As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
If you are just starting out with stocking up your kitchen, then a cookware set is an excellent option for getting the necessary pots and pans. It’s more economical than buying the components separately, and your kitchen will look more attractive with a matching set. Moreover, since cookware sets are designed to nest into each other where possible, you’ll save on valuable cupboard space. Even if you are a seasoned home chef, check out the benefits of buying a complete cookware set as often the price isn’t far off buying just one or two individual pieces, and you can always store the others for later or give them to someone in need. We have checked out some of the best cookware sets in Canada and executed extensive research so that you can decide on your next purchase.
Best Cookware Sets in Canada
T-Fal C111SC74 Signature Non-stick Cookware Set
This is the cookware set that even seasoned chefs will covet. The T-Fal C11SC74 would make the perfect gift for students heading off to college or someone buying their first home. Unlike many cookware sets, we are confident that you will use every piece in this T-Fal cookware set on an almost daily basis. T-Fal has a long reputation for being the industry leader for non-stick cookware, which holds up to the hype. Made of heavy-gauge aluminum with non-stick coating, these pots and pans will heat quickly and are incredibly durable. The set includes both a 7.75-inch and an 11-inch frying pan, 1- and 2-quart saucepans with matching lids, a 5.5-quart casserole pot with a lid and a 10.25-inch griddle, which is a rare find. You’ll also get a plastic slotted spoon, spoon and ladle to complete the set. This cookware set hands down wins our award for best cookware set in Canada.
Pros
- Dishwasher safe
- Oven safe to 350 degrees Fahrenheit
- Ergonomic, stay-cool handles
Cons
- Pot sizes might be small for a family’s needs
- Not compatible with induction cooktops
Cook N Home 02601 Non-stick Cookware Set
The Cook N Home 02601 cookware set would make an ideal present for any newlywed or your child fleeing the nest. This cookware set combines non-stick cookware functionality with the desirable colour options in either marble red or turquoise. The thick, heavy-gauge aluminum enables even heat conduction, and the tempered glass lids allow for easy viewing while releasing steam to limit overflow. The included spoon and flipper are strong and durable and the perfect accompaniment to use with your non-stick cookware to ensure they don’t get scratched and damaged. This set includes a 5-quart stockpot with lid, 8-inch and 9.5-inch frying pans, 1.5 and 2.5-quart saucepans with covers and a 3-quart casserole pan with lid. Literally, thousands of happy customers are busy cooking with these pots as you read this article, so they are worth checking out.
Pros
- Dishwasher safe
- Stunning colour options
- Very durable
Cons
- Not compatible with induction cooktops
- Not oven safe
Gotham Steel Hammered Collection Premium Cookware Set
This Gotham Steel cookware set will have you envied by all that enter your kitchen. Not only are these pots and pans super stylish, with the distinctive hammered copper exterior, but they are also a dream to cook with, and the non-stick interior makes clean up a snap. Unlike many non-stick cookware products, genuine Gotham Steel is dishwasher safe and oven safe up to high temperatures. Moreover, you can use metal utensils without fear of scratching the coating. The coating keeps these pots and pans looking their best and minimizes the dull look that other copper products get over time. Whether you are frying or braising, you will love this set, which includes both an 8.15-inch and 9.75-inch fry pan with lid, 1.35 quart and 2.65-quart saucepan with cover, 4.9-quart stockpot with lid and a stainless steamer insert. If you plan to splurge on a cookware set, then Gotham Steel should undoubtedly be on the shortlist.
Pros
- Oven safe up to high temperatures of 500 degrees Fahrenheit
- Metal utensil safe
- Dishwasher safe
- Compatible with induction cooktops
Cons
- Tend to become less non-stick over time
T-fal C526SC54 Intuition Non-stick Cookware Set
T-fal is a name that has been trusted in non-stick cookware since 1954 and still leads the market with innovation and design. Healthier cooking with less oil and fat is easier with the T-fal C526SC54 Intuition set since the non-stick surface allows food to slide right off of it, including when it comes time to do the inevitable cleaning. This set includes 14 and 20 cm saucepans, complete with lids, a 24 cm sauté pan and a 24 cm Dutch oven, all complete with clear view lids. A 24 cm non-stick frying pan is also included to round out this set. For a non-stick cookware set, you would be hard-pressed to find a set that will stand the test of time like T-Fal Intuition, so it is certainly worth the initial splurge.
Pros
- Metal utensil safe
- Dishwasher safe
- Oven safe to 350 degrees Fahrenheit
Cons
- Not compatible with induction cooktops
- Pots might be a bit small for families or larger households
Cuisinart 77-11G Chef’s Classic Stainless Cookware Set
While most cookware sets tend to be smaller than any household could ever cope with, this Cuisinart 77-11G set breaks the mould. It’s the perfect set for families or home chefs that are into meal prep and batch cooking. The set includes a 1 quart and 2-quart saucepan, 3-quart sauté pan, 8-quart stockpot and 10-inch skillet, all complete with see-through covers. The set also consists of a non-stick frying pan and an 18 cm steamer insert. You know that you can trust Cuisinart in your kitchen, and this set is no exception. The premium stainless steel offers noticeably superior cooking performance. This product’s versatility is also a winner as you can smoothly go from stovetop to oven (up to 500 degrees!) and right to the table. Alternatively, this cookware set is also freezer safe, making your life and clean up even more comfortable. Clean-up is straightforward, though, since this cookware set is dishwasher friendly.
Pros
- Dishwasher safe
- Oven safe to high temperatures
- Freezer safe
- Tapered rims for easier pouring
- Riveted handles
Cons
- Interior of the pots have been known to discolour over time
- Handles get very hot when cooking
NutriChef NCCW11DS Non-stick Kitchen Cookware Set
We love the look of this NurtiChef NCCW11DS Non-stick cookware set, and we are sure you will too. We actually think that everyone who enters your kitchen will swoon over the dynamic colours, well before explaining how amazing they are to cook with. These ceramic pots and pans quickly conduct and retain heat. The non-stick coating is built to last for easy cooking, cleaning and healthier eating. This ceramic cookware set is a great alternative for those people worried about the potential health issues attributed to non-stick cookware. The set includes a large 3.6-quart and smaller 2.1-quart Dutch ovens and a 1.7-quart saucepan, all with lids. There is also an 11-inch and 8-inch frying pan. The set has an added bonus of including a pasta fork, spatula and soup spoon so you can get cooking in no time. If you are always on the lookout for how you can make your home and lifestyle more eco-conscious, then this cookware set should undoubtedly be a consideration.
Pros
- Lots of stylish colours to swoon over
- Compatible with induction cooktops
- Includes cool touch, ergonomic handles
- Dishwasher safe
Cons
- Perhaps too many colours to choose from?
- The ceramic coating has been known to chip
Lagostina Q939SC64 Stainless Steel Cookware Set
If you plan to splurge on a cookware set this year, then this Lagostina Q939SC64 cookware set should most certainly make your wish list. The Lagostina Italian brand is synonymous with quality, and these pots and pans are built to last. They will hold up to the constant cooking needed to feed a growing household and are the perfect partner to the budding home chef. The Stainless surface keeps your cooking taste and colours pure, and this set is compatible with all cookware surfaces, including induction. You might change stoves or even homes, but we reckon these pots and pans will move along with you for decades. The set includes a steamer insert and an 8.5-inch and 10-inch frying pan and a 2-quart and 3-quart saucepan with a lid. The 3.5-quart deep sauté pan is ideal for casseroles that go from stovetop to the oven and right to the table. Rounding out the set is the massive 8-quart stockpot that will keep plenty of hungry bellies filled.
Pros
- Dishwasher safe
- Suitable for induction cooktops
- Premium tri-ply stainless steel construction with aluminum core
- Riveted handles
Cons
- A bit pricy, but these are built to last
Starfrit The Rock 030930 Cookware Set
Starfritt uses a unique treatment process that modifies their cookware’s surface, resulting in fantastic release performance for ease of cooking and simple clean-up. The Rock 030930 cookware set is convenient and will quickly become a staple in your kitchen routine as you’ll find yourself reaching specifically for these pots and pans due to their ease of use. From stovetop to oven to table to dishwasher, the whole process is made easier with Starfrit The Rock. The set includes a 1.5-quart, 3-quart and 5-quart saucepan with lids, a 1.5-quart stockpot with lid and a 10-inch frying pan with a lid.
Pros
- Dishwasher safe
- Incredibly durable non-stick properties
- Riveted handles
- Oven safe to 450 degrees Fahrenheit
Cons
- Not compatible with induction cooktops
- Pots may be a bit small for families
Kenmore Ceramic Coated Non-stick Aluminum Cookware Set
The look of this Kenmore Ceramic cookware set is simply gorgeous. Bright red handles and exteriors combine with creamy white, ceramic interiors for a sleek and fetching product. The convenience of having stackable pots and pans is always a bonus for keeping your kitchen tidy, clutter-free and saving on space. The non-stick ceramic surface is PFOA and PTFE-free, so you can be assured that you’ll be keeping your family as healthy as possible while you cook. Kenmore is a name that has been trusted for decades, and their designers should be commended for this cookware set. The handles stay cool while cooking, and the clear lids ensure you can see what is going on without releasing the heat and flavour. The set includes a wooden slotted turner and a wooden slotted spoon. There is also an eight and 9.5-inch frying pan and a 1.7-quart saucepan with a lid, a 4.5-quart Dutch oven with a lad, and 3.5-quart handy sauté pan with a lid.
Pros
- Compatible with induction cooktops
- Dishwasher safe
- Oven safe to 350 degrees Fahrenheit
Cons
- Cannot go in the oven at high temperatures
Calphalon Classic Stainless Steel Cookware Set
The Calaphalon Classic Stainless Steel Cookware Set is designed with the home chef in mind. Made from beautiful stainless steel with bases of impact-bonded aluminum, these pots and pans heat up fast and hold their shape. The convenient measurement markings are etched into the pans for quick and straightforward quantity calculations. Sometimes it is the little stuff that makes a product perfect and the draining spout and straining holes in the lids are a design feature that we now couldn’t live without. This Calphalon cookware set has everything that you could need to get started in the kitchen and is large enough to continue with as your family grows. The box includes a tall 8-quart stockpot and 1.5-quart, 2.5-quart and 3.5-quart saucepans, all with covers. There is also an 8, 10 frying pan and a 12-inch frying pan with a lid. There is little doubt that this cookware set is well-deserving of our award for the best cookware set for home chefs.
Pros
- Compatible with induction cooktops
- Dishwasher safe
- Larger and more varied collection than most cookware sets
- Etched measurement markings
- Lids with straining holes and pans with pour spouts
Cons
- Pricey, but should last a lifetime
GreenLife Ceramic Non-Stick Cookware Set
At first glance, you might be drawn in by the gorgeous colours on offer with these GreenLife Ceramic pots and pans. After using them, you will quickly realize why this is one of Canada’s most popular cookware sets and for a good reason. This cookware set is compatible with all stovetops, including induction, thanks to the Magneto technology coating on the bottom. The ceramic coating is non-stick and completely toxin-free for healthier living all around. Made out of recycled aluminum, you can rest easy that your pots and pans are about as environmentally friendly as you can get from start to finish. This set includes both a seven and 9.5-inch frying pan, one and 2-quart saucepans with lids, and a 2.5-quart saute pan with a lid and a large 5-quart stockpot with lid. Top that all of with an included stainless-steel steamer and four handy kitchen utensils that are always needed.
Pros
- Dishwasher safe
- Lots of fun colours available
- Stay-cool, soft-grip handles
- Compatible with induction cooktops
- Lightweight
Cons
- Non-stick properties seem to wear off over time
- Interior can discolour over time
Benefits of cookware sets
There are definite advantages to buying a complete cookware set rather than buying each pot, pan or accessory separately. You might be thinking that the cookware set you have is just fine, and it is only one item that needs to be replaced. While that might be true, don’t discount the advantages gained from buying a complete set of cookware. We have included below some of the top reasons to consider purchasing a cookware set in Canada.
Economics
It’s generally much cheaper to buy a complete set of cookware than to buy each item independently. Indeed, it might be more expensive than just buying one pot or pan that you currently need, but you will inevitably require the other things as time goes on.
Looks
A matching set simply looks more attractive. When your pots are all busy bubbling away on your stove, your kitchen will look more polished and professional if your pots match.
Storage
Matching cookware sets are normally designed to nest into each other for more accessible storage. A mismatched set will take up a lot more room in your cupboards.
Your older pots and pans don’t need to go to waste. Consider keeping your favourites and donating the others to a local charity or feeding program. Alternatively, students heading out to college or those leaving for their first apartment are often keen to take them off your hands.
What pots and pans do I need for my kitchen?
The exact needs that you might have for pots and pans and cookware sets in your kitchen will likely change as time progresses. Memories flood back of being invited to a male friend’s home for a dinner party in which everyone had to bring their own cutlery and a plate as they only owned precisely as much as the people living in the house. A small saucepan might befit a student house that tends to live off mac n’ cheese or tinned tomato soup, but it will not suffice on date night. Below we have included the essential pots and pans that every household will likely want to consider having in their kitchen arsenal and how you would use them.
Stockpot
Let’s start with the biggest and work out way down from there. A stockpot is generally the largest, or certainly the tallest pot in a cookware set. Don’t assume that all are the same, though, as sizes vary considerably. If you do a lot of batch cooking or host larger dinner parties, then you will want to get a stockpot that is fit for your needs. This is the ideal pot for making, well, stock, of course. But it can also be used for whipping up big batches of chilli, pasta sauce or other recipes that can be made in bulk and frozen in small portions for later on.
Saucepan
It is quite likely that you will be using the saucepan more than any other. Rather than just using this for sauces, a saucepan can be used for heating up just about anything that has a liquid-based. Ideally, look for cookware sets with a saucepan that is at least 2.5 litres unless you are only cooking for yourself. Be wary that many cookware sets just include a small 1-litre saucepan that isn’t really good for much besides actually making a sauce.
Casserole
These are ideal for making one-pot meals. Ask any busy parent, and they will tell you that casseroles are a mid-week lifesaver, as it also means only one main dish to wash up. Not all cookware sets come with a casserole dish, but they are certainly handy. If your cookware set doesn’t include a casserole dish, then you might want to head out and splurge on a separate one anyway. Look out for a casserole dish that can go from stovetop to oven and is attractive enough to be presented as a serving dish on the table.
Sauté pan
Many people confuse a sauté pan and a frying pan, but they are different, though they look relatively similar. The straight sides of a sauté pan help keep your cooking in the pan when you are mixing, rather than flinging all over your stovetop, and these pans have a wide bottom for increased heat conduction. Often a sauté pan will come with a lid, which makes them the ideal pan for one-pot meals or braising meats.
Frying Pan or skillet
A frying pan will be another item in a cookware set that you will inevitably use more than the rest. You can use them for frying eggs, making pancakes, frying onions or even a steak. Many cookware sets will include two different sizes, generally 8 and 10 inches. Check if the fry pans are non-stick if you would prefer to use less oil when cooking.
What are the different types of cookware sets in Canada?
There are pros and cons to using various types of cookware. What you buy will often be determined by what you cook and what you can afford at the time. Check out below for some of the most common materials used in cookware.
Cast iron
This is rarely used in cookware sets, likely due to the sheer immovable weight that a whole set of cast iron pots and pans would be. Cast iron does not conduct heat well, which means that while it takes a long time to heat up, it also takes a long time to lose its heat. This can be very useful for slow-cooked casseroles or frying. Cast iron is incredibly durable, and you very well might inherit a cast iron pan or casserole dish that belonged to your great-grandmother and is just as useful and effective today as it was back then.
Enameled cast iron
Similar to the above, but include a layer of colourful glazing. This makes the pots look more attractive and makes them easier to keep clean and limits rust and the need for seasoning.
Non-stick cookware
This is an excellent type of cookware for healthier cooking since you won’t need to use a lot of oil to stop your food from sticking. In addition, non-stick cookware is really easy to clean, which is a huge bonus. This type of cookware does take some extra care and attention to ensure it doesn’t get scratched. Ideally, non-stick cookware shouldn’t be used at high heats either.
Stainless Steel
Chromium and nickel are combined to make anti-corrosive stainless steel. It is dishwasher safe, attractive and durable. Look out for an 18/10 stamp on the cookware, which would be the chromium to nickel ratio that is best. Acidic or alkaline ingredients don’t react with stainless steel, which adds to the benefits of using this material. However, on its own, stainless steel is not a good conductor, so copper or aluminum are generally bonded in layers to clad the pots and pans. It might be pricy, but this type of cookware can easily last a lifetime if you look after it.
Copper
This is the best conductor of heat and is an excellent material for cookware. It heats up quickly and will cool right after taking away the heat source. Look for copper cookware that is 1/6 to 1/8-inch heavy gauge. Copper can’t be used on its own in cookware since the metal reacts with food and often results in a metallic taste or altering the colour. Stainless steel cladding is the best for durability. Heavy gauge copper pots are often the most expensive type of cookware to purchase.
Aluminum
Lightweight, inexpensive and responsive; aluminum is an excellent material for cookware. After copper, aluminum is the second-best heat conductor, but it reacts with acidic foods and can change your food’s colour and taste. Non-stick cookware often has an aluminum core, and so does a lot of stainless-steel pots and pans. Check the specifics if you want to use this material in a dishwasher or induction oven, though, as many are not compatible.
Final Remarks
A matching set of pots and pans makes everyone feel like more of a grown-up, regardless of your age. You will feel proud cooking with any of the best cookware sets in Canada on our list and excited to try out new recipes to wow your family and your dinner guests. Cookware sets make excellent gifts, and it will be easy to rationalize when you might need to splurge on one for yourself as well. Rather than buying each pot or pan individually, the economics of purchasing a cookware set easily justifies the purchase.
