Best High-End Cookware Sets, a Comprehensive Review!
If you’re a passionate cook or a professional chef, investing in high-end cookware can be a game-changer in the kitchen.
Not only can quality cookware improve the flavor and texture of your dishes, but it can also make cooking more efficient and enjoyable.
But with so many options on the market, it can be overwhelming to choose the right set. That’s why we’ve researched and tested some of the best high-end cookware sets available, from trusted brands like All-Clad, Le Creuset, and Calphalon.
In this article, we’ll provide you with a detailed and informative review of each set, including their features, materials, and performance, to help you make an informed decision and choose the best investment for your kitchen.
Best High-End Cookware in 2023!
1. Best Overall - All-Clad Copper Core Cookware Set
One User Raved: “Super easy to clean, precise and even heat distribution, and if they’re anything like my first, inherited allclads, they’ll outlast me and end up converting whoever gets them next. ” More Comments
- Rating: 4.6
- Price: $2199.99
Pros:
- 14 Piece cookware set
- Induction compatible
- Even heat distribution
- Compatible with all cooktops
Cons:
- Handles get hot
The 14-piece cookware set is the best high-end cookware from All-Clad ever with a breathtaking finish.
What’s best about it?
- 5-Ply bonded construction
- Induction compatible
- Non-reactive to acidic food
- Aluminum and copper core
The cookware includes:
10 inch and 12-inch fry pans, 2 quarts and 3 quarts covered saucepans, 3 quarts and 6 quarts covered saute pans, 12 inches covered chef’s pan and an 8 quart covered stockpot.
Features & Benefits:
Honestly speaking, in stainless steel construction, we have never encountered such beautiful-looking cookware ever.
With the breathtaking finish and the inner satisfaction you get when you hold it, you can feel that if you have a passion for cookware.
This is 5-Ply heavy-duty cookware where all three metals are combined to make it a perfect combination for heat conduction, retention, and even heat distribution. i.e., the interior and exterior layers are made of heavy gauge stainless steel. beneath the stainless steel layer, there are two layers of aluminum and the core layer is copper.
The exterior features magnetic-grade stainless steel which makes the cookware induction compatible.
Alongside induction, you can use it on all other cooktops with ease. The solidly riveted stainless steel handles are well balanced with the pans and pots.
The flared edges that you find on the pans and pots make it super easy to pour out the food without dripping. The lids are also made of heavy gauge stainless steel.
Our Verdict:
In stainless steel construction, this is the best high-end cookware ever. In short, this cookware set is breathtakingly beautiful, sturdy, and a lifetime performer.
2. Mauviel Brushed Copper Cookware Set
One User Raved: “I bought this cookware for my wife, who is also a chef. I was impressed with the weight and thickness of the copper and I am familiar with the heritage of this product.” More Comments
- Rating: 4.4
- Price: $1999.99
Pros:
- 12 Piece cookware set
- Even heat distribution
- Long sturdy handles
Cons:
- Handles will get hot on gas stove after a while
The 12-piece copper cookware gives your kitchen a modern a fashionable look.
What’s best about it?
- 2.5mm thick copper exterior
- Stainless steel interior
- 90% copper & 10% stainless steel
The cookware includes:
8″ Skillet, 10.2″ Skillet, 1.9 Quart Saucepan with Domed Lid, 2.7 Quart Saucepan with Domed Lid, 3.6 Quart Saucepan with Domed Lid, 3.2 Quart Saute Pan with Domed Lid, 6.4 Quart Stock Pot with Domed Lid and Bonus 5 Ounce Copperbrill Copper Cleaner.
Features & Benefits:
This is the top of line the most expensive high-end cookware from Mauviel. The cookware is made of copper mainly with a 90% ratio.
The exterior is made of 2.5mm thick pure copper. Here you may ask, why copper? Well, copper is the best heat conductor, which heats up fast and it distributes heat evenly.
The interior of the cookware is made of 18/10 grade stainless steel. Because copper is not safe to cook in, and it leaches into our food and makes it toxic, that’s why stainless steel is combined with copper to make it a perfect and safe combination.
The collaboration of copper and stainless steel makes the cooking fun and you enjoy the next level of cooking experience.
The strongly riveted handles are made of cast stainless steel with a matte textured finish. The handles will stay cool during the cooking session because of their thickness. The cookware comes with domed shape copper lids that fit nicely over the pans.
Overall, the construction is pretty solid and you will feel it the moment you get hold of it.
Our Verdict:
The best cookware high-end from Mauviel is for all those who can afford it and want to have the next level of cooking experience.
3. Best Hand Hammered - Amoretti Brothers Copper Cookware
One User Raved: “beautiful and very high quality” More Comments
- Rating: 4.6
- Price: $ 2615.99
Pros:
- 11 Piece cookware
- Oven-safe
- Hand hammered copper exterior
Cons:
- Tin lining will wear
- Bronze handles get hot
This is the best hand-hammered high-end 11-piece cookware from Amoretti Brothers, Italy.
What’s best about it?
- Copper construction
- Hand Hammered for durability
- Lifetime warranty
The cookware includes:
1.3-quart cocotte with lid 4.4-quart casserole with lid 5.7 qt dutch oven with lid 11-inch frying pan, 10qt Stockpot, and a 2.8 qt saucepan with a long handle.
Features & Benefits:
The company was founded in 2006 in Torino, Italy and since then, they have mastered craftsmanship.
This particular cookware is their masterpiece.
The cookware comes with Fiora signature lids and they offer a lifetime warranty. The handles of the cookware are handcrafted and are made of bronze which gives the cookware a beautiful Royal look with gold and copper colors.
This is important for you to know that bronze is a good transmitter of heat and the handles will heat up pretty fast, so you should always use some sort of potholder to grab the handles.
The cookware is oven-safe because of the metal handles.
The tin-lined interior is to protect the copper from leaching into our food that causes a metallic taste. Be aware, that the Tin will wear over time, and it will cost you a lot to get it relined.
Our Verdict:
If you are specifically looking for the best high-end hand-hammered copper cookware, this is the cookware you should invest in.
4. Best Stainless Steel - Demeyere Stainless Steel
One User Raved: “This is a great set of really wonderful pots. I was worried they would be too heavy, after reading a lot of other reviews, but I find them satisfyingly robust, but not awkwardly heavy to pick up!” More Comments
- Rating: 4.7
- Price: $1299.99
Pros:
- 14 Piece cookware set
- Induction compatible
- Flat & even base
- Even heat distribution
Cons:
- Pans n Pots are large for the family of two
This 14-piece stainless steel cookware is beautiful and heavy-duty to take on any cooking task.
What’s best about it?
- 5-Ply construction
- Induction compatible
The cookware includes:
2-quart Saucepan with Lid, 3-quart Saute Pan with Lid, 3.5-quart Saucier with Lid, 4-quart Saucepan with Lid, 5.5-quart Dutch Oven with Lid, 8-quart Stock Pot with Lid, 9.5-inch Skillet & 11-inch Skillet.
Features & Benefits:
The cookware has some great features like it is made of 5-Ply wherein the interior, it’s an 18/10 grade heavy gauge stainless steel, beneath that it’s an aluminum layer, then aluminum alloy core, then another layer of aluminum and the exterior or 18/0 magnetic grade stainless steel.
Because the exterior is magnetic, the cookware can be used on induction. The flat base of the cookware is even and not arched from the center where the oil will run down to the sides of the pan.
The flat and even base gives you maximum heat conduction and it helps in cooking evenly.
The interior of the cookware is rivetless because the handles are nicely welded to the body. The handles have a unique design that keeps them from getting hot during cooking. Another thing we noticed about the handles is that they are a bit short in length.
They seem short to us because we like to work with cookware with larger handles that give a better grip and they stay cool for a long time.
The pans have this curved edge for the drip-free pouring of the food because otherwise, the kitchen can turn into a mess in a short while.
The cookware is broiler and oven-safe up to 500F. Hand washing the cookware is recommended, though the cookware is dishwasher-safe.
Our Verdict:
If you are a professional home cook who knows how to use stainless steel cookware and looking to have one, then you should go invest in this high-end cookware.
5. Best 3-Ply - Ruffoni Symphonia Prima
One User Raved: “I absolutely love the quality and craftsmanship of this cookware. It’s stunning. This set arrived in a lovely wooden crate. I was already swooning.” More Comments
- Rating: 4.7
- Price: $1688.99
Pros:
- 7 Piece cookware
- Heavy duty construction
- Even heat distribution
- Oven-safe up to 450F
Cons:
- Handles get hot after a while
The 7-piece triple-ply cookware is one of its kind that’s worth considering.
What’s best about it?
- 3-Ply construction
- Hand-hammered
- Aluminum core
The cookware includes:
1-1/2-Quart Saucepan with Lid, 3-1/2-Quart Covered Soup Pot, 10-1/4-Quart Fry Pan, 5-Quart Covered Bruiser.
Features & Benefits:
The cookware features a unique jewel-like design that sets this cookware apart from the rest of its competitors. This hand-hammered copper cookware looks so awesome in the kitchen and gives it a very elegant and fashionable look.
The cookware is made of 3-ply to make it extra efficient in durability and performance. The exterior is made of pure copper which has excellent heat conductivity to make sure the cookware does not even look great but it heats up fast. The center (core) layer is aluminum for even heat distribution from the bottom to the top of the walls and the interior is stainless steel which is healthy to cook in and easy to maintain.
The cookware is oven-safe up to 450F and can be used on all cooktops, except induction.
The handles and the lids are beautifully designed. They are made of stainless steel with a copper accent.
Our Verdict:
If you are looking for some less expensive hand-hammered Italian cookware that shines in your kitchen, you should invest in this one.
6. Best 8-Piece - Matfer Bourgeat Matfer Copper
One User Raved: “I am so in love with these pans and I use them everyday, in fact, I’m so spoiled that I will never be able to use anything else to cook with. They are worth every penny!” More Comments
- Rating: 4.3
- Price: $3024.99
Pros:
- 8 Piece cookware set
- Even heat distribution
- Gas stove compatible
- Oven-safe
Cons:
- Long handles are riveted nearly at the center of the pan and not in the top section
The 8-Piece high-end cookware has stainless steel lining for healthy food preparation.
What’s best about it?
- Copper exterior
- Stainless steel interior
- 2.5mm thickness
The cookware includes:
Copper Casserole Pot, Copper Sauce Pan, Copper Flared Sauce Pan, Copper Heavy Saute Pan, along with all of their matching lids.
Features & Benefits:
The cookware is made of a copper exterior that has a plain polished finish. Copper is an excellent heat conductor so that is why copper is used in the bottom or as a separate layer so that the pan be properly heated for your food.
The interior is made of 18/10 grade stainless steel. The reason copper is avoided to be the only metal or is used in the interior because copper leaches into the food and our copper intake increases and that can cause serious health problems.
This is why generally stainless steel is used in the interior which is safe to cook in and the overall thickness of the pans is 2.5mm which makes the cookware a bit heavy but sturdy and durable.
The bras and cast iron handles are long enough to stay cool during cooking and the handles are hand riveted.
Our Verdict:
So if you don’t like hand-hammered copper cookware but still want it to have all the essential cookware, then you should recommend this cookware to you.
7. Best Italian - Hestan CopperBond Collection
One User Raved: “I absolutely love them! If you are willing to cook with a little oil knowing they are not nonstick, must be hand washed and dried, and require some polishing, you will not be disappointed!” More Comments
- Rating: 4.2
- Price: $1699.99
Pros:
- 10 Piece cookware set
- Induction compatible
- Easy to clean
- Can be stored in small place
Cons:
- Handles will get hot
With mouth-dropping looks and a perfect assortment of cookware, this 10-piece high-end cookware from Hestan CopperBond is something you don’t want to miss.
What’s best about it?
- 5-Ply bonded construction
- Induction compatible
The cookware includes:
8.5″ and 11″ Skillet, .5qt and 3qt Saucepan with lids, 3.5qt Saute pan with lid, and 6qt stockpot with lid.
Features & Benefits:
Hestan CopperBond features 10-pieces of cookware that are designed to meet the requirement of your cooking.
The cookware is constructed of 5-layers of heavy gauge stainless steel and the core of pure copper for maximum heat conductivity. This construction gives you even heat distribution throughout the pans for perfect cooking.
The stainless steel handles feature flush rivets that are durable and easy to clean. The handles will get hot after a while so be careful to touch the handles when cooking.
The extra-wide flared edges of the cookware help in pouring the food out drip-free. The handles are designed to make the nesting easy and without any trouble.
Our Verdict:
If you want to experience the ultimate cooking experience, you need to have this cookware in your kitchen without any 2nd thought.
8. Best Hammered - Lagostina Martellata
One User Raved: “I absolutely love this set of pots and pans. After having nonstick that only lasted a few years before scratching the coating. I needed a long-term solution and stainless steel with the hammered copper was just what I wanted.” More Comments
- Rating: 4.5
- Price: $426.99
Pros:
- 10 Piece cookware set
- Heavy duty construction
- Drip-free pouring
Cons:
- Handles get hot
The 10-Piece high-end cookware set is a perfect combination of cooking pieces that anyone would need to have in their kitchen.
What’s best about it?
- 3-Ply Heavy gauge construction
- A layer of hammered pure copper
The cookware includes:
8″ skillet, 10″ skillet, 2Qt saucepan with lid, 3Qt saucepan with lid, 3Qt deep saute pan with lid, 6Qt stockpot with lid.
Features & Benefits:
The cookware is made of heavy gauge 3-ply, that consists of copper, aluminum, and stainless steel.
The exterior is a hand-hammered copper layer that conducts heat at maximum level and beneath that, there is a bonded layer of aluminum, which also a good conductor of heat but not as good as copper, but aluminum retains and distributes heat evenly and the interior is 18/10 grade stainless steel.
The hammered copper exterior looks amazing in the kitchen as well as on the table.
The cast stainless steel handles are designed to give you a good comfortable grip and they will stay cool for some time but will eventually get hot, so use some potholders to be safe.
The stainless steel lids fit tight on the pots and pans to keep the moisture and the heat trapped inside for maximum cooking experience.
Another feature that we like about this high-end cookware is the flared edges of the pans and pots. This helps in pouring out the food cleanly without dripping.
9. Best 5-Ply - Viking Professional
One User Raved: “Purchased set to used on an induction cooktop. Quality is exactly as expected. Beautiful to look at, well balanced, evenly heats, great cooking experience! Would purchase again.” More Comments
- Rating: 4.6
- Price: $1149.99
Pros:
- 10 Piece cookware
- Induction compatible
- Interior doesn’t react to acidic food
- Even heat distribution
Cons:
- Lid handles and side handles get hot quickly
Last but not least is Viking Professional high-end cookware that offers 10-pieces of cookware and certainly worth investing in.
What’s best about it?
- 5-Ply Heavy gauge construction
- Induction compatible
The cookware includes:
8 inch and 10-inch fry pans, 2-quart and 3-quart saucepans with lids, an 8-quart stockpot with lid, and a 3.4-quart saute pan with lid.
Features & Benefits:
The 10-piece cookware is extra heavy-duty built that comprises 5 layers of metal. The exterior is magnetic grade stainless steel which makes this cookware induction compatible.
The core has three layers of aluminum alloy, which conducts and distributes heat evenly at maximum and the interior is 18/10 grade stainless steel which allows you to make your favorite recipes in a much healthy way.
You don’t need to worry about having the cookware in your oven because its oven, broiler, and grill safe up to 600F.
The handles are made of cast stainless steel and are ergonomically designed to give you a comfortable grip.
The handles will stay cool for a good amount of time but eventually will get hot if your cooking sessions are long enough.
The stainless steel dome shape lids give you a good comfortable fit over the pots and pans so that the heat and the moisture of your food don’t escape.
The 18/10 stainless steel interior will not react with food and is easy to clean. The satin finish stainless steel is oven, broiler, grill, and dishwasher safe.
10. Best Stackable - Calphalon Premier Cookware Set
One User Raved: “First time ordering cookware form Amazon. Product worth the money. Excellent heat distribution and easy to clean.” More Comments
- Rating: 4.6
- Price: $649.99
Pros:
- 15 Piece cookware set
- Stackable
- Even heat distribution
- Oven-safe up to 450F
Cons:
- Slightly heavier than others
Calphalon is known for producing quality products and this 15-piece stackable high-end cookware is no exception.
What’s best about it?
- Stackable and saves you a lot of space
- Three layers of nonstick coating for durability
The cookware includes:
8-inch fry pan, 10-inch fry pan, 12-inch fry pan, 2.5-quart saucepan with cover, 3.5-quart saucepan with cover, 4.5-quart soup pan with cover, 3-quart saute pan with cover, 5-quart Sauteuse with cover, 8-quart stockpot with cover.
Features & Benefits:
The 15-piece cookware from Calphalon is made of hard-anodized aluminum which is a lot harder than stainless steel. Due to aluminum construction, the heat conduction is great and heat distribution is even.
The cookware is a bit heavy as compared to its competitors, it weighs around 38lbs. The cookware is broiler and oven-safe up to 450F.
The cookware features a durable 3-layered nonstick coating to make sure it lasts longer and upon you can use the metal utensils easily.
The cookware is dishwasher safe, but it is recommended to hand wash it every time if you want it to keep the looks and feel of the cookware.
The cookware is intelligently designed to give you maximum space-saving for easy storage. The notches on pans and pots and the lids, help in keep the pieces intact with each other and the pieces can be stacked in any order.
The stainless steel handles are long and they stay cool most of the time but it depends on your cooking time. If the cooking time is lengthy, the handles will get hot.
Our Verdict:
If you have a space issue in your kitchen, and looking for high-end cookware that can save you a lot of space with the ability to stack perfectly, this is the cookware you should invest in.
What to look for when choosing the best high-end cookware set
Investing in high-end cookware can transform the way you cook, providing better heat distribution, more durability, and greater precision. Here’s what to look for when choosing the best high-end cookware set:
Materials
When it comes to high-end cookware, materials matter. Look for sets made from high-quality materials such as stainless steel, copper, or cast iron. Stainless steel is durable and easy to clean, while copper is an excellent heat conductor that offers precise temperature control. Cast iron is great for searing and braising and can last for generations.
Construction
Consider the construction of the cookware set you’re interested in. Look for sets with multi-layered bases or walls, as they offer better heat distribution and retention. Also, check that the handles and lids are securely attached, and that the edges are smooth and comfortable to handle.
Pieces included
Think about the pieces you’ll need for your cooking needs. Most high-end cookware sets come in 7 to 14 pieces, including various sizes of pots and pans, lids, and sometimes utensils. Choose a set that includes the pieces you need, and consider buying additional pieces separately if necessary.
Brand reputation
High-end cookware can be a significant investment, so it’s important to choose a reputable brand known for quality and longevity. Some of the most trusted brands in the market include All-Clad, Le Creuset, and Calphalon.
Budget
High-end cookware sets can vary greatly in price, so it’s important to set a budget before making a purchase. Determine how much you’re willing to spend, and choose the best set within your budget that meets your needs.
By considering these factors, you can find the best high-end cookware set that fits your cooking style and budget, and enjoy cooking with quality and precision for years to come.