In this article, we’re going to look at the best cookware sets that won’t cause you to empty your savings account. We’ve been talking with professional chefs over the years to find out which cookware is perfect for our home. Let’s dive into these cookware set reviews.
It’s important to find a set of cookware that doesn’t break down easily from heavy use. Use this list to figure out which cookware is right for your family’s needs. Find out which items are more resilient, which sets are made from safe materials, and which sets have enough pieces to satisfy your needs.
Most Recommended Cookware Sets Under $200
- T-fal E765SEFA Ultimate Nonstick Cookware Set
- Set: 14-Piece
- Oven Safe: 400°F (lids up to 350°F)
- Suitable for: all stovetops (except induction)
- Material: Hard-Anodized Aluminum
- Finish Type: Non Stick
- Color: Black
- Dishwasher Safe: Yes
- PFOA, lead, and cadmium free.
- Price: See Here!
- Rachael Ray Cucina Nonstick Cookware Pots and Pans Set
- Set: 12-Piece
- Oven Safe: 400°F
- Suitable for: all stovetops (except induction)
- Material: Hard-Anodized Aluminum
- Finish Type: Non Stick
- Color: Sea Salt Gray
- Dishwasher Safe: Yes
- PFOA-free.
- Price: See Here!
- Rachael Ray Cucina Nonstick Cookware Pots and Pans Set
- Set: 12-Piece
- Oven Safe: 400°F
- Suitable for: all stovetops (except induction)
- Material: Hard-Anodized Aluminum
- Finish Type: Non Stick
- Color: Gray with Blue Handles
- Dishwasher Safe: Yes
- PFOA-free.
- Price: See Here!
10 Best Cookware Sets Under $200:
1. T-fal E765SEFA Ultimate Nonstick Cookware Set
Features
- The metal materials on these items are durable and anodized. This means the cookware will last longer, and it's built to maintain consistent temperatures.
- The special heat indicator ring on T-fal pans will help you understand when this cookware is preheated.
Overview
T-fal is a well-known brand with a great reputation among consumers. The cookware set offered by this company has nearly every item imaginable, which is why this is rated as the best nonstick cooking set among large families.
What we like:
- The titanium reinforced coating on pans will help when it comes to keeping cookware clean after each meal.
- All items are safe to put in the dishwasher.
What we don't like:
- People who are new to using these products should avoid using metal forks on the surface of pans.
What Customers Are Saying
Consumers enjoy the extra help with preheating pans, and people on tight budgets enjoy the durable coating that helps preserve the original condition of the cookware. Longtime fans of this cookware claim that its design is harder than many of the leading products.
2. Rachael Ray Cucina Nonstick Cookware Pots and Pans Set
Features
- This set has stainless steel handles on pots and pans that won't become corroded as easily, and the glass lids are shatter resistant to last longer in high temperature environments.
Overview
This cookware set includes enough items to prepare food like a professional chef. Rachel Ray Cucina’s cookware is the best chef recommended cookware on the market because it includes high quality saucepans, and each item has porcelain coating on the outside for keeping cookware in good shape.
What we like:
- This cookware is affordable, and the company offers several color options to compliment the rest of your kitchen.
- The nonstick surfaces on pans will last several years if you avoid scraping them with metal or rough sponges.
What we don't like:
- This cookware isn't safe to put inside your dishwasher, so you'll need to wash it by hand.
What Customers Are Saying
Some consumers have complained about this cookware becoming tarnished after only a few months of use. However, other users have reported better news because they realized that using non-abrasive sponges will keep the cookware lasting a long time.
3. Rachael Ray Cucina Nonstick Cookware Pots and Pans Set
Features
- This set includes the best pots and pans for home cook under 200, partially due to the anodized aluminum material that will retain its shape over years of use.
- The handles on these pots and pans have a comfortable grip that's made of silicone to keep your hands safe when using them.
Overview
This stylish cookware from Rachel Ray features uniquely designed blue handles on pots and pans. It’s an affordable set of 12 pieces, or you could upgrade to the 14 piece. There’s also the option of adding a griddle pan to this set.
What we like:
- Nonstick surfaces on these Rachel Ray pots and pans are made of PFOA-free material, so they're safer than inferior nonstick coatings
- This set of cookware is dishwasher safe, and it's safe to put pots and pans inside your oven up to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
What we don't like:
- Some consumers have complained about the pots and pans sliding easily on gas stoves
What Customers Are Saying
Consumers are pleased by the appearance of this cookware, and these products are made to last. They even have a limited warranty to protect against factory defects.
4. Paula Deen Signature Nonstick Cookware Set
Features
- The teflon nonstick coating provides a durable surface for cooking, and food is easily removed when it's ready.
- The materials used in constructing pieces in this set are heavy gauge metals, so you'll have no problem getting them to maintain a steady temperature.
Overview
The best cookware for everyday use has to be this set from Paula Deen. This set is affordable, it comes with more pieces than many others on this list, and the pattern on pots and pans is quite beautiful.
What we like:
- This set has an aqua speckle design that will look adorable in your kitchen. It also comes in butter speckle, lavender speckle, and a few other color options.
- This set comes with tempered glass lids and measuring spoons.
What we don't like:
- Although the pots and pans in this set are oven safe, they can't be heated as high as other oven safe cookware on this list.
What Customers Are Saying
Consumers are pleased by the colorful patterns of this cookware. However, it’s important to heed the advice of the manufacturers by only washing these items by hand.
5. Gotham Steel Cookware + Bakeware Set
Features
- The type of coating on these pots and pans is called Ti-Cerama; this coating is so effective that you'll be able to cook food without using oil or butter.
- Gotham Steel's cookware is safe to put in an oven up to 500 degrees Fahrenheit, so you'll have more options on your menu.
Overview
If you’re looking for a quality pots and pans set for under $200, this impressive bundle from Gotham Steel is worth considering. It comes with 20 pieces, including some bakeware, and pieces in this set have a smooth copper finish.
What we like:
- Some items in this set are safe in an oven that's 500 degrees Fahrenheit, which is much higher than many of the sets on this list.
- This set is safe to put in the dishwasher.
What we don't like:
- While this set comes with more pieces than the majority of sets on this list, the price is just under $200.
What Customers Are Saying
Consumers are happy about the lack of toxins in this cookware, including PFOA, PFOS, and PTHE. Many consumers are relieved about being able to use metal utensils with this set.
6. Cuisinart Contour Stainless Cookware Set
Features
- The handles on the cookware from Cuisinart are designed to keep cool while meals are heating, so you won't worry as much about the danger of burning yourself in the kitchen.
- Cookware in this set has a quality aluminum base to help with heat distribution.
Overview
If you like sleek, shiny appliances in the kitchen, you’re going to love the high end stainless steel cookware from Cuisinart. This set of 13 pieces has everything you need to make a meal from scratch, including two skillets, three saucepans, a dutch oven, glass lids, and a pasta insert.
What we like:
- The lids for these cookware items are made of tempered glass.
- This cookware is safe to put in the oven, broiler, and freezer (for storage purposes).
What we don't like:
- The pans aren't made to be used with induction cooking methods.
What Customers Are Saying
Consumers claim that this set is easy to clean. Some consumers were worried about the stainless steel becoming scratched over time, but it’s possible to keep it looking new by using soft sponges on the surfaces.
7. Farberware Millennium Stainless Steel Nonstick Cookware Set
Features
- The glass lids that come with the pots and pans in Farberware's cookware set are designed to lock in flavors and moisture required for cooking top-notch dishes.
- This set is also safe to put in the dishwasher, so cleaning up after a meal doesn’t have to take all night.
Overview
This deal from Farberware Millennium is a quality cookware set of 10 that is built to last through years of use. The cookware in this set looks sleek, incorporating stainless steel that heats up evenly during cooking.
In addition to buying several thoughtfully designed cookware pieces, consumers have the peace of mind of a lifetime warranty from the folks at Farberware.
What we like:
- The thick aluminum bases of pots and pans in this set are designed for even heat distribution.
- Farberware Millennium cookware is safe to put in an oven up to 500 degrees Fahrenheit.
What we don't like:
- This pot and pan set has two pans and four pots, but there are only four lids.
What Customers Are Saying
While this brand is trusted in the kitchen, some consumers have noted that it’s made for confident cooks. Consumers who are inexperienced with cooking have had problems with these nonstick surfaces, partially due to the use of metal utensils.
8. MICHELANGELO Copper Pots and Pans Set Nonstick
Features
- The copper coating on the inside of Michelangelo pots and pans is a nonstick coating that will help reduce the amount of oil needed to prepare meals.
- This coating is also scratch resistant, so you don't have to worry while cooking with metal utensils.
Overview
The cookware set from Michelangelo is a good pot and pan set for an affordable price. This set includes a small frying pan, a large frying pan, two sizes of pots, a saucepan, a large stock pot, a steamer insert for the large pot, and glass lids.
What we like:
- This set comes with five glass lids, which are designed to lock in the flavors of your meals.
- The handles on the small pan, large pan, small pot, and large pot are made for added comfort by using an ergonomic design.
What we don't like:
- There isn't a lid to fit the small frying pan in this set.
What Customers Are Saying
Consumers are pleased to find an affordable set of pots and pans with interior copper coating. Since food safety is a concern, consumers may rest assure that copper isn’t leaching into their meals during the heating process.
9. GreenPan Lima Healthy Ceramic Nonstick, Cookware Set
Features
- The nonstick coating on the pots and pans in this set has been tested to ensure that overheating won't release harmful toxins.
- Some of the items are even rated to be used in an oven or broiler that's up to 600 degrees Fahrenheit.
Overview
GreenPan’s set is an excellent purchase for those looking for a quality cookware set for home chef enthusiasts. This cookware set includes two large pans, a skillet, a casserole pot, a saucepan, glass lids, and bamboo cooking utensils.
What we like:
- Bamboo cooking utensils are a bonus item that will come in handy when preparing pasta and other dishes.
- The handles of pans in this set have been designed with a contour grip to make them easier to control.
What we don't like:
- While the surfaces may be resilient to overheating, the items in this set should be washed by hand only.
What Customers Are Saying
Health conscious consumers are pleased about the lack of toxins that are released when cooking with these pots and pans; the company has designed their coating from a material that’s made from sand.
10. CUSINAID Aluminum Cookware Set
Features
- The anodized aluminum coating found on the pots and pans in this set won't rust or corrode as easily as inferior products.
- Each pot and pan has its own glass lid, so you'll be able to tell when your food is ready.
Overview
Cusinaid’s set of 10 cookware items is one of the best values on this list. This set has the pots and pans a small family should want for their daily cooking needs.
What we like:
- The handles on this set are designed to stay cool while cooking on a stove.
- This set is dishwasher safe, and metal items are safe in the oven up to 500 degrees Fahrenheit.
What we don't like:
- While this set includes several pots and pans for your kitchen, it lacks the bonus items that most of the other sets on this list include.
What Customers Are Saying
Since this is one of the most affordable sets on this list, it’s no surprise to see that consumers are pleased with the value that you receive. Consumers have reported how the nonstick surface on these pots and pans is true to its description.
Factors to Consider When Buying the Best Cookware Sets Under $200
Are you wondering which factors make one set of cookware better than another?
One of the main reasons that one set is priced higher than another set is because of the variety of pieces included with the purchase.
Smaller sets of cookware are efficient enough to accommodate a small family, but larger sets of cookware will include items that are a specialty in the kitchen, such as a frying basket.
Number of Pieces
When looking for a new set of cookware, it’s important to consider how often your family prepares meals at home. If your family uses cookware infrequently, then it would make more sense to buy one of the smaller sets of cookware.
While the number of pieces in the set is a deciding factor for consumers, you don’t want to spend money on something you’re not going to use. Make sure the majority of pieces in the set you purchase are items that you could see your family using regularly.
Appearance
Appearance is a huge deciding factor for plenty of consumers because you’re going to be seeing these items on a daily basis. Some of the sets on this list have a simple, elegant design, and others have stylish patterns.
If you’re concerned about cookware becoming rusted or corroded over time, then you should look for a set that features anodized metal construction or a similar design.
Warranty
Another reason to consider one set over another set is the warranty. A good warranty will cover any defects that might have happened during the manufacturing process. In some instances, it’s worth buying a set that doesn’t have a warranty when it’s more affordable than those with warranties.
Coating
Nonstick coating is incredibly important when cooking meals in your home because you don’t want to spend hours doing dishes. Since there are various types of coatings used on the cookware sets from this list, it’s important to consider which coating will best suit your needs. Consider whether you like to use a lot of oil in the pan, and also consider whether the nonstick surface is safe for metal utensils.
Since 2013, companies have been forced to manufacture cookware that doesn’t contain the harmful chemical PFOA. This article from Healthline includes information about which standards are in place to ensure that cookware is safe to use.
Ceramic vs nonstick cookware: learn which one is best.
Making the Decision
Our top pick for the best cookware set for under $200 is the 14 piece nonstick cookware from T-fal. This cookware set is made of a durable material that doesn’t break down easily with each use. T-fal products are made with anodized metal, so they won’t corrode and rust like other sets that may be made of inferior materials.
Even though there are several sets on this list that might spark your interest, it’s worth purchasing a simple, affordable option from a well-known company like T-fal. If you’re looking for a low-price set of cookware, this incredible set has enough sturdy pots and pans for your family to make the majority of their meals.
