My Favorite Cookware: The Best Pots and Pans

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This post may contain affiliate links. See my disclosure policy.

The best cookware (that’s worth the investment) is durable, non-toxic and lasts a lifetime. My favorite brands of cookware check all those boxes, and are made from materials including stainless steel, cast iron, glass and ceramic. 

The best cookware types all on a counter with girl holding stainless steel pan.

Investing in cookware is like investing in the best Vitamix or other kitchen appliance. It may cost more money upfront, but it more than pays for itself over the long-haul.

So today, I wanted to dive into my cookware and chat about the pieces I use the most, why I love them, and why they’re worth investing in. This post isn’t sponsored by any of the brands you see highlighted, I’m just sharing what I truly love and use in the kitchen. Let’s jump right in!

Watch My Best Cookware Video

In this video I’ll walk you through the various pots and pans in my collection and explain what I love (or don’t love) about them.

After you’ve watched the video, scroll down for more information and links to all of the individual pieces I mentioned in the video.

Set of stainless steel cookware.

STAINLESS STEEL Cookware

My All Clad stainless steel pans are the workhouse cookware in my kitchen and what I use on a daily basis – for everything from frying eggs, to sautéing chicken and vegetables.

The set you see me use in virtually every YouTube video is now over 25 years old. I bought it right out of college, and it’s still as good today as it was back then. Even if it’s not quite as shiny or clean. But that’s okay, because it just means that it’s been lovingly used in thousands of healthy recipes over the years.

The great thing about All Clad is that it’s long-lasting, durable, provides uniform heating across the pan, and it doesn’t react with any foods or ingredients. And while it’s not cheap, these pots and pans truly will last a lifetime so they’re worth the investment.

I originally bought an All Clad set, which included various sized pots and pans, but you can also buy individual pieces, depending on how many people you cook for or what type of cooking you do, and create your own set. Either way, just know that investing in high-quality stainless steel cookware is definitely a smart choice.

Different enameled cast iron cookware.

ENAMELED CAST IRON CookWare

When it comes to enameled cast iron, I always have a hard time choosing between Staub and Le Creuset. I just love them both and have several pieces from both brands, so don’t ask me to choose a favorite.

Enameled cast Cast iron is durable and incredibly easy to clean. In fact, most of the time I just use a sponge to clean it. And unlike regular cast iron, enameled cast iron doesn’t have to be seasoned.

I use my enameled cast iron most often in the fall and winter when I make things like chicken soup, beef stew, prime rib, or braised meat. And enameled cast iron can easily transfer from the stovetop to the oven, just as stainless steel can. If you take good care of these pieces, they can certainly last a lifetime so they’re worth the investment.

Different cast iron cookware.

CAST IRON Cookware

Simple, non-enameled cast iron cookware takes us back to an older time, and that’s because it truly has been around for over a thousand years.

Cast iron is sustainable, probably the most durable cookware in my kitchen, inexpensive, and healthy to cook with. It may take a bit longer to heat up, but when it does come to temperature, it can maintain that heat perfectly. And when it comes to searing a filet mignon or roasting chicken, it’s really hard to beat.

But the best part about cast iron is that it’s the original non-stick cookware. A properly seasoned cast iron pan will easily release eggs, meat and pretty much anything you toss in it.

You do have to be a little careful with acidic foods, so I recommend enameled cast iron or stainless steel for recipes like shakshuka. But with how cheap cast iron pans are, it definitely makes sense to have a couple of these in your kitchen.

Different glass and ceramic cookware.

GLASS & CERAMIC Cookware

When it comes to baking or roasting, you’ve seen me use both glass and ceramic pans. Brands like Pyrex and Corning Ware are budget-friendly, while higher-end brands include Le Creuset, Staub and Emile Henry.

Glass and ceramic won’t release any chemicals or toxic metals into your food and they’re extremely durable, as long as you don’t cause any rapid change in temperature.

I use these all the time for breakfast casseroles, baked oatmeal, baked chicken breasts, and stuffed peppers, and they can easily go from the oven straight to your dinner table. So I do recommend you have a couple of these pieces in your cookware lineup.

Different non-stick cookware.

NON-STICK Cookware

Alright, I’ve left this one to last because many of you know that I’m not a huge fan of non-stick cookware, due to health and safety reasons

Non-stick pans fall into two categories – those coated with polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) and those coated with ceramic. PTFE is the classic non-stick surface you might know better as Teflon, and ceramic pans might be called “green” pans.

Historically, PTFE pans also contained another chemical called PFOA, but this was deemed to be cancer causing and affect growth, development and reproduction, among other things. So, for several years now, PTFE pans no longer contain PFOA, which is good, but that chemical was just swapped for another called GenX and we don’t yet know the long-term ramifications of it.

The problem with PTFE cookware is that at high temperatures, the nonstick coating can break down and release toxic fumes and chemicals into the air and food. And if the surface coating starts to scratch and wear, it can also release toxic chemicals into your food.

So you might be thinking, well ceramic non-stick must be better, right? Well, not so fast. Ceramic pans are marketed with buzzwords like “green” and “healthy” but the surface of ceramic pans actually don’t last as long as PTFE pans. And the ceramic coating on non-stick pans is not the same ceramic that you’d find in 100% ceramic bakeware. It’s a bit misleading. 

The big grey area with ceramic non-stick pans is that they contain nanoparticles which can enter our cells, and there’s not enough research or long-term scientific studies yet to understand the potential adverse effects they may have.

So for all those reasons, I’m not a proponent of non-stick, but I also like to keep things real. And I’ll be honest, I still have a couple of non-stick pans in my kitchen that I use pretty infrequently, for low-heat cooking like omelets and scrambled eggs.

If you’re going to use non-stick here are my 3 big tips:

  1. Always cook on low or medium-heat and never use a high temperature.
  2. Always use wood or silicone spatulas so that you don’t damage the surface of the pan.
  3. Replace your non-stick pans every couple of years or as soon as you see the surface start to wear.

Because non-stick pans are not pans you will have long-term, I don’t recommend investing in more expensive ones with stainless steel bottoms. The bottom will outlast the top. So it’s just not worth the money.

The ones I have, which are Ballarini pans, have remained perfectly non-stick for a couple of years now, and so far there’s no sign of destruction to the surface. But again, I’m super careful with them.

The big take-away is that non-stick pans should not be your daily, workhorse pans in the kitchen. There are much better, healthier, and more cost-effective options that will last a lifetime.

I should also mention that there’s a 100% ceramic pan, called Xtrema on the market that has been getting praise, but I tried this pan for several weeks and was personally not a fan of it. My complaints with the pan:

  • The lowest temperature setting must be used at all times.
  • I found it didn’t heat evenly (there were hot spots).
  • Even when using oil I found that it was not non-stick as it claimed.
  • It’s not durable. It’s prone to cracking and can more easily break.

Different utensils and spatulas to use with the best cookware options.

UTENSILS

Lastly, when it comes to utensils I do have a few favorites, including stainless steel, wood and silicone. The stainless steel utensils from Crate and Barrel are strong and durable. They never bend or warp, no matter how much pressure you put on them. I use these with all my All Clad pots and pans.

So if you’re going to invest in cookware this holiday season, I highly recommend you invest in All Clad, Staub, Le Creuset and Lodge Cast Iron. They’re truly the best cookware brands with pieces that will last a lifetime, and worth the money!

Originally posted November 2019, but updated to include new information and products.

About the author

Lisa Bryan

Lisa is a bestselling cookbook author, recipe developer, and YouTuber (with over 2.5 million subscribers) living in sunny Southern California. She started Downshiftology in 2014, and is passionate about making healthy food with fresh, simple and seasonal ingredients.

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117 Comments

  1. Thanks for this article. I read it just in time because I need some of these items. I’ll invest in the items you have recommended. You’ve given me the confidence to invest and shop wisely!

  2. Hi Lisa,
    Timely e-mail. We are looking for new pots and pans! I’m a 78-year-old guy that you have brought to the kitchen! I love cooking now for my wife and I…your book was given to me last Christmas and now has MANY sticky tabs in it!

    Thanks a million!

    1. Oh wonderful! So happy you’re enjoying my cookbook and website recipes, Jim! Lots of sticky tabs is always a good sign. ;)

  3. 😲Hi,
    I just watched your cookware video
    I do have a question
    have you ever tried that ninja cookware  
    if so what do you think 🤔 
    Thank You for Your Time 
    Happy Fall🍁from Vermont 
    Maple Syrup Capital 

  4. Hi thank you for this post, after this I started investing on all clad, I was wondering if you would be kind enough to post of how to clean and handle the pots?

    1. Will definitely keep that in mind for a future post! But, I’m also thinking about making a video on Instagram about that – so stay tuned :)

    2. I’ve invested in AllClad and love my pots & pans. When the pot/pan starts to show food residue, I use Bar Keepers Friend liquid cleaner and follow up with 7th Generation dish soap to clean off any residue. Other than that, just soap and water for daily cleaning. Use a non abrasive sponge or cloth when cleaning so you don’t scratch the surface. This has worked for me.

      1. All Clad really does last a lifetime. And great tip on Bar Keepers Friend, as that’s what I use as well!

  5. I enjoyed this video! What pot would you recommend for stove top oatmeal. I love it, but the pot gets so stuck that the clean up in nearly impossible! And I’m afraid to use non-stick.  Suggestions? 

  6. Hi, thank you for all your tips, I really enjoy them and learn a lot from you.
    Do you know why is not good to use the Alumtriss foil pans as well as the plastic wrap? Sometimes I use them to store food in the freezer and when I take it out I heat it directly in the oven to eat.
    I know is not good but I would like to know more about this and what should I use instead.
    Thank you very much!

  7. Which is the ideal size of skillet to buy 8,10,12 ? ALL CLAD stainless steel polished or brushed finish ?

    1. Hi Benjamin – there is no ideal size or style, as every person/family has different needs. :)

  8. Hello, I am new to your blog/channel on Youtube and am really enjoying your tips. I am looking to purchase a versatile pot that can cook spaghetti, potatoes, etc. I have a large 12 qt. stock pot but its way too big for a family meal for 4. What is your best recommendation for a stock/pasta pot that will last? Also, do you typically just scoop out pasta with a utensil rather than drain all that hot water down the sink? Thanks!

  9. Hi Lisa, I came across you channel a month or so ago, and your videos have been really helpful.  I love your organization, prep, and recipe ideas. Do you have any recommendation regarding bakeware, in particular baking sheets? We are replacing all of our cookware with stainless steel pots and pans (All-Clad) but are having difficulties finding safe baking sheets. Thank you. 

  10. Hey there! Great post.

    Two years ago I bought my first cast-iron skillet, and I love it. I got the 10.5 inch, and would be happy to add one smaller and one larger. I also purchased the cast-iron pizza pan after my baking sheet I had for a short-time warped. I find cast iron very easy to use and clean.

    I’ve never been a fan of non-stick since I find things can still stick, and then it’s difficult to figure out how to clean them since you can’t use anything abrasive on them. Even with the cast-iron not being dishwasher safe, I find I can just scrub and things come right off so it’s much easier!

    Recently we were given the opportunity to try out SaladMaster brand stainless steel pans. Material-wise, they are top-notch. Otherwise, I have found them incredibly difficult to use and that they really take a long time. With the time-issue, they seem to be more of weekend or special occasion pans—not every day pans. I’ve watched many YouTube videos on the pans. It seems like there are A LOT of rules for them. I am wondering if part of the issue I have had is that our gas stove doesn’t go as low as it should for the pans?
    We were also gifted a GreenPan nonstick ceramic. I don’t love it. It seems like you have to crank up the heat to get things to cook right—way more heat than I’d like to apply or that I’ve been taught to with stove top cooking.

    Have you had the opportunity to try either SaladMaster or GreenPan? How do you feel about only using cast iron?

    Thank you!

  11. Thank you so much for this! Literally everything I am looking for. One question though is have you tried baking bread in the all clad pot? I can only spend so much at this time and I am stuck with getting the 10pc all clad set or the la creuset.

  12. Hi,

    thank you for sharing wonderful videos on Youtube! I was wondering if you could make a video or blog post on how you season the stainless steel pans to make them non-stick? I find it very hard to cook on them as ingredients always stick to the pan.

    Thanks!

    1. Hi Kety – I’ve never seasoned my stainless steel pans. But they do develop a natural seasoning over time with use.

  13. Hi Lisa,
    I’m also in a new apartment and looking to move towards glass containers, natural wood and minimalism. Enjoying and learning from all your videos, thank you and please consider more videos on organization, items in your home and storage. I love your white utensil holder from “The Best Pots & Pans” video, where can I buy one?
    Thank you,
    Sherry in Mesa, AZ

    1. Hi Sherry- I’m so glad you’ve been enjoying all my content so far when it comes to minimalism! Will keep in mind to create more organizational tips :) Also, you can find everything in the Shop page on my website.

  14. Hi Lisa,
    I love watching your videos! You are a lovely inspiration. Is the porcelain enamel of Le Creuset/Staub a safe option? I am worried they might contain nanoparticles too. I am trying to substitute my ex trusted green pans (didn’t know about ceramic danger). Le Creuset/Staub seem a good choice and easier than cast iron to take care. Plus they should be dishwasher safe.. Thank you!! 

    1. Hi Sabrina – yes, the ceramic coating on Le Creuset/Staub is generally considered safe. It’s different from that on non-stick pans as it’s enameled. Glad you’re enjoying my recipes and videos!

  15. During this pandemia I’ve purchased the enameled cast iron (eci) pieces you suggested in this post.
    However, in the eci photo you have on one side the white le creuset pieces and on the other side the gray staub pieces; between those you have 3 gray staub pieces that I really want to know what size they are; it seems they are mini cocotte (10 cm) but I think those in the photo are bigger (12cm, or maybe 14cm or 16cm).
    It’ll be much appreciated if you can clarify. Thank you.

  16. Thanks Lisa.  You are truly inspirational for me, it is past time to make health a priority.  
    I’ve enjoyed your  many YouTube videos, plus learned many new ways to cook.  Thank you. 
    Looking forward to many more.   

    Stay safe. Lila

  17. Hî Lisa 
    Thank you for this great video , it’s very helpfull 
    But I have one question about all clad , I live in France so we don’t have all clad brand (I think) 
    Do you have some brand in mind for France or Europe 
    (I already have le creuset of course ) but I need some pots and pans 

    Thank you for your help 
    Merci :)

    1. Hi Severine – I’m glad you found the video helpful! I’m not as familiar with European brands, but I’ve heard good things about Mauviel and De Buyer. :)

  18. Hi Lisa,
    Thank you for the post! I am a fan of yours for a while. Can you recommend some good brands or modesl for pressure cooker?

    1. The most popular brand of pressure cooker is definitely the Instant Pot! I have it linked on the Shop page on my website.

  19. Thank you so much for this video! I’ve watched it repeatedly! I’m am considering purchasing the Le Creuset 5 Quart Round Dutch Oven in “matte white” (my favorite color) and was wondering how easy/tough it is to keep clean? I will be using it primarily to make soups (often tomato based) as well as various breads. Thank you!

    1. I’ve had mine for awhile and it hasn’t gotten too dirty so far! Just make sure to give it a deep clean or let it soak in water after using so your ingredients won’t stain the pot.

  20. Any opinion on All-Clad non-stick pans? We have 2 and love them. Not sure if they also fall into the “not healthy” category.
    Thanks!

    1. While I love All Clad, their non-sticks are PTFE pans, the same as the other non-sticks I mention (just more expensive).

  21. What do you think of the “Green pan” ? I have All glad as well, but found them hard cot clean.  Thank you! 

    1. Hi Irena – Green Pan is a non-stick pan, so falls in that bucket. All Clad is harder to clean, but it’s healthier.

  22. Thank you for all the information shared with us. I am  going to be getting a pet bird and have come to realize how using the wrong cookware Can kill birds and would appreciate if you could help me with exactly which type of cookware you would choose please. I am guessing that your stainless steel cookware would be best, but just want to make sure. I threw out my nonstick cookware, I should have gotten rid of a long time ago, but just didn’t realize how bad it was and I need some frying pans desperately to cook in. Anyway, I truely love your videos and the info you share…nicely done and would appreciate your help with this issue very much. Looking forward to hearing from you. Thank you 😊

    1. Hi Jai – both are great options, just at different budget points. Mine is 3-ply stainless steel.

  23. Hi Lisa, I found your videos a little ago and I’m enjoying them a lot. Would you recommend the Royal Prestige cookware? I just had the presentation and bought the 13pcs set, would you say that it is worth it their valve “intelligent” system? While the sales rep added a few things to my purchase I’m wondering if it was the correct choice, I still can cancel and probably go for other options like the all-clad that you have here. Thank you!

  24. Hi Lisa! I use a large stainless steel pan for most of my cooking. Do you have any ideas of how to keep it clean using sustainable/eco-friendly kitchen scrubbers? I currently use a brass scratchy scrubber but would love to Know if there’s better options out there. Thank you! 

  25. Hi! Loved this article. Question, do you run your All Clad through the dishwasher or recommend any specific cleaning products?

    Also, how in the world do you keep your le creuset looking brand new? I can’t believe how beautiful it still looks!

    1. Hi Monica – I usually don’t run it in the dishwasher. I try to wash most of my cookware right away and let it air dry :)

  26. Hello Lisa

    Thank you for giving detail information, I want to replace my cookware and I was looking In Al-chad brand , what are your thoughts on Al-chads non-stick hard anodized pans ? They are cheaper than stainless steel , do you recommend them.?

    Thank you

  27. What about the white pot that I see you use sometimes like the one that you used in your blueberry jam that you made for your spring meal prep?

    1. That’s a beautiful pot and I love it, but because it’s enameled steel it’s not quite as durable as some of my others. So I don’t consider it a work horse in my kitchen, but I do love to serve in it.

  28. What do you think about pots and pans that are made with 
    stainless steel and aluminum? I wasn’t sure if the aluminum was safe. 

    1. As long as the aluminum is in the core and sandwiched between stainless steel, that’s completely okay. Aluminum is a great conductor of heat.

    1. Just wanted to share. I was looking into purchasing the Caraway cookware set, but I did some research and I found out they use nanoparticles. To my understanding, nanoparticles are not safe.

  29. Another”natural”non-stick type is blue steel, smoother, lighter and more sensitive than cast iron, (though I like them, too- for other uses).  Similar in smoothness, but heavier are the Mineral By  pans you deBuyer.. De Buyer is a French company which has been making pans since the 1800’s, and developed this heavier style. Both types need to be treated like a cast iron pan to avoid rusting but can be re-seasoned if necessary, just like cast iron. For a workhorse pan with aa rounded bottom, try the De Buyer Country Chef pan- made in sizes up to 14 inches in a diameter in Mineral B, and will heat hot enough to sear up the sides- can be used like a classic wok,for example. As much asI love my All Clad, it’s just not the same.

  30. Hi Lisa;

    Thank you so much for this! This came just in time as I needed to replace my non-stick cookware that I purchased 10 yrs ago. I just bought a 10-piece set of All-Clad copper-core pots/pans plus a 12 inch skillet. Can’t wait to start using them. I love all your videos and recommendations. Keep doing what you’re doing because you have made a significant difference in my life! Happy holidays!

    1. Hi Shattoura – Isn’t All-Clad the best! It’s definitely a set that I swear by. I’m glad you’re enjoying all my tips and recommendations as well :)

  31. Such a great article and video.
    I had lots of questions (De buyer, nikkel…) that are already answered in the other comments, so helpful!

    Do I have to worry about the iron in cast iron and carbon steel pans like De Buyer. As it is non organic iron?

    1. I’m so happy you loved the post and video! In terms of iron leaching from cast iron, it does a bit and it’s really dependant on your individual health and how much iron you already get in your diet. I’d work with your doctor on that one. :)

  32. Like you, I abhor non-stick cookware. Don’t trust it, and always concerned about damage and health. I still own a couple of them, but with very rare use.  My cookware consists almost entirely of Stainless Steel, Carbon Steel, and Cast Iron…the latter two which require regular care and seasoning, but fantastic nonetheless. 
    What I DON’T do is buy sets.  In the distant past, I have purchased sets of pots and pans and found that only a couple of items in the sets garnered regular use, and some were NEVER used.  I much prefer to research and buy the best individual pots and pans that I require for my style of cooking.
    For example, I needed three different sizes of Sauciers primarily for making rouxs and clarified butter. I sought out what I considered to be the best options for the three sizes. I ended up with Demeyere (3.5qt), Analon (2.5qt), and All Clad (1qt) sauciers.  My other SS pots and pans are a mix of Mepro (Italian), Demeyere (Belgian), Duxtop, Analon, KitchenAid (Fantastic SS large roasting pan), All-Clad, and even a multi-ply large Cuisinart fry pan.  I love Demeyere pans because the company strong-welds the handles rather than riveting, so there are no rivet covers inside the pans that catch bits of food.  (Like the black ribbons around the rivet covers in your pans on your video)
    I also use carbon steel skillets and carbon steel woks regularly.
    My cast iron is from Lodge, Cuisinel, and enameled Dutch Ovens from Amazon Basics that perform extremely well and are on par with Le Creuset but a LOT cheaper. I also use large SS stockpots, but don’t really care about the quality too much because they are primarily used for Sous Vide and the food does not come in contact with the pots with that method.

    I enjoy your vids and your creations!  Well done!  Bon Appetit!

    1. I’m happy you enjoyed the video Frank! And wow, it sounds like you’ve got an awesome collection of pots and pans. Great choices and selections! :)

  33. Hello Lisa! I cant find the casserole dish with the handles with the “holes” that is pictured using the links??

    1. Hi Lisa – unfortunately, that’s an old casserole dish of mine and no longer available online. So I linked to a few alternatives. Sorry!

  34. This was so helpful! Thank you! I have wanted a Le Creuset pan for a while. Now, you have me convinced. PS: Your kitchen is beautiful. :)

  35. Agree with all your cookware recommendations! I use a DeBuyer pan that is my replacement for non-stick. We have a parrot and too many risks with that. Look them up..fabulous pan! And 100% steel! Eggs do not stick..at.all.

    1. I haven’t tried a DeBuyer pan but I’ll definitely look into it. And yes, if you have birds you have to be super careful with non-stick. Though if it harms them you know what it’s doing to us as well. ;)

  36. Loved your recommendations!
    Was doing everything wrong!
    Truly enjoy viewing your videos,
    learning how to eat healthy…
    Thank you Lisa!
    Happy Thanksgiving to you!
    God bless you

  37. I though stainless steel can also be toxic especially if it contains nickel. I have a metal allergy and can’t use it.

    And Le Creuset also makes a coated aluminum that’s supposed to be safe. Any comments on that?

    1. Stainless steel does usually contain nickel, but the amount leached depends on the grade of the stainless steel, the cooking time and the cookware usage. The optimal ratio for stainless steel cookware is 18/10, or 304. This means there is 18% chromium and 10% nickel. The correct balance of the metals gives you the benefits while minimizing the risk, and All Clad is generally considered to be one of highest quality options. Of course, if you have a nickel sensitivity, then you should stay away from stainless steel either way. For the Le Creuset, if you’re referring to their stainless steel pans, they’re very similar to All Clad with two layers of stainless around an aluminum core.

    2. Hi Lisa,
      I’m so grateful I found your youtube video because I have been in search of nontoxic cookware. This is very informative, thank you for sharing.
      I’m excited to try your recipes. My question is, do you use specific pans for certain recipes? If I use a certain pot or pan will this affect the flavor of the food?

      1. Hi Liz – I’m happy to hear you’re loving my videos and recipes! I’m sure I do have specific pots/pans for recipes (without even thinking), like I always use my Lodge cast iron pan when searing a steak. But otherwise I use my stainless All Clad and enameled cast iron 95% of the time. Sometimes stainless can affect the flavor if you’re simmering something acidic with a lot of tomatoes (like my shakshuka recipe), but honestly, I don’t worry about it much.