Whether your cooking appliance is gas, electric or radiant element, almost all types of cookware will work. However, you may pay more for a set designed for induction, so check the specs before making your purchase. Also, radiant cooktops have a smooth ceramic surface that can be scratched. Therefore, pay attention to the bottom surface of the pans and do not slide them on the cooking surface. Induction cooktops have coils that generate an electromagnetic field that causes the pan to heat up. Therefore, you should buy cookware that is magnetic. So take a magnet with you when shopping for induction-friendly or induction-ready cookware, if the magnetic sticks on the bottom of the pan chose the right cookware. Also, as I mentioned earlier, induction cookware is generally more expensive.
Another consideration is how many pots and pans do you need? Cookware sets come in various piece sets, including 7-, 10-, 12-, and 15-piece sets. Some include tools such as spoons, spatulas that are part of the general set. So a 12-piece kit can include tools you already have and don’t need. But remember to use plastic or wooden cookware with non-stick coated cookware. The ceramic coating is more forgiving, but it will scratch if you use the wrong cookware.
Another thing to consider is will you be putting pots and pans in the oven? Some cookware sets are oven safe to 500 degrees F, some to 350 degrees F, and some are not oven safe.
Also consider whether the cookware is coated with a nonstick coating or ceramic nonstick coating. Ceramic nonstick coating offers much better scratch resistance than nonstick. Also many nonstick coated cookware, both ceramic and otherwise, comes in colors and is dishwasher safe.
The most durable type of cookware is stainless steel. Top of the line is premium grade 18/10 stainless steel. Most stainless steel cookware sets are made with a multi element steel base and aluminum core, some higher priced sets include copper as well. This multi-layer sandwich produces a more even heat that eliminates hot spots. One more design upgrade is the riveted handles offered to buy some manufactures.
One more thing to consider between stainless steel and nonstick coated cookware is that stainless steel will stick more easily than nonstick coated cookware. So if you switch from nonstick to stainless steel, be careful until you learn how to use your new cookware.
The thickness of the pots and pans is another thing to consider. The thicker the material, the longer the pan or pot will last. Thinner material could warp when exposed to high temperatures. The thickness also helps produce a more even heat like you get with stainless steel pots and pans with a multi-ply bottom.
Shopping for cookware sets can be confusing, but I hope that after reading this article you are more informed and able to make a decision that will give you the most cooking pleasure and value for money.