For the Love of Cooking

Written By Nina Kartveli

LE CREUSET 16-Piece Cookware Set, Oyster

This LE CREUSET cookware set is a perfect way to jump-start your first LE CREUSET collection. It includes pieces from all brightly colored product lines: 1.75 Qt cast iron Saucepan, 5.5 Qt cast iron round Dutch Oven, 10.25" cast iron Skillet, 8 Qt enameled steel Stock Pot, 4 Qt Stoneware covered rectangular dish, LE CREUSET hardcover cookbook, 5-piece silicone utensil set & a wooden spoon with a stoneware utensil crock, all sized appropriately for cooking for a family or entertaining. The 5.5 Qt Dutch oven is LE CREUSET’s best-selling size, featuring a 10.25” diameter & a 4.5” depth. The lid from the Dutch oven will also fit the skillet. The 4 Qt stoneware dish is beautiful for bringing to the table. It’s shock-resistant, & perfectly safe for going from the freezer or refrigerator straight to the microwave or oven. The stock pot is a versatile 8 Qt capacity with durable steel construction & a colorful porcelain enamel finish. It can be used on any heat source, including induction. Saucepan & Dutch oven stainless-steel knobs are also oven-safe at any temperature, as well as stock pot phenolic knob up to 500 degrees Fahrenheit. Shop with confidence.

✓ PROS

  • Reviewers are thrilled with the incomparable quality of the product
  • 16-piece set includes utensils
  • Easy to clean & maintain
  • Signature cast iron skillet, saucepan, & round Dutch oven are made in France

✗ CONS

  • Stoneware rectangular dish, enameled steel stock pot, utensils are made in China

LE CREUSET Stoneware Heritage Rectangular 3-Piece Baking Dish Set, Marseille

The Heritage Rectangular Baking Dish Set features three essential baking dishes needed in every kitchen, making it the perfect gift for housewarming or refreshing an existing bakeware. It’s ideal for everything from baking delicious desserts to roasting vegetables, marinating meats or baking Lasagna, storing leftovers & more. This finest quality stoneware ensures excellent heat distribution for uniform browning & even cooking with no hot spots. The deep sidewalls & generous capacity are perfectly sized for recipes. Colorful glaze is nonporous, non-reactive, scratch & stain-resistant. The nonstick interior releases food for quick clean-up, & resists cracking.

✓ PROS

  • Beautiful & versatille
  • Leaves no stains
  • Available in 6 different colors

✗ CONS

  • Some reviewers note issues with shipping & handling

LE CREUSET Signature 7.25 Qt Enameled Cast Iron Round Dutch Oven, Flame

Since 1925, LE CREUSET has been renowned as the colorful French companion in kitchens across the globe. Individually crafted in France from the finest quality materials with a selection of bold, rich colors, LE CREUSET is the leader in enameled cast iron. The iconic Dutch oven is perfect for everything from slow cooking & braising to roasting, baking, frying, & more, with exceptional heat retention that locks in moisture & flavor to produce superior results from stove to oven to table. Designed for generations of durability, the easy-to-clean, vibrant porcelain enamel requires no seasoning, minimizes sticking, & is dishwasher-safe.

✓ PROS

  • Shoppers are impressed with the superb quality with heat distribution
  • Easy to clean
  • Available in 12 different color palettes & 6 sizes

✗ CONS

  • Some shoppers report issues with shipping & handling

LE CREUSET Signature 5 Qt Enameled Cast Iron Braiser, Meringue

The LE CREUSET enameled cast iron Braiser is uniquely designed to provide steady, even heat to transform tough cuts of meat & hearty vegetables into tender, flavorful dishes. The large base allows ingredients to be placed in a single layer for searing without crowding; once liquid is added, the domed lid circulates steam to lock in moisture & flavor. The versatile shape of the Braiser also makes it perfect for shallow frying, steaming, stews, casseroles, & serving at the table. Its easy-to-clean porcelain enamel requires no seasoning, minimizes sticking, & is dishwasher-safe.

✓ PROS

  • Shoppers appreciate excellent quality & easy of cleaning
  • Dishwasher-safe
  • Available in 13 different colors & 3 sizes

✗ CONS

  • Pricey

LE CREUSET Enameled Cast Iron Bread Oven, Cerise

The LE CREUSET Bread Oven takes home baking to the next level. Crafted from legendary cast iron for maximum heat distribution, this generous shape is designed to offer bakery-quality results. A domed lid traps & circulates steam, while the low-profile base promotes even browning & produces a golden, crispy crust marked with LE CREUSET hallmark three rings. Matte black satin interior enamel is easy to clean, & develops a patina over time to enhance baking performance.

✓ PROS

  • Shoppers note it produces excellent bread, worth the investment
  • Available in 12 different colors

✗ CONS

  • Pricey

LE CREUSET 1.7 Qt Enamel On Steel Whistling Tea Kettle, Marseille

The LE CREUSET enamel on steel classic Whistling Kettle is crafted from fast-heating premium carbon steel glazed in a range of color palettes & unique design to complement any kitchen. It can be used with all heat sources, including induction. The iconic kettle is chip-resistant, non-reactive, resistant to stains, & easy to clean. Never place it in the dishwasher. Hand-wash it with hot, soapy water & dry thoroughly. This adorable kettle will make an excellent gift, & is a beautiful way to add a touch of color to the kitchen.

✓ PROS

  • Quality kettle with brilliant color & heavy-duty handle
  • Available in 4 different colors

✗ CONS

  • Pricey

LoafNest 2 Qt Cast Iron Dutch Oven with Non-Stick Silicone Liner, Blue Gradient

The new way to easy artisan bread at home. This LoafNest custom cast iron Dutch Oven is your go-to for artisan home bread making. Designed in the Netherlands, a compact 2 Qt design is the ideal size for a small family to enjoy fresh bread before it stales. It makes a 900 g/2 LB loaf, perfect for 2-4 meals for 1-4 People. Start with flour, water, salt, & yeast, & add more natural ingredients for flavorful, crunchy, & soft airy loaves.

✓ PROS

  • Reviewers note it makes nicely-crusted loaf & sandwich bread
  • Great value for the price
  • Easy to clean
  • Dishwasher-safe
  • Liner made in France

✗ CONS

  • Limited colors, available in blue

HESTAN ProBond Collection 10-Piece Professional Clad Stainless Steel Cookware Set

Hestan Culinary is born from Hestan’s longstanding culture of cooking innovation. Founder Stanley Cheng pioneered hard-anodized aluminum cookware in the 1970s, the breakthrough that ushered in nonstick cookware. This exceptional set features triple-bonded clad stainless steel with exclusive aluminum that delivers 35% greater heat conductivity than other aluminum-clad cookware for quick & even heating. The beautiful two-toned exterior is designed with polished flared rims for perfect drip-free pouring. Includes 8.5" & 11" Skillets, 1.5 Qt & 3 Qt Saucepans, a 3.5 Qt Sauté Pan, & an 8 Qt Stockpot with lids. Shop with confidence!

✓ PROS

  • Shoppers are obsessed with the exquisite quality of the set
  • Induction cooktop compatible
  • Easy to clean
  • Dishwasher-safe
  • Made in Italy

✗ CONS

  • Some reviewers mention it's almost non-stick but use Barkeeper's Friend to polish
  • Handles may get hot

HESTAN NanoBond Collection Titanium Stainless Steel 10-Piece Cookware Set

This curated assortment of Hestan NanoBond Titanium cookware is the most often used by cooking professionals & home chefs. NanoBond presents an entirely new category of clean-cooking, stick-resistant cookware. It is four times stronger than typical stainless & is non-toxic & non-reactive, so there is nothing to compromise your food or health. When you cook with NanoBond, you are cooking with pure flavor. No residue. No flaking. This excellent NanoBond set is crafted of triple-bonded stainless steel & exclusive ProCore aluminum that delivers 35% greater heat conductivity with quick & even heating than other aluminum-clad cookware. Flared rims offer perfect drip-free pouring, while interior flush rivets prevent food buildup. Includes 8.5” & 11” Frying Pans, 1.5 Qt & 3 Qt Saucepans, a 3.5 Qt Sauté Pan & 8 Qt Stock Pot with Lids.

✓ PROS

  • Shoppers are impressed with the excellent quality of the set & note it's worth every penny
  • Non-stick, cooks faster
  • Induction, oven & broiler compatible
  • Utensil & dishwasher-safe
  • Toxin, PFAS, & chemical-free
  • Handcrafted in Italy with a lifetime warranty

✗ CONS

  • Expensive
  • Some reviewers note it requires a lot of maintenance

Thomas Keller Insignia by Hestan Stainless Steel 11-Piece Cookware Set

Chef-designed & kitchen-proven with sustainability at the core, Thomas Keller’s 3-ply clad Insignia Stainless Steel Cookware Set raises the bar for professional culinary performance with purpose-built cookware focused on exceptional results. Designed by Chef Keller, the Insignia collection boasts bespoke handles to rest comfortably in your hand, significantly reduce heat transfer with the thoughtfully placed heat vent, & are seamlessly fastened to the pots & pans to eliminate one of the hardest to-clean crevices. The triple-bonded stainless-steel construction featuring Hestan’s exclusive ProCore aluminum delivers 35% greater heat conductivity. That means more consistent heating, plus faster recovery time to stay in control of temperature & timing. In addition, you’ll find that the Sauté Pans, Sauce Pots, Rondeau, Saucier, & Stockpot are wider, not taller, to increase the cooking surface for better heating, browning, & enhanced flavor. The set also contains an 8.5” Sauté Pan finished with TITUM nonstick, multi-layer system, the world’s most durable nonstick. Completing this assortment of pots & pans are two universal lids with Insignia steam vents to reduce boilovers, & pressure, & eliminate rattling. Durable & innovative sealed rims make this thoughtfully crafted cookware set dishwasher-safe, including oven & broil-safe to 600°F. Shop with confidence!

✓ PROS

  • Reviewers are thrilled with the exceptional quality & appeal
  • Virtually non-stick
  • Induction cooktop compatible
  • The pieces from the set can be purchased individually
  • Made in Italy

✗ CONS

  • Expensive

VIKING Culinary 3-Ply Stainless Steel Hammered Copper Clad 10-Piece Cookware Set

This Viking copper cookware is the kitchen set you're missing. It’s crafted of 3-ply stainless steel Copper-clad combined with a layer of aluminum sandwiched between a copper exterior & a heavy-gauge stainless steel interior for superior performance. The aluminum core provides exceptional heat transfer, while the copper exterior heats evenly for precise temperature control to make that masterpiece dish. Includes 8” & 10” Fry Pans, 2.25 Qt & 3 Qt Saucepans, 5.25 Qt Sauté & 8 Qt Stock Pot with Lids.

✓ PROS

  • Reviewers appreciate long-lasting durability, appeal & heat distribution
  • Beautiful hammered copper
  • Oven, electronic, ceramic, & gas cooktop-safe

✗ CONS

  • Shoppers suggest keeping the set out of the dishwasher & not to wash while hot (a Barkeepers Friend recommended)
  • The set isn't induction-capable, but it comes with a limited lifetime warranty

VIKING Culinary Hard Anodized Nonstick 10-Piece Cookware Set

From high-quality cookware to cast iron pieces or nonstick pans, Viking has something for you. This heavy gauge anodized aluminum nonstick cookware set provides even heat distribution throughout the sides & bottom of the pans. The fry pans feature flared rims, while the saucepans, sauté pan, & Dutch oven feature cut rims to enhance the lid fit. The saucepans & larger vessels feature interior measurement markings. The Viking hard anodized cookware can be used on most cooktops, including induction or in the oven. Includes 10 & 12” Fry Pans, 2 & 3 Qt Saucepans, a 5 Qt Dutch Oven & a 4.5 Qt Sauté Pan with Lids.

✓ PROS

  • Shoppers highly recommend the set due to its nonstick feature
  • Reasonably priced terrific product
  • Compatible with all cooktops, including induction
  • Dishwasher & oven-safe
  • Backed by a limited lifetime warranty

✗ CONS

  • Some reviewers note handles get hot quickly

All-Clad HA1 Nonstick Hard Anodized 13-Piece Cookware Set

Calling all home chefs, cooking enthusiasts, & culinary wizards! This All-Clad HA1 Hard Anodized Nonstick cookware set has been charmed to create culinary wonders without any sticky mess, making cooking & cleaning a breeze. Its sleek & stylish construction is built with heavy gauge aluminum & stainless-steel base, delivering even heat while making your favorite meal. The high-quality PTFE nonstick brings a long-lasting & easy release during cooking, while double riveted stainless steel handles ensure a secure grip & tempered glass lids provide easy viewing. It’s oven-safe up to 500°F & compatible with any stovetop, including induction. Glass lids are also oven-safe up to 350°F. Includes 8”, 10”, & 12” Fry Pans, 2 Qt & 3 Qt Saucepans, 4 Qt Sauté Pan, 4 Qt covered Soup Pot, & 8 Qt Stockpot with lids.

✓ PROS

  • Reviewers are obsessed with the phenomenal performance of the set
  • Nonstick, induction & oven broiler-safe
  • Easy to clean

✗ CONS

  • Some shoppers report pans arriving with scratches & minor damage

WÜSTHOF Classic 15-Piece Knife Block Set

Family-owned for seven generations, WÜSTHOF was founded in Solingen, Germany, over 200 years ago. The cutlery carries the Solingen name, a designation reserved for products that meet the strictest quality standards. WÜSTHOF Classic Series has been the best-selling set for generations. This cutlery has been crafted to resist corrosion & dulling. Blades are forged from a single block of High Carbon Stainless Steel & tempered to 58-degree HRC. The Precision Edge Technology (PEtec) yields a blade that is 20% sharper with twice the edge retention than previous models. Handles are made with full tang triple-riveted synthetic polypropylene that resists fading, discoloration, heat, & impact. Includes 3.5" Paring Knife, 4.5" Utility Knife, 5" Santoku, 6" Utility, 8" Bread Knife, 8" Chef’s Knife, Six 4.5" Steak Knives, 9" Honing Steel, Come-Apart Kitchen Shears & a 17-Slot Block.

✓ PROS

  • Shoppers are thrilled with the sharpness & durability of the knives
  • Available in 5 different options
  • Comes with a limited Lifetime Warranty

✗ CONS

  • Expensive

SMEG Stainless Steel Knife Block Set, Cream

This SMEG colorful knife block set makes it easy to choose the right hue to make your kitchen come alive. Features a German stainless-steel blade & stainless-steel handle, so they are durable & ready for everyday slicing, chopping, & cutting. The knife block is made of acacia wood with a powder-coated carbon steel body & an anti-slip grip on its base. Includes 3” Vegetable Knife, 5” Utility Knife, 5.9” Meat Knife, 7” Santoku Knife, 7.48” Bread Knife, 7.48” Chef’s Knife & acacia wood Knife Block.

✓ PROS

  • Attractive yet durable accessory
  • Available in 3 different color palettes
  • Made in Italy

✗ CONS

  • Some shoppers report the issue of rusting
  • Pricey

VIKING Culinary 304 Stainless Steel Kitchen Utensil 8-Piece Set, Silver

Viking 304 stainless steel utensils come with the peace of mind of knowing you've bought a quality kitchen culinary set that will last you a lifetime. The ergonomically designed stay-cool hollow handle allows for ease & comfort while cooking, making meal prep a breeze. Includes Slotted & Solid Spoons, Slotted & Solid Spatulas, Pasta Fork, Deep Ladle, Meat Fork, & Skimmer, all the essential tools for home chefs.

✓ PROS

  • Shoppers note they look great on the kitchen counter
  • Sturdy & functional
  • Great value for the money
  • Dishwasher safe
  • Available in different options

✗ CONS

  • Some reviewers report cracking
Nina Kartveli
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