If you don’t have time to read the entire article, I’ll tell you upfront that the winner is the Circulon Premier Professional 13-Piece Hard-Anodized Cookware Set. Great quality and versatility at a great price.
So you’ve made the switch to an induction cooktop! Now you can make cooking more efficient and save time and money.
But how do you know what cookware to buy for your new stove? Will the cookware you already have work, or should you go out and buy a new set?
You shouldn’t be spending all your time researching the best induction cookware; you should be spending this time in the kitchen doing what you love: cooking! Well, I’ve done the research and I’m going to share my favorites for best induction cookware.
Here are the products I’ll be reviewing:
- Circulon Premier Professional 13-Piece Hard-Anodized Cookware Set
- All-Clad Brushed D5 Stainless Cookware Set
- Cuisinart MCP-12N Multiclad Pro Stainless Steel 12-Piece Cookware Set
- Duxtop SSIB-17 Professional 17 Pieces Stainless Steel Induction Cookware Set
- T-Fal C515SC Professional Nonstick Cookware
How to Choose Cookware for an Induction Cooktop
When choosing cookware for your induction cooktop, there are a few things you want to consider. First, you need to know if the cookware will work on an induction stove. There’s a simple, easy trick to answer this question. All you need is a magnet!
The induction cooktop has copper coils that directly heat your pots and pans. This will only work if the bottom of your cookware is magnetic. So if the magnet sticks, you’re good to go! Luckily, most cookware these days are magnetic and will work with an induction cooktop. But it’s always better to double-check!
Another thing to pay attention to is the texture and shape of the bottom of your pots and pans. You don’t want to scratch or damage your cooktop, so stay away from cookware with rough materials or grooved bottoms.
You want something that is nice and smooth so that it slides easily over your stovetop. Not only will these keep your cooktop pristine, but it will also evenly heat your pan to ensure perfection in each recipe.
The bottom of your cookware should also be flat. Cookware with curved or ridged bottoms may not heat correctly on your cooktop. If the dish has a curved edge, it won’t sit evenly on the stove, and your induction cooktop won’t detect it.
You can also look for some common materials that are likely to work with an induction stove. These materials include stainless steel, cast iron, and aluminum. There are pros and cons to each of these, which I will address later on. The important thing to remember is the base of the cookware must be magnetic. For instance, a normal aluminum pot will not work with an induction range unless the bottom of the pot contains a layer of ferrous metal.
Here’s a Quick Demo
This video will show you how to check if your pan is compatible with induction cooktops.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Induction Cookware Materials
There are some advantages and disadvantages to contemplate when on the hunt for the best induction cookware. Take a look at what I’ve discovered about these materials.
Stainless Steel
Stainless steel is one option when looking for induction cookware. This is a great choice because it is durable and difficult to chip or damage. This makes stainless steel pots and pans long-lasting, so you won’t have to spend money buying a new set down the road.
Most stainless steel products can be hand-washed without any special instructions, or safely run through the dishwasher.
Stainless steel can discolor easily, and stains may make your cookware set unattractive. If you do run stainless steel pots and pans through the dishwasher, you might want to dry them by hand to minimize the risk of water spots.
Not all stainless steel is magnetic. Some pots and pans come with different finishings that block its magnetic qualities. Remember to use the magnet test to be absolutely sure!
Cast Iron
Cast iron will last you a lifetime. In fact, the more you use them, the better they get! Each use seasons the pan, making it non-stick. Check out our guide on seasoning cast iron cookware.
They tend to be on the cheaper side, so this is a great choice if you’re on a budget. And because they’re so durable, you probably won’t have to buy a replacement for quite a while.
Cast iron pans do a fantastic job of retaining heat. Lots of pans lose their heat once you put the food on, but a cast-iron pan keeps its temperature from start to finish. This keeps your food at the right temperature and allows for even cooking.
Cast iron can get pretty heavy. This is great for durability but can make handling more difficult. Moving these pans in and out of cabinets is a workout. You also want to be careful when moving a hot cast iron off the stove. The heaviness could result in spills or mishandling.
The texture can also be problematic. Some cast-iron pans have a rough exterior that can damage your stove. Check to make sure the bottom is smooth so it won’t scratch your cooktop.
Aluminum
Aluminum cookware is light in weight but still high on the list for durability. This material is easy to clean and won’t react with your food.
Aluminum can last a while, but not as long as stainless steel or cast iron. Make sure to get cookware with anodized aluminum, which is non-toxic and will keep your cookware in better shape for longer. Remember to check the base of aluminum cookware for a layer of ferrous (magnetic) material.
Things to Consider When Buying Induction Cookware
To know you’re truly getting the best induction cookware, you’ll want to think about what your needs are. If you want a cookware set that is low maintenance and provides easy cleanup, you might want to find a set that is dishwasher safe or easy to hand-wash.
Some cookware sets, like cast iron, can be really heavy. If you prefer lighter pots and pans that are easier to handle, you’ll want to find a cookware set made out of lighter material such as stainless steel or aluminum.
Cookware sets can get pretty expensive. If you want to keep the price down, aluminum and cast iron are less expensive than stainless steel.
Best Induction Cookware Sets
Now that you know what to look for, here are some great options for the best induction cookware.
Circulon Premier Professional 13-Piece Hard-Anodized Cookware Set
The Circulon Premier Professional Cookware Set comes with 13 pieces, including three straining saucepans with lids (1, 2, and 3-quart), three french skillets (8.5, 10, and 12-inch), an 8-quart stockpot with lid, and a covered, 5-quart saute pan. This set is made from aluminum and finished with a bronze exterior for a beautiful and unique look.
The Circulon set is dishwasher safe, oven safe up to 450 degrees F, and is non-stick to make for easy clean-up and no need to scrub.
Pros:
- This 13-piece set provides tons of options for cooking while still being affordable.
- All the lids have straining capability for easy use and fewer dishes needed.
- The lids are shatter-proof and lock in heat and moisture.
- Riveted handles provide comfortable use.
- Excellent heat distribution makes each recipe perfect!
- Lids and handles stay cool during cooking for safe handling.
Cons:
- Some of the larger pieces are a bit heavy.
All-Clad Brushed D5 Stainless Cookware Set
The All-Clad Brushed D5 Stainless Cookware Set comes with ten stainless steel pieces. The set includes two frying pans, two saucepans (8 and 10 inches) with lids, one 3-quart saute pan with lid, and one 8-quart stockpot with lid. Each piece has a professional, sleek look, and the set comes with a lifetime warranty.
The All-Clad set is dishwasher safe, suitable for the oven or broiler, and heats evenly for consistent temperatures while cooking.
Pros:
- This set is very low maintenance.
- Durable stainless steel and aluminum won’t warp over time.
- The curved rim allows for no-drip pouring.
- These dishes continue to look brand new after repeated use.
- This 10-piece set will fit all your culinary needs.
Cons:
- A high price for high quality but may not be affordable for all.
- The dishes can stain with oven use.
- Pots and pans must be dried thoroughly after running through the dishwasher to prevent water spots.
Cuisinart MCP-12N Multiclad Pro Stainless Steel 12-Piece Cookware Set
This set comes with 12 pieces, including two open skillets (8 and 10 inches), two saucepans with lids (1.5 and 3 quarts), a 3-quart saute pan with lid, an 8-quart stockpot with lid, and an insertable steamer. This set is made with quality aluminum and has a stainless steel finish.
The Cuisinart 12-piece set is dishwasher safe for easy cleanup, safe to use in an oven up to 550 degrees F, and won’t discolor or affect the flavor of your food.
Pros:
- This set is budget-friendly.
- Tight-fitting lids lock in flavor and natural juices.
- There are no hotspots, which allows for quick, even heating.
- The Comfortable handles stay cool to the touch, no need for hot pads!
- Lightweight for easy cleanup and easy handling.
- Rims are designed for drip-free pouring.
Cons:
- This material is quick to overheat.
- Pots and pans can warp if you change the temperature too quickly.
- The company’s customer service is slow to respond if any issues arise.
Duxtop SSIB-17 Professional 17 Pieces Stainless Steel Induction Cookware Set
This 17-piece set comes with two saucepans with lids (1.6 and 2.5 quarts), a 4.2-quart casserole dish with lid, two frying pans (8 and 10 inches), a 5.5-quart saute pan with lid, a boiler basket, a steam basket, and a 3-piece kitchen toolset. The stainless steel is commercial grade and an aluminum bottom built to last.
The Duxtop is safe for the dishwasher and can handle oven temps up to 550 degrees F. Unlike other induction cookware, this set is freezer safe.
Pros:
- A great price for everything included!
- This includes a stainless steel utensil set.
- Pots are easy to pour with little drip to avoid messes.
- The handles are anti-slip to ensure safety while cooking.
- This comes with a lifetime limited warranty.
- This set is low in cost while still being durable.
Cons:
- Fried foods tend to stick if not pre-seasoned.
- The stainless steel can be tricky to keep clean.
- This set is not to be used over high heat.
T-Fal C515SC Professional Nonstick Cookware
The T-Fal Professional Nonstick Cookware set comes with 12 pieces, including two frying pans (8 and 10.25 inches), an Egg Wonder fry pan, two saucepans with lids (1 and 3 quarts), a 5-quart stockpot, a stainless steel steamer, and a two-piece toolset. Titanium reinforcement creates long-lasting durability.
The T-Fal set is non-stick and scratch-resistant. Not only is it dishwasher safe, but the cookware is oven safe for up to 400 degrees F.
Pros:
- This set comes at a very affordable price.
- The Thermo Spot Indicator lets you know when the pot is preheated and ready for cooking.
- The long-lasting titanium finish is non-stick and toxin-free, so you can feel great about using it over and over!
- The vented lids won’t fog up so you can keep an eye on your delicious food.
- This comes with a lifetime warranty, with some limitations.
Cons:
- The utensil set that is included is not the same high quality as the pots and pans.
- The lids do not fit tightly on pots and pans.
Related: Our Cookware Buying Guide. How To Find Your Perfect Set.
The Winner
These induction cookware sets really are the best, but my favorite has to be the Circulon Premier Professional 13-Piece Hard-Anodized Cookware Set. This set has the right price while still having great versatility and quality.
It comes with a great variety of cookware to meet all your needs in the kitchen. Being able to toss it all in the dishwasher is a huge plus!
I don’t like clunky pans that are difficult to get in and out of cabinets and will break a foot if dropped. This light-weight set is perfect for wanting something easy to handle and store.
One of the favorite features is that the Circulon set comes with straining lids. This makes cooking pasta a breeze and eliminates that extra dish that needs to be washed.
While the Circulon is our top pick, any of these induction cookware sets can add value to your kitchen and elevate your cooking experience.
