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If you do any type of cooking at home, you’re likely going to need more than a microwave and a toaster. Nobody can live on toast and frozen dinners forever, after all. And if you want the freedom to do all of the boiling, frying, and sauteing you can dream up, you’re going to need a full cookware set.
A cookware set is a combination of pots, pans, and lids that can really elevate your cooking game. With multiple sizes of each, you’ll be able to accomplish any kitchen task that stands in the way of delicious meals. Cookware sets come in a variety of materials and sizes, and some of them even throw in some extras like cooking utensils or strainers.
If you agree that a great cookware set is the secret to success in the kitchen, we’d love to help you find your best match. Cookware sets will vary in price, size, material, included pieces, dishwasher and oven compatibility, and more. And every feature matters more than you think. That’s why you need to consider all of them!
This comprehensive guide will investigate the best cookware sets in Canada right now and outline the criteria you should consider while making your purchase decision. Let’s dive right into our top five products.
Top Pick: Tramontina Stainless Steel Tri-Ply Clad 12-Piece Cookware Set
Upgrade Pick: All-Clad D3 Tri-Ply 10-Piece Stainless Cookware Set
Budget Pick: Carote 11-Piece Granite Cookware Set
Runner-Up: Rachael Ray 16802 Cucina Nonstick 12-Piece Cookware Set
All-Inclusive Alternative: Cuisinart Chef's Classic 11-Piece Stainless Steel Cookware Set
There are so many great things to mention about the Tramontina Stainless Steel Tri-Ply Clad 12-Piece Cookware Set we aren’t even sure where to start. This set is both oven- and dishwasher-safe, so you can be sure that you’ll get to maximize your cooking potential and ease of cleaning. The pieces are super easy to wash by hand, too, so you can go that route if you’d prefer!
These pots and pans are compatible with all types of stovetops including induction, so even if you move at some point, you won’t have to look at getting a new set. With an insanely durable design and a lifetime warranty, this cookware set might truly be your last one ever. It’s set for decades of use.
The only thing that might push you in a different direction is the price of this set. It’s fairly expensive, and although you’re getting way more value for that money than you would with other sets, it’s still a lot to invest, especially if you don’t need such an extravagant set.
Overall, the Tramontina Stainless Steel Tri-Ply Clad 12-Piece Cookware Set is one of the best cookware sets around. No matter what stovetop you have or what you plan to cook, this set will serve you perfectly. Happy cooking!
Performance: 5/5
Usability: 5/5
Price: 3/5
Quality: 5/5
Reviewers are blown away by the quality of the Tramontina Stainless Steel Tri-Ply Clad 12-Piece Cookware Set. They all agree it’s the best set of pots and pans they’ve ever used. They’re able to cook all sorts of meals with the variety of sizes included, and they have no trouble cleaning them afterward to get them looking like new. They’re also grateful for the lifetime warranty because they never want to use anything else.
Buy If…
You want a cookware set that will last forever
You need cookware that’s compatible with all types of stovetops including induction
A versatile set is a priority
An easy cleanup would be nice
Don’t Buy If…
You’re not looking to spend a lot on a cookware set
Colour: Silver
Number of Pieces: 12
Pieces: 10” fry pan, 12” fry pan, 6 qt deep saute pan with lid, 1.5 qt saucepan with lid, 3 qt saucepan with lid, 5 qt dutch oven with lid, and 8 qt stock pot with lid
Material: Stainless steel
Dishwasher Safe: Yes
Oven Safe: Yes
Warranty: Lifetime
There are so many things to appreciate about the All-Clad D3 Tri-Ply 10-Piece Stainless Cookware Set. With professional-grade materials and layering, every piece in this set will heat up faster and cook more evenly than any other pots and pans out there. And since you get a great variety of sizes, you’ll be able to fry, boil, and simmer to your heart’s content.
One of the things we love most about this set is how versatile it is. In addition to the versatility offered by the diversity of pieces included, this set is also compatible with every type of cooktop — ceramic, electric, gas, and induction. You can cook anywhere with it! And since they’re built to last forever, you won’t have to look at getting a replacement for a long, long, long time.
There aren’t any quality or performance issues with this cookware set, as you can imagine. They’re top-tier. However, they also come with a next-level price, so if you aren’t looking for the absolute best of the best, you can do way better price-wise. Otherwise, the only potential concern you could have is with the lids — they’re stainless steel instead of glass, so you won’t be able to see your dishes while they’re covered.
Overall, the All-Clad D3 Tri-Ply 10-Piece Stainless Cookware Set is designed to perfection. No matter what type of cooking you do, you can trust this set to suit every dish, heat evenly, save you time, and provide an easy cleanup process. What more could you ask for?
Performance: 5/5
Usability: 5/5
Price: 1/5
Quality: 5/5
Reviewers have a lot of great things to say about the All-Clad D3 Tri-Ply 10-Piece Stainless Cookware Set. Even after months of use their pots and pans still look brand new, and the variety in the set is perfect for every cooking task. They’re very happy with how the pieces perform and are very happy that they can use them on a variety of cooktops.
Buy If…
Professional quality is what you’re after
A quick heat-up would be nice
You need a variety of pot/pan sizes
You’d appreciate a cookware set that’s compatible with all stovetops
Don’t Buy If…
You want to be able to see your food while it’s covered
You need something affordable
Colour: Silver
Number of Pieces: 10
Pieces: 8” fry pan, 10” fry pan, 2 qt saucepan with lid, 3 qt saucepan with lid, 3 qt saute pan with lid, and 8 qt stock pot with lid
Material: Stainless steel
Dishwasher Safe: Yes
Oven Safe: Yes
Warranty: Lifetime
We are really big fans of the Carote 11-Piece Granite Cookware Set. One of the most special things about it is the fact that the handles aren’t permanently attached to the pieces. Instead, the set includes two removable handles that will attach to each piece in seconds. Not only does this make it much easier to store your cookware set, but the pieces can be used for serving food! You won’t see that anywhere else.
We also really appreciate that this cookware set is oven-safe. And with the removable handles, it’s even easier to fit multiple pans in the oven at once. Plus, since two fridge lids are included with this set, your pots and pans can moonlight as storage containers. One pot/pan does it all from cooking to serving to storing. And the two regular lids can be used on multiple different pieces to suit every occasion.
Unfortunately, there are a handful of minor downsides to mention with this one. First of all, since only two handles are included, you won’t be able to use more than two pieces at once unless you’re willing to swap them back and forth. Also, there’s no stock pot included with this set, so if you want one, you’ll have to buy it separately. Lastly, this set isn’t as durable as some of the other options out there.
Overall, the Carote 11-Piece Granite Cookware Set is one of our favourite cookware sets of all time, and it’s even better when you factor in how budget-friendly it is. You really can’t do better than this one if affordability and versatility are what you’re after.
Performance: 4/5
Usability: 4.5/5
Price: 5/5
Quality: 4/5
Reviewers are in love with the Carote 11-Piece Granite Cookware Set. The non-stick performance is exceptional, the pieces heat up very quickly, and the removable handles make storage so much easier. They have some minor concerns about long-term durability, but they’re very happy with the versatility and affordability. They’d all choose this set again.
Buy If…
You’d love cookware that can double as serving-ware and storage containers
You’d appreciate a mix-and-match system
You’ll want to move dishes from stove to oven without creating more dishes
You’re short on storage space
Don’t Buy If…
You’ll need to use more than two pieces at once
You need a set with a stockpot
Lifetime longevity is a priority
Colour: Cream white
Number of Pieces: 11
Pieces: 8” fry pan, 10” fry pan, 2 qt saucepan, 3 qt saucepan, 4 qt saute pan, 2 removable handles, 8” & 10” silicone lids, and 7” & 8” fridge storage lids
Material: Granite
Dishwasher Safe: Yes
Oven Safe: Yes
Warranty: 1 year
The Rachael Ray 16802 Cucina Nonstick 12-Piece Cookware Set is something pretty special. It’s one of the only options that focuses just as much on comfort and aesthetics as cooking performance. It’s offered in seven stunning colours, and since every piece, including the lids, has silicone-wrapped handles, you’ll always feel comfortable and secure while moving your pots and pans around. Nice touch, eh?
This set excels at all things cooking, too. It’s a very versatile set that can be used for every cooking task you can think of, and all of the pieces are oven-safe! You’ll also get some of the best non-stick technology around — even your eggs will just slide right off, and cleanup is always a breeze. We think it’s pretty cool that you’ll get a couple of cooking utensils, too. And with glass lids, you’ll be able to keep a close eye on your covered dishes.
The only thing that we’d change about this cookware set if we could is its stovetop compatibility. While it’s great on ceramic, electric, and gas stovetops, it’s not compatible with induction technology. If you have an induction cooktop, that’s obviously not going to work for you. We’re just as disappointed as you are.
Overall, the Rachael Ray 16802 Cucina Nonstick 12-Piece Cookware Set is an amazing option that will be hard to pass up. We don’t even need a cookware set and we want this one anyway. With a reasonable price, beautiful design, and comfortable grips, it’s perfect for everyone. Well, we think so anyway.
Performance: 5/5
Usability: 4.5/5
Price: 4/5
Quality: 5/5
Reviewers have a very high opinion of the Rachael Ray 16802 Cucina Nonstick 12-Piece Cookware Set. The non-stick performs just as well as they expected it to, and the pans are very reliable for quick and even heating. The price was right, and they have high hopes that the pots and pans will last for a very long time. The comfortable grips on the handles are another standout feature for them.
Buy If…
Non-stick performance is really important to you
You’d appreciate a set that includes cooking utensils
You like to keep an eye on your food while it’s covered
Grip quality is a priority
Don’t Buy If…
You need induction-compatible cookware
Colour: 7 options
Number of Pieces: 12
Pieces: 1 qt saucepan with lid, 3 qt saucepan with lid, 6 qt stockpot with lid, 3 qt sauté pan with lid, 8.5” fry pan, 10” fry pan, slotted spoon, and slotted turner
Material: Aluminum
Dishwasher Safe: Yes
Oven Safe: Yes
Warranty: Lifetime
The Cuisinart Chef's Classic 11-Piece Stainless Steel Cookware Set has a lot to offer. Its standout quality, in our opinion, is the versatility it brings to the kitchen. With a great range of pot/pan types and sizes, plus the addition of a steamer basket (that could also double as a strainer in a pinch) you won’t need any extra pieces to get full use out of your kitchen. You can make anything with this set!
We really like that the included lids are glass instead of stainless steel since they let you keep an eye on your food even when it has to be covered. And since the rims are tapered, you’ll always be able to pour safely and without drips! Throw in exceptionally even heating across the board, and you’ve got a pretty great cookware set on your hands. Er, stove.
There are a couple of issues that we need to mention before we wrap this up. First of all, the nonstick performance with this one is subpar. It can make cooking and cleanup a bit trickier. Also, the pieces aren’t as durable as we’d like. They’re prone to dents and scratching, so you’ll need to be extra careful with them if you want them to last a long time.
Overall, the Cuisinart Chef's Classic 11-Piece Stainless Steel Cookware Set is a fantastic choice if versatility is a priority for you. With super versatile pieces, a great price, and thoughtful additions, you really can’t go wrong with this one.
Performance: 4.5/5
Usability: 5/5
Price: 4/5
Quality: 4/5
Reviewers have mostly great things to say about the Cuisinart Chef's Classic 11-Piece Stainless Steel Cookware Set. The durability of the pieces isn’t quite what they expected, and the non-stick aspect could be better, but those are really the only concerns. The pieces are very easy to clean, heat quickly and evenly, and are offered in a variety of sizes, all of which they are very grateful for.
Buy If…
You’d love a set that includes a steamer basket
You want to see your food even when it’s covered
Even heating is really important to you
You’ll be pouring from your pots/pans fairly often
Don’t Buy If…
Lifetime longevity is something you’re looking for
Non-stick performance is a priority
Colour: Silver
Number of Pieces: 11
Pieces: 1.5 qt saucepan with lid, 2.5 qt saucepan with lid, 3 qt saucepan with lid, 8 qt stockpot with lid, 8” fry pan, 10” fry pan, and 7” steamer basket
Material: Stainless steel
Dishwasher Safe: Yes
Oven Safe: Yes
Warranty: Lifetime
Some cookware sets only cost a little over $100, while others can approach and even exceed $1,500. In general, more expensive cookware sets will have more pieces, will be made of more durable materials, and will offer better heating performance.
Cookware sets are available in a variety of materials. One of the more common options is stainless steel, but you’ll also see aluminum, granite, cast iron, and more. They all have their pros and cons, so it’s a good idea to know what you want here before you start shopping.
The versatility of a cookware set is pretty important to pay attention to. It will be influenced by the number and types of pieces included (more is better) and oven compatibility (temperature tolerance will vary by material).
Since you’ll likely end up paying a decent amount for your cookware set, durability is something to look at. Some sets will be more vulnerable to dents, scratches, and discolouration than others. As a good rule of thumb, more expensive sets will offer better durability to those things as well as better longevity overall.
Disclaimer: The prices displayed are accurate at the time of publication. We’ll do our best to keep them as up-to-date as possible, but you may see slight changes. The products in this list are ranked by independent third parties. Rankings are based on both reviews and independent testing.
Disclaimer: The prices displayed are accurate at the time of publication. We’ll do our best to keep them as up-to-date as possible, but you may see slight changes.