible with spray oils
- Only oven safe up to 350°F
Best High-Temperature Set: Cuisinart MCP-12N Multiclad Pro Stainless Steel Cookware Set
Features
- 1.5 and 3 quart saucepan with lids
- 8 inch and 10 inch skillet
- 3.5 quart saute pan with lid
- 8 quart stockpot with lid
- Steamer insert with lid
The Cuisinart MCP-12N Multiclad Pro Stainless Steel Cookware Set is great for those who want stove to oven compatibility and terrific heat conductivity. All these pots and pans are oven-safe up to 550°F. And guess what? The lids are too!
But watch out for the cool grip handles. Those will only stay cool on the stove. So be sure to take advantage of your oven mitts.
The tri-ply construction features an aluminum core bonded to stainless steel. This offers better cooking performance when used on an electric stove.
Another thoughtful feature Cuisinart incorporated in this 12-piece set is tapered rims. This helps to reduce spills when transferring food. Additionally, the lids fit very snug so you can cook things like soups, dried beans, and quinoa more efficiently.
Although great, this set may not be in everyone’s budget. Luckily, there are several low-cost options on this list.
Pros
- Tapered rims for easy pouring
- All pieces are oven-safe
- Lids fight tightly for efficient cooking
Cons
- Pricey
- Some may prefer glass lids
- Food sticks easily without ample cooking oil
Best Stylish Design: Caannasweis Nonstick Kitchen Cookware Set
Features
- 10 inch frying pan
- 4.6 quart casserole with lid
- 1.5 quart nonstick saucepan with lid
- 2.7 quart tea kettle
Forget boring cookware sets, the Caannasweis Nonstick Kitchen Cookware Set is where it’s at. Caannasweis coats this set in a gorgeous faux marble stone exterior with wood handles for a natural touch.
Stylish and functional, the Caannasweis Nonstick Kitchen Cookware set has a tri-ply construction that works well with electric stoves. Whether you’re cooking stir-fry or flipping burgers this retro set heats and cooks efficiently.
The tradeoff for a unique design is durability. The handles may look great but may not be able to handle heavy wear and tear. Additionally, none of these pots and pans are oven-safe.
Pros
- Budget-friendly
- Non-toxic
- Attractive design
- Rapid heat
Cons
- Not oven-safe
- Handles are not very durable
Related: Our Cookware Buying Guide. How To Find Your Perfect Set.
Buying Guide
Types of Electric Stoves
Before we jump into all the different cookware considerations, we need to talk about your stove. Specifically, what kind of electric stove do you have? Did you even know there was more than one type?
Here’s a quick rundown of the three types of electric stoves.
Electric Coil Stoves
As the name suggests, these electric stoves have an electrical wire encased in a metal coil. The coil operates as a burner that you directly place your cookware on. Turn the stove on and the coil will begin to glow bright red as it heats up.
Compared to other options, electric coil stoves are a lower-cost choice. However, they’re famous for uneven heat distribution.
Electric Smooth-Top Stoves
Smooth-top electric stoves use the same heating technology as coil stoves with one major design difference, a smooth top. Rather than exposing the coils, smooth-top stoves have a layer of glass or ceramic over them.
The smooth surface can scratch easily if you aren’t using smooth-bottomed cookware. So keep that in mind if you have one of these stoves.
Induction Stoves
Unlike coil or smooth-top electric stoves, induction stoves operate using electromagnetic fields. This provides direct heat to your cookware. In turn, this offers home cooks fast and efficient cooking.
Another notable feature is that only the pots and pans heat up. The rest of the cooktop surface remains cool to the touch.
Technology like this comes at a price. Induction stoves are costly and require very specific cookware. If you have an induction stove, make sure you’re choosing electric stove cookware made with compatible material.
Materials
Stainless steel
From coil burners to induction cooktops, stainless steel cookware is the best choice for electric stoves. This metal transfers heat quickly as well as evenly. It’s also a durable material that increases the lifetime of your cookware.
Cast Iron
Cast iron offers superior heat retention and longevity. It can be a great match for electric coil stoves, but tricky for smooth-top stoves. The rougher texture can potentially scratch the surface so caution is advised.
Copper
Copper is excellent for conducting heat and reducing hot spots. Place a pan on an electric stove and you’ll enjoy even heat distribution. Just be sure your copper cookware has a smooth bottom to reduce the chance of scratching stovetops.
Aluminum
Aluminum is an affordable electric stove-compatible material. It’s lightweight and conducts heat quickly.
Flat Bottom Cookware
After material, the next feature you’ll need to consider is the shape of your cookware. Flat bottom pots and pans work best.
Coil, smooth-top, or induction, electric stoves have a flat surface. So you’ll want flat bottom cookware to transfer heat more effectively.
Conclusion
All electric stoves require a specific type of cookware. Luckily, you have numerous options to choose from.
GreenLife Soft Grip Healthy Ceramic Cookware is a great choice for those who want cool-to-the-touch handles. All-Clad D3 Stainless Steel 10-Piece Cookware Set is best for those who want high cooking performance and durability.
Of course, you can’t go wrong with the top choice, Cuisinart 77-11G Chef’s Classic Cookware Set. It comes with everything you need to whip up a scrumptious meal on an electric stove.
When making your choice, keep in mind what type of electric stove you have and the shape of the cookware. This will ensure you have the best choice for your stove.
