If you think you know what cookware to look for, you may be mistaken. While so many sets advertise endless pieces, it can be hard to know exactly what you need in your kitchen, especially if you have an induction stove.
We found eight sets of the best cookware for glass top stoves. They all have multiple pieces, ranging from 10 to 17 parts. There are pot and pans, and some sets even come with extra accessories. Our list includes shiny stainless steel and hard-anodized aluminum. Some even have pops of color like bright teal. All the cookware sets are safe for induction stoves, and almost all are safe to be used in the oven. Each set has what you need to craft that perfect family dinner, and some sets have what you need for a real showstopper. No matter what your comfort level is in the kitchen, there is a cookware set for you that will help you shine.
More features: dishwasher safe covers; cool grip handles; tapered rims
The Cuisinart MCP-12N is a gorgeous 12-piece set, perfect for any glass top stove. It has all the pieces you need for your culinary masterpieces. The pots and pans are made from aluminum. The outsides have a brushed surface while the insides are a shiny surface. What’s really nice is that the material won’t discolor, so you’re always left with a bold set of cookware.
All of the pots come with lids that provide a nice, tight seal. There is also an extra lid that fits with the larger frying pan. The inclusion of a colander is perfect for those that love pasta and want an easy way to drain their water.
What we liked: With 12 pieces, you won’t need to purchase anything supplemental. So, while overall this set is a bit pricey, it will save you money in the long haul. The pots are all outfitted with dripless rims. You can keep all your flavors secured and not worry about condensation dripping out. The Cuisinart MCP-12N is also able to be used on an induction cooktop.
What could be better: Unfortunately, the handles of the Cuisinart MCP-12N set can become quite hot. If you’re cooking on multiple elements, watch that the handles on your pots aren’t over another element. Otherwise you may burn yourself.
Furthermore, while there are two pans include, neither is a nonstick pan, which many home chefs like to have in their arsenal. This is one extra pan you may need to purchase.
More features: rich chocolate exterior; triple layer; high-low circle design
So often cookware comes in a standard silver color. If you’re wanting to add a bit of personality to your kitchen, then the Circulon Symmetry Pots and Pans Set is a great option. While the pots and pans are made from aluminum, the outside has a deep chocolate color. The inside is still a sparkling silver color.
There are 11 pieces in this set, which includes 2 frying pans and 5 pots. What’s interesting is you get a designated saucepan that has a spout on the side, so you don’t have to worry about dripping as you pour.
All the pots and pans have a nonstick coating to them. This advanced technology means the coating will last a lot longer than traditional coatings.
What we liked: The chocolate color is simply scrumptious. It really elevates this cookware set, making it a real focal point of the kitchen. The coating is really advanced, so you can use metal utensils and not worry about any of the surface flaking off.
The different sizes of pots is great, too. You can make just about any sort of dish or quantity.
Finally, the handles are really solid because part of them is made with a material that won’t heat up. You don’t have to worry about accidental burning.
What could be better: Some people love cooking with nonstick pans. However, true chefs will understand the benefit of other pans. To accurately sear and caramelize food, a stick pan or pot is needed. It’s unfortunate that the entire set is nonstick.
More features: dishwasher and freezer safe
With an amazing 17 pieces, it’s no wonder the Duxtop Induction Cookware Set wins in the category of most pieces. With this purchase, you receive 2 frying pans, 5 pots, a colander insert, a stand-alone colander, and 3 silicone utensils. This is pretty much all you need to start a new kitchen.
The Duxtop Induction Cookware Set is made from stainless steel, but the pots and pans have a ceramic coating on the inside. This makes them all nonstick pieces. The handles all have silicone inserts on them to prevent any unintentional burning.
As for versatility, the pieces are dishwasher-safe, oven-safe to 550F, and even freezer-safe. The pots have all been designed to minimize dripping when pouring, which means less time spent on cleanup.
What we liked: The inclusion of the colanders and kitchen utensils is a really nice touch. If you’re setting up a new home, this means you can rest easy and not have to worry about purchasing more stuff.
The ceramic coating on the pots and pans is a nice way to produce a nonstick surface. It’s more environmentally friendly and will last long.
What could be better: The problem with ceramic coating is that it doesn’t do well with very high heat. You’re more limited to low and medium temperatures. Keep this in mind if you regularly use higher heat when cooking.
More features: “swing lid”; flared rims
Rachael Ray has taken the cooking world by storm, so it’s no surprise she has an amazing line of cookware. This gorgeous and innovative cookware set adds a bit of color, thanks to the teal handles that are juxtaposed with the dark grey pots and pans. And, if that color scheme isn’t to your liking, you can also pick from light blue, burgundy, or red accents. There really is a color for all personalities.
This set comes with 2 frying pans, a saute pan, and 3 pots. The glass lids have silicone handles, as do the pot and pan handles, so you don’t have to worry about burning your hands.
What’s really unique about the Duxtop Induction Cookware Set is the accessories you receive. While the slotted spoon is a bit standard, the bench scrape is quite novel. It allows you to quickly scoop up all your chopped items and add them neatly into the pot.
What we liked: The different color choices are quite unique. Most cookware sets are standard in color, and this is the only set that actually allows you to choose the color.
The bench scrape is also quite different. It’s one of those tools you wouldn’t think to own, but once you do, you couldn’t imagine your cooking experience without it.
What could be better: The pots and pans are lightweight, which, while it is nicer to carry, it means the sides and bottom can become warped. This is more of a starter cookware set.
More features: dual-riveted silicone-enhanced stainless steel handles
There’s nothing worse than picking up a pan, only to be burned by the handle. With the Circulon Momentum Stainless Steel Nonstick Cookware Set, you don’t have to worry about this anymore. All of the handles, and even the pot lids have long silicone areas for you to grab on. This silicone is especially nice as it covers most of the handles, unlike other pots that only have a small silicone area.
The Circulon Momentum Stainless Steel Nonstick Cookware Set comes with 11 pieces. It doesn’t have the extra lid for one of the frying pans. One of the pots is a saucepan, and it has a pouring area, so you don’t have to worry about spills with it.
As for the bases of this cookware, the stainless steel allows for easy heating up. The heat is then evenly distributed so you can cook without worry.
What we liked: The handles are definitely the main attraction of the Circulon Momentum Stainless Steel Nonstick Cookware Set. The ample amount of silicone means you don’t have to worry about accidental burns in the kitchen. The saucepan with a built-in spout is also a nice addition as it means one less thing to worry about.
What could be better: While the Circulon Momentum Stainless Steel Nonstick Cookware Set can be placed in the oven, unfortunately, it is only safe for up to 400F. This is an ok temperature, but it can be quite limiting for certain recipes.
More features: lifetime warranty; interior measuring marks
T-fal is one of the best cookware brands for glass top stoves and this copper bottom set is no exception. The bottoms of these pans and pots are multi-layered. The combination of stainless steel and copper mean heat is evenly and quickly distributed. Furthermore, the strong bottom means this set isn’t prone to warping.
The T-fal C836SD set has 13 pieces, which is quite generous. The extra piece is a colander, which is a staple in any kitchen. There is also the inclusion of a Dutch oven, which provides versatility for a wide range of recipes.
Because this set is made from versatile materials, and because there are no silicone handles, the set is oven-safe up to 500F. As well, the bottoms are not nonstick, which means amateur home chefs can perfect their braising and sauce making skills.
Furthermore, there are vents in the lids so that steam can escape, and you can avoid sauces from boiling over.
What we liked: The fact you can use this cookware in the over up to 500 F is quite a bonus. It just means so many different possibilities in the kitchen. Furthermore, the vented lids are a nice touch, and the layered bottom results in a strong material that won’t warp.
What could be better: While the lack of silicone on the handles means you can place the cookware in the oven at a high heat, it does mean the handles can heat up quite quickly. Just be sure to use caution to avoid burns.
More features: stone derived nonstick coating interior
The MICHELANGELO Stone Cookware Set is the best-rated cookware for glass top stoves in the granite category on Amazon, and for good reason. This 10-pieces cookware set looks elegant and works well, too. There aren’t a lot of extras with this set, as it is just made up of 2 frying pans and 3 pots. There is also a colander insert. Still, this set will get the job done.
Because of the material, the MICHELANGELO Stone Cookware Set is completely nonstick. It uses natural granite for the coating, and the result is that no foods will stick, and the coating won’t flake off.
When you heat up one of the pots or pans, you can expect, a quick, even temperature. There are no hot or cold areas, so your food will cook evenly.
The entire set works well on both glass top stoves and induction surfaces. It is also dishwasher safe.
What we liked: The colander insert in the large stock pot is a nice touch. It allows you to make pasta and not worry about losing half the pot when you try to drain the water.
The look of the MICHELANGELO Stone Cookware Set is spectacular. The granite design gives it a rustic element while still being safe for the dishwasher and the oven. The nonstick surface is easy to cook in and very easy to clean.
What could be better: There’s a reason this is our value pick. With just 10 pieces, there aren’t a lot of extras included. While three sizes of pots are fine, you may find yourself wanting a smaller sauce pot at some point.
More features: lifetime limited warranty, non-stick
The T-fal Ultimate Cookware Set has a very unique design that really sets it apart. The lids all have perforated areas, so you can simply turn the pot and drain the water out of the holes. You can leave the lid on and not have to worry about making a huge mess.
Another interesting design element is that there are thermo spot indicators. Ring turns red to let you know that the pan is perfectly preheated.
The pot lids, pot handles, and pan handles, all have silicone on them, so you pick everything up without worrying about burning. This is especially nice for the pots as it means you don’t have to use potholders.
As for design, the pots all have a slightly curved look to them. However, thanks to the stainless steel technology, heat is easily and evenly distributed up the sides. You can cook all your favorite foods without having to worry about cold spots.
What we liked: The extra elements with the T-fal Cookware Set really sets it apart. The perforated areas mean you can easily pour out liquids. Furthermore, the thermo spot indicator allows you to know when the pan is perfectly preheated. Finally, the silicone handles greatly reduce the risk of burns.
What could be better: Unfortunately, there are a lot of reports of discoloration. While this doesn’t change the ability of the pots and pans, it does mean they look a bit off. If you’re someone who wants your pots and pans to stay pristine looking, this isn’t the set for you.
Cookware is essential for any good home cook. Without it, you can neither make sauces nor stews. The problem with cookware for glass top stoves is that each set comes with a lot of features, and it can be hard to understand what everything means. With our buying guide, we hope to break these features down so that you know exactly which product to purchase.
Glass top stoves are the norm, so it’s important to find a good set of cookware that will last for quite some time. Before you dive in and purchase just any set, there are quite a few features to consider.
The cookware on our list is all a mixture of stainless steel and types of aluminum. These materials are extremely durable and are great conductors of heat. When you heat up a pot or pan, you want the heat to evenly distribute on both the base and the walls. If not, then you food will not cook evenly.
Some cookware will use multiple materials for a more stable base. The T-fal C836SD set uses layers of copper, stainless steel, and aluminum. The result is a steady base that won’t warp. And, because the copper is used as a layer, it doesn’t disrupt the induction process.
While there are some that prefer lighter pots, especially those with wrist issues, just be aware that lighter isn’t necessarily better. Pots can warp over time because of the exposure to heat. A heavy, durable base means the likelihood of a pot warping is significantly reduced.
Pots and pans fall into two main categories: nonstick and stick. Nonstick pans have a special coating that won’t allow food to stick to the pan, while the other type will have food adhere to the pan.
Nonstick pans are essential when making foods like eggs. However, for sauces and cooking meats, you may want to have a stick pan as it creates more flavors.
Nonstick pans need special coatings. These can include granite, such as with the MICHELANGELO Stone Cookware Set. You can also have hard-anodized aluminum, such as with the Circulon Symmetry Pots and Pans Set.
The only issue with nonstick coatings is that at some point, they will stop working. Either they will flake off, or the chemicals used in them will break down. At this point, the only option is to purchase a new pan. All companies claim that their nonstick coating is the best; however, this is unfortunately not true.
For exterior coatings, many cookware sets use hard-anodized aluminum. This gives the cookware a deeper color that is not at all shiny like stainless steel. It is more modern and can come in different shades of color.
Speaking of color, there are some cookware sets that really lean into accessorizing. The Rachael Ray Create Delicious Pots and Pans Set has silicon handles, and you can choose which color this silicon is. Options include teal, light blue, burgundy, and red. It’s pretty amazing how cookware has evolved.
Most of the cookware on our list is safe to use in the oven. However, those that are oven safe differ in what temperature they can be used at. The Rondell Flamme Stainless Steel Cookware Set is unfortunately the only set that is not oven safe. This is a concern for those that like to sear their food before cooking it in the oven.
With sets that are oven safe, they are then broken down into two categories. Pots and pans that have silicon on their handles are great because it lessens the chance of burns. However, it also means that the pots and pans can’t be exposed to oven temperature higher than 400F. These include the MICHELANGELO Stone Cookware Set, the Circulon Momentum Stainless Steel Nonstick Cookware Set, the Rachael Ray Create Delicious Pots and Pans Set, and the Circulon Symmetry Pots and Pans Set.
Cookware that doesn’t have silicon can be exposed to temperatures of around 500F. In fact, the Cuisinart MCP-12N set, and the Duxtop Induction Cookware Set can actually be exposed to temperatures of 550F.
The cookware for ceramic glass top stoves sets that we’ve included on our list are fairly similar in what is included. They all have two frying pans, as well as at least three pots. These pots are different in sizes, but usually include a small saucepan, a medium pot, and a large stock pot. Some, like the Rachael Ray Create Delicious Pots and Pans Set include a Dutch oven, which is like a frying pan but with higher edges.
Some sets will include accessories, as well. The Rachael Ray Create Delicious Pots and Pans Set comes with a slotted spoon and an innovative bench scrape. The Duxtop Induction Cookware Set comes with three extra kitchen utensils.
There are also sets that come with colanders and steamers. For example, the Cuisinart MCP-12N has a colander insert, the T-fal C836SD has a steamer insert, and the Duxtop Induction Cookware Set has a colander insert and a standalone colander.
It’s not always the case that more parts mean more expensive, as price is often dictated by the construction of the cookware. It’s always nice to have extra pieces as it means you don’t have to worry about purchasing them.
After cooking a large meal, using all of your new pots and pans, it’s nice if you can just throw everything into the dishwasher. While it used to be that cookware needed to be painstakingly washed by hand, new technology means many pieces are actually dishwasher safe. The Cuisinart MCP-12N set, the Duxtop Induction Cookware Set, and the MICHELANGELO Stone Cookware Set are just some of the examples of dishwasher safe sets.
Warranties on glass top stove cookware can vary. On average, you should be able to find a warranty of at least five years. If you don’t then, then you shouldn’t purchase that cookware. Many people have pots that have lasted for decades, and you want to be able to find something similar and reliable.
The T-fal C836SD is the best on our list because it actually comes with a limited lifetime warranty. With a limited warranty, there are issues that aren’t covered, but it’s nice to know that there is a company out there who thinks that a set of cookware should last a lifetime.
There are a lot of cookware sets for glass top stoves. Our Editor’s Choice is the Cuisinart MCP-12N set. It has great pieces that are all dependable. For a more premium pick, try the Circulon Symmetry Pots and Pans Set. The deep chocolate color sets it apart, and the nonstick qualities mean you can cook and clean up with ease. Finally, if you want a real bang for your buck, try the Duxtop Induction Cookware Set. It has 17 pieces, including colanders and utensils. It really is everything you need to start your cooking journey. The best cookware for glass top stoves will inspire you to become the best home chef you can be.
