The Best Cheap Cookware Sets

Elizabeth Sheer

Purchasing a multi-piece cookware set typically costs significantly less than buying each piece individually. The trick is to find a set with the pieces, features, and performance you want within your budget. Well-burnished names such as All-Clad, Le Creuset, Calphalon, and Swiss Diamond are aspirational, gourmet brands that can easily cost well over $700 for a set. It's possible, however, to get a good set of cheap cookware that features elements of the upmarket sets and bears a brand name such as Farberware or T-fal. We found cookware sets for less than $80 that can help home cooks turn out good-tasting, good-looking food.

See full Buying Guide

Our Top Pick

Wearever Cook & Strain 10-Piece Set

Wearever Cook & Strain 10-Piece Set Review

Our Picks
Wearever Cook & Strain 10-Piece Set

Wearever Cook & Strain 10-Piece Set Review

Included Pieces: 1- and 2-quart lidded saucepans | 5-quart lidded Dutch oven | 9.5-inch skillet | 2 utensils and colander

Pros:

  • Pots have pour spouts, and pan lids have a straining feature so foods like pasta don't have to be poured into a colander (although the set comes with one).
  • Oven-safe to 500 degrees.
  • Many praise the durability of the set, which has a limited lifetime warranty.
  • Can be used on any stovetop, including induction.
  • Dishwasher-safe; users say even burnt-on foods clean off easily after soaking.

Cons:

  • Some purchasers who've previously owned WearEver sets claim that they used to be much heavier.
  • Pans discolor if the heat is too high.

Takeaway: Consumers who've purchased the WearEver Cook & Strain 10-Piece Set (A834S974) consider it a high-quality product for a really low price. The bottoms of the pots are said to be thick enough to distribute and hold heat well, and features like the pour spouts and straining lids add convenience. The set takes care of the essentials, and a colander and two serving spoons sweeten the deal. Expect years of life from this tried and trusted cookware.

Farberware High Performance Nonstick 17-Piece Set

Included Pieces: 1- and 2-quart lidded saucepans | 5-quart lidded Dutch oven | 10-inch lidded skillet | 8-inch skillet | 11-inch square griddle | 6 utensils and cookie pan

Pros:

  • Comes in black, red, aqua blue, and champagne.
  • Very durable, with a lifetime warranty; some users have had the same set for 20 years.
  • Reviewers marvel that nothing sticks to these pans; they're easy to clean and the coating is high quality.
  • Oven-safe to 350 degrees; included cookie sheet can withstand 450 degrees.
  • Includes a griddle, uncommon in cheap cookware sets and very much appreciated for making pancakes.

Cons:

  • Finish can discolor easily with high heat.
  • Low heat threshold means it takes a long time for water to boil.
  • Users say the included nylon tools are small, melt easily, and are poor quality; the cookie sheet is also smaller than expected, holding 6 to 8 cookies at best.
  • Some assert that the handles could be better made and a bit more secure.

Takeaway: The Farberware High Performance Nonstick 17-Piece Set is a solid starter cookware set, particularly for a first apartment, because it comes with all the basics a kitchen needs, including a cookie sheet and an assortment of utensils. Those who appreciate just a hint of hue in their kitchen will also like the color choices. Just keep in mind that the bases are aluminum, which heats well and evenly but cannot be used on an induction range.

Greenlife Soft Grip 14-Piece Set

Included Pieces: 1- and 2-quart lidded saucepans | 5-quart lidded stockpot | 7- and 9.5-inch skillets | 2.5-quart lidded sauté pan | 4 utensils

Pros:

  • Comes in a variety of colors, including turquoise, red, and black.
  • Ceramic coating raises fewer health concerns than traditional nonstick; interiors are non-toxic and contain no PFAS, PFOA, lead, or cadmium.
  • Pans heat up quickly (although they should be used only on low heat) and are oven-safe to 350 degrees.
  • Soft handles are easy to hold; cookware feels sturdy.

Cons:

  • Longevity is an issue, according to some reviews.
  • Exterior paint scrapes off easily and can become discolored.
  • Ceramic coating shows scratches and can peel off or chip after a while; white interiors can stain with high heat or use of oil with a low smoke point.
  • Not compatible with induction stoves.

Takeaway: For people who are accustomed to other types of pans, there is a learning curve to ceramic cookware -- be sure to cook at lower heats and stay away from olive oil and cooking spray or you can expect a stained and sticky surface. On the plus side, buyers don't have to worry about harmful chemicals leaching into foods. While it's difficult to find a cheap ceramic cookware set of decent quality, the highly rated GreenLife Soft Grip 14-Piece Ceramic Set (CW0004970) provides a safe and moderately durable cooking surface at an affordable price.

Cooking Equipment

Included Pieces: 1.5-quart lidded saucepan | 1.5-, 2-, and 3-quart lidded casserole pans with loop handles | 5.5-quart lidded stockpot | 10-inch lidded skillet

Pros:

  • Metal handles allow the cookware to go in an oven up to 500 degrees.
  • Encapsulated aluminum bottom for even cooking.
  • Can be used on any kind of stove, including induction.
  • Each pot and pan comes with a vented, tempered glass cover, allowing users to see the food inside without lifting the lid and letting heat and steam escape.
  • Medium weight is easy to hold, even when full of food or water.

Cons:

  • Handles are hollow, so they might hold water if put in the dishwasher; they also get hot with cooking and require potholders.
  • Users say the pans can scorch and stain easily; water marks are an issue.
  • Some reviewers wish the glass lids were more substantial, and there are some reports of shattering.

Takeaway: The Cook N Home 12-Piece Stainless Steel Set is not too hefty but still sturdy enough to cook food without burning -- although reviewers warn that high heat can cause discoloration and should not be used. Although the set only includes one skillet and one small, 1.5-quart saucepan, the three casserole pans increase versatility. The glass lids for every pot and pan also help make this cookware collection a good value for the price.

T-Fal Excite Nonstick 14-Piece Set

Included Pieces: 1- and 2-quart lidded saucepans | 5-quart lidded Dutch oven | 10-inch lidded skillet | 8-inch skillet | 5 measuring spoons

Pros:

  • Comes in a variety of vivid colors, including red, blue, green, purple, and orange.
  • Frying pans have a "thermo spot" indicator in the middle that shows when it's time to add food.
  • Good-size pieces for a small family.
  • Heats evenly, according to reviews.
  • Oven-safe to 350 degrees.
  • All pieces are dishwasher-safe and clean wonderfully, users say.
  • Nonstick coating is PFOA-free, with no lead or cadmium, and 100 percent recyclable.

Cons:

  • Some reviewers who've had T-fal products previously say this set is not as substantial.
  • Outside can discolor after extended use.
  • Nonstick coating wears off after a while, users report.

Takeaway: Most owners are very happy with the T-fal Excite Nonstick 14-Piece Set, thanks to the quality of the nonstick coating -- as long as it lasts. The bright color choices add appeal (the blue cookware set is a favorite). Although five of the 14 pieces are measuring spoons, consumers still consider the set a good value for the money. The lightweight aluminum construction raises questions about the lifespan of this cookware but is a boon for users who don't like lifting heavy pans. Potential buyers should keep in mind that aluminum pans are not compatible with induction ranges.

T-Fal Initiatives 14-Piece Set

Included Pieces: 1- and 2-quart lidded saucepans | 5-quart lidded Dutch oven | 11-inch lidded skillet | 4.5- and 7.5-inch skillets | 4 utensils

Pros:

  • Pans heat evenly, according to reviews, and can withstand up to 570 degrees on the stove (medium heat) and 350 degrees in the oven.
  • Users say the ceramic coating performs well and foods don't stick; this set is very easy to clean.
  • Comes in black or champagne.
  • PFTE- and PFOA-free; contains no lead or cadmium.

Cons:

  • Ceramic coating can peel off and is said to discolor easily.
  • Nonstick surface can lose its effectiveness over time.
  • Some griping about loose handles that need constant tightening.

Takeaway: The T-fal Initiatives 14-Piece Ceramic Set is a bit of a hit-or-miss proposition for users looking for healthier alternatives to traditional nonstick pots and pans. While the set receives endorsements from many satisfied consumers, it also receives its fair share of grumbles regarding construction, quality, and longevity. Some users insist that the instructions must be read carefully, because care and usage are more complicated for ceramic cookware than for ordinary cookware. Others claim that no matter how much they baby these pans, they can't seem to keep them looking or performing their best. Still, there are a lot of pieces for the price -- including a small "one egg wonder" skillet -- and all the cookware is dishwasher-safe, although users say hand washing is the way to go. This set cannot be used on an induction cooktop.

Gibson Home Essentials Total Kitchen 83-Piece

Included Pieces: 1- and 2-quart lidded saucepans | 4-quart lidded stockpot | 9.75-inch skillet | Knife set with block | Flatware and dishes for 4 | 21 kitchen tools | Plastic storage containers

Pros:

  • Complete starter set for a student or someone setting up a first home.
  • About as cheap as kitchenware gets.
  • Included dishes have attractive red or black banding.

Cons:

  • Buyers complain of items that were broken in the box or missing.
  • Cookware is too small for most uses.
  • Plastic handles; cookware cannot go in the oven.
  • Very poor quality; many reports of breakage after just a few uses.
  • Not guaranteed to be dishwasher-safe; the manufacturer recommends hand washing.

Takeaway: Getting everything you need to set up a kitchen in one box may seem like a good deal -- and a few buyers continue to think it is, given the incredibly cheap price of this cookware combo package. In general, however, users have found the products flimsy, the lids ill-fitting, the knives dull, and the kitchen tools unworkable. The cookware is not suitable for induction cooktops and cannot go in the oven, lest the plastic handles melt. Add to this the manufacturer's recommendation that the entire set should be hand washed, and it's easy to see why many consumers say it has made life harder, not easier.

Tramontina Simple Cooking 9-Piece Nonstick

Included Pieces: 1- and 2-quart lidded saucepans | 4-quart lidded Dutch oven | 7-inch skillet | 9-inch lidded sauté pan

Pros:

  • Comes in red or a polished metal finish.
  • Good sizes for single people.
  • Nonstick finish lives up to its name and is easy to clean.

Cons:

  • Relatively flimsy; one reviewer says this cookware is so lightweight that the handles are heavier than the pans.
  • "Nonstick" coating needs to be seasoned.
  • Many buyers were disappointed that these pots and pans are so small; they say the packaging is deceptive.
  • Tempered glass lids reportedly shatter easily.
  • Not oven-safe; plastic handles.

Takeaway: If you shop for cookware sets at Walmart, you might be tempted by the Tramontina name and the low price tag attached to this cookware set. But many owners complain that the nonstick coating starts to peel off after a few months and the pans are easily dented. And while the extremely light weight is a benefit for users who have trouble lifting heavy pans, it speaks to an overall lack of quality. This cookware is not suitable for use on an induction cooktop or in the oven. Consumers attracted to this brand might consider stepping up to a more substantial Tramontina cookware set.

Buying Guide

Choosing a Cookware Set

Before making a purchase, consider what kind of cookware is right for your range. This is particularly important with a smooth, ceramic-glass or conduction stovetop, because some cookware can't be used on those heating elements. Also take account of your cooking style: What size pots and pans do you prefer? Do you want to start a dish on top of the stove and then pop it in the oven for a while? Do you want to peer into a covered pot through a glass lid as a dish bubbles away? Do you prefer metal spoons and spatulas or plastic, wood, or silicone? Do you mind washing by hand? Also, pay attention to the handle: Will the vessel be comfortable to hold when full? Will the handle get hot to the touch? You might try stopping in a nearby store to physically check out the goods: feel the weight, hold the handle, and inspect the finish.

Pricey vs. Cheap Cookware

Surely a soupcon of snob appeal partly accounts for the sky-high prices affixed to gourmet cookware. But the difference in build quality -- the material components and how they're put together -- is the primary factor that distinguishes cheap cookware sets from the rest. The rap on low-cost cookware is that food scorches, pots have hot spots, the bottoms warp, the finish stains, and the nonstick coating flakes off. Pricier cookware is heavier, far more durable, and -- holding the cook's skills constant -- likely to deliver better results. These pans transmit heat evenly and quickly, so food cooks faster at lower temperatures; seared meats and caramelized vegetables are easily accomplished.

The component materials of choice in the mid- and upper ranges of the market include cast iron, aluminum, copper, and stainless steel. Some higher-cost cookware features a nonstick finish, but many pieces have a stainless steel or anodized aluminum interior crafted in a way that makes it easy to clean. Cast iron can be finished with an enamel coating. Consumers who buy high-end cookware undoubtedly figure they're making a long-term investment.

Most budget cookware is made from aluminum, carbon steel, or stainless steel. The interior cooking surface may be the same metal as the exterior, but cheap aluminum and carbon steel cookware usually features a chemically-based nonstick finish, although less toxic, more eco-friendly options are becoming more widely available, even in the Cheapism price range. After looking at both nonstick and uncoated cookware, we chose the best cheap cookware and one good option in each of the following categories: stainless steel, nonstick aluminum, and ceramic-coated. We also researched a few other choices that might be worth a little extra.

Nonstick Cookware

A nonstick coating applied to a metal pot or pan helps it release foods easily and clean up quickly. With a nonstick surface, users can cook without adding any fat to the pan. This makes nonstick cookware the most popular choice among home cooks. But keep in mind that a nonstick surface doesn't brown or caramelize foods very well, and the coating can scratch off if you don't treat the pieces with care. We read reports from users saying the nonstick surface of some low-cost cookware degrades quickly, raising concerns about the release of potentially toxic compounds. Bottom line, according to experts: Avoid temperatures higher than 500 degrees, and if the nonstick coating starts chipping off, it's best to toss the cookware. While many people have expressed concern about chemicals from nonstick cookware leaching into food, most newer nonstick surfaces are PFOA-free.

Stainless Steel Cookware

Although the Food and Drug Administration has found no risk to humans, the health concerns surrounding nonstick cookware prompt many consumers to seek out other materials. With that in mind, we looked at a relatively easy-to-use alternative available on a budget: stainless steel. 

Stainless steel is dense, does not hold smells or tastes, and is highly resistant to pitting or staining. It is also strong and nonreactive, which means that acidic foods such as tomatoes won't damage it. Unlike aluminum, the basis of many low-cost pots and pans, steel is magnetic (as is cast iron) and will work on an induction stovetop. However, steel is not as good at conducting heat, so the best cheap stainless steel cookware incorporates an aluminum or copper disk at the bottom for better heat diffusion. Some cookware sets also let users keep one foot in each world, by combining stainless steel pots and nonstick aluminum skillets in the same set.

Ceramic Cookware

Another alternative to traditional nonstick cookware is ceramic cookware, which releases foods just as easily but is nontoxic and distributes heat more evenly. It’s also non-porous and non-reactive, so there won’t be any residual smells, and users can cook acidic foods like tomatoes without the worry of leaching chemicals.

Despite its health benefits, ceramic cookware may just be too finicky to suit everyone’s taste. While one of the benefits of a nonstick surface is that added fats are not needed, the directions on most cheap ceramic cookware expressly caution users not to use olive oil or cooking spray, because these oils burn at a low temperature and can carbonize, adding burnt spots to the pans. Users are also admonished to use ceramic pans only on low to medium heat. High heat can cause foods to stick and damage the surface. Like regular nonstick cookware, ceramic has a coating that makes it sensitive to scratching, so users should avoid metal utensils.

Some reviewers say that, although they follow the rules for care and usage assiduously, pans still become scratched and discolored. Some also lament the inability to get a good, dark sear on meats using this type of pan. And since the exterior of ceramic cookware is aluminum, it can’t be used on induction ranges. 

Cast Iron Cookware

While it’s hard to come by cast iron cookware on the cheap, it has a number of advantages. Cast iron is good for searing foods like steaks, because it can get screaming hot with no adverse effects, although it can take a while to heat up. It can go in the oven at any temperature and cleans very easily (a well-seasoned cast iron pan is, for all intents and purposes, nonstick). For the price, there is probably nothing more durable; cast iron is practically indestructible. Some people have cast iron cookware that was passed down from their grandmothers and will certainly be around for future generations. There are no chemicals that could potentially leach into foods, although some iron may be absorbed if the pan is not well-seasoned (this could actually be a plus for people who are anemic).

On the downside, there’s no getting around the fact that cast iron is really heavy; lifting a full pot is a two-fisted job. Handles are not coated, so oven mitts are a necessity. Because it’s porous, cast iron can hold smells such as fish or garlic, and tomato sauce cooked in a cast iron pot can come away with an off color and a metallic taste. Finally, cast iron can’t go in the dishwasher -- in fact, even using soap is not recommended, because it can wear away that hard-won seasoning.

What We Considered

Expert sources such as America's Test Kitchen tend to evaluate individual pots and pans with high price tags. Most of the cookware sets tested by Consumer Reports and the Good Housekeeping Research Institute also exceed our $80 price ceiling, and the handful of budget options in those tests generally did not perform well. In choosing the best cheap cookware sets, we relied heavily on reviews by home cooks on retail sites such as Amazon, Wayfair, and Walmart.

Ultimately, frugal shoppers want good quality cookware that does the job competently. Consumers want a well-rounded set with pieces they'll actually use. Oven-safe pieces are a particular boon. The quality should be good enough that the pots and pans don’t burn easily and the lids should fit properly. Reviewers who use nonstick cookware are adamant that the coating should be durable and not scratch or come off. The best cookware, whether nonstick or stainless steel, evenly distributes heat so food doesn't get burned. Cooking and cleaning should both be easy. Foodies may assert that only expensive cookware can produce gourmet meals, but the cookware reviews we read suggest that frugal cooks are more than satisfied with the dishes that come out of their cheap cookware.

Pots and Pans

What comes in a set of cheap cookware? That all depends. Expect to get a combination of saucepans, skillets/fry pans (with slanted sides) or sauté pans (with straight sides), a stockpot or Dutch oven, and a few lids. Larger sets usually come with a bonus of some kind, such as a griddle. A full set can be a bargain, especially for a first home, but only for someone who's going to use all (or most) of the pieces in it. Consumers should match our picks against the way they cook and what they really need.

A cookware set may contain as few as three pieces or more than 30. Note that those numbers often include lids, cooking utensils, and other miscellaneous items in addition to pots and pans. Also, price is not an indicator of the quantity of pieces that make up a cookware set. One of the cheapest we researched boasts 83 pieces.

The size of the pieces seems to be a bigger issue for reviewers than the size of the set. One cheap set might have a 3.25-quart Dutch oven, for example, compared with the 5-quart size that's typical among the best cheap cookware. Consumers are often surprised at the relatively small size of the pots and pans in many cheap cookware sets; a 2-quart saucier is just not as large as you might think. If you routinely cook for a crowd, you'll probably need to augment a cookware set with larger open-stock pieces that may or may not match.

Oven Safety

Some cooking methods, such as braising, call for a dish started on the stovetop to be transferred to the oven. While cheap aluminum and stainless steel pans are typically oven-safe, the temperature they can withstand depends largely on the handle material. Consumers appreciate "stay-cool" handles made of silicone, plastic, or Bakelite (a type of resin), because they don't require potholders, but most max out at about 350 degrees. Some nonstick pans also can't go in the oven. Although all our top picks are oven-safe cookware, be sure to check the manufacturer's directions before attempting to put a nonstick pan in the oven. For example, a pan might be safe up to 500 degrees unless the lid is on.

Construction and Durability

Consumers who use nonstick cookware are adamant that the coating should be truly nonstick. It should also be durable and not scratch or come off easily. Handles should be riveted onto the pots and pans, or they are likely to come loose. Scorch-free bottoms and proper-fitting lids are also important. Reviewers are somewhat divided on glass lids. They're useful because you can see what's going on in the pot without lifting it, but consumers with small children or clumsy hands may worry about breakage. We looked for tempered-glass lids, which will shatter if broken, rather than breaking into dangerous shards.

Ease of Use

In general, user reviewers want cookware that makes the cooking process uncomplicated and the cleaning process speedy. Nonstick, ceramic, and cast iron cookware can usually be washed with a regular sponge, a big part of its appeal. Stainless steel pans might be a bit harder to clean but shouldn't rust or stain. Most cheap cookware featured here is dishwasher-safe, but manufacturers and experts recommend washing by hand. Cast iron should only be washed by hand, with minimal soap, to preserve the seasoning.

Features Comparison

Sort by:
Review Score:
Product Title
Pieces
Material
Induction Compatible
Oven Safe
Dishwasher Safe
Product Title
Pieces
Material
Induction Compatible
Oven Safe
Dishwasher Safe

Wearever Cook & Strain...

$64
- 1- and 2-qt. saucepans - 5-qt. Dutch oven - 9.5-in. skillet - 3...
Stainless steel
Yes
500 degrees
Yes

Farberware High...

$54
- 1- and 2-qt. saucepans - 5-qt. Dutch oven - 8- and 10-in. skillets...
Nonstick aluminum
No
350 degrees (cookie pan to 450 degrees)
Yes

Greenlife Soft Grip...

$72
- 1- and 2-qt. saucepans - 5-qt. saucepan - 7- and 9.5-in. skillets -...
Aluminum with ceramic interior
No
350 degrees
Yes

Cook N Home 12-Piece Set

$49
- 1.5-quart saucepan - 1.5-, 2-, and 3-qt. casserole pans - 5.5-qt....
Stainless steel
Yes
500 degrees (glass lids to 350 degrees)
Yes

T-Fal Excite Nonstick...

$46
- 1- and 2-qt. saucepans - 5-qt. Dutch oven - 8- and 10-in. skillets...
Nonstick aluminum
No
350 degrees
Yes

T-Fal Initiatives...

$60
- 1- and 2-qt. saucepans - 5-qt. Dutch oven - 4.5-, 7.5-, and 11-in....
Aluminum with ceramic interior
No
350 degrees
Yes (but hand washing is recommended)

Gibson Home Essentials...

$53
- 1- and 2-qt. saucepans - 4-qt. pot - 9.75-in. skillet - 3 lids - 4...
Stainless steel pots; nonstick aluminum frying pan
No
No
Yes

Tramontina Simple...

$20
- 1- and 2-qt. saucepans - 4-qt. Dutch oven - 7-in. skillet - 9-in....
Nonstick aluminum
No
No
Yes

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