Best Cookware Sets Under $400
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If you’re on a budget but still want to invest in quality cookware, you’re in luck. With so many brands and options available, finding the best cookware sets under $400 is easier than ever before.
While it’s tempting to go for the cheapest option, it’s important to consider the durability, efficiency, and overall quality of the cookware.
That’s why we’ve compiled a list of some of the best cookware sets and individual pieces that won’t break the bank but will still provide you with the performance and durability you need in the kitchen.
Whether you’re a professional chef or a home cook, our guide to the best cookware under $400 will help you find the perfect set or piece for your cooking needs.
Best Cookware Sets Under $400 in 2023!
1. Best Overall - Cuisinart French Classic Tri-Ply
One User Raved: “A great premium pan. Even heating and fine non-stick cooking. Handle NEVER gets warm, much less hot. It isn’t inexpensive, but you get what you pay for in the end. A fine addition for a good cook’s kitchen.” Read more comments
- Rating: 4.6
- Price: $349.99
Pros:
- 10-Piece cookware set
- Induction compatible
- 3-Ply construction
- Even heat distribution
Cons:
- Handles get hot
What’s best about it?
- Induction compatible
- Aluminum core
- Oven-safe up to 500F
The cookware includes:
One 2-quart saucepan w/ stainless steel cover, one 3-quart saute pan w/ helper & stainless steel cover, one 4.5-quart Dutch oven w/ stainless steel cover, one 8-quart stockpot w/ stainless steel cover, one 8-inch open skillet, and one 10-inch open skillet.
Features & Benefits:
35 years ago Cuisinart started manufacturing cookware in France, and now in honor of that rich heritage, the French Classic stainless steel collection is designed to give you the high quality performance with durability.
The cookware is built of 3-ply, the interior and exterior layers of stainless steel have an aluminum core to give you maximum heat conduction and distribution from the bottom to the top of the walls for perfect food preparation.
The handles are designed to give you maximum control over the pans and pots. Keeping the fact in consideration that most of the stainless handles heats up during the cooking, the handles are designed to stay cool most of the time, but if the cooking session exceeds the normal time duration, the handles will get hot, especially over the gas stoves.
The cookware gives you the freedom for taking it from the stovetop to your table and to the freezer and to the oven or broiler. This versatility cannot be found in many cookware sets, especially the cookware sets that are under $400.
The cookware is oven & broiler safe up to 500F and it can be used on all cooktops including induction.
The lids are made of heavy gauge stainless steel, that’s is something you will notice when you hold them. They sit tightly over the pans and pots to trap the moisture, heat and the nutritional values inside the pot.
With all the exceptional benefits, the cookware comes with a lifetime warranty.
Our Verdict:
This is an exceptional quality cookware if you are a stainless steel cookware fan and don’t want to compromise of quality. Recommended for you.
Cuisinart French Classic Tri-Ply Stainless 10-Piece Cookware Set
2. Best Runner-up - All-Clad HA1 Hard Anodized Nonstick
One User Raved: “I cook a lot and live in my kitchen. These beat all the other chef sets or other gimmick sets Ivetried over the years.” Read more comments
- Rating: 4.6
- Price: $359.99
Pros:
- 8 Piece cookware set
- 3-layer PFOA nonstick
- Induction compatible
- Oven-safe up to 500F
Cons:
- No vents on lids
What’s best about it?
- Induction compatible
- 3 layers of nonstick interior
The cookware includes:
8-inch and 10-inch fry pans, 2.5-quart and 3.5-quart sauce pans with lids, and an 8-quart stock pot with a lid.
Features & Benefits:
This 8-piece cookware is made of heavy gauge hard anodized aluminum which is harder than stainless steel. The hard anodized exterior is durable and warp and dent free.
The best thing about aluminum construction is that aluminum is one of the best heat conductors. Due to this characteristic, the cookware heats up fast and it distributes the heat evenly along the base to the top of the walls.
The interior is made to last for years to come. The interior consists of 3 layers of PFOA free nonstick. The nonstick quality is fantastic, food release is great and cleaning becomes so easy.
With an additional layer of magnetic grade stainless steel in the base, the cookware is compatible with all the cooktops including induction cooktop.
The handles are well riveted and are designed to stay cool for long. The quality of handles is great and gives you a nice and comfortable grip. There is a good weight to the handles but the cookware is perfectly designed to keep a good balance.
Though the cookware is dishwasher safe, but if you want to keep the nonstick quoting intact for long time, we highly recommend washing your cookware by hand.
The glass lids are shatter-proof and have a good weight that sits tightly over the pans and pots. The glass lids have no vents. The cookware is oven and broiler-safe up to 500F and it comes with a limited lifetime warranty.
Our Verdict:
If you are a fan of hard anodized aluminum nonstick cookware and looking to replace your existing old cookware, then we would recommend investing in this cookware.
3. Best Nonstick- Scanpan Classic Cookware Set
One User Raved: “We purchased Scanpan in the past. About 20 years ago and replaced 2 of the 8 about 3 years ago. Needed a real big one and no regrets about this one.” Read more comments
- Rating: 4.6
- Price: $399.99
Pros:
- 11-Piece cookware set
- Quality nonstick interior
- Oven-safe up to 500F
Cons:
- Ventless glass lids
What’s best about it?
- Stratanium nonstick interior
- Cast aluminum construction
- Bakelite rivetless handles
The cookware includes:
8” Fry Pan, 10.25” Fry Pan, 2.75 QT Covered Saute Pan, 2 QT Covered Saucepan, 7 QT Covered Dutch Oven.
Features & Benefits:
The cookware is made of heavy duty cast aluminum which is a lot durable and harder than stainless steel. this kind of construction ensures maximum heat conduction and even heat distribution from the base to the top of the walls.
The Stratanium nonstick is free of bad chemicals like PFOA which makes it safe to cook. The nonstick coating is tough and made for metal utensils to be used. We would recommend to use wooden utensils only if you want the nonstick to be in perfect shape for long.
The Bakelite handles are attached to the pans with patented rivetless locking system that are designed to keep the handles tight and not getting loose.
The interchangeable tempered glass lids are ventless and can be used on any pan or pot with same diameter.
The cookware is oven-safe up to 500F and you have the luxury to take the cookware from your stovetop into the oven without the trouble.
This is important for you to know that the glass lids are not oven-safe, so keep the glass lids off the pots and pans before you place the cookware in the oven.
The cookware is dishwasher safe, but if you want to keep the mirror polish of the cookware, you should always hand wash it. The cookware comes with lifetime warranty.
Our Verdict:
A pretty decent cookware with basic pieces, quality is good and comes with lifetime warranty. Recommended to all starters.
4. Best Copper Core - Anolon Nouvelle Cookware Set
One User Raved: “This was a great purchase. Love the color and the weight of the pans. They are heavier than the cookware they replaced. These are just really great looking and am thoroughly pleased with my purchase.” Read more comments
- Rating: 4.7
- Price: $399.99
Pros:
- 11-Piece cookware set
- Induction compatible
- Copper core base
- Toxin-free nonstick
Cons:
- Handles are shorter in length
What’s best about it?
- Induction compatible
- 3-layer safe nonstick
The cookware includes:
1.5-Quart Saucepan with Lid, 3-Quart Saucepan with Lid, 8-Quart Stockpot with Lid, 3-Quart Saute with Lid and Helper Handle, 8.5-Inch Skillet, 12-Inch Skillet.
Features & Benefits:
The cookware is made of hard anodized aluminum to make sure it is sturdy enough to withstand the daily cooking activities of your kitchen. The aluminum is an excellent heat conductor and this is why the pans and pots heat up fast and heats up evenly.
The base of the cookware features multi layers of metal. Copper is bonded between aluminum & stainless steel layers for maximum heat conduction and retention.
The outer flat layer is a magnetic grade stainless steel to make the cookware induction compatible. The cookware can be use on all stovetops as well.
The 3-layer Sapphire reinforced nonstick coating is toxin-free. The 3 layers of nonstick coating makes it very hard and tough to withstand metal utensils every day.
The handles are made of cast stainless steel which feels great and strong when you hold them. The handles are securely riveted and the rivets are flushed over the interior and not giving any room for the residue to buildup.
The stainless steel lids sits securely and tightly over the pots and pans and they have a good weight that is necessary while cooking to trap the heat and moisture of the food inside.
The cookware is dishwasher safe and oven-safe up to 500F.
Our Verdict:
Anolon Nouvelle is a beautiful cookware set that will add a fashionable and modern look to your kitchen. With lifetime warranty, the cookware is recommended to all cooking enthusiasts.
5. Best 3-Ply - Chantal Stainless Steel Tri-Ply Cookware Set
One User Raved: “Love this cookware set” Read more comments
- Rating: 4.6
- Price: $399.99
Pros:
- 10 Piece cookware set
- Induction compatible
- Well balanced weight distribution
Cons:
- No vents on glass lids
- Handles get hot
What’s best about it?
- Induction compatible
- 3-ply stainless steel construction with aluminum core
The cookware includes:
1 Qt. Saucepan with Glass Lid 2.5 Qt. Saucepan with Glass Lid 5 Qt. Saute pan with Glass Lid 7 Qt. Stockpot with Glass Lid 8″ Fry Pan with Fusion Ti Ceramic Coating 10″ Fry Pan with Fusion Ti Ceramic Coating
Features & Benefits:
The cookware is made of 3-ply stainless steel where interior and exterior layers are heavy gauge stainless steel with aluminum core.
The aluminum is a lot better heat conductor than stainless steel, so the cookware heats up fast and due to aluminum, the heat is distributed evenly throughout the pans and pots for maximum cooking results and without any hot spots.
The exterior layer in the base is magnetic grade stainless steel, which makes the cookware induction compatible.
The ergonomically designed stainless steel handles are well riveted to the pots and pans. The balance between the handles and the pans is perfect and is not handles heavy.
You will find Fusion Ti ceramic nonstick coating only on frying pan and saute pan. The healthy non-toxic nonstick gives you a very decent nonstick experience and it helps in cleaning the pans easily as well.
The cookware comes with tempered glass lids that are ventless. The glass lids are oven-safe up to 425F.
Our Verdict:
The cookware comes with unique Scandinavian inspired design adds a new look to your kitchen. Perfect starter pack for your new apartment.
6. Best 14-Piece - Calphalon Classic Nonstick Cookware Set
One User Raved: “I have been using this brand of pots and pans for the last 8 years. I loved my old set and I love my new set even more. Cleaning is easy, they distribute heat evenly and are very durable!” Read more comments
- Rating: 4.2
- Price: $279.99
Pros:
- 14-Piece cookware set
- Even & fast heating
- Measuring marks inside
- Oven-safe 450F
Cons:
- Smaller pans has no lids
- Lids has no vents
- Handles will get hot faster on gas stove
What’s best about it?
- Hard-anodized aluminum construction
- Durable, PFOA-free 2-layer non-stick interior
- Long handles stay cool on the stovetop
The cookware includes:
8″ fry pan, 10″ fry pan, 12″ fry pan with cover, 1.5-qt. saucepan with cover, 2.5-qt. saucepan with cover, 3.5-qt. saucepan with cover, 3-qt. saute pan with cover
Features & Benefits:
If you are looking for a great non-stick set that offers a varied assortment of pots and pans, then look no more! Calphalon designed a Classic hard-anodized nonstick cookware set that gives a high-quality performance with eye-catching looks. Its durable hard-anodized aluminum construction efficiently distributes even and fast heating, helping you to achieve perfect results with every use.
It features dual PFOA-free non-stick layers for easy food release and quick clean-up. This non-stick interior lets you prepare and serve your favorite meals with ease. It has a great feature that every pots and pan have convenient measuring marks, pours spouts, and straining holes, allow you to cook with ease. They also save your time washing up separate dishes for such tasks.
The cookware has stay-cool stainless steel long handles that provide heat resistance when cooking on the stovetop and allows you to lift and popped the pans in the oven. Moreover, the cookware is also oven safe to 450 degrees F and compatible with gas, electric, halogen, and glass cooktops.
Our Verdict:
Calphalon Classic is considered one of the best cookware for glass top stoves that offers robust pans with excellent heat distribution and non-reactive non-stick surfaces. It is an ideal choice to make because of its high-quality performance at an affordable price.
7. Best Stackable - GreenPan Levels Cookware Set
One User Raved: “This set is the best for the minimalist. The weight and quality are great. Only drawback is the lids are quite sharp on the edges and doesn’t include lid for sauté pans” Read more comments
- Rating: 4.5
- Price: $299.99
Pros:
- 11-Piece cookware
- Ceramic nonstick
- Stackable
- Oven-safe up to 400F
Cons:
- Hard to clean the inside of the lids
What’s best about it?
- Diamond infused ceramic non-stick
- Stackable uses 30% less cabinet space.
The cookware includes:
- 6QT and 3. 2QT saucepans with glass straining lids, 6QT stockpot with a glass straining lid, 10″ fry pan, 11″ forged round grill pan, 12. 5″ fry pan with helper handle and lid, foldable stainless-steel steamer, and 3 pan protectors
Features & Benefits:
GreenPan cookware textures Thermolon Diamond Advanced healthy ceramic non-stick coating. It offers expert heat transfer with even heat distribution. It delivers superior browning and sauteing for every recipe you dream up.
The coating is free of PFAS, PFOA, lead, and cadmium, so it will never release toxic fumes, even if it’s accidentally overheated. The metal utensil-safe coating makes the life of the cookware better and also offers effortless clean-up.
For cleaning tough baked or burnt messes, you can wash them in a dishwasher. The pans come with silicone-wrapped stainless-steel handles that remain cool while those pans are hot. That makes you cook comfortably without worrying about any damage. They are also oven safe up to 400°F except for the lids as their withstand ability is up to 350°F.
Their unique glass lids with straining holes offer effortless draining and can be stored with a set to keep everything organized. The heavy-duty thick forged base gives maximum performance on all stoves except induction cooktops. Best of all, their stackable feature saves 30% cabinet space than traditional sets.
Our Verdict:
This wonderful cookware set offers you excellent features like high-quality performance, built-in strainer lids, and a stackable design. All of this makes it a good choice, especially for the ones who have less space for storage.
8. Best Stainless Steel - Anolon Triply Clad Cookware Set
One User Raved: “I got these pots and pans for my son-in-law who is a chef. If they please him (he’s picky with what he cooks with), they’ve got to be great!!” Read more comments
- Rating: 4.6
- Price: $408.99
Pros:
- 12-Piece cookware set
- Induction compatible
- Even heat distribution
- Oven-safe up to 500F
- Easy to clean
Cons:
- Lid handles get very hot
- Side handles will eventually get hot
What’s best about it?
- Induction compatible
- Durable Tri-Ply Technology
- Oven and dishwasher safe
The cookware includes:
1.5 Saucepan with Lid, 2-Quart Saucepan with Lid, 3.5-Quart Saucepot with Lid, 4-Quart Saute Pan with Lid, 8-Quart Stockpot with Lid, 8.5-Inch Frying Pan, and 10.25-Inch Frying Pan
Features & Benefits:
This cookware set has a sophisticated, polished silver stainless steel exterior and interior that makes the pots and pans timeless classic. It contains three layers for extra resistance and an exceptionally smooth interior, ensuring that food doesn’t stick to the cooking surface.
The Anolon Tri-Ply Clad Stainless Steel 12-Piece Cookware Set features durable three-ply construction features an aluminum core between layers of stainless steel for excellent heat distribution. Your cookware gives you both the qualities of aluminum and stainless steel and provides optimal cooking performance. Aluminum heats up quickly and distributes heat evenly. The stainless-steel exterior protects it and ensures a long life to these pots and pans.
Pans are ideal for searing meats because it gives them the brownish finish. You can also make gravy and create incredible sauteed vegetables with skillets.
It is important for you to know that stainless steel is not a non-stick surface, so you will have to use a little oil.
The comfortable stainless-steel handles are double riveted, so they remain securely attached even after years of use. They also remain cool on the stovetop, which makes it easy to handle the pots. The lids are also tightly fitted on the pots. That ensures that the moisture and the flavors will remain inside them.
The cookware gives you the relief of using it on all the tops, including induction cooktop. The cookware is oven safe to 500 degrees Fahrenheit. The pots and pans are also dishwasher safe and give you the facility of easy and quick clean up.
Our Verdict:
That is a classic stainless-steel set with an aluminum core that is perfect for having better heat conduction. It will surely withstand years of daily use due to its durable properties and features.
9. Best Aluminum Core - Le Creuset Toughened Nonstick PRO
One User Raved: “Love the pans. As a professional Chef for the last 25 years, I use these pans quite often at home.” Read more comments
- Rating: 4.8
- Price: $399.99
Pros:
- 6-piece cookware set
- Induction compatible
- Oven-safe up to 500F
- Beautiful design
Cons:
- Heavy
- Takes longer to heat
What’s best about it?
- Triple reinforced PFOA-free coating
- fully encapsulated aluminum core
- induction-ready stainless-steel base
- textured interior
The cookware includes:
8″ Fry Pan, 10″ Fry Pan, 3 qt. Saucepan w/Lid, 4.25 qt. Saute Pans w/Lid
Features & Benefits:
Le Creuset’s Toughened Non-stick PRO cookware has a triple-reinforced PFOA-free coating that is now 4x stronger than the traditional ones. It has a system of a fully encapsulated aluminum core and induction-ready stainless-steel base, which offers quick and even heating.
The cookware offers a versatile quality of pots and pans, which are essential for everyday use. It features a textured interior coating that promotes browning and searing exceptionally. It ensures that the food is cooked to perfection, with or without applying oil but still easily wipes clean.
Le Creuset’s non-stick is the choice for mastering meals from stove to oven to table due to its oven-safe property up to 500°F (tempered glass lids to 425°F). The coating is also dishwasher safe and scratch-resistant. With its stay-cool ergonomic handles, you can comfortably hold the pans while cooking on the stove. All the pots and pans are compatible with all cooktops.
Our Verdict:
The brand is offering high-quality cookware with aesthetics and durability. It can be a little expensive, but the long-lasting warranty with exceptional design and quality makes it the user’s tops choice.
10. ProCook Gourmet Induction Cookware Set
Pros:
- 12-piece cookware set
- Induction compatible
- Oven-safe up to 500F
- Easy to clean
Cons:
- No vents on glass lids
What’s best about it?
- Induction compatible
- Silicon stay-cool handles
- PFOA-FREE stick-resistant finish
The cookware includes:
5.5″/1-quart, 6″/1.6-quart and 7″/2.4-quart saucepans with lids, 8″ and 11″ skillets, 9.5″/3-quart and 11″/4.8-quart shallow casseroles with lids, 8″/3.8-quart and 9.5″/6.3-quart stock pots with lids, 8″ steamer insert, 11″/3.6-quart saute pans and an 11″ wok with lid.
Features & Benefits:
The Gourmet cookware range has a black-coated 3.5 mm aluminum construction, known for even heat distribution. This durable, versatile, and affordable cookware is coated with a 5-star ProCook Ultra double-layer PFOA-FREE stick-resistant finish. The saucepans have a convenient strain-and-pour design, which includes a pouring lip on both sides to make pouring a breeze for left-handed and right-handed cooks.
They also feature self-basting, steel-rimmed, toughened glass lids that retain moisture and flavor while letting you see what’s cooking. The saucepan, skillets, wok, and saute pans have silicon stay-cool handles with hanging holes.
The whole range of the cookware is oven safe up to 500 F, making the stove oven cooking possible. The cookware is suitable for all cooktops including, induction, electric, gas, ceramic, glass, and halogen cooktops. It is also dishwasher safe enabling you to complete your washing tasks effortlessly. Lastly, the brand is offering a 10-year ProCook guarantee.
Our Verdict:
The brand offers high standard cookware, constructed with premium quality materials, along with a 10-year ProCook guarantee which is amazing. From its design to quality, performance to excellent features, it is a top-level set and can be the right choice for any kitchen.
What is the best cookware set under $400?
Cuisinart French Classic 3-Ply stainless steel cookware set is the best cookware set under $400.
This cookware set is made out of 3-ply stainless steel, which makes it extremely robust and long-lasting. This 10-piece cookware set comes with a variety of essential pots and pans so you won’t have any trouble preparing your favorite meals.
Is it possible to get a quality cookware set under $400?
Yes, it is possible to get a quality cookware set under $400. While some high-end cookware sets can cost thousands of dollars, there are many affordable options available that provide great value for the price.
With careful research and consideration, it is possible to find cookware sets that are durable, efficient, and made with quality materials, all within a budget of $400 or less.
It’s important to prioritize the features that are most important to you and to look for sets with good customer reviews and ratings to ensure that you’re getting the best value for your money.
What materials should I look for in a cookware set under $400?
When looking for a cookware set under $400, there are several materials that you can consider that offer good value for the price:
Stainless Steel: Stainless steel cookware is a durable and versatile option that is easy to clean and doesn’t react with acidic foods. It’s a great choice for cooking a variety of dishes and can be found in many affordable cookware sets.
Aluminum: Aluminum is an excellent conductor of heat and is often used in the core or base of cookware to distribute heat evenly. It’s also lightweight and affordable, making it a popular choice for budget-friendly cookware sets.
Non-stick: Non-stick cookware is coated with a layer of Teflon or ceramic material that prevents food from sticking to the surface. It’s a convenient option for cooking delicate foods like eggs and pancakes, and can be found in many affordable cookware sets.
Cast Iron: Cast iron is a heavy and durable material that retains heat well and is great for searing and sautéing. While it’s not as common in budget-friendly cookware sets, you can still find some options that are under $400.
Ceramic: Ceramic cookware is made from clay and is a non-reactive and non-toxic option. It’s a good choice for slow-cooking dishes and can be found in some affordable cookware sets.
Ultimately, the material you choose will depend on your cooking needs and preferences. Consider what types of dishes you like to cook and look for sets that include the materials that will work best for your cooking style.
What should I look for when buying a cookware set under $400?
When buying a cookware set under $400, there are several things to look for to ensure that you get the best value for your money:
Number of Pieces:
Look for sets that include a variety of pots and pans in different sizes to suit your cooking needs. Sets with 8 to 10 pieces are a good option for most home cooks.
Quality Materials:
Look for sets that are made from high-quality materials that are durable and efficient for cooking. Stainless steel, aluminum, and non-stick coatings are all good options to consider.
Heat Distribution:
Look for sets that distribute heat evenly to prevent hot spots and ensure that your food cooks evenly. This is especially important for sets that include stainless steel or aluminum cookware.
Compatibility:
Make sure that the cookware set is compatible with your cooktop, whether you have a gas, electric, or induction stove.
Ease of Cleaning:
Look for sets that are easy to clean and maintain. Non-stick coatings can make cleaning easier, while stainless steel can require more maintenance but can last longer.
Warranty:
Look for sets that come with a warranty to ensure that you can get a replacement or repair if any issues arise.
Customer Reviews:
Read customer reviews and ratings to get an idea of the quality and performance of the cookware set before making a purchase.
By considering these factors, you can find a cookware set under $400 that is both affordable and high-quality.
Are non-stick cookware sets under $400 worth buying?
Non-stick cookware sets under $400 can be worth buying, depending on your cooking needs and preferences. Non-stick coatings make it easier to cook delicate foods like eggs and pancakes, and they require less oil or butter for cooking, which can be a healthier option.
However, it’s important to keep in mind that non-stick coatings can wear off over time, especially if they are not used and cared for properly. They are also not ideal for high-heat cooking or for cooking acidic foods, as these can cause the coating to break down and release harmful chemicals.
When shopping for a non-stick cookware set, look for sets that are made with high-quality materials and that have a durable and long-lasting non-stick coating. Also, consider how often you will be using the non-stick cookware and whether it’s worth investing in a higher-end cookware set that will last longer.
Ultimately, non-stick cookware sets can be a convenient and affordable option for many home cooks, but it’s important to use them responsibly and to follow the manufacturer’s care instructions to ensure that they last as long as possible.