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Looking for the best induction cookware for beautiful, even cooking? While many people use gas-powered stoves or convection cooking that heats up whatever is directly atop the burner, others pick induction cooktops—cooking surfaces with a copper coil that creates a magnetic field to heat the pan and food. However, these appliances need the proper cookware to achieve optimal results. Don’t worry; we’ve got you covered. Some cookware is naturally induction-ready, such as cast iron, enameled cast iron, and stainless steel. And if you’re unsure if one of your pots or pants is induction-ready, you can try the magnet trick: place a magnet on the bottom of your cookware and see if it sticks. If you’re not 100% or just looking for an upgrade, however, choose one of our picks for the best induction cookware and spend the rest of your time perfecting your gnocchi recipe.

How we chose the best induction cookware 

To provide a solid recommendation list, we evaluated the best induction cookware on a few key factors. Firstly, we looked at brand reputation and reviews. How reputable is the brand, and how many active customers took to the internet to recommend their favorite piece of induction cookware? 

Second, we evaluated the value of the product. While some products may be more expensive than others, we thought more about what you are getting for that price. Is it multi-use, replacing the need for other cookware that will ultimately save you money? Are the materials highly durable and long-lasting? Does it come in a money-saving set? 

We also looked at the best induction cookware that was versatile and ready for any surface, not just induction cooktops. In addition, we considered cleanup because ease of use is super important for busy families and professionals who don’t want to slave all day rinsing and reconsidering their kitchens.

The best induction cookware: Reviews & Recommendations

When buying cookware, you must decide whether to buy individual pieces or complete packages. The best cookware sets offer the pots and pans you need without a ton of extra stuff that drives up the cost. Here are our picks for the best induction cookware—complete sets and single pans.

Best overall: CAROTE Pots and Pans Set

Carote

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Specs

  • Material: Aluminum
  • Number of Pieces: 10
  • Dishwasher Safe: No

Pros

  • 10-piece set
  • Super affordable, great value
  • Over 5,000 positive Amazon reviews
  • Free of toxic chemicals 
  • Ultra non-stick

Cons

  • Exterior may wear off with time
  • Not as much brand recognition
  • Only one colorway 

We chose the Carote induction-ready cookware set as best overall because you simply cannot beat that level of quality for such an ultra-affordable price point. It has virtually all the same specs as our other contenders, yet offers more pieces for less money. 

This 10-piece set comes with a 9.5-inch frying pan, an 11-inch frying pan, saute pan with lid, a casserole dish with lid, a saucepan with lid, a steamer, and a silicone turner. The set offers all of that for less than $150.

These pots and pans are made from a harder granite material with non-stick properties. They’re also PFOS/PFOA free, so you don’t have to worry about harsh chemicals soaking into your food.

It’s suitable for all stoves, and because their non-stick game is so on point, the cleanup is quick and easy regardless of what you cook. Many reviewers say they could have just used hot water. The downside: the handle gets super hot, so you may need to get some silicone handle covers. They are also not dishwasher safe, and they only come in one colorway. But all of that can’t dampen the sheer value this set offers.

Best stainless steel: All-Clad Stainless Steel Dishwasher Safe Induction Compatible Cookware Set

All-clad

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Specs

  • Material: Stainless Steel
  • Number of Pieces: 7
  • Dishwasher Safe: Yes

Pros

  • Dishwasher Safe
  • Multiple set number options
  • 3 bonded layers of stainless steel and responsive aluminum
  • Excellent quality; sturdy & durable

Cons

  • Pricey
  • Some reviewers noted that it is not easy to put in dishwasher

With a clean design and American-made, high-quality materials, All-Clad is an absolute staple for induction-ready stainless steel cookware. These beautiful pans are dishwasher safe, making them perfect for busy households that favor quick and simple cleanups.

All-Clad stainless steel pans feature a tri-ply construction, made with a responsive aluminum core bonded with 2 layers of stainless steel that allows for even heat distribution. 

The 7-piece set contains a 10-inch fry pan, a 3-quart saucepan with lid, a 3-quart saute pan with lid, and a versatile 8-quart Stockpot with lid. There are also 5-, 10-, and 14-piece options available. They are oven safe up to 600 degrees F and resist warping, so you can really abuse these pans without worry.

Best eco-friendly: GreenPan Valencia Pro Ceramic Nonstick 8″, 9.5″, And 11″ Frypan Set

Green Pan

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Specs

  • Material: Ceramic
  • Number of Pieces: 3
  • Dishwasher Safe: Yes

Pros

  • Dishwasher Safe (Hand Washing Recommended) 
  • Oven safe up to 600 degrees F.
  • Nonstick & scratch-resistant
  • Free of PFAS, PFOA, lead, and cadmium
  • Good value

Cons

  • Durability may wane after heavy long-term use

GreenPan is a world leader when it comes to eco-friendly cookware. They supply healthy ceramic nonstick pans with toxin-free coating; all pans are free from  PFAS, PFOA, lead, and cadmium.

This three-piece ceramic nonstick set includes 8-inch, 9.5-inch, and 11-inch fry pans that feature diamond-infused ceramic nonstick coating, their signature Magneto induction base suitable for all stovetops, and truly high-quality materials and manufacturing. They are oven safe up to 600 degrees F.

Reviewers love that you can use metal utensils on them, they’re attractive on your countertop, and they are exactly as advertised without any surprises. Some reviewers noted, though, that durability waned after 1-2 years of heavy use. 

Best cast iron: Our Place Cast Iron Always Pan

Our Place

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Specs

  • Material: Enameled cast iron
  • Number of Pieces: 1
  • Dishwasher Safe: No

Pros

  • 8-in-1 uses
  • Made from premium enameled cast iron
  • Easy to clean
  • Comes with lid
  • Lighter weight than other cast irons

Cons

  • Not dishwasher-friendly (though most cast irons aren’t)
  • No long-term seasoning, which some may prefer
  • No pour spouts

This 8-in-1 cast iron pan allows for multiple uses for cooking, so you can save space and reduce clutter. It comes with a lid and silicone Hot Grips, so you won’t be screaming in pain from hot handles.

It’s oven-safe up to 500 degrees F (or 425 degrees F with the lid) and is super easy to clean with glossy exteriors. Reviewers love that it comes in several beautiful colors, that it’s lighter in weight than many other cast irons of the same size, that it’s a good value for the price, and how much easier it is to clean than others. 

One thing you should note is that because it’s made of black matte enameled cast iron, you won’t need to pre-season it, unlike other cast irons, and it can be used to cook with acidic foods. That’s a plus, but that also means you’ll need to use more butter or oils to cook with since it doesn’t build up that seasoning over time. Some users may prefer that long-term seasoning effect and cook with fewer fats. There are also no pour spouts for removing excess oil or liquids.

Best ceramic: Caraway Cookware Set

Caraway

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Specs

  • Material: Ceramic 
  • Number of Pieces: 4 + storage
  • Dishwasher Safe: Yes

Pros

  • Visually beautiful
  • Nonstick 
  • Comes with storage
  • Free of toxic chemicals
  • Even cooking

Cons

  • Handle gets hot
  • Nor dishwasher-friendly
  • Can easily ding/scratch

The Caraway cookware set is a cult favorite with almost 40,000 positive site reviews. While many social media ads can be misleading, Caraway has made a huge splash on the internet, and with good reason.

This set comes with a 10.5-inch frying pan, a 3-quart saucepan, a 4-quart saute pan, and a 6.5-quart dutch oven. They come with lids. It’s aesthetically beautiful, with a clean yet glossy look.

We love that this set comes with storage (magnetic pan racks and a canvas lid holder), is made with a non-toxic coating (free of PTFEs, like Teflon, PFOA, and heavy metals), and comes in several colors to choose from to suit your taste. It’s oven-safe up to 550 degrees F.

Reviewers love the even cooking, excellent customer service, and how there’s very little sticking with such easy cleanup. They’re not super cheap, but they’re a good investment piece for cookware that won’t cause a massive headache.

What to consider when choosing the best induction cookware

Whether you’re looking for stainless steel pots and pans, ceramic frying pans, or cast iron induction cookware, there are a few variables you should consider before taking the plunge.

Materials

When deciding on the best induction cookware, look for indicators of an induction-compatible symbol, also known as a ferromagnetic base. There are a few kinds of cookware that are naturally induction ready, like:

  • Cast iron
  • Stainless steel
  • Some aluminum (must have stainless steel plate)

You’ll also need to consider cost or, rather, value. Sometimes you’ll see a higher price tag but look into it further. Does it come as a set? Are there better, more durable materials that will ultimately save you money? 

Handles

While some cookware comes with insulated handles, others have simple metal handles that get hot along with the cooking area. In those cases, you’ll need an extra silicon grip or a glove to move the pans around. If that sounds like an annoying extra step, consider something with a built-in solution.

Before you buy

We highly recommend searching for non-stick cookware for easier cleanup and handling. Make sure it comes with a non-toxic coating, however, because many non-stick pans come with Teflon or other toxic chemicals that seep into your food and are harmful to the environment.

FAQs

Q: How do you know if cookware is induction compatible?

You can tell if cookware is induction compatible on the label/website—it should say “induction-ready,” “induction-compatible,” etc. If you want to see if your existing cookware is induction-compatible, you can try placing a magnet on the bottom and see if it sticks.

Q: What is the disadvantage of induction cooking?

Frankly, induction cookware is generally more expensive. Cast irons, for example, will require a heftier price tag than a simple old pan. It’s also a new method of cooking that might be a bit of a learning curve if you’re not used to it. 

Q: What is the average price of induction cookware?

It depends. Pricing typically varies depending on the quality and type of the materials, durability, brand, aesthetic, etc. You can find some cookware options around $50, and you can find some that are more luxury purchases in the several hundreds. 

Final thoughts on the best induction cookware

We think everyone should treat cookware like an investment. A solid set of pans can last for years and years with proper care, but you have to start with the right product. If you’re looking for a new way to cook, induction stoves range from simple hot plate-style models to advanced surfaces. The best induction cookware offers easy cleaning, simple use, and long-lasting durability to keep those asparagus tips crispy well into the future. 

Why trust us

Popular Science started writing about technology more than 150 years ago. There was no such thing as “gadget writing” when we published our first issue in 1872, but if there was, our mission to demystify the world of innovation for everyday readers means we would have been all over it. Here in the present, PopSci is fully committed to helping readers navigate the increasingly intimidating array of devices on the market right now.

Our writers and editors have combined decades of experience covering and reviewing consumer electronics. We each have our own obsessive specialties—from high-end audio to video games to cameras and beyond—but when we’re reviewing devices outside of our immediate wheelhouses, we do our best to seek out trustworthy voices and opinions to help guide people to the very best recommendations. We know we don’t know everything, but we’re excited to live through the analysis paralysis that internet shopping can spur so readers don’t have to.