Use This Guide To Find The Best Cookware That’s Made In The USA

If you enjoy cooking, you know just how important the right ingredients are. Fresh, local ingredients are a surefire way to make every dish you cook shine.

The same thing goes for your cookware. The right American-made cookware sets can elevate any dish and ensure an even cook each and every time. American-made cookware can be a game changer, especially if your recipes call for braising, sauteing, or frying.

But finding the best pots and pans can be challenging. You’re not alone if you wonder about the difference between stainless steel pans and non-stick cookware.

Let’s look at the features you need to look for when buying your next cookware set and which materials are right for your kitchen adventures.

What Features Are Important When Buying New Pots And Pans?

Cooking is an act of love that allows you to express yourself through delicious dishes. It’s a great way to destress with your family after a long day at work or share your culture with friends.

You may be overwhelmed with all the cookware options on the market today. As you begin your search for the best pots and pans for your unique needs, you should consider these features:

  • Works With Your Cooktop: Not all pots and pants work well on all cooktops. Gas ranges and electric stovetops require different cookware to work correctly. If you cook with gas, any cookware can work well. However, an electric cooking surface can be tricky when it comes to controlling the temperature, so opt for stainless steel or ceramic non-stick that can withstand high temperatures.
  • Heat Distribution: Different types of cookware will offer different levels of heat conductivity. A copper core is the best for conducting heat and distributing it evenly across the entire pan.
  • American-Made Construction: American-made pots and pans are manufactured with high-quality materials that increase the lifespan of your cookware and often come with a lifetime warranty that allows you to repair or replace items as they wear out.
  • Scratch-Resistant: Metal utensils and high-heat cooking can cause scratches to the finish of your cookware, compromising the product and preventing it from cooking properly. Look for a scratch-resistant finish on whatever cookware you choose to guarantee a longer lifespan.
  • Oven-Safe: The best pots and pans can go from the stovetop to the oven, increasing their usefulness. 
  • Dishwasher Safe: If you despise standing over the kitchen sink, opt for a cookware set that can go from the stove to the dishwasher. 

The right cookware for you will depend on your cooking habits. If you’re constantly whipping up stews and soups for large crowds or hosting Thanksgiving for your family, you may want to opt for larger-sized pots and pans.

Everyone needs a good frying pan, sauté pan, stockpot, and dutch oven. However, if you cook for one or two people, you can get away with just a few high-quality pieces of cookware that can work double duty. A wok is another excellent piece to include in your cookware collection if you cook with gas.

Let’s look at the different types of American-made cookware materials you can choose from and the pros and cons of each.

What Types Of Cookware Materials Are Available?

The cookware industry is full of options when it comes to pots and pans. The best material for your needs will largely be determined by three things:

  1. Your Stovetop
  2. Your Cooking Habits
  3. Your Willingness To Maintain Your Cookware

As we mentioned, certain cookware types don’t perform well on an electric cooking surface. And if you don’t want to spend time seasoning and maintaining your cookware, there are particular materials you should steer clear of to avoid damaging your investment.

No matter what materials you choose, always opt for American-made brands for the highest quality cookware. Let’s look at the different types of cookware material and the benefits, risks, and uses to help you make the best purchase possible.

1. Stainless Steel Cookware

Classic, long-lasting, and versatile stainless steel cookware is the top dog of the market.

It’s dishwasher-safe, easy to maintain, and even non-reactive with acidic foods.

It doesn’t act as a head conductor on its own, so it reviews a copper or aluminum core, either attached to the bottom of cheaper pieces or placed between layers of stainless steel for more high-end models.  Also, stainless steel cookware doesn’t have a non-stick surface, so if you forget to oil it, you could be left with a ruined meal.

Pros:

  • Easy To Maintain
  • Durable & Long Lasting
  • Doesn’t React To Acidic Foods

Cons:

  • No Non-Stick Coating
  • Expensive

Best For:

Home cooks who want to cook like the pros but are prone to kitchen snafus.

2. Nonstick Pans

Nonstick cookware is the most affordable of the bunch, which is perfect for the novice chef. Coated with Teflon, which prevents food from sticking to the surface, nonstick pots and pans are easy to cook with and even easier to keep clean.

Unfortunately, using metal utensils can cause the coating to peel and leech into your food. They don’t do well with high temperatures and must be replaced as soon as the nonstick coating is scratched.

Pros:

  • Easy To Maintain
  • Non-Stick Coating
  • Affordable

Cons:

  • Easily Damaged
  • Won’t Last Long With Heavy Use
  • May Contain Perfluorooctanoic Acid (PFOA)

Best For:

The novice chef looking to try their hand at cooking or someone who needs new pots and pans on a budget.

3. Copper Cookware

Copper cookware is popular with professional checks because of its even heat distribution and quick heating time.  Also, copper pots and pants are gorgeous and develop a pretty patina as they age. While it is a pricy investment, copper cookware lasts and lasts with proper care.

However, all copper pans must be hand-washed and polished frequently to prevent unsightly and dangerous oxidation.

Pros:

  • Beautiful & Stylish
  • Even Heat Distribution
  • Sustained Popularity

Cons:

  • Extremely High Maintenance
  • Not Dishwasher Safe
  • Not For Everyday Use

Best For:

Serious home chefs wanting to invest in their kitchenware

4. Cast Iron Cookware

A staple in the American kitchen for centuries, this versatile cookware is excellent for heat retention and can transition from the stovetop to the oven or broiler. If cared for properly, an American-made cast iron skillet, griddle, and pot can be passed down from generation to generation.

Enameled cast iron is an excellent option for people new to cast iron, but the finish can be damaged easily. That being said, it can be tricky to maintain and must be seasoned properly to prevent rust. Additionally, cast iron cookware isn’t a strong heat conduit and is prone to wear and tear.

Pros:

  • Classic Materials
  • Sturdy & Durable
  • Perfect For Any Temperature

Cons:

  • Extremely high maintenance
  • Poor Heat conductor
  • Cannot be washed with soap

Best For:

Outdoor enthusiasts and wholesome cooking in the kitchen.

5. Anodized Aluminum Cookware

You may have heard of aluminum cookware and the controversy surrounding it. Anodized aluminum cookware is sealed so that no metals can leech into your foods. This means it’s non-reactive to acidic foods, evenly distributes heat, and has a nonstick surface.

But all this comes at a price. Anodized aluminum is costly and extremely heavy, so some home chefs may struggle to lift this type of cookware when it’s full of food. Additionally, it’s not dishwasher safe, so you must wash it all by hand every time.

Pros:

  • Even heat distribution
  • Doesn’t React To Acidic Foods
  • Nonstick Surface

Cons:

  • Expensive
  • Difficult To Maintain
  • Heavy

Best For:

Experienced home chefs who want to invest in high-quality cookware.

6. Carbon Steel Cookware

Made from carbon and iron, these pots and pans are non-toxic and safe to use with all types of food. Like a cast iron pan, carbon steel must be seasoned regularly, creating a chemical-free nonstick pan. It can also take higher temperatures than stainless steel without being damaged.

The downside is this cookware cannot be used to cook acidic foods, like citrus, vinegar, or tomatoes, as they can strip the patina and finish of your pan.

Pros:

  • Withstands High Temperatures
  • Safe To Use
  • Beautiful Patina

Cons:

  • High Maintenance
  • Can Leach Small Amounts Of Iron

Best For:

Home chefs who cook at high temperatures frequently and don’t mind taking the time to season the pans.

7. Ceramic Cookware

Ceramic cookware is actually made of metal but has a unique sol-gel coating that releases silicone oil each time it’s heated. This mimics a Teflon non-stick coating. They are easy to clean, though handwashing is recommended.

However, ceramic cookware is not known for its durability. These pieces lack even heat distribution. Some people question the consumption of small amounts of silicone, especially since there is little to no science to back up the safety of this practice.

Pros:

  • Non-Stick Surface
  • Easy To Maintain

Cons:

  • Not Durable
  • Leeches Silicone Into Foods

Best For:

Cooks who want a Teflon-free non-stick surface.

 An American-Made Cookware Set Is Built To Last

Much like an artist and their brushes, home chefs need the right cookware to craft delectable, inviting dishes for their family and friends. You’ll need about 10 pieces to make a complete cookware set, so choose one material or a variety that will meet your needs.

Buying American-made cookware supports US workers and keeps jobs right here in America. And you can rest assured that American-made products are made with the highest quality materials and up to the highest standards possible.

The American List has curated a resource that allows you to shop made-in-the-USA cookware from top brands like Lodge, All-Clad, and Heritage Steel. So whether you’re setting up a brand new kitchen or refreshing your existing cookware, use The American List to find high-quality pots and pans from American brands.