12 best cookware brands worth investing in

Nothing works harder in your kitchen than the humble cookware set. Thankfully, to get high quality frying pans or saucepans from the best cookware brands, you don’t necessarily have to spend a fortune. If they’re well looked after, they should last decades.

Buying the whole set in one fell swoop is usually the more cost effective option, but that might not suit you (or your kitchen space). If you want the full matching set of a particular brand, but your budget doesn’t extend that far, you can always grow your collection over time, adding the necessary pots and pans as you go. If you’re okay with mixing and matching, and simply want the best in each category, we’ve handily picked out our favourite item from each brand below, to help you decide what to buy and from where. Our curated selection includes some of the best nonstick pans, ceramic cookware, cast iron cookware and multiple piece sets, at a range of price points.

For us, no kitchen is complete without a Dutch oven–whether you choose to to buy a classic Le Creuset cast iron skillet, or opt for a brand like Staub, they’re one of the most versatile purchases you’ll make. If you look after it, it will probably outlive you, and can be passed down the generations.

What to buy?

If you’re new to the world of cookware and you’re not sure what to buy, take a look at our helpful tips at the bottom of this page. They’ll help you figure out what you need and what to look out for.

Whether you love the look of a stainless steel cookware set, need an enamelled cast iron casserole pot in your life, or you’re hankering after some non-stick cookware, we’ve scoured the market for the very best pans. Scroll on for everything from stackable pots and pans to an impressive nine-in-one high-performance pot like the Always Pan.

Best cookware brands

Range includes: Six different pots and pans with lids with high heat tolerant, non stick ceramic coating, which can be bought in cost-effective bundles, plus nifty add ons

Our Place’s Instagram famous pan has revolutionised the world of cookware, fast becoming the ‘must have’ pan of a generation. It’s loved for its sleek matte all over colour and slick design which means you can take it from cooker to table and save on the washing up.

It doesn’t just skate by on its looks though, as a great amount of thought has been put into the practical side of each product. The Our Place Always Pan is the brand’s signature creation and for just a single item, it’s incredibly versatile. It can be used as a frying pan, saucepan, steamer, skillet, sauté pan, to braise, to boil, to strain, and finally as a serving dish, meaning it can pretty much do the job of an entire saucepan set. If you need more from it, there are plenty of add ons you can choose from, such as an egg poacher or a tagine.

As it’s made from aluminium rather than cast iron, it’s definitely a lighter option than Le Creuset or Staub. Just remember to cook using the wooden spatula included to protect the ceramic non-stick free from scratches.

Read our full review of the Always Pan here.

What to buy:

The Cookware Duo includes Our Place’s bestsellers, the Always Pan and Perfect Pot. I own this set, and it’s a great way to save money by bundling up. So far, I have found the pans to be far more lightweight and much better looking, than my old bog-standard set of black pans. Friends have commented on how nice the Our Place pans look. The non-stick works effortlessly, and the wooden utensils have smart notches underneath which prevents the spoon from falling into my cooking if I rest it against the side.

Range includes: Cast iron, stainless steel pots and pans with excellent heat retention, non-stick skillets, bakeware, plus smaller items like mugs, salt and pepper shakers, ramekins.

This brand needs no introduction. It’s the poster child for Dutch ovens and their products are some of the most coveted items in any keen cook’s kitchen. Available in the brand’s signature shiny colours (we love the original volcanic orange), they’re easy to spot, look stylish on a stovetop and, to put it simply, are just really, really good. They can be used for everything from braising to slow cooking stews and baking bread. It’s surely an investment, but the French brand gives its iron cast casserole dishes a lifetime warranty, so it’s one that’ll be spread over your whole life, if not longer. Your writer has one that’s well into its 30s and is doing well, and we’re sure it can be passed down further. They also make excellent gifts for cooks, both professional and amateur.