If you’re looking to cook like a pro at home, there’s no reason to scrimp on your pots and pants. There’s also no reason to buy the most expensive luxury cookware on the market. There is a happy medium. In this post, I share our recommendations for the best professional cookware sets for the home. This includes the top cookware brands and what you should consider before purchasing a new set.
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4 Best Professional Cookware Sets
- 360 Cookware 9 Piece Professional Stainless Steel Set – use code FDD25 to save 25% when buying direct
- All-Clad Ha1 Hard Anodized Nonstick Cookware Set
- Ruffoni Symphonia Prima Stainless Steel Triply Copper Cookware
- Le Creuset 6 Piece Toughened Nonstick Cookware Set
The Best Professional Cookware Sets for 2023
We recommend using Amazon for all sorts of home cookware and appliances. This is for a few reasons. First, they have a wide variety of products for your home.
Second, we try to recommend products that are part of Amazon Prime, which provides purchasers with free and often super-fast delivery. (Get 30 days of Prime free here.) Almost all of our recommended cookware sets are Amazon Prime products. That said, we’ve also tried to include links directly to the manufacturer when possible. We are aware that not everyone shops on Amazon and want to make purchasing as easy as possible.
I include full reviews of our recommended best-rated professional cookware below. But, if you are short on time, included in the table below are all of our recommendations for the best cookware sets. This is helpful if you are short on time.
What Is Professional Chef Cookware
When shopping for a new set of cookware, it can be overwhelming. There are so many brands, coating types, and even set sizes. Even famous celebrity chefs have their own lines of cookware. It’s important, then, to figure out what you need for your kitchen and what is worth the investment.
When it comes to determining what is “professional” it doesn’t mean it’s endorsed by a celebrity chef you see on the Cooking channel. For me, a professional pots and pans set means it is manufactured by a reputable company, one that has been in business for a long time. It means the cookware is made well, cooks well, and lasts a long time.
These pots and pans can stand up to heat, have a lot of uses, and help you to prepare tasty foods at home. Having a quality set of professional cooking pans might seem like an unnecessary expense for even the most novice home cook. But over their lifetime, they will pay off.
If you have an induction cooktop, check out our recommendations for the Best Induction-Ready Cookware.
Why Invest In A Professional Cookware Set
When I graduated from university, I had a motley collection of cookware. A few pots and pans that were hand-me-downs supplemented by a $20 set from Bed, Bath, & Beyond. This was before Ikea became the go-to standard for college grads everywhere.
It wasn’t until we married that I received my first set of proper, professional pots and pans. It was a set of Circulon and it was beautiful. I remember thinking it wasn’t cheap and I was shocked when family members chipped in for my shower. When we left the US, it was hard to say goodbye … to family and my well-stocked kitchen.
I donated the set to my little sister, who is now married as well. When visiting her, I visited my cookware. Twenty years later. This is why a proper set of pots and pans is a good investment. Not only does it ensure you cook as well as you can at home, but these pots and pans last.
Best Professional Cookware Reviews
Here are our top recommendations for good quality professional-grade cookware sets. We include what the cookware is made of, what is included in the set, and other details on their features.
Our goal is not to tell you one particular set is the overall best, although we do have a top pick. Instead, our goal is to tell you what you need to know to make a decision on which set is right for you, your cooking style, and your kitchen. To find out current pricing, just click the red button.
360 COOKWARE 9 PIECE STAINLESS STEEL COOKWARE SET
The stainless steel cookware will last a lifetime. That’s 360 Cookware. Made in the USA using environmentally friendly methods, 360 Cookware is a family-run business with over 50 years of manufacturing experience. They specialize in high-quality stainless steel cookware that feels and operates like professional cookware.
The 360 Cookware 9 Piece Set includes a 3-quart saucepan, 2.3-quart casserole pan, 3.5-quarts saute pan, and 6-quart stock pot, each with a cover, plus an 11.5% fry pan. We have their stainless steel bakeware set and love the feel and quality of the cookware. I feel like a professional baker at home.
Each piece in this set is made using .110 gauge T-304 Surgical Grade Stainless Steel. This allows for fast and thorough heating of the cooking surface. Oven and broiler safe, the 360 cookware set is safe up to 500 degrees. The set can be used on multiple cooktops including induction.
360 Cookware also offers a 15-piece and a 21-piece set for budding professional home chefs.
360 Cookware 9 Piece Stainless Steel Cookware Set
Pros:
- Buy direct from 360 Cookware and save 25% off using this link and code FDD25
- Made in the US
- Oven safe with stay-cool handles
- Lifetime warranty – 360 Cookware says it’s the last piece of cookware you will ever need to buy
RUFFONI SYMPHONIA PRIMA COOKWARE
If looking for a professional copper cookware set look no further than Ruffoni. Ruffoni produces hand-hammered copper cookware in Italy. The Ruffoni Symphonia Prima Stainless Steel Triply Copper Cookware Set combines traditional Italian copper craftsmanship with culinary performance.
Perfect for professional chefs and home cooks, the Ruffoni Symphonia Cupra is the ultimate gourmet cookware. Each piece is made with a copper-wrapped aluminum core for extraordinary heat conduction. A bonded stainless steel interior ensures durability and effortless cleanup.
Each pan and pot in the set features mirror-finished cast stainless steel handles with stamped copper signets. Stainless steel lids accompany each covered piece. Oven-safe to 450°F and suitable for all cooktops except induction.
The seven-piece cookware set includes a 1.5-quart saucepan with lid, 3.5-quart covered soup pot, a 10-1/4-quart fry pan, and a 5-quart covered braiser.
The Ruffoni Symphonia Cupra set comes with a limited lifetime manufacturer’s warranty. The set is also available in stainless steel. Hand wash only is highly recommended.
Pros:
- One of the best copper cookware sets on the market
- Hand-made in Italy
- Limited warranty
- One of the best heat conduction cookware sets
- Oven safe to 450F
ALL CLAD ANODIZED 10 PIECE SET
American-made since the 1960s, All-Clad has been manufacturing the highest-quality cookware for over 50 years. The All-Clad HA1 Hard Anodized Cookware Set is made of thick-gauge hard anodized aluminum.
Each piece in the All-Clad cookware set has three layers of professional-grade PFOA-free, non-stick coating for professional browning, sautéing, and frying. This non-stick coating makes clean-up quick and easy. The set is dishwasher-safe and warp-resistant.
The anodized aluminum heats quickly and evenly. With a bonded stainless steel base, each piece is compatible with all types of cooktops, including induction, and is oven-safe up to 500°F.
This All-Clad nonstick set comes with 8 and 10-inch fry pans, 2.5 and 3.5-quart saucepans with lids, a 4-quart sauté pan with a lid, and an 8-quart stockpot with lid. All-Clad also offers 8 piece and 13 piece sets. The All-Clad HA1 comes with a limited lifetime warranty.
Pros:
- PFOA-free non-stick coating
- Limited lifetime warranty
- Induction compatible
- Dishwasher safe
LE CREUSET TOUGHENED COOKWARE
Le Creuset is most known for its collection of Dutch Ovens. We have one and we love it. The company also has a collection of nonstick cookware. We have their 11-inch fry pan and it is one of my favorite pieces to cook with.
The Le Creuset Toughened Nonstick Cookware Set certainly lives up to its name with an extra-tough nonstick surface.
Each piece is triple-reinforced to prevent peeling, flaking, and rusting making them both versatile and durable. Best of all, the PFOA-free nonstick coating allows for less oil during cooking, which means healthier and tastier dishes. The hard-anodized, forged-aluminum core conducts heat quickly and evenly reducing cooking time. A magnetic stainless-steel disk on each pan resists corrosion and is ideal for all cooktops, including induction.
The professional cookware set includes an 8 and 10-inch fry pan, 3-quart saucepan with a glass lid, and 4.25 quart saute pan with a lid. They are oven-safe up to 500°F (425 for the glass lids). The tempered-glass lids let you monitor cooking progress without lowering the temperature. Ergonomic stainless-steel handles stay cool on the stovetop and make pouring easy.
Dishwasher safe, but hand washing is recommended. The set comes with a limited lifetime manufacturer’s warranty
Pros:
- Extra-tough nonstick surface
- Aluminum core for even heat distribution
- Induction cooktop compatible
- Oven safe up to 425F
- Limited manufacturer’s warranty
SIMPLY CALPHALON NONSTICK COOKWARE SET
Calphalon started producing high-quality cookware and kitchen appliances in 1963. Made in the USA, Calphalon prides itself on being at the cutting edge of cookware technology. The Simply Calphalon Nonstick 10-Piece Cookware Set is made from hard anodized aluminum construction that provides fast and even heating throughout the pan.
They are made of PFOA-free nonstick material. Featuring a durable, double-coated nonstick interior, the set is easily cleaned by hand only with simple soap and water. The set is not suitable for dishwater or abrasive cleaning pads.
An ideal choice for cooks of all skill levels, Simply Calphalon Nonstick offers performance and value to any kitchen. Perfectly suited for any cooktop surface and oven safe up to 450 degrees Fahrenheit.
This Calphalon cookware set includes an 8-inch omelet pan, 10-inch omelet pan, 1 quart covered saucepan, 2 quarts covered saucepan, 3 quarts covered saute pan, 6 quarts covered stock pot, and 4 tempered glass lids.
The Simply Calphalon nonstick cookware is also available in an 8 piece set. Both come with a limited manufacturer’s lifetime warranty.
Pros:
- Oven safe up to 450F
- Limited lifetime warranty
- Induction compatible
- Great value at this price point
CALPHALON 10 PIECE NON STICK COOKWARE SET
Calphalon cookware sets offer great value for money, which is why we recommend two different sets. The Calphalon Classic 10 Piece Cookware Set includes their No Boil-Over technology.
This Classic 10-piece cookware set features 8 and 10-inch fry pans, 2.5 qt. saucepan with lid and No Boil-Over insert, 3 qt saute pan with cover, 6 qt. stock pot with lid and No Boil-Over insert.
Calphalon’s innovative No-Boil-Over inserts prevent messy spills when cooking pasta, rice, and potatoes. The BPA-free silicone insert recirculates boiling water back into the pot. Stay-cool tabs make removing the insert safe and easy. The non-stick cookware set is made of hard-anodized aluminum and features convenient measuring marks, pour spouts, and tempered glass lids with an integrated strainer. Cleanup is quick and easy for this dishwasher-safe set.
The cookware is safe in ovens up to 450 degrees and works with gas, electric, and halogen stovetops. A limited manufacturer’s lifetime warranty is included.
Pros:
- Virtually fool-proof No Boil-Over Technology
- Measuring marks, pour spots, and lids with strainers
- Oven safe and dishwasher safe
- Limited lifetime warranty
CIRCULON PREMIER PROFESSIONAL NONSTICK 13-PIECE COOKWARE SET
From one of the leaders in high-end cookware, this 13-piece nonstick professional cookware set from Circulon might be the last set you ever buy. The Circulon Premier Professional Cookware Set also offers quality cookware sets at a good value.
We hold a special place in our hearts for Circulon because it was the first cookware we received as a wedding gift, twenty years ago. Although we left the US and no longer use it, my younger sister still cooks with this set, now that she is married.
Made from heavy-duty hard-anodized aluminum, each piece is finished in a stylish bronze coating. The set includes a 1 Quart Saucepan with a straining lid, a 2-quart saucepan with a straining lid, a 3-quart saucepan with a straining lid, an 8-quart stockpot, a 5-quart saute, an 8.5-inch French skillet, a 10-inch French skillet, 12-inch French skillet.
Each piece features durable, stay-cool, stainless steel handles. Oven safe and suitable for all cooktops including induction, the pieces all have PFOA-free nonstick cooking surfaces.
Pros:
- Bronze-colored exterior for a contemporary look
- Total Food Release System
- Stay cool handles
- Induction cookware compatible
CUISINART MULTICLAD PRO
A leader in making professional cookware for almost 30 years, Cuisinart continues to push cookware technology. The Cuisinart Multiclad Pro Stainless Steel Cookware Set is the latest development from one of the best cookware brands.
The Cuisinart Stainless Steel Cookware set is made of professional triple-ply construction with an aluminum core for precise temperature control. Exteriors of 18/10 stainless steel, the 12-piece set feature a handsome brushed finish, while the interiors are mirror-polished for non-reactive, quick release of food.
Heat Surround technology maintains even heat distribution along the bottoms and side walls of the cookware, eliminating hotspots and delivering optimal performance.
This Cuisinart 12-piece cookware set includes a 1.5 and 3-quart saucepan with lid, an 8 and 10-inch open skillets, a 3.5-quart covered saute pan, and an 8-quart covered stockpot for stews and soups. Each piece is oven-safe to 500°F and works with most cooktops.
Easy to clean and dishwasher safe. Cuisinart covers the Multiclad Pro set with a lifetime limited warranty. Multiclad Pro is also available in a 7-piece and 10 piece set.
Pros:
- Heat Surround technology
- Oven safe to 500F
- Dishwasher safe
- Limited lifetime warranty
TRAMONTINA GOURMET COOKWARE SET
Part of the Tramontina Gourmet Collection, the Tri-Ply Clad 12-Piece Cookware Set combines high-quality design, workmanship, and durability.
Featuring an 18/10 stainless steel, aluminum core each piece evenly and efficiently distributes heat to ensure perfectly cooked food. The Tramontina Gourmet Stainless Steel set works on all cooktops including induction and is oven safe up to 500°F.
The 12 piece set includes an 8” and 10” fry pan, 5 Qt sauté pan, 1.5, 2, and 3 Qt saucepans with lids, and an 8 Qt covered stock pot.
One of Tramontina’s selling points is that it promises to heat food from all sides, not just the bottom. This is due to its trip-ply construction and is also why it’s oven-safe up to 500F. This gourmet cookware set is designed to withstand regular use in the most demanding kitchens, making it ideal for home and professional cooks looking for high-quality cookware.
Pros:
- Brazilian made cookware
- Also comes in 8 piece and 10 piece sets
- Oven safe up to 500F, for professional cooks
- Lifetime warranty
- Induction compatible
WHAT ARE THE BEST PROFESSIONAL COOKWARE BRANDS
There are a lot of options when looking at cookware reviews. It can be overwhelming as it seems that new cookware brands pop up all the time, particularly ones promoted by celebrity chefs. We prefer some of the more classic and historic brands, ones with a track record of success. Here are some of our favorites.
All-Clad Cookware
Since 1971, All-Clad has been manufacturing high quality cookware in the USA. An innovator in kitchen cookware, All Clad’s founder pioneered the bonding process for steel and aluminum. This new process paved the wave for the manufacturing of durable, longer-lasting cookware for professional chefs and home cooks.
Calphalon Cookware
Manufacturing in the USA for nearly 60 years, Calphalon Cookware revolutionized the use of aluminum cookware through the process of hard anodizing raw aluminum. Now, home cooks can enjoy the same superior cooking performance and durability once only enjoyed by professional chefs.
Circulon Cookware
Founded in 1981 outside of San Francisco, Circulon Cookware is the world’s first line of hard-anodized nonstick cookware. Their patented system of raised circles and premium nonstick surfaces helped revolutionize the home cookware industry. This tradition of innovation continues to this day in their full line of cookware products.
Cuisinart Cookware
Beginning with kitchen appliances, Cuisinart has been a marquee name in the world of food preparation since 1971. Offering a full range of appliances, bakeware, and cookware, Cuisinart has been at the forefront of design and innovation. Cuisinart was the first cookware company to manufacture an eco-friendly nonstick cookware set.
Le Creuset
Since 1925, Le Creuset has been a leader in cast-iron cookware. Manufacturing in France, Le Creuset is most famous for its line of enameled cast-iron casserole dishes and its signature “Flame” orange color. Thanks to its durability and quality manufacturing, Le Creuset has earned the respect and admiration of professional chefs and home cooks around the world.
Tramontina
Available in over 120 countries around the world, Tramontina is a Brazilian manufacturer of high quality kitchen appliances and cookware. Founded in 1911, Tramontina’s reputation for innovation, design, and technology continues to this day.
Ruffoni
For nearly 60 years, Ruffoni has manufactured the highest quality copper cookware from its headquarters in northern Italy. A family-founded business, Ruffoni prides itself on superior quality and craftsmanship across its entire line of cookware products.
Types Of Professional Grade Cookware
There are a lot of considerations when investing in high quality cookware. First is the types of cookware on the market. Once you narrow down the types of cookware and your budget, the purchasing process becomes a lot easier. Here are the most common types of cookware you can purchase.
Stainless Steel Cookware
Stainless steel is one of the most common materials used for kitchen cookware. It can stand up to high heat and can be used on all stovetops, including induction. Cookware made from stainless steel can be used to cook all types of food, including acidic ones, and it won’t rust or stain.
When it comes to the quality of stainless steel, not all pots and pans are created equal. More often the less expensive the set, the thinner the pots are. Higher-quality sets have thicker sides, are heavier, and tend to last longer.
See our reviews of the Best Stainless Steel Cookware Sets.
Hard Anodized Aluminum
When shopping for cookware, it’s common to see the phrase hard-anodized cookware. Some of the best cookware sets are made from this material. The inside of the cookware is often non-stick and the exterior is anodized.
For the inside, the cookware is made of coated aluminum. The aluminum is actually more durable and easy to cook with once it is coated in a non-stick material. Sometimes anodized cookware has a stainless steel interior.
The exterior of the cookware is anodized, which hardens the aluminum. You will see a grey color on the outside. This protects the outside of the pots and pans from corrosion, rusting, and stains.
Non-Stick Cookware
People have different views about purchasing non-stick cookware. No one likes their food to stick to the pan. That’s why many home cooks prefer some form of non-stick cookware. It’s important, though, to make sure it is safe for use.
Some non-stick cooking materials can contain PFOAs, which are chemicals that make the surface non-stick. The opposite end of the spectrum is a cast iron skillet, which can be more sticky if it is not seasoned well. Then, there are pans in between, ones that are non-stick without using the chemicals. The best bet is to look for non-stick pans that are PFOA-free.
Copper Cookware
Copper is a very sensitive compound. This makes it the perfect conductor of heat. Food heats quickly and more evenly. This is why so many professional chefs use copper pots and pans.
There are a few varieties of copper cookware. Some are made with 100% copper, but this is becoming rare. Oftentimes, these pans are made of aluminum or stainless steel and coated with copper, or they have a ceramic finish.
Some copper cookware includes copper in the core. As a result, it might not have that lovely copper color. This copper core cookware includes enough quality copper to provide some of the benefits without being 100% copper.
See our reviews of The Best Copper Cookware Sets.
Carbon Steel
Many professional chefs cook with carbon steel. Carbon steel is made of about 99% iron and 1% carbon. This cooking material is great for conducting heat. It’s not as common to see entire cookware sets made from carbon steel. It is more likely home chefs will purchase a carbon steel pan or skillet to supplement their cookware set.
See our reviews of the Best Carbon Steel Skillets And Pans.
FAQs – Choosing The Best Professional Cookware Sets
Owning good pots and pans set is an investment. While the initial upfront cost might be large, using high-end cookware will save you money over time. Professional cookware sets use higher-grade materials compared to less expensive brands. This gives them more durability resulting in not having to replace them sooner.
The French know their cooking and as a result, they also produce some of the best luxury cookware on the market. Brands like Le Creuset, Emile Henry Cookware, and Cristel Cookware have been manufacturing top-quality cookware for over 100 years.
There are a ton of options available in choosing the top pots and pans to purchase. Depending on your budget, brands like Cuisinart, Caraway, and All-Clad make some of the best cookware out there.
This answer might surprise you. Most professional chefs, do not use non-stick cookware. Non-stick cookware while good for the home cook, are not designed for the day-to-day trials of a professional kitchen. Therefore, most professional chefs use more durable cookware made of carbon steel, cast iron, or copper.
Professional chefs use a wide range of cookware. Each has their own personal preference based on experience. Generally, though, professional chefs use a mix of cast iron, aluminum, and copper cookware.