Cookware reviews and buying guides
Simple guides to help you choose, compare, clean, and care for cookware, including stainless steel, nonstick, ceramic nonstick, cookware sets, and Our Place products. Learn what works best for your kitchen and cooking style.
Choose the right cookware
We help you understand materials, compare options, and find cookware that fits your kitchen and cooking style.
Core cookware guides
Learn what works for your kitchen
Stainless steel cookware
Learn when stainless steel makes sense, what to look for, how it compares to nonstick, and how to care for it.
Nonstick cookware
Compare ceramic nonstick, traditional nonstick, non-toxic options, safety questions, cleaning, and everyday uses.
Use and care
Learn how to clean cookware, protect coatings, avoid scratches, care for stainless steel, and make pans last longer.
How to choose the right cookware
Match your cooking to the right material
Stainless steel
Stainless steel
For durability and high heat
Stainless steel handles browning, searing, and high temperatures without degrading. Best for serious cooks and long-term kitchen investments.
Nonstick
Nonstick
For eggs, fish, and easy cleanup
Nonstick excels at delicate foods and requires less oil. Perfect for everyday cooking and minimal effort after meals.
Ceramic nonstick
Ceramic nonstick
For nonstick style with alternatives
Ceramic nonstick offers a different coating option for buyers seeking alternatives to traditional nonstick surfaces.
Cast iron
Cast iron
For high heat and long-term use
Cast iron improves with age and handles extreme heat. Requires seasoning and maintenance but lasts generations.
Cookware sets versus individual pieces
Sets make sense for new kitchens or complete replacements. Individual pieces work better for targeted upgrades and specific cooking needs.
When to buy sets
Sets work well if you're starting from scratch or replacing most of your cookware at once.
When to buy individual pieces
Individual pans let you upgrade specific items and avoid paying for pieces you don't need.
Cookware materials at a glance
Understand the strengths and weaknesses of each material type.
What is the safest cookware?
Safety depends on material, coating condition, heat use, and care habits. No single material is universally safest.
Stainless steel and cast iron are inherently safe. Nonstick cookware is safe when used as directed and not overheated. Replace any pan with a damaged or peeling coating. Follow manufacturer instructions for heat limits and cleaning methods.
Explore
Where Our Place fits in your kitchen
Our Place appeals to shoppers who value style, simplicity, and multi-use products that do more with less.
Always Pan
A nonstick-style pan that replaces several pieces for everyday cooking and minimal cleanup.
Wonder Oven Pro
A countertop oven and air fryer for cooks who want versatility and space-saving design.
Questions
Find answers to common cookware questions below.
Start with a single nonstick pan for everyday cooking. Add a stainless steel pot for boiling and sauces. Cast iron works well if you enjoy high-heat cooking and don't mind maintenance.
Neither is better. Stainless steel handles high heat and browning. Nonstick excels at eggs, fish, and pancakes with less oil. Most kitchens benefit from having both.
Ceramic nonstick offers a different feel and may appeal to buyers seeking alternatives to traditional coatings. Traditional nonstick often performs better for everyday cooking and lasts longer with proper care.
Safety depends on material, coating, heat use, and care habits. Stainless steel and cast iron are inherently safe. Nonstick cookware is safe when used as directed and not overheated. Follow manufacturer instructions and replace pans with damaged coatings.
Sets work well for new kitchens or full replacements. Individual pieces are smarter for targeted upgrades. A single strong pan often beats a large set you'll never use.
How do I make cookware last?
Hand wash when possible, avoid high heat on nonstick, use wooden utensils, dry promptly, and store carefully. Proper care extends the life of any pan by years.
Compare cookware before you buy
Read our guides and shop our picks to find the right cookware for your kitchen.