Best Induction Cookware of 2020 Complete Reviews with Comparisons
Of late, induction cookware has become increasingly popular, and if you’re looking for the best induction cookware, you’re in the right place. This comprehensive review will show you only the best cookware for induction currently available.
You’ll also find out more about how it works, the best brands, and much more. Read on for more details about the safety of induction cookware, why it’s better to have nonstick products, and what materials are the best for induction cookware.
Comparison Chart
Best Induction Cookware Reviews
You’ve probably heard positive things about T-fal. This company has been around for over 60 years and they make some of the most innovative cookware you can find. They revolutionized the market with their nonstick technology. This 13-piece set is very affordable, including only the best induction cookware.
Product Highlights
Starting with what’s included, the T-fal 13-piece stainless steel cookware set includes a Dutch oven with a lid and a stainless steel steamer, five saucepans with lids (from one to five quarts), and three fry pans (8, 10.5, and 12 inches with a lid).
This set is built to last; the base is heavy gauge with several layers of copper, aluminum and stainless steel. All of the cookware from this set heats up quickly and evenly. The stainless steel is there to make it durable, while the copper bottom assists with the heat distribution across the whole surface of the cookware.
The handles are very sturdy and ergonomic. The lids trap heat and moisture, but have vented holes that stop accidental boiling over and provide better visibility while cooking.
The materials used for the set are non-reactive with food and very safe. The cookware doesn’t stick if you use moderate heat, preheat the pans and use a generous amount of cooking oil.
The T-fal 13-piece stainless steel set is safe for induction cooking, but it can be used on other cooktops, as well as ovens up to 500°F. Also, you can safely clean the set in a dishwasher.
Last but not least, the set comes with a lifetime-limited warranty. There’s a copper stainless steel and an HA titanium nonstick option of this set available. There are also 12, 14, and 17-piece sets for those a little superstitious about the number 13!
What's to like
This is an excellent quality induction cookware set available for a decent price. T-fal is an easily recognizable brand with very high user satisfaction. If used properly, the set doesn’t stick, and is easy to maintain. The limited-lifetime warranty is never a bad thing, just in case.
What's not to like
Honestly, there are only minor things to complain about regarding this induction cookware set. Those who nitpick would say it’s a shame there are no different color options, but that’s about it.
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The Calphalon 10-piece tri-ply stainless steel cookware set is among the best induction cookware you can find. It’s made with great attention to detail and is both functional and stylish. It can fit any modern kitchen and improve it greatly. You can use it for everyday cooking, no matter if you’re boiling, simmering, or searing.
Product Highlights
The most important question is, what does this set include? The Calphalon 10-piece tri-ply stainless steel cookware set includes a five-quart Dutch oven with a cover, 1.5-quart and 2.5-quart saucepans, a 10” omelet pan with a cover, and a three-quart sauté pan with a cover. That’s enough cookware for all your culinary needs.
Tri-ply stainless steel is a word that keeps coming up, but what’s it all about? It means three layers, a combination of a satin-finish stainless steel interior, an aluminum core for even heat distribution, and a magnetic stainless steel exterior for induction cooking. Stainless steel is great for any kind of cooking, searing, browning, deglazing, sautéing, you name it. It’s a tad heavy, with the entire set weighing in at 26 lbs.
Importantly, this cookware set is very safe to use. You can use it in the oven, in a broiler, and clean it in a dishwasher. Furthermore, you can use this set on induction stovetops, but also electric, halogen, gas, and ceramic cooktops.
Speaking of lids, these glass lids are transparent and let you see exactly how your cooking is coming along. The handles on the cookware are very long and easy to grab, and more importantly, they stay cool even on the stovetop.
Finally, the entire Calphalon set is under a full lifetime warranty. You can replace any piece if it turns out defective as long as you use it as intended. There are only stainless steel and a copper color variant, but you can choose between the 8, 10, or 13-piece sets.
Here are some tips from the manufacturer. You should pre-heat the cookware before using it, but only on medium heat. Take the food out of the refrigerator at least 15 minutes prior to cooking. Lastly, always clean the cookware after using it, otherwise, it can start to stick.
What's to like
The set is made from genuine stainless steel, with an aluminum core for better heat distribution. Overall, it’s an excellent set, with many great pieces, well worth the investment, even if it’s not the cheapest set on the market. The full lifetime warranty is a great addition. This is a very durable set. You can use it on all sorts of cooktops, an oven, broiler, and even clean it in a dishwasher.
What's not to like
This is a very stylish set, but there are only two color options. Some may say that a 10-piece set isn’t enough, but it should fit most kitchens just fine.
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The Cuisinart MultiClad Pro stainless steel cookware is very versatile. It can be used by professional and novice chefs alike. It’s a very durable 12-piece set, which fits in any modern-day kitchen. You can choose the 7- or 10-piece sets if you don’t need that many cookware items.
Product Highlights
Cuisinart has more than 30 years of experience in making fine art from cookware products. Their greatest commitment has always been quality and innovation in cooking.
The Cuisinart MultiClad Pro stainless steel cookware set includes a big 8-quart stockpot for soups and stews, and It comes with a cover; a 3.5-quart sauté pan with a cover, for making fillets and braising meat; an 8- and 10-inch skillets best used for crepes, burgers, omelets, and more; a 1.5-quart and 3-quart saucepans with lids which you can use for all sorts of sauces.
In case you’re curious, the MultiClad Pro stainless steel set is made with a tri-ply construction. The construction consists of a pure aluminum core, a brushed stainless steel exterior and a stainless steel interior. This mixture of materials offers the best results in cooking, with unparalleled heat distribution without hotspots.
None of the used materials react with food or change the flavors. The handle design is updated, not only for a better look, but also a better grip, both in terms of comfort and functionality. The handles are cool and have stainless steel rivets. The lids fit very well and allow self-basting of food.
The best thing about this set is the variety of cooking techniques and styles you can use. You can brown meat, boil pasta, sauté vegetables and simmer all sorts of sauces with it.
The cookware covers seal in the nutrients and juices for tastier and healthier cooking. The rims are tapered to avoid dripping while pouring. All the materials are very safe for use, but also dishwasher safe for easy cleaning.
Finally, you can safely use the set in an oven up to 550°F. The entire set is suited for induction cooktops, and contains only the best induction cookware. It also comes with a lifetime warranty.
What's to like
This 12-piece set is everything a cook could ask for. It’s very versatile, safe, durable and long-lasting. You can make all sorts of great dishes with it, and then easily clean it in the dishwasher. In terms of value for your dollar, you get more than you paid for. The lifetime warranty is a nice bonus.
What's not to like
The only thing lacking is the color variety. You can’t get any other finish than the shiny stainless steel look. Still, this set easily fits in any kitchen decor.
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Duxtop may not be the most well-known brand, but make no mistake, they make some of the best induction cookware. The set in question is the Duxtop Whole Clad 10-piece Stainless Steel Cookware Set. It has a three-layer construction that’s bound together for great results. Read more about it below.
Product Highlights
This set has the best induction cooking construction you can ask for. It has a thick aluminum core sandwiched by a magnetic stainless steel exterior and interior layers. This ensures no hot spots while cooking but also distributes the heat evenly across the whole pot, including its bottom and sides.
The special technology used for this set, the Whole Clad offers modern bonding technology, serves the purpose of adding more durability to the cookware and extending its life substantially.
This sturdy cookware set isn’t only durable, but it’s also very versatile too. You can use it on induction, halogen, electric and gas cooktops. It’s also safe for oven use, up to 550°F.
Additionally, you can put the pieces in a freezer for storage. That’s not all, it’s dishwasher safe too. However, the manufacturer recommends hand washing. If all that weren’t enough, there’s a lifetime limited warranty for defective products (if any).
This isn’t a light set; it weighs nearly 21 lbs., but remember, it has 10 pieces. These pieces include an 8- and 10-inch fry pans, a three-quart sauté pan with a handle helper and a lid, a 6.5-quart sauce pot with a cover, and 1.6- and 3-quart saucepans with covers.
The grips on the pans are made from stainless steel, built to keep cool. Also, they offer a great ergonomic grip that fits the hand comfortably.
What's to like
This all-around solid induction cookware set serves as a balanced addition to every kitchen. It’s very versatile and user-friendly. If you’re wondering about the price, it’s very reasonable. Overall, this set is a great investment and could be a wonderful gift for a friend or family.
What's not to like
There’s not much missing in this great package deal. Some may dislike the stainless steel finish of this cookware set, but it’s pretty much standard. Lastly, some users complained about high pitch noise coming from the set during use on the induction range.
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The greatest thing about the Duxtop Professional 17-piece stainless steel induction cookware set is the bonding technology used for its construction. The construction itself is very durable and compatible with various cooktops, infrared, electric, gas, ceramic, but mostly induction cooktops. There are no other color options, just a classic stainless steel look.
Product Highlights
Besides being very versatile for use, the set is also easy to clean, using a dishwasher. Additionally, you can use it in ovens safely up to 550°F. Even though the set is sturdy and safe, it comes with a lifetime limited warranty.
A set with 17 pieces brings a lot to the table. Specifically, it consists of a 9.5-inch pasta basket, steam basket, 8- and 9.5-inch frying pans, 1.6 and 2.5 saucepans with covers, a 4.2-quart casserole dish with a cover, 5.5-quart sauté pan with a cover and a helper, three kitchen tools, and an 8.6-quart stockpot with a cover.
The construction is 18/10 commercial-grade stainless steel around an encapsulated heavy-gauge, impact-bonded aluminum base,. The riveted handle is also well-designed, with an anti-slip satin finish and an ergonomic grip.
The whole set is slightly heavy — it weighs nearly 34 lbs. That’s not entirely bad, as you know the cookware is built from durable stainless steel. If you haven’t heard of Duxtop, maybe you heard of Secura, which is an appliance manufacturer from the United States. They’re basically the same company, each offering high-quality products.
The Duxtop 17-piece stainless steel cookware set comes with a limited-lifetime warranty.
What's to like
You’ll be surprised to know that the price of this amazing 17-piece set from Duxtop is actually quite inexpensive, considering you get nearly everything you need for your kitchen. Plus, it’s induction ready, safe to use, and built to last. If you ask us, these are all qualities of the best induction cookware.
What's not to like
There are no bad sides to this set, based on ratings from many satisfied customers. If you don’t like the stainless steel finish, and heavy cookware, then maybe this set isn’t for you.
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BUYER'S GUIDE
You should know everything about a product before making a purchase. Induction cookware is becoming increasingly more popular, but most people don’t really know much about it. To understand the product, you also must learn what induction cooking is. Fortunately for you, we bundled all the answers for you below.
First, read about the most important characteristics of induction cookware, and then learn how it works, whether it’s safe, etc. These are the things you should keep in mind when buying an induction cookware set:
Types of Cookware
Stainless Steel
Most people prefer stainless steel induction cookware. This incredibly popular material offers many advantages over other materials. Here are some of them.
Firstly, stainless steel lasts forever. That’s why you get a lifetime warranty with most stainless steel products, because it won’t bend, break, melt, or anything like that. Also, stainless steel is very safe to use and doesn’t have any toxic substances. It doesn’t react with food, which makes it perfectly safe for cooking.
Stainless steel cookware can withstand very high temperatures, which makes it great for some forms of cooking, such as baking pastries in the oven. The only disadvantage of stainless steel cookware is that it can be heavier than other materials.
Of course, stainless steel can also be used for safe induction cooking.
Coated Aluminum
Coated aluminum cookware has a soft surface of almost pure aluminum modeled into a hard surface. Often referred to as hard-coat anodized, this type of coating shouldn’t be mistaken with nonstick coating – it has nothing to do with it.
Aluminum itself isn’t compatible with induction cooktops. However, in combination with steel plating the base of the cookware, it works with induction cooktops. That’s basically what coated aluminum means and how it’s made. The attributes of coated aluminum cookware are its light weight, good heat distribution, and low price.
Overall, it’s not a bad choice of material, as long as it is combined with stainless steel for induction.
Cast Iron
Cast iron cookware is amazing because it can withstand incredible heat. It retains heat and usually has great heat distribution. If you’re looking for cookware that can be used for tasks with some serious heat involved, cast iron cookware is perfect for you.
Cast iron is compatible with induction cooktops, and is a solid choice overall. The only drawback, as with stainless steel, is its weight. If you don’t like handling heavy cookware, consider getting cookware made from different materials.
Additionally, cast iron cookware heats up slowly, and cools off slowly too. It’s a very solid material, which means it costs a little more than let’s say, aluminum.
Copper
Copper is a much-lauded material used for cookware. However, copper isn’t compatible with induction cooktops on its own; it needs a stainless steel bottom to be used for induction cooking. Copper is also reactive, so it needs to be combined with other materials from within, to avoid reactions with food.
Overall, it’s a poor choice for induction cooking, rather expensive, and can’t be cleaned in a dishwasher. It can build up a patina, like rust, that has to be removed with a copper cleaner. You can use copper cookware for other types of cooktops, but it’s far from ideal for induction cooking.
Coated Ceramic
Coated ceramic can be used for induction cooking. Ceramic on its own will not work on induction cooktops. This is an unconventional material, mostly because of its flaws. But it doesn’t stick, which is a great thing.
However, if you’re cooking anything with fats, it will stick and make a mess. The surface flakes on impact, and it can be chipped away. In other words, coated ceramic cookware isn’t very durable. Yes, it is cheaper, but usually, it doesn’t pay off.
Compatibility with Induction Cooktop
The best induction cookware is always compatible with induction cooktops. If it isn’t, then the cookware can’t really be called induction cookware. (The induction cooking process will be explained in the Q&A section of the article.)
It isn’t too complicated, and is very effective and reliable. If you haven’t used induction cooking before, you should give it a try; it’s easy, you won’t get burned, you can clean the cookware more easily, and some say the food is tastier this way.
Induction cookware is, in most cases, reliable with other cooktops as well. Therefore, if you have multiple cooktops, or carry your cookware to a cookout, you should know that it will work on electric, gas, halogen, and other cooktops too.
The best way to check if your cookware is compatible with induction cooking is to check the manufacturer’s label. A verified manufacturer can’t lie about this stuff, and here you’ll learn all you need to know about the product.
To test if your cookware is induction-ready, simply turn your induction cooktop on, place the cookware in the pan and see what happens. If the cookware doesn’t get hot from within, i.e. nothing happens, you were misled and you should return the product because it isn’t real induction cookware.
Materials that are compatible with induction cooktops are stainless steel, cast iron, carbon steel, coated aluminum, and coated copper.
Nonstick
Additionally, you’ll find that nonstick cookware is usually very safe for use. Nonstick means that cookware is easy to clean, because food, grease, and other cooking supplies don’t stick to the surface of the cookware; all of which will simply slide off when you clean it, without making a mess, or damaging the cookware with any stains. The problem with nonstick cookware is that it scratches more easily and is less durable than sturdy cookware, such as full stainless steel cookware.
It’s a tradeoff, but generally speaking, if cookware is marked as nonstick, then it should be safe to use, and this is without question a good attribute. Who likes having to scrub their cookware hard, when nonstick can be easily cleaned?
Nonstick cookware is also called Teflon, maybe you know it by name. The reason why Teflon cookware isn’t that great is because it releases toxins if overheated.
Remember to always follow the instructions from the manufacturer when using nonstick cookware. The heat indicators aren’t just for bragging; all cookware is tested in a lab. If you go over the recommended temperature, you can melt the cookware and make a mess.
Lid and Handles
The lid and the handles of induction cookware are very important. The handle should be ergonomic, comfortable, and easy to control. More importantly, it should be cool to the touch, and not burn your hands when you hold it.
In general, stainless steel handles are the best, because they’re steady and cool to the touch. Good handles are long enough to keep your fingers far away from the hot surface. The best handles have rivets too, for added protection.
The lids are important as well. This also comes down to practicality, because a good lid will keep all the heat and the moisture inside the cookware, making it more effective. Also, if a lid is good, the food will baste in its own juices, which makes it a hundred times tastier.
The best types of lids you should look for in induction cookware are see-through glass lids. You also need to be able to see how your food is doing, because you don’t want to burn or undercook it. The stainless steel lids aren’t bad either, because they can withstand higher temperatures. However, you have to lift them up to check your cooking progress. Make sure that the lid has a stainless steel handle, or other metal handle that stays cool, even in high temperatures. You don’t want to burn your hands if you’re using induction cookware in the oven.
Brand
Choosing the right brand of induction cookware is very important. It’s always a smart idea to pay a little extra for a good product brand, at least when it comes to cookware. Some of the most renowned brands of induction cookware are Cuisinart, Calphalon, T-fal, Circulon, All-Clad, Duxtop, Anolon, etc.
There are many good brands of cookware out there, some of which aren’t very popular yet. All of the product recommendations in this article come from trustworthy manufacturers, which have thousands of satisfied customers.
You can’t always tell if a brand is good or not, just by looking at the surface. The best way to check is to look up user reviews online and see what they have to say. If most of the reviews are positive, you can rest assured that the brand in question is reliable.
If a brand is trustworthy, the manufacturer will usually provide warranties for their products, reassuring the customers that if something goes wrong, they’ll replace the product. A lifetime warranty is the best guarantee for a good investment in induction cookware. Warranties are usually limited, which means they only cover defects in manufacturing. If you’re at fault for breaking or damaging your cookware, you won’t get a warranty to cover the damage.
The Piece Count
How many pieces of induction cookware do you need? If you’re new to cooking or need an entire set of cookware for another reason, you want a bigger set. More pieces of cookware in a set usually translates to higher prices, but it doesn’t have to be that way.
Most manufacturers count lids or covers as a piece of a set, so be aware of that. Any additional kitchen items, like a spatula, will be called a piece too (sometimes they even count a cookbook).
The main pieces of a quality set, the ones you should look for, are pots, skillets, and perhaps a large Dutch oven. These are pieces that you will use daily, the pieces that matter most.
There’s no set number of pieces in the best induction cookware set, but it should be above 10 at least. Some of the best sets have between 12 and 20 pieces, and they offer a lot of variety in cooking many different meals and foods.
F.A.Q.
How does induction cookware work?
Induction cookware works on an electromagnetic field that heats the cookware from within, without heating the cooking surface. There are no flames or heated coils that come in contact with the cookware. Instead, an electromagnetic field emits energy to heat up the base of the pan.
The electromagnetic energy is only activated when it come into contact with the base of the induction cookware, and then it heats up. The base has to be made from iron, stainless steel, aluminum, or a combination in order for induction cookware to work properly, because a base made out of glass, for example, won’t work.
Therefore, what you need for induction cooking is an induction cooktop and appropriate induction cookware which is designed specifically for this purpose. Always pay attention to the materials used in the construction of induction cookware.
Can you use an induction cookware on other cooktops?
Put simply, the answer to this question is yes. Most induction cookware works on other cooktops as well as on an induction cooktop. If you have more than one cooktop in your kitchen, it makes sense to get cookware you can use on any of your cooktops.
Usually, the cookware products have clear operational instructions on the label. If you’re buying online, there should also be mention of this, at least if the manufacturer is a serious company.
The best induction cookware is also versatile. It should work on all sorts of cooktops, allowing to use it more frequently and more reliably. Don’t settle for cookware that only has a single use, because you’ll end up buying multiple products, instead of an all-in-one deal.
What does it mean when a set is labeled as induction-ready?
The answer to this question is quite simple. It’s related to the previous question as well. Big manufacturers of induction cookware always label their products as induction ready. This means that said cookware is compatible with induction cooktops, thus the term induction ready.
Even though this cookware can be used on induction cooktops, usually you can use it on electric, gas, and other cooktops too. A sign of the best induction cookware is its versatility and the different functions it can perform.
Is nonstick cookware safe?
Nonstick cookware is very safe for use, otherwise, it wouldn’t be so popular. However, it does have some flaws, the main one being its limited durability, and weak construction, compared to some tougher materials.
With nonstick cookware, you have to be extra cautious. Only use medium heat and use cooking oils on a preheated pan. If you follow these simple instructions, your nonstick cookware should last several years.
You should always check if a product is safe to use, no matter if its cookware or something else. The manufacturer has to label their product honestly. If the label says nonstick cookware is safe to use, nonreactive with food and other substances, it’s definitely safe.
FINAL VERDICT
The final choice is up to you. You were presented with only the best induction cookware in this article, and no matter what you choose, you won’t go wrong. Perhaps you’ve already used some of these brands, which can help you make your decision.
Consider the size of your budget for this purchase too. Sometimes a bigger investment pays off in the long run. It’s better to get an induction cookware set made from quality materials that lasts a long time than get a cheaper set that you can only use a few times before it breaks.