Hard Anodized Cookware Sets
In our opinion, buying a hard anodized cookware set is the best cooking move you can make. It's far superior to cast iron, stainless steel and those sets that use nonstick chemicals that are possibly toxic.
Hard anodized cookware sets are safe to use and are naturally nonstick—no chemicals needed.
Here's a listing of the latest reviews and deals for cookware sets.
Rachael Ray 10-Piece Hard Anodized Cookware Set
I'll admit it. I was very skeptical when I saw this set from Rachael Ray. She's great, but I was kind of expecting a poor set sold just on her name. Not so.
This set is very good. Best of all, it won't break the bank. For about $150 (Amazon.com) you can get a solid 10-piece hard anodized set.
It includes:
1 1/2 quart covered saucepan
3 quart covered saucepan
6 quart covered stockpot
3 quart / 10 inch covered saute
8 inch French skillet
10 inch French skillet
I've personally used this set a lot and love it. The cooking ability of this cookware is solid and it's very durable. This set is also over-safe to 400 degrees F.
KitchenAid Gourmet Essentials 12-Piece Hard Anodized Cookware Set
This durable cookware set is finished in a matte charcoal gray and the pots have stainless steel handles that are riveted for strength. The glass lids are break-resistant glass and the grips stay cool to the touch.
KitchenAid made this cookware set with the most frequently used items in the kitchen. Here's what it includes:
1 quart covered saucepan
2 quart covered saucepan
3 quart covered saucepan
8 quart covered stockpot
8 inch skillet
10 inch skillet
12 inch covered saute with helper handle
If you're looking for a set with the "core" pieces for cookware, this might work for you. It's priced really well and of course it's hard anodized, which is the best type of pots and pans to buy in my opinion.
After a lot of heavy use, owners are reporting delight with this KitchenAid set.
Even though this cookware set lists for about $500, you can get it much lower. We've seen $250 as the norm for many online retailers. However, Amazon.com has been known to have it for around $170. Additionally, it may be at your local Target for close to the same price.
Cuisinart Chef's Classic Nonstick Hard Anodized 17-Piece Cookware Set
Cuisinart is another well know brand in the hard anodized cookware arena. Their Chef's Classic series is very popular.
Figuring that many cooks like to use their pots and pans in the over, Cuisinart went a little further in that this set's pieces are ok up to 500 degrees F. The norm is 400-450 degrees F.
Like other sets, you should hand wash all items.
Inside this cookware set, you'll find:
1 1/2 quart covered saucepan
2 quart covered saucepan
3 quart covered saucepan
8 inch skillet
10 inch skillet
12 inch covered skillet
4 quart covered saute pan
9 quart covered stockpot
7 3/4 inch covered steamer insert
9 1/2 inch pasta insert
One plus many owners like is the level of customer service Cuisinart provides. This set does have a lifetime limited warranty.
Shop around for this set as the price changes even within the same store. For instance, Amazon.com's price can fluctuate by $30 or so.
T-Fal Flexi-Grip Hard Anodized 12-Piece Cookware Set
If money is really tight, but you just have to get a new cookware set, this budget-friendly hard anodized set from T-Fal might work for you.
It will perform decently and isn't going to kill your wallet. This particular set is oven-safe to 350 degrees F, which is 50-100 degrees lower than you see with mid-level hard anodized cookware.
T-Fal's set has:
8 inch saute
10 1/4 inch saute
1 quart saucepan
2 quart saucepan
3 quart saucepan
5 quart Dutch oven
2 nylon tools
Even though this isn't your mid-level or higher set, it is durable, safe to use and will perform well.
The list price is just under $100, and you should be able to buy this cookware set from T-Fal for about $80-$90.