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A set of brand new pots and pans are one of the most important items on a registry, and yet many of us don’t quite understand what we're looking for. The world of cookware can be confusing and many of us just end up registering for whatever our friends and family have, without thinking about what each style offers. Just because your sister or best friend registered for classic stainless steel doesn't mean it's the best option for you.

There's a lot of vocabulary thrown around when shopping for these pieces—tri-ply, non-stick copper core, enameled cast iron—and frankly it takes some time and research to figure out which items will best suit you and your partner's needs in the kitchen. To help, we've highlighted everything you need to know about the various types of cookware you might encounter. From the best omelet pan to wow guests at brunch to the perfect baking dish for your famous mac and cheese, you'll have all the information you need to choose the set that right for you.

Read on for the best cookware sets you need for your registry.