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Cooking, for most people, is a daily occurrence. Many of us dread the process, but the right cookware set can make it just a little more enjoyable since you’ll have the quality and variety you need to whip up dinner in no time. There are a variety of cookware sets out there, with different features and varying pros and cons, so we’re here to help. Our guide will point you in the right direction for your shopping journey so that you’ll have no problem choosing one of the best cookware sets in Canada.

Why trust us?

We understand that you’re looking for a cookware set buying guide that is truly helpful, so we spent more than 14 hours researching cookware sets and finding out how to choose a set for your specific household and cooking needs. We looked at more than 13 cookware sets to narrow down our choices and uncover the best cookware sets in Canada, so we’re confident that you will find any of these cookware sets to be above your expectations.

Best cookware sets in Canada

Best overall: Lagostina 12-piece stainless steel cookware set

This Lagostina cookware set is one of the most impressive on the market. Although it comes with an expensive price tag, it offers a comparable level of value to ensure you aren’t wasting your money. This 12-piece set comes with a variety of pot types and a saucepan. The most notable thing about this set is the quality of its construction. With two layers of high-quality 18/10 stainless steel and an aluminum core, the heat distribution is unparalleled by any other brand on the market. The material is also great for durability and hygiene; you won’t have to worry about the material interacting with your food in any way or acquiring damage over time. The lids fit closely to the cookware pieces in order to truly lock in steam and maximize the amount of nutrition preserved in the cooking foods.

The handles are ergonomically designed to provide maximum comfort and truly enhance the user experience. They are also sturdy enough to support the weight of a full pan/pot, so you’ll never run the risk of a handle breaking while handling incredibly hot food items. The design of this cookware set allows you to place the pieces in the oven for more diverse cooking. They can be used on all types of burners/elements and can tolerate oven temperatures up to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. As if all this isn’t enough, these are some of the easiest pans to keep clean. The rolled rim makes them drip-proof no matter what material you are draining or pouring, and all of the pieces are dishwasher safe. No matter what you are looking to achieve from your cookware set, these Lagostina pieces can meet and exceed your expectations.

What sets the Lagostina 12-piece stainless steel cookware set apart?

The Lagostina 12-piece cookware set offers some of the best cooking quality on the market. The thick, three-layered base is unique and offers both the fastest heat-up time and the most even heat distribution for a flawless cooking experience. Its ability to be used both on the stovetop and in the oven makes it one of the most versatile and dependable sets available. We are quite impressed by the overall quality of construction, and the thought put into its design.

What could be improved on?

The diversity of cooking pieces leaves something to be desired in this 12-piece set. While you receive many different sizes of pots, there is only one saucepan included and no other cookware pieces. While the quality of the included pieces is unbeatable, we would definitely appreciate a more diverse inclusion of product types.

Performance of the Lagostina 12-piece stainless steel cookware set

Set quantity

12 pieces are included in this cookware set. While the number itself is on par with the average for the industry, you have to keep in mind that 6 of those 12 pieces are lids. As a result, you will receive 6 unique pieces of cookware. 

Piece variety

The following are included in this cookware set: a 1 Liter saucepan, a 1.3 Liter saucepan, a 2 Liter casserole, a 3.3 Liter saucepot, a 5 Liter dutch oven, and a 24 cm sauté pan. Each piece comes with a matching lid. While you receive a lot of deep cookware with this set, there isn’t much diversity otherwise.

Material

Stainless steel is a common material choice for cookware, but the addition of an aluminum core is one thing that sets this model apart. This material choice adds to the durability and cooking performance of this set, so it is definitely a positive and worthwhile addition.

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Best durability: Starfrit The Rock 030930 8-piece forged aluminum cookware set

Anyone wanting an extremely durable cookware set will be blown away by this Starfrit set. The forged aluminum material offers a number of benefits that cannot be matched by any other material. It is compatible with every type of stovetop, so it won’t incur any damage no matter what heat source is used. It is completely resistant to scratches and dents, so even if you are the clumsiest chef on the planet, you can rely on this cookware set to see you through every accident with reliable stability. Plus, it is three times more durable than standard nonstick cookware pieces. As a result, you’ll notice a significant increase in the longevity of this set compared to your previous ones. Not only is it incredibly durable, but its black finish with silver accents will add to the aesthetic of any kitchen; this is a great choice to display on a hanging rack, for example.

The Bakelite handle is a feature that is fairly unique to this set. It has a stainless-steel insert but a very comfortable grip, so you will be able to enjoy handling your pans without fear of burning yourself via the heat transfer or having the handle come apart unexpectedly. This set will be incredibly easy to clean, and the heat distribution will leave nothing to chance; you can be confident in the ability to cook every dish evenly without hot spots or warping. The glass lids are designed to sit well in the pan to trap steam without obscuring your vision. You will always be able to tell when your foods are ready without interrupting the steaming process prematurely. With a respectable diversity of sizes and styles, this cookware set is one of the most valuable ones you can find.

What sets the Starfrit The Rock 030930 8-piece forged aluminum cookware set apart?

The durability of this cookware set is truly astounding. With a lifetime resistance to warping, dents, and scratches, these cookware pieces will never lose their visual appeal or their performance capabilities. No matter what type of stove you have or how aggressively you handle these pieces, you can rely on them to withstand it easily. Plus, it is oven safe up to 392 degrees Fahrenheit.

What could be improved on?

While we are very impressed by the quality of pieces included in this set, we would like to see it come with more pieces. This set is only 2/3 the size of the industry average, which does limit its usability in some respects. However, you are only paying for the pieces you get, which we appreciate.

Performance of the Starfrit The Rock 030930 8-piece forged aluminum cookware set

Set quantity

With only 8 pieces, this cookware set is on the smaller side. We are accustomed to seeing cookware sets that come with 10-12 pieces on average, so you may notice that you are missing some pieces that you may have expected. You will receive three lids, two frying pans and two pots of varying sizes, and one stock pot.

Piece variety

While the number of pieces is limited, their diversity is quite appreciated. With multiple sizes of frying pans and multiple sizes of pots, this smaller set will still be able to handle nearly every kitchen task you may have in mind.

Material

The material of this cookware set is truly what sets it apart. The forged aluminum increases the durability three times over, and this is one of the most valuable aspects of any cookware set. Longevity of performance and appearance is a necessity.

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Best all-around: T-Fal C111SC74 Signature nonstick cookware set

When it comes to all-around great quality, performance, and versatility, the T-Fal Signature cookware set is the best of the best. It comes with twelve unique pieces that are essentially unbeatable in terms of their diversity. It comes with multiple sizes of pots and pans, a dutch oven, lids to fit all of the pots, a griddle, and three different cooking utensils. This is truly a one-stop-shop for new cookware. All of the main cooking pieces are both oven safe and dishwasher safe. The pieces are made of heavy gauge aluminum with a nonstick coating, and this makes them both easy to clean and reliable in durability and performance. They will not scratch if you use metal utensils, and this guarantees flawless performance and safety meal after meal. They are only safe in the oven up to 350 degrees Fahrenheit; many meals need to bake at higher temperatures, so please ensure you pay attention and follow the recommendations to ensure safety.

The handles are designed both for function and comfort. They have a soft grip that provides security in your handling of the cookware pieces, and they have stay-cool technology implemented in order to ensure your safety. They are attached to the pan in a way that prevents them from falling off, so you’ll be avoiding hazards there as well. One thing to make note of is that although this set comes with a wide variety of cookware pieces with thoughtful design elements, the price will not make you hesitate. It is surprisingly affordable, and the set comes with a lifetime warranty. That is an indicator of the company’s confidence in their products, so we hope that confidence transfers to you as well. The Thermo-Spot heat indicator lets you know when the pieces are too hot to handle safely (after oven use, for example) and when they’ve reached cooking temperatures when preheating on the stove.

What sets the T-Fal C111SC74 Signature nonstick cookware set apart?

The diversity of cookware pieces included in this T-Fal set is the most remarkable thing about this cookware set. It is very rare to find an affordable set that offers so much versatility and convenience in one purchase. Whether you are an amateur chef or testing your limits in the kitchen, this cookware set can support you. The nonstick coating is one of the few cookware materials that allow you to cook food without oil, so this is a notable stand-out feature for this cookware set as well.

What could be improved on?

There is really only one thing we would modify about this cookware set if we could. While the rubber handles are extremely durable and comfortable, there is a significant gap between the end of the rubber and the edge of the pan. The exposed metal will get very hot and may cause injury if touched accidentally.

Performance of the T-Fal C111SC74 Signature nonstick cookware set

Set quantity

Since this cookware set comes with 12 unique pieces, its overall size is quite average when judged against comparable products on the market. This set offers all of the pieces you need without any obvious exclusions.

Piece variety

Since this set includes a griddle and cooking utensils, it is fair to say that it is the most versatile and diverse set on the market. Add in the diversity of frying pans and pot sizes, and you’ve got a cookware set that takes care of all of your cooking needs all on its own.

Material

The standard aluminum material with a nonstick coating is fairly standard. It isn’t the most durable choice since the nonstick coating can be damaged quite easily by metal utensils. Still, its longevity and performance aren’t anything to laugh at either when used appropriately. There are some adjustments that could be made to improve the overall quality, but it is a respectable choice.

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Choosing the best cookware set in Canada

Budget

Your budget will always be one of the largest factors to consider when deciding on a product. Especially when it comes to a cookware set, there is a lot of variation in the market to consider. Some sets will cost you less than a hundred dollars, but you’ll need to be very flexible with your other criteria, and they will likely be quite small. Sets that cost a few hundred dollars will offer you the richest feature list and the most pieces, but it all depends on what you plan on cooking, how often, and in what quantities. We recommend determining which exact pieces are essentials for you, then narrow down your budget to match all sets, including those pieces and a few extras that are only nice to have. Another major factor in setting your budget is the material of the cookware set, but spending more now may mean you save money down the road due to improved durability.

Material

The material of the cookware set you choose will have lasting impacts on its initial performance, its longevity, its durability, and its versatility. Every material will have a different level of resistance to warping and damage, such as dents and scratches. Some materials will be safe for oven use, and others won’t be. Some materials, specifically the coating material, will affect whether or not metal cooking utensils will scratch the pan or not. Common material choices are aluminum, ceramic, and stainless steel, with and without a non-stick coating.

Set quantity  

The number of pieces included in the cookware set will determine the overall versatility of the set and what you can do with it. For example, a set with only 4 pieces may come with just a single frying pan, a single pot, a dutch oven, and maybe a lid. On the other hand, a 12- or 16-piece set will come with multiple sizes of each cookware type and potentially some extras like cooking utensils or unique pieces. The larger the set, the more options you have for meal prep. However, there will also be a proportional increase in price for more pieces.

Piece variety

While having an increased number of pieces in a set will automatically increase its versatility, the diversity of those pieces within a set is even more important for providing you with the ability to cook any type of meal. If you receive a 12-piece set, but you don’t get a single frying pan, this will leave you either incredibly limited in what you can cook or will send you off to the store for another set. Ideally, you want to look for a set that has a dutch oven, multiple sizes of pots and frying pans, and some lids. This will give you a great start. Some sets will even come with bonus pieces like a griddle, baking sheet, or even some high-quality cooking utensils. 

Oven safe

Not every cookware set in Canada will be safe for use in the oven as well as on the stove. There are many materials that can be safe for those high temperatures, but the threshold will vary. Some models will only be safe up to 350 degrees Fahrenheit, and since that is typically the lowest temperature needed for oven recipes, you won’t find much success with that set. However, there are other materials that can tolerate temperatures of 450 degrees Fahrenheit or more, and these will significantly improve the versatility of the cookware set. It is important that you always read and follow the instructions for your cookware set because putting pieces in the oven at higher temperatures than recommended can severely damage the cookware and may even be hazardous to your health, as chemicals or metals can potentially leach into your food. You should also keep in mind that the temperature recommendations almost always only apply to the pot or pan, never the lids.

Lid and handle technology

Not every cookware piece will come with lids, but you should, at a bare minimum, receive ones that fit your standard pots and the dutch oven if it is included in the set. Most lids will be glass to withstand high steam temperatures and offer you visibility, but they can come in a variety of materials depending on the brand. Some lids will offer a very tight seal, and others will have slight venting properties. The ideal type for you depends mostly on what types of foods you will be cooking most often. When it comes to the handles of the cookware pieces, you want to consider durability, safety, and comfort. Some handles will have protective covers that prevent heat transfer and provide you with an extra dose of grip security. Others will be straight metal, and you’ll need to use oven mitts once the pot has warmed up. Most handles will be ergonomically designed no matter what brand you go with and what their material is, so you should always be able to rely at least on that level of comfort.

Dishwasher safe

We are quite certain that everyone out there who uses a dishwasher on a regular basis would love to find a cookware set that is dishwasher safe. If you are a dishwasher user, it can be incredibly frustrating to have a couple of pots or pans leftover that you have to wash by hand. Luckily for you, many modern cookware sets are designed with this in mind. They are made of quality materials that will withstand the dishwasher cycle without damage. Not every cookware set can offer this bonus, and people who hand wash all of their dishes will not care to look for a set that offers this convenience. However, they are out there if that is something that is important to you. 

Durability

Since we are expecting that you’ll want to keep your cookware set around for quite some time and it will be put to very frequent, if not daily, use, the durability of the set is one of the most important factors to consider. Some materials will be more prone to acquiring dents or scratches than others, and some will even warp with enough exposure to high heat. This will affect the cooking performance and may even allow toxic compounds to leach into your food while cooking. Obviously, we all want to avoid this, so it is important that you investigate the durability of a product before purchase and get rid of pieces that have started to warp or scratch on the cooking surface.