While stainless steel cookware was made for sizzling fancy cuisine at high heat, the best nonstick cookware sets were made for more simple eats. And while they may seem like entry-level cooking implements, pro chefs also use and enjoy them. If you’re stocking up a kitchen, a nonstick set can be a great place to start — as long as you pick the right one for your needs. The same pros often caution against sets as unnecessary and clutter-inducing, but we’ve scoured the internet for nonstick sets that are actually useful and comprehensive, not excessive. These sets range from edited to expansive, so you can get exactly what you need and nothing you don’t, all while saving some money. Especially for those just starting out, simply making food for survival, or prioritizing ease of clean-up over perfect sears, a good nonstick cookware set is going to be something you reach for over and over again.
