Review the 10 Best Cookware Sets in Australia: 2021 Edition
You are only as good as the equipment you use so don’t expect to serve up a gourmet meal with inferior quality pots and pans. Here we analyse the best cookware sets available to Australians and the materials with which they are made – cast iron, stainless steel, aluminium and Teflon-coated.
Cookware can be purchased as individual items or in sets, depending on what you need. We look at large and small pots with or without lids, and various sized frying pans. The primary consideration should never be based solely on cost and ease of cleaning, heat retention and non-stick qualities. Please keep reading to compare our top options and find the right pots and pans for your kitchen creations.
How we chose our top picks
We compared 20 leading brands and 175 different products with 50 reviews and more from Productreview.com.au, Amazon and other leading brands to help you choose the best cookware to transform everyday meals into something a little more special.
Learn more about our methodology
10 Best cookware sets in Australia
Non-stick cookware
Never worry about scrubbing your pans with these aluminium and Teflon pots and pans:
Heavy-based cookware
Cook on gas, electric or ceramic with these stainless steel, copper and cast iron sets:
Cook N Home 12-Piece Cookware Set — For Non-Stick Cooking
Pros
- Quick, and even heat conduction.
- Non-stick surfaces.
- Stay-cool handles.
Cons
- Is not induction or oven-safe.
- Can scratch easily so use plastic or silicone utensils.
Price (RRP): $132.53
Cook N Home is made of thick-gauge aluminium. The glass lids feature steam vents to view food and to retain heat and moisture.
Specs
Set includes:
- 1 x each 1.5l and 2l saucepans.
- 1 x 3l casserole.
- 1 x 5l Dutch oven with lid.
- 1 x 20cm frying pan.
- 1 x 24cm frying pan.
- Compatible with gas and electric stovetops.
Customer Reviews
Customers are happy with the quality of the cookware and how easy they are to clean. They say that apart from the cookware being sturdy, they have great non-stick qualities that ensure a scrub-free wash.
Jamie Oliver Stainless Steel 5 Piece Cookware Set — Thermo-Spot Technology
Pros
- Non-stick titanium.
- Suitable for all hobs.
- Dishwasher safe.
- Easy to clean.
Cons
- Set does not include a small-sized frying pan.
- Complaints that non-stick coating peels off.
Price (RRP): $319.00
Kitchen Goddesses will love the fact that Jamie Oliver has designed this set. Thermo-spot technology indicates optimum cooking temperatures. Riveted stainless steel with silicone handles makes the set comfortable to handle.
Specs
Set includes:
- 24cm and 28cm frying pans.
- 25cm saute pan.
- 16cm saucepan.
- 24cm stew pot.
Customer Reviews
Customers say that this set of cookware is stylish, easy to cook with and to clean. The heavy-based stainless steel cookware distributes heat evenly. The fry pans and saucepans have a rubber grip wrapped around a stainless steel handle for comfort and avoiding burns.
Ultimate Stainless Steel Copper-Bottom 13-piece Cookware Set — For Fast and Even Heat
Pros
- Heavy-gauge base.
- Fast and even heat.
- Oven safe.
- Dishwasher safe.
- Lifetime limited warranty.
Cons
- Complaints have been lodged about the pots becoming discoloured.
- The pots are not non-stick.
Price (RRP): $292.00
The heavy-based pots have multiple layers of copper, stainless steel and aluminium for fast and even heating. To prevent food from sticking, pre-heat the pan and add a thin coating of oil. The handles are ergonomically designed with riveted steel while glass lids trap in heat and moisture. There are lid vents to allow steam to escape, maintain visibility and help prevent boiling over.
Specs
Set includes:
- 20cm frypan.
- 26.5cm frypan.
- 30.5cm fry pan with lid.
- 1l saucepan with a lid.
- 2l saucepan with a lid.
- 3l; saucepan with a lid.
- 5l Dutch oven with lid.
- Stainless steel steamer.
Customer Reviews
Described as the best pot set ever owned, customers generally rave about this set saying that it ticks all the boxes. Another plus factor is that the set can be placed directly into the oven, making for a versatile cooking experience. The stainless steel keeps them looking new, and the stylish design adds to their attraction. “These pans have all the advantages of cast iron without the need first to season them, will never rust, will never require heavy scrubbing, and, will never scratch or dent,” says one happy user.
Gotham 5 Piece Ceramic Cookware — Practical Elegance
Pros
- Non-stick.
- Oven safe.
- Suitable for all stovetops, including gas.
- Dishwasher safe.
Cons
- Colour of pot surfaces inclined to fade.
- Non-stick qualities wear off over time.
- Pot lids get too hot to handle.
Price (RRP): $134.20
This is a triple-coated non-stick copper surface and aluminium composition cookware set for even heating. The pots have a ceramic non-stick coating which eliminates the need for oil or butter. The set is lightweight and scratch-resistant.
Specs
Set includes:
- 20.5cm skillet.
- 24.75cm fry pan with tempered glass lid.
- 2l stock pot with tempered glass lid.
Customer Reviews
Customer reviews point out that while the pots are easy to clean, utensils such as wood or silicone should be used to avoid scratching. Users describe the pots as attractive and useful quality.
Jim Beam Set of 3 Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Skillets — Superior Heat Retention
Pros
- Even distribution and heat retention.
- Long-lasting cast iron construction.
- Suitable for grill, oven and an open campfire.
Cons
- Not suitable for dishwasher
- Pans must be repeatedly seasoned.
- Handles get very hot.
Price (RRP): $46.02
The three pans are pre-seasoned with vegetable oil which allows for even heat distribution and perfect cooking results. The benefits of cast iron are age-old – they last a lifetime if properly cared for and healthy cooking choices. The pans should be hand washed in warm water and then restored with natural oils. Do not use soap and do not place these pans into a dishwasher.
Specs
Set includes:
- 15cm pan.
- 20cm midi skillet.
- 25.5cm large pan.
Customer Reviews
“I use them all regularly and couldn’t be more pleased” states one happy customer review. Users describe the set as high quality cast iron that has been pre-seasoned for fantastic cooking results.
Pyrolux Pyrostone 6-Piece Cookware Set — For Healthy Cooking
Pros
- Even heat distribution.
- Non-stick easy cleaning.
- Tempered glass lids with steam vents.
- Limited lifetime warranty.
- Oven safe.
- Dishwasher safe.
Cons
- The exterior is only a thin coat that scratches easily.
- The non-stick surface can lose its smoothness and becomes hard to clean.
- Although Pyrolux says “dishwasher safe” on the box, the retailer says not to.
Price (RRP): $249.95
Catch
The Pyrolux set is made from durable forged aluminium for even heat distribution. The set has an attractive speckled stone finish with a PFOA-free non-stick coating. You only need to use a little oil for easy food preparing and cleaning. The heavy-duty base makes this set suitable for all stovetops.
Specs
Set includes:
- 1 x each 20cm and 26cm frying pan.
- 1 x each 16cm and 20cm saucepan.
- 24cm stockpot.
- 30cm chef’s pan.
Customer Reviews
Described as the best value for money, customers say the Pyrolux set’s non-stick surface makes for easy cleaning and satisfying cooking results. One customer said she was able to replace one of the pots with the hassle-free limited lifetime warranty.
Bergner’s Granito 4-piece Aluminium Cookset — Inspired by Natural Wood and Stone
Pros
- Compatible with all hobs, including induction.
- Granite coating.
- Non-stick.
Cons
- Not dishwasher-friendly.
Price (RRP): $439.95
The pots have flared rims for neat and easy pouring. Bergner has created this natural stoneware, and stainless steel cookware set inspired by wood and stone.
Specs
Set includes:
- 1 x Deep Frypan with Lid 28cm.
- 1 x Casserole Dish with Lid 20cm.
- 1 x Casserole Dish with Lid 24cm.
- 1 x Frypan 24cm.
Customer Reviews
The only complaints lodged by buyers are that this set is not dishwasher-friendly.
Baccarat Granite 10-Piece Cookware Set — Environmentally-friendly
Pros
- Granite non-stick coating.
- PFEO-free and environmentally friendly.
- Even heat distribution.
- Easy to clean.
Cons
- The coating is inclined to chip.
- The handles become hot.
Price (RRP): $1,199.99
The set is made of cast aluminium and stainless steel. The even heat distribution reduces cooking times, thereby saving on fuel or energy. The lids are tempered glass with steam vents, and the built-in induction plates make this set suitable for all cooktops.
Specs
Set includes:
- 20cm frypan.
- 26cm frypan.
- 28cm grill pan.
- 16cm saucepan with a lid.
- 20cm saucepan with a lid.
- 32 x 8cm saute pan with lid.
- Stockpot with lid.
- Pasta and two steamer inserts.
Customer Reviews
Happy customers say nothing sticks to the non-stick pots, making them easy to clean and great for cooking. They also describe the set as outstanding quality, worth the money spent.
Ruffoni Symphonia Cupra 6 Piece Set — A Lifetime Investment
Pros
- From stovetop to oven to tabletop.
- Lifetime warranty.
Cons
- Cannot be used on an induction stovetop.
- Not dishwasher safe.
Price (RRP): $2,059.95
Ruffoni cookware is a lifetime investment, as the price tag indicates. This cookware is handmade from copper at the family’s workshop in the Italian Alps and carries a lifetime guarantee. Each piece is constructed with a blend of 2.3mm thickness of solid copper layered over a thin aluminium core and finished with a polished stainless steel interior. The cookware is designed to be placed directly from stovetops and ovens onto table tops for serving.
Specs
Set includes:
- 26cm brasier with lid.
- 20cm soup pot with a lid.
- 16cm saucepan with a lid.
Customer Reviews
Most customers undertook a lot of research before investing in the Ruffoni range of cookware. They say a plus factor is that one does not have to buy a complete set all at once but can build up the cookware set one piece at a time. One reviewer is a chef by trade who says he will invest in the entire range because when he cooks in a Ruffoni, even the food tastes better!
Swiss Diamond XD 28cm Induction Grill Pan and 28cm Fry Pan — The Healthy Choice
Pros
- Non-stick coating.
- Easy cleaning.
- Cookware sets available as separate purchases.
Cons
- The coating comes off.
These pans are a healthy choice because there is no need to use oil on their non-stick surfaces. The non-stick coating makes cooking and cleaning effortless. The pans provide maximum durability and energy efficiency.
Specs
Set includes:
- 28cm Frypan
- 28cm Square Shallow Grill pan
Customer Reviews
Happy users say they have had the cookware for years and that the non-stick qualities have never deteriorated. They also rave about the versatility of the pans which can be moved from stovetop to oven. Some customers point out that food will be inclined to stick to the surface of the oil is used before cooking.
What to consider before buying a cookware set
- Warranty: Buying a cookware set is often a lifetime investment, so warranties are essential. Not all cookware is sold with a manufacturer’s guarantee, so check carefully before purchasing.
- Easy to Clean: In today’s stressful and busy lifestyle, anything that contributes to making our lives that little bit easier is essential. Non-stick cookware and stainless steel products are generally easy to clean and preferable over materials on which food is inclined to stick.
- Quality and Price: When it comes to cookware, quality and price generally go hand-in-hand. However, stockists often offer substantial discounts on quality products, so keep a beady eye out for those special offers, some of which are mentioned in this article.
Compare the top cookware sets
| Product | Price (RRP) | Features/Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| Cook N Home | $132.53 |
|
| Jamie Oliver Stainless Steel | $319.00 |
|
| Ultimate Stainless Steel | $292.00 |
|
| Gotham Ceramic | $134.20 |
|
| Jim Beam Pans | $46.02 |
|
| Pyrolux Pyrostone | $249.95 |
|
| Bergner’s Granito | $439.95 |
|
| Baccarat Granite | $1,199.99 |
|
| Ruffoni | $2,059.95 |
|
| Swiss Diamond Pans | $669.95 |
|
Source: Amazon, Kitchen Warehouse, Harris Scarfe, House, Cookware Brands, Kitchenware, January 2021
Our methodology
29 brands examined
75 products compared
10 products chosen
- Our team researched the many kitchenware brands available in Australia that produce the best cookware sets.
- We poured over hundreds of online reviews (as of January 2021) to see which products gave customers the best results.
- Our editorial team selects the products on this list based on their benefits and features. Items are not selected based on commercial relationships.
Brands Compared
To choose the top cookware sets, we compared the following brands:
- All-Clad (3)
- Anolon (2)
- Arcosteel (2)
- Baccarat (1)
- BergHOFF WorldWide (2)
- Bergner’s (1)
- Buffalo Cookware (2)
- Cook N Home (1)
- Chef Inox (2)
- Cuisinart (2)
- De Buyer (2)
- Essteele (2)
- Global Shop Direct (3)
- Gotham (1)
- Happycall (2)
- Homemaker (Kmart) (3)
- IKEA (4)
- Jim Beam (1)
- KitchenAid (2)
- NeoFlam (3)
- Pyrolux (1)
- Raco (4)
- Ruffoni (1)
- Scanpan (10)
- Silit (5)
- Swiss (1)
- Tefal (7)
- Ultimate (1)
- Wolstead (5)
We then carefully read hundreds of online reviews given by customers who have bought and tried these products. We looked at the features of each pots and pans set to see how they performed.
We then chose the 10 best cookware sets in terms of quality, heat conduction, ease of cleaning and price based on our research.
Conclusion
We have given you 10 good reasons to roll up your shirtsleeves and get cooking. Depending on the price you want to pay, you can purchase a set of cookware to get the job done for the foreseeable future or to last you a lifetime. The choice is yours and the options are endless.
If you’re looking for excellent quality, you can’t go wrong with the Baccarat Granite set or the Ruffoni. If quick clean-up is your priority, then you may prefer the Jamie Steel Stainless steel set is excellent. Remember to compare all of your options first to find the best option for you and your family.
Frequently Asked Questions and Answers
What’s the safest non-stick cookware?
PFOA-free cookware is regarded as the safest of the non-stick cookware range. PFOA stands for Perfluoro-octanoic Acid, a chemical that is used to make Teflon. Cookware advertising that it is free of PFOA indicates that it is safer to use and therefore, healthier. Cast iron is generally regarded as the best non-stick surface on which to prepare food.Which cookware set brand is best?
Stainless steel is highly regarded by most chefs and sets such as the one designed by Jamie Oliver and the Ultimate heavy-gauge base Stainless Steel set ranks among the best cookware set brands.What is the best cookware set?
The Ruffoni range is arguably one of the best cookware sets available on the Australian market today. These pots and pans are hand-crafted by Italian craftsmen, and every product in the range carry a lifetime guarantee. The cooking vessels are made from copper layered with aluminium and stainless steel.What is the best cookware set brand?
Pyrolux Pyrostone is regarded by many as the best cookware set brand. The vessels are made of durable forged aluminium for a rust-free lifetime and are finished with a PFOA-free non-stick coating.Is stainless steel cookware better than cast iron cookware?
Stainless steel does a better job of conducting heat because of its aluminium core. Cast iron’s ability to transfer heat from one part of the metal to another is low. However, once a cast-iron pan is hot, it will stay that way much more effectively than stainless steel.
