What to Buy Cookware The 7 Best Cookware Sets for Induction Cooktops, According to Chefs Sear, flip, saute, and braise in our favorites. By Samantha Lande Samantha Lande Samantha Lande has written about food and nutrition for over a decade. Her food and wellness writing has appeared in Food & Wine, Food Network, Real Simple, AARP, Epicurious, Good Housekeeping, Allrecipes, and more. Food & Wine's Editorial Guidelines and Nick DeSimone Updated on September 29, 2023 In This Article Expand Jump to a Section Our top picks Reviews Our Favorite Factors to Consider FAQ Our Expertise We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more. Williams Sonoma These days, induction cooktops are increasingly common. Many cooks favor them for their sleek profile, easy-to-clean surface, and even heating, and the flat glass surface looks smooth and modern in almost any home. Professional chefs are also riding the induction wave when it comes to portable induction cooktops for catering or even pastry. Induction cooktops require compatible cookware. And while it can sound daunting to think you might need to ditch your favorite set or buy a new one, we've got you covered. No matter your cookware preferences, we have an induction-ready pick for you. Maybe you're all about nonstick — no problem. If you love stainless steel cookware, look no further. Grace Vallo of Tastefully Grace emphasizes the importance of shopping for the right cookware. "When I'm shopping for induction cookware, it's important to look for the words "induction safe" or you might end up buying something that isn't," she says. We compared the best induction cookware sets on the market to see how they measure up on things like price, heat capacity, ease of cleaning, and more. Our Top Picks Best Overall: Cuisinart MultiClad Pro 12 Piece Triple Ply Stainless Cookware Set at Amazon Jump to Review Best Value: Tramontina 8-Piece Tri-Ply Clad Stainless Steel Cookware Set at Walmart Jump to Review Best Ceramic: Caraway Cookware Set at Amazon Jump to Review Best Nonstick: GreenPan Valencia Pro Hard Anodized Cookware Set at Amazon Jump to Review Best Splurge: All-Clad D5 Stainless Brushed 5-Ply Bonded Cookware Set at Amazon Jump to Review Best Cast Iron: Lodge Seasoned Cast Iron 5-Piece Set at Amazon Jump to Review Best with Copper: Anolon Nouvelle Stainless Cookware Set at Amazon Jump to Review Best Overall Cuisinart MultiClad Pro 12 Piece Triple Ply Stainless Cookware Set Amazon View On Amazon View On Target View On Williams-Sonoma Pros This comprehensive and durable set is oven-safe up to 550° F. Cons Since these pans conduct heat extremely well, the handles can get quite hot — and stay hot. Cuisinart makes its cookware out of multiple layers of durable steel with an aluminum core. For induction cooktops, a smooth bottom is one of the most vital features of a pan. These pans are perfect for induction because the smooth stainless steel means the whole surface is in contact with the heating element. The aluminum-clad design gives these pans exceptionally even heating, and the stainless steel leads to long-term heat retention. Though these pans conduct heat extremely well, that also extends to the handles. As a result, they heat up quickly and stay hot for a long time. This set contains two skillets, a saute pan, three pots, a stainer, and several lids. This expansive selection means you don't need any other cookware and could replace an induction-safe set. They're also oven-safe up to 550° F so that the pans can go right from the induction surface into the oven. Price at time of publish: $287 Material: Stainless steel with aluminum coreIncluded in the set: 12 piecesDishwasher safe: YesTemperature range: Up to 550° F Best Value Tramontina 8-Piece Tri-Ply Clad Stainless Steel Cookware Set Walmart View On Walmart View On Wayfair View On Home Depot Pros This affordable set offers even heating and is sturdy. Cons It does not come with any lids for the pans. The Tramontina 8-Piece Cookware Set is one of the best deals for the basics needed for an induction cooktop. For less than $200, you get all the necessities without compromising quality. This is the perfect set for anyone who has just started building a kitchen or anyone who likes to save a few bucks and forgo any flashy bells and whistles. The best feature of these pans is their even heat retention. They have a high heat capacity, making them the perfect pans for getting perfectly crispy chicken skin or a hard sear on a steak. At a low price, these pans feel surprisingly sturdy. The pans feel heavier than expected and highly balanced. The many layers of steel with aluminum sandwiched in the bottom make the pans thick and heavy, giving them superior heat distribution and retention. This set comes with two pans and three pots, but only the pots have lids. This can be a bummer if you need to simmer a skillet of chicken and rice or pasta sauce. The skillets also don't have helper handles, so lifting them from the range to the oven can be more difficult if the pan is heavy. Price at time of publish: $162 Material: Stainless steel with aluminum coreIncluded in the set: 8 piecesDishwasher safe: YesTemperature range: Up to 500° F Best Ceramic Caraway Cookware Set Amazon View On Amazon View On Target View On Target Pros This extremely nonstick, easy-to-clean set comes with extra storage pieces. Cons It doesn't include as many pieces as other options on the market and is not dishwasher-safe. If you're not up on the recent developments in the fast-paced world of nonstick coatings, ceramic cookware is the new 'it girl.' This Caraway Cookware Set is coated in a "sol-gel processed fine ceramic coating," a hybrid material that combines the best qualities of two types of nonstick. As a result, food effortlessly slides off these pans with minimal effort. Plus, you can still get a great sear. Build up delicious browned bits and achieve a good crust on chicken skin. Then, wipe the pan clean. A spritz of water and a quick wipe with a paper towel are all you need most of the time. Caraway includes a wire storage rack and a canvas lid rack in this set for storage. Both nestle into your cabinets seamlessly, making storage a breeze. However, you may never want to store them away; they look stunning on your range. This set includes two pots, two pans, three lids, and two storage pieces. Price at time of publish: $395 Material: Aluminum and stainless base with ceramic coatingIncluded in the set: 9 piecesDishwasher safe: NoTemperature range: Up to 550° F Best Nonstick GreenPan Valencia Pro Hard Anodized Cookware Set Amazon View On Amazon View On Target View On 2modern.com Pros The diamond-infused ceramic coating offers a sturdy guard against metal utensils. Cons The nonstick coating is not as durable and will likely wear off over time. The usual pitfalls of nonstick cookware are that they scratch easily, and you can't sear or build up a fond for deglazing with them. The diamond-infused ceramic coating of this GreenPan set is unlike traditional nonstick coatings. You can use metal utensils without fear of scratching or wearing down the surface of your pans, and neither will the lids. We also love the coated handle rivets as well as the glass lids that are helpful to see what's going on in the pan and oven. The proprietary ceramic coating, also used in the brand's top-rated SearSmart nonstick cookware set, is safe at higher temperatures, so it won't degrade or release harmful fumes if the pan becomes overheated. And, perhaps most importantly, you can sear with ease on these pans. Like all pans coated with a nonstick surface, the coating will eventually wear off, regardless of the coating's durability. Unfortunately, these pans don't have the longevity that pans made from other materials have. This set has 16 pieces, which is expansive, and unlike other comprehensive sets, this one also includes a grill pan. This is a great addition to your setup when you want that outdoor grill flavor but don't want to deal with the pesky grill setup. Price at time of publish: $400 Material: Anodized aluminum with ceramic coatingIncluded in the set: 16 piecesDishwasher safe: YesTemperature range: Up to 600° F; lids up to 425° F Best Splurge All-Clad D5 Stainless Brushed 5-Ply Bonded Cookware Set Williams-Sonoma View On Amazon View On Williams-Sonoma View On Sur La Table Pros This set comes with a lifetime warranty, has two layers of aluminum, and has a high heat capacity. Cons It's an expensive set with fewer pieces than others. When chefs sleep at night, this All-Clad Brushed D5 Stainless Cookware Set is what we dream of. Like all other aluminum-clad pans, these have aluminum sandwiched between layers of stainless steel. Unlike other aluminum-clad pans, these have multiple layers of aluminum between stainless steel that goes all the way up the sides, a technique that All-Clad invented. This layering effect is what gives All-Clad pans their signature impossibly even heating. They're also great for the oven. Their multi-layer design increases their heat capacity, making them oven-safe up to 600° F, so going from stovetop to baking and broiling is a breeze. At a hefty price tag, this set, unfortunately, doesn't have as many pieces as some other sets with three pots, three pans, and four lids. However, the value and durability go a long way when considering each piece's lifetime warranty. Price at time of publish: $1,430 Material: Stainless steel with aluminum coreIncluded in the set: 10 piecesDishwasher safe: YesTemperature range: Up to 600° F Best Cast Iron Lodge Seasoned Cast Iron 5-Piece Set Amazon View On Amazon View On Walmart View On Sur La Table Pros Cast iron has unsurpassed heat retention and durability, and this set includes a Dutch oven and griddle pan. Cons Cast iron cookware is notoriously heavy and not dishwasher safe. Many people believe the myth that cast iron cookware can't be used on induction burners, but this is untrue! Induction cooktops work using magnetism, and since iron is exceptionally magnetic, cast iron pans are perfect for induction cooktops. The only catch is that some pans marketed as "cast iron" are composite pans containing other non-magnetic materials mixed with the iron. These types of pans will most likely not be recognized by the cooktop. For this reason, it's worth getting 100% authentic cast iron pans for use with induction cooktops and for their durability. Cast iron pans are ubiquitous in American cooking for a reason — they can be passed down for generations due to their incomparable durability. This Lodge Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron 5-Piece Set is one of the best cast irons out there. They come pre-seasoned so you can use them right out of the box, and since they're virtually indestructible, you can use them for years. The trade-off is that all of the pieces in this set are easily three or more times heavier than other induction-ready pans. Their weight can make them difficult to maneuver. Price at time of publish: $150 Material: Cast ironIncluded in the set: 5 piecesDishwasher safe: NoTemperature range: Up to 500° F Best with Copper Anolon Nouvelle Stainless 10-Piece Cookware Set Amazon View On Amazon View On Wayfair View On Walmart Pros The pieces have a large capacity as well as precision heating due to their copper build. Cons Their multiple metal layers can leave them feeling unbalanced and heavy. Like aluminum, copper is lauded for its excellent heat conductivity and retention. Unfortunately, fully copper pans can be challenging to clean and maintain, not to mention they're not magnetic, so they aren't induction compatible. Thankfully, sets like this Anolon Nouvelle Stainless Steel Cookware blend copper's heat capabilities with the durability and induction compatibility of stainless steel. One of the major benefits of copper cookware is its superior heat control. Copper is very sensitive to heat fluctuations, so you have more control than other materials, and this set is no exception. One thing that's great about this set is the size of the individual cookware. Each piece is large and has a lot of surface area, so it's ideal for families or anyone who doesn't have time to waste searing off fish fillets in batches. However, the size has a trade-off: This set is very heavy. The bottom of each pot is clad with five layers of metal, and while the handles feel incredibly high quality, they also feel quite heavy. The weight distribution feels different than other stainless sets, with more weight on the handles than usual. Price at time of publish: $300 Material: Stainless steel with copper coreIncluded in the set: 10 piecesDishwasher safe: YesTemperature range: Up to 500° F Our Favorite For a jack-of-all-trades induction cookware set that can suit almost anyone's needs, look no further than the Cuisinart MCP-12N MultiClad Pro 12-Piece Cookware Set. If you're in the market for a top-of-the-line chef's choice in cookware, the All-Clad Brushed D5 Stainless Cookware Set is definitely for you. Factors to Consider Compatibility First, check the manufacturer's box or instructions to see if the cookware is compatible with your induction cooktop. In order for cookware to be considered induction-compatible, the bottom of the pan must be made of magnetic metal. You can usually tell if cookware is induction-ready by holding a magnet to the underside. If it clings, it’s compatible with your induction cooktop. Number of Pieces Included Not all induction cookware sets are created equal. While many sets are equipped with up to 10 pieces, including items like Dutch ovens or grill pans, others include the bare minimum. If you are the type of home chef who likes to cook with many pieces at once, consider the number of components included, so you don't have to purchase others separately. Temperature Range If broiling or other high-temperature cooking is something you do often, make sure the set you choose can handle that type of heat. While many sets can handle temperatures up to 600° F, others are only recommended to be used at 450° F or less. Care According to chef Bill Kim of Cornerstone Restaurant Group in Chicago, how you treat your pan and clean it is super important with induction cooking. "If the bottom of the pan is dirty because you haven't been the best at cleaning it, the induction isn't going to cook evenly," he says. In addition, it is best to clean your cooktop after each use to avoid hard water stains, white blotches, or caked food, so keep in mind the amount of time you wish you spend maintaining the cleanliness of your stove. Frequently Asked Questions What pans cannot be used on induction cooktops? Cast iron and most stainless steel options are induction-ready, and some nonstick, copper, glass, or aluminum are not. However, that isn’t a steadfast rule. Nowadays, many manufacturers are adding that magnetic bottom layer, so pans are more versatile and ready for induction. In addition, be mindful of any rough-edged cookware. While compatible, scratchy cast iron can mark up your glass induction top, so be mindful when placing your cookware on the stove, or opt for an enameled cast iron. How do I know if my cookware is induction ready? “Read the box and see if it’s induction ready, or take it home and try it out,” says Kim. “Usually, the higher quality pans are induction ready.” As we mentioned above, you can also try the magnetic cling test if the manufacturer's labeling is unclear. Can induction cookware be used on other types of stoves or cooktops? Most likely. Almost any induction cookware can be used on other types of stoves, including electric and gas stoves. To be induction-friendly, the cookware's base must contain enough iron or magnetized steel to react with the magnetic fields of the induction cooktop. Besides this, induction cookware is essentially the same as other types. The only exceptions to be aware of are if the base of the induction cookware has very thin steel or if the outside has been sprayed with a nonstick or magnetic layer. How do you clean induction cookware? To clean your cooktop, you likely already have the ingredients in your kitchen. Avoid using abrasive sponges. Instead, dampen a soft dish towel with distilled white vinegar and wipe to remove stains, and again with a new cloth and distilled water to wipe clean. You can also use specialty glass cooktop cleaners. Our Expertise Contributors Nick DeSimone and Samantha Lande wrote and compiled this list. Samantha has experience in product testing kitchen and reviewing kitchen tools and has developed content for leading food brands. Nick has been a professional cook for nearly a decade, so they know a thing or two about cookware. Nick has worked with induction cooktops extensively and knows the unique requirements of compatible cookware. They also have induction cooktops in their home kitchen, so they know what cookware works best in a home environment. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit