Behind every successful cook is a sturdy set of cookware. Its returns go beyond the comfort of cooking convenience. It also allows for an exponential variety of amazing dishes that are, most of the time, healthier than what you can find when you eat out.
That said, many invest enormous amounts of dollars to avail of a reliable set of pots and pans that can go from $300 to $800. If you’re a beginner or on a tight budget, it’s understandable to hesitate.
Fortunately, there are already many quality sets available that can allow you to enjoy maximum benefits and give huge value to your money.
Let’s take a look at the best cookware sets under 200 that you can invest in to start your kitchen without breaking the bank.
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- Best stainless steel cookware set: Cuisinart Multiclad Pro Stainless Steel Cookware Set
- Best overall cookware set for your money: Gotham Steel Cookware Set
What should I look for when choosing the right cookware set
While there are already established brands in this arena, it is important to choose according to your individual needs and preferences.
Does it serve your needs
Inclusions
Included in most cookware sets are necessities that one would need in the kitchen. There are some, however, that contain a few extras that may be a great fit for certain people who enjoy experimenting on a variety of cooking styles.
Do you love to bake? Perhaps you’d enjoy a set that comes with baking trays.
Do you like cooking pasta? You might need big pots and big saucepans.
Handles
For ease of use, it is ideal that your cookware has sturdy, insulated handles. This allows you to transfer your pots and pans from one place to another without having to use potholders.
Heat Distribution
Heat distribution also plays a huge role in the quality of your cooking. It is best to avoid products that have hot spots or cold spots so that food cooks evenly.
Does it align with your preferences and available resources
Stove Type
Most, if not all, cookware are made to work with electric stovetops. If you have an induction stovetop, be sure to triple check if the set you are purchasing is induction-friendly as well.
Cleaning Preference
Do you prefer to clean with a dishwasher? Some abrasive detergents that dishwashers use can damage certain cookware materials. Be sure to check on this if hand-washing is something that does not cater to your liking.
Is it durable
When properly cared for, cookware should be able to last for years, if not generations. Stainless steel cookware usually lasts longer than nonstick pans. In the nonstick variety, ones that are Teflon-free are usually more durable than its counterpart.
Glass lids are preferred because it allows for the food underneath it to be visible as it cooks. Metal can prove to be more durable, however, as it is not prone to breaking should an accident happen.
Is it safe
Nonstick surfaces for pots and pans are usually made by coating it with Teflon or fluoropolymer plastic (PTFE). When heated on high temperature (500 degrees Fahrenheit), it can deteriorate and release fumes. These fumes were found to be harmful to birds, and cause flu-like symptoms on humans.
PFOA (Perfluorooctanoic Acid), on the other hand, is another notorious chemical. It is used in the process of making PTFE but is usually burned off during manufacturing. It is, however, considered as a pollutant and a toxic substance. This has not been used on pots and pans since 2012.
Unless the manufacturer openly indicates that their products ceramic or silicone-based, it is safe to assume that most non-stick surfaces are made with PTFE or Teflon.
Top 6 Best Cookware Sets Under 200 Dollars
Best Stainless Steel: Cuisinart MCP-12N Cookware Set
Cuisinart has been making professional cookware for 30 years, inspired by the great French kitchens. The Cuisinart Multiclad Pro Stainless Steel Cookware set contains the following:
- 1.5-quart saucepan with cover
- 3-quart saucepan with cover
- 8" open skillet
- 10" open skillet
- 3.5-quart saute pan with cover
- 8-quart stockpot with cover
- Steamer insert with lid
This set is built with triple-ply construction which equips its components with a “core of pure aluminum bonded to a stainless steel interior and a brushed stainless exterior”. This technology allows the pots and pans to retain heat and perform well.
Its heat surround technology allows for even heating distribution, properly supported by the stainless steel material that does not react with food and alter its flavor upon exposure to heat.
The handles of its components are made with stainless steel rivets for a comfortable grip. Moreover, its rims are tapered for drip-free pouring. The lids also fit tightly against them, keeping your cooking’s moisture and flavors as rich as you please.
For those who cook with induction stove tops, this set will surely fit your needs. Apart from that, this is also suitable for ovens up to 550 degrees Fahrenheit. Finally, it is dishwasher-safe for easy cleaning.
PROS
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Overall
Dishwasher-safe, usable on an induction cooker, and made with features for ease of use, this set would be a great addition to the kitchen if you’re looking for the best stainless steel cookware set under 200 that can last.
Best Hard-Anodized: Cuisinart Green Gourmet Cookware Set
Leading the way to eco-friendly branded cookware, Cuisinart’s Green Gourmet Cookware set contains the following components:
- 8” skillet
- 10” deep fry with lid
- 1.5-quart saucepan with lid
- 2.5-quart saucepan with lid
- 3-quart everyday pan with
- 6-quart Dutch Oven with steamer insert
This set has a nonstick ceramic-based surface, making it safe and eco-friendly. Moreover, its handles are made with 70% recycled steel, and its packaging is likewise made from recycled materials and printed with soy-based inks.
The material is oven-safe up to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. It can also be used in a broiler.
Built with hard-anodized aluminum, heat is evenly distributed on its surface when cooking, which provides good control and ensures even cooking.
Although the material is quite durable, care is still advised. It is not recommended to use it above medium heat. Hand washing is also recommended.
The lids that come with the pots and pans in this set are made of metal. This makes it less likely to break when it is dropped by accident.
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Overall
This Cuisinart Green Gourmet Cookware not only provides a great cooking experience. It’s also extremely Earth-friendly too which makes it one of the best nonstick cookware under 200.
Best Nonstick: Calphalon Classic Nonstick Cookware Set
Calphalon provides quality kitchen equipment and materials ranging from appliances, cookware, bakeware, cutlery, and more.
This Calphalon Classic Nonstick Cookware set has 10 pieces:
- 8” fry pan
- 10” fry pan
- 1.5-qt sautepan with cover
- 2.5-qt saucepan with cover
- 3-qt saute pan with cover
- 6-quart stockpot with cover
Made with durable hard-anodized aluminum, it is oven safe for up to 450 degrees Fahrenheit. It is also compatible with gas, electric, halogen, and glass top stoves.
What makes this set unique are the measuring marks that make cooking more convenient. The pour spouts and straining lids also allow for a tidy and easy way to maneuver around the cooking process. The set also has stainless steel long handles, and is able to conduct and distribute heat very evenly.
Calphalon Classic Nonstick Cookware uses PTFE but does not use the toxic pollutant PFOA. To protect the non-stick coating, using a dishwasher for cleaning is not recommended. Instead, hand-washing with a soapy sponge will work well.
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Overall
The beauty is in the details of this set. Easy to use and easy to clean, the Calphalon Classic Nonstick Cookware guarantees a smooth experience all throughout which makes it the best hard Anodized cookware under $200 in my list.
Best Overall: Gotham Steel Cookware Set
With the goal of creating non-stick, non-toxic cookware, Gotham Steel created this set fondly referred to as a “complete kitchen in a box”. It contains 20 individual components separated into 3 sets:
Gotham Steel Five Piece Bakeware Set
- Cookie sheet
- Brownie pan
- Square baking pan
- Loaf pan
- Round baking pan
Gotham Steel Ten Piece Bakeware Set
- 8.5" fry pan
- 10.25" fry pan with lid
- 5-quart stockpot with lid
- Stainless steel steamer rack
- 1.5-quart saucepan with lid
- 2.5-quart saucepan with lid
- 5 pcs kitchen utensils
Square set
- 9.5" square shallow pan
- Deep square pan set
- Mesh deep fry basket
- Stainless steel steamer rack with clip stands to hold it up
- Tempered glass lid
Made with scratch-proof ti-cerama coating, the Gotham Steel pieces ensure toxin-free and ultra-durable cookware suitable for all stove tops, except induction. Its surface is nonstick, which allows for less oil use and healthier meals.
It is lightweight and equipped with handles that stay cool, making it very easy to handle. Cleanup is also a breeze as the wares are dishwasher-safe.
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Overall
As I have covered in the best cookware set under $300 guide, Gotham set offers everything you will need in a quality and toxin-free package. it's astounding how much value comes in with this cookware set
Best Budget: Michelangelo Cookware Set
Michelangelo is a German manufacturer with 30 years of experience creating premium cookware. This set contains 12 pieces of quality copper wares:
- 8-quart large stockpot with lid and 8” steamer insert
- 1.5-quart saucepan with lid
- 3-quart saucepan with lid
- 3.5-quart saute pan with lid
- 8” skillet
- 10” skillet with lid
Made with durable ceramic titanium coating, the set boasts of professional-grade aluminum alloy that quickly and evenly heats up. It’s also scratch-resistant and ultra non-stick without the use of PTFA and PFOA.
The set is oven-safe for up to 450 degrees Fahrenheit. They are also made with flat bottoms, allowing them to be used on all stove tops, except induction.
Cleaning is hassle-free as they are dishwasher-safe. Still, hand-washing is recommended to protect the material.
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Overall
These copper pots are non-stick, non-toxic, and dishwasher-safe: a great cookware choice under budget for a flawlessly satisfying experience.
Best Versatile: Homi Chef Cookware Set
From Homichef, provider of ecological stainless steel cookware, this set contains 10 pieces of durable, quality cooking equipment:
- 1-quart saucepan with lid
- 2.5-quart saucepan with lid
- 4.5-quart stockpot with lid
- 8” fry pan
- 9.5” fry pan
- 2.5-quart saute pan with lid
Unlike nickel-bearing stainless steel commonly used in the industry, this Homi Chef Cookware Set are nickel-free, food-grade, and do not contain toxins and allergens.
Apart from safety, being nickel-free has a few other benefits. It also makes this set more heat-conducive. Tests show 12-15% less energy consumption with their use.
Despite not having any coating, a non-stick surface can be achieved when the fry and saute pans are seasoned before first use.
This is one of the best cookware sets that is compatible with gas stoves as well as induction, ceramic, and halogen stove tops. They are also oven and dishwasher-safe.
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Overall
This set’s Nickel-free make delivers maximum benefits in terms of safety and functionality. Usable on an induction cooker, oven-safe and dishwasher-safe, this is a sturdy cookware set for induction cooktops that would be a great fit in any kitchen.
Comparison of The Budget Cookware Sets Under $200
Cookware Set | Material | Induction and Oven-safe | Dishwasher Safe | Current Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stainless Steel | Both | Yes | |
| Hard-anodized Aluminum | Only oven-safe | No | |
| Hard-anodized Aluminum | Only oven-safe | No | |
| Nonstick Ceramic | Only oven-safe | Yes | |
| Copper | Only oven-safe | Yes | |
| Stainless Steel | Both | Yes |
Final Verdict
Finding the best cookware set under $200 that will give you the most value for your money is all about choosing which benefit is most relevant for your needs.
If you have an induction stove top, the Cuisinart Multiclad Pro Stainless Steel Cookware Set would surely be a great fit for you. It is durable, versatile, and made by a trusted company that has been making professional cookware for years.
As for the best bang for your buck, the Gotham Steel Cookware Set contains twenty versatile pieces to help you build your kitchen. Most importantly, it is made with ceramic material which guarantees safety from toxins and harmful chemicals.