From cast iron to stainless steel to nonstick, the options for cookware are practically endless. But a skillet is just a skillet—or is it? To narrow down your selection, we’ve parsed through the market to find the best cookware brands available, from the most aesthetically pleasing to the workhorses you’ll use for every recipe.

What are the different kinds of cookware?

The exact cookware you choose will depend on a few things: your budget, your cooking style and your aesthetic preferences. That said, here are a few types of cookware you’ll find:

Stainless steel cookware is uncoated, extremely durable, conducts heat evenly and can handle high-heat cooking. Since it lacks a coating, it’s superior for browning and searing, and it’s also great for anyone who is tough on their pots and pans. That said, it’s not as beginner friendly, because foods will stick without the right technique.

cookware is uncoated, extremely durable, conducts heat evenly and can handle high-heat cooking. Since it lacks a coating, it’s superior for browning and searing, and it’s also great for anyone who is tough on their pots and pans. That said, it’s not as beginner friendly, because foods will stick without the right technique. Nonstick cookware can be constructed out of a variety of metals (like aluminum or steel) but is finished in a coating that releases food with very little cooking oil or technical skill. That makes it ideal for beginners, less frequent cooks or anyone who loves eggs. The downsides? Nonstick surfaces are susceptible to scratches, so they require specific care, and the cookware is usually less durable overall.

cookware can be constructed out of a variety of metals (like aluminum or steel) but is finished in a coating that releases food with very little cooking oil or technical skill. That makes it ideal for beginners, less frequent cooks or anyone who loves eggs. The downsides? Nonstick surfaces are susceptible to scratches, so they require specific care, and the cookware is usually less durable overall. Ceramic cookware is a newer nonstick option that’s ideal for anyone concerned about PFOA or PFTE, two health- and environment-hazardous chemicals that used to be found in some nonstick coatings. (The FDA has required such materials to be phased out.) It’s beginner friendly, but like nonstick cookware, ceramic can scratch—newer market options are designed with durability in mind.

cookware is a newer nonstick option that’s ideal for anyone concerned about PFOA or PFTE, two health- and environment-hazardous chemicals that used to be found in some nonstick coatings. (The FDA has required such materials to be phased out.) It’s beginner friendly, but like nonstick cookware, ceramic can scratch—newer market options are designed with durability in mind. Cast iron cookware is heavy, extremely durable and excellent at retaining heat, so it’s good for searing, frying and other heat-intensive cooking methods. It requires regular seasoning (aka oiling and heating to create a nonstick surface) and isn’t easy to maneuver, but it will last a lifetime if cared for properly.

cookware is heavy, extremely durable and excellent at retaining heat, so it’s good for searing, frying and other heat-intensive cooking methods. It requires regular seasoning (aka oiling and heating to create a nonstick surface) and isn’t easy to maneuver, but it will last a lifetime if cared for properly. Carbon steel is an extremely hard, lightweight material that conducts heat quickly and has few hot spots. It can be used similarly to cast iron but is better for sautéing because it’s easier to physically handle.

The 14 Best Cookware Brands at a Glance:

Scroll down for in-depth breakdowns of each pick.

Millennial Approved: Caraway Best for First Kitchens: OXO Best Carbon Steel: Misen Best Nontoxic: GreenPan Best Stainless: All-Clad Best Cast Iron: Lodge The Instant Heirloom: Le Creuset Best Dutch Ovens: Staub Cutest Design: Dansk Loved by the Pros: Scanpan Best Nonstick: Calphalon Best for Everyday: Cuisinart For a Splurge: Mauviel Best on a Budget: T-Fal

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