How to Choose a Best Cookware Sets Under 200 – Affordable Cookware Under $200



Are you looking for a best cookware set under 200? If the answer yes then you are on right place to explore best selection from plethora of choices you have on this confusing thing called internet. Online space makes the buying process easier but to choose one from the lot is not an easy job. The buying process is further made complicated if you have a limited budget and your quality parameters are set high.  So if you are looking for cheap cookware set and do not want to break the bank, you might face some difficulty.

How to Choose a Best Cookware Sets Under 200

In a Hurry?

Choose one of the best under 200 buck product from the following list:

#1 T-fal C836SD Ultimate Stainless Steel Copper Bottom 13 PC Cookware Set, Piece, Silver

#2 Cuisinart TPS-10 10 Piece Tri-ply Stainless Steel Cookware Set, PC, Silver

#3 Calphalon Classic Pots and Pans Set, 10-Piece Cookware Set, Stainless Steel

#4 Cooks Standard Stainless Steel Kitchen Cookware Sets, 10 Piece Multi-Ply Clad Pots and Pans Set with Stay-Cool Handles, Dishwasher Safe, Silver

#5 Rachael Ray 87630 Cucina Hard Anodized Nonstick Cookware Pots and Pans Set, 12 Piece, Gray with Red Handles

The average cost of a cookware set is in between 300 bucks to 400 bucks while some costing more than $1,000. It is a matter of fact that cheap cookware sets don’t come with quality attributes. But it is also a fact that buying a cookware set is not just buying a product but in reality you are making an investment. Invest more money; you will reap the value for many years to come. Low price, low quality cookware sets in most cases are always in hurry to leave your kitchen. If you are regular and enthusiastic cooker then spending little bit more money shouldn’t be a big hurdle for you. Your investment will pay its price back in term of life as well as quality of performance. A good cookware set will serve your kitchen for decade depends on the frequency of your pots and pans us.

So in this article we will not only focus on low price (under 200 bucks) but the mostly importantly the quality. A low price, garbage product is just a waste of money. It is better not buying than investing in cheap low quality cookware.  So here in our list you not only explore low price items but also will get the quality you are looking for.

High prices have psychological effects on buying process but don’t necessarily guarantee quality. But it is a fact that a high price product offers more durability. If in past you have bought high price and low price cookware sets you might notice some difference. Such as low price cookware set’s pots and pans with passage of time might developed scraped coating, warped bottoms, rickety handles and loose knobs.  And most importantly you might also notice some difference in quality of cooking experience.

But despite of the tilt towards a pricy cookware sets it doesn’t mean the market is empty of quality best low price cookware sets.  So here is in this article we put a list of quality cookware sets at begging.

Best of the Best Under 200 Cookware Sets

#1 T-fal C836SD Ultimate Stainless Steel Copper Bottom 13 PC Cookware Set, Piece, Silver

The cookware set includes the following 13 pieces:

  • 8 inches fry pan
  • 5 inches fry pan
  • 12 inches fry pan with lid
  • 1 quart saucepan with lid
  • 2 quart saucepan with lid
  • 3 quart saucepan with lid
  • 5 quart Dutch oven with lid
  • And stainless steel steamer

Key Features

  • 18/10 stainless steel robust construction formula
  • Multilayer strength; the heavy gauge base of the pots and pans with multiple layers of stainless steel, copper and aluminum makes possible even and fast distribution of heat across the cooking surface. The visible copper bottom of the cookware ensures even heat flow from the center outward.
  • The stainless steel interior is highly passive and don’t react with any type of foods. You can cook even highly acidic nature food with confidence.
  • Low heat cooking produces best results preventing food sticking to interior of the pan. Simply preheat the pan and then add little amount of oil and enjoy stick free cooking.
  • Robust ergonomic riveted handles, they are stainless steel made, secure and offer comfortable cooking.
  • Tempered glass made lid with vents offers hassle free monitoring of the cooking process. The tempered glass lid keeps moisture and heat inside while the vented hole allows a little steam escape preventing over boiling and let’s easy visibility.
  • Good to use on all stovetops including induction cook tops.
  • Oven safe up-to 500 degree F.
  • Dishwasher safe
  • Protected with lifetime warranty.

Pros

  • 18/10 stainless multilayer construction; stainless steel, copper and aluminum for even distribution of heat.
  • Tempered glass vented lids
  • Riveted handles
  • Oven safe
  • Dishwasher safe
  • Lifetime warranty

Cons

  • The handles get hot during cooking
  • Instead of triply, it is still have a thin base.
  • According to some users even with wooden spatula the cooking surface gets scratch
  • The base of pots and pans is slippery on the burner.

#2 Cuisinart TPS-10 10 Piece Tri-ply Stainless Steel Cookware Set, PC, Silver

Check the Price and Read Customers Reviews on Amazon about Cuisinart TPS-10 10 Piece Tri-ply Stainless Steel Cookware Set!

The pieces included in this 13 T-fal cookware set:

  • 5 quart Saucepan with cover
  • 5 quart Saucepan with cover
  • 3 quart Sauté Pan with helper handle and cover
  • 6 quart Stockpot with cover
  • 8 Inch Skillet
  • And 10 Inch Skillet

Key Features

  • Tri ply construction formula; an aluminum core is sandwiched between stainless interior and exterior, eliminating hot spots.
  • Nonreactive, best for cooking all types of foods.
  • Even distribution of temperature. Quick response to change in temperature.
  • Equipped with ergonomic, stainless steel riveted handles.
  • The handles stay cool on stovetop for burn free cooking experience.
  • Tempered glass covers locks heat, allows monitoring of cooking process without need for lifting the cover, locking flavor and moisture for healthier meal.
  • Dishwasher safe supports hassle free cleanup.
  • Compatible with all heat surfaces including induction cook tops.
  • Protected with lifetime warranty.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

  • Cooking process is much more predictable
  • Robust and sturdy stainless steel cookware set; will last lifetime with care
  • Even and quick heating
  • Drip free pouring thanks to tapered rim
  • Easy egg cooking; a perfect stick free cooking experience

Cons

  • The pots and pans can “stain” but it can be removed.
  • Need some attention to properly preheat but needs to avoid overheating
  • Some users are not happy with high mirror polish of the cookware. They say the pots and pans upper parts get scratch and swirl marks. But it doesn’t affect the performance of the pots and pans.
  • The surface can get scratches if used with sharp pointed metal.

#3 Calphalon Classic Pots And Pans Set, 10-Piece Cookware Set, Stainless Steel

It is another quality cookware set offered with affordable price. In this Calphalon Classic Pots And Pans Set you will get the following pieces:

  • 8 inch Fry Pan
  • 10 inch Fry Pan
  • 5 Quart Sauce Pan with Lid
  • 5 Quart Sauce Pan with Lid
  • 3 Quart Saute Pan with Lid
  • And 6 Quart Stock Pot with Lid

Key Features

  • Double brushed stainless steel construction
  • The base of the pots and pans in this cookware set comes with impact bond aluminum mean aluminum is sandwiched between two layers of stainless steel. So there is even distribution of heat across the pan and there is no hotspots buildup.
  • Compatible with all stoves such as electric, gas, halogen and induction.
  • It is metal utensils safe.
  • The marking indicating volume
  • Pots and pans come with long ergonomic handles. They stay cool eve when the pan is hot. The handles are double riveted so it will work for many years to come without any breakage.
  • Tempered glass cover keeps the moisture and heat intact while provides hassle free monitoring of the cooking process.
  • Fast heating aluminum base.
  • Dishwasher safe for hassle free cleanup.
  • Oven and broiler safe
  • Covered with full lifetime warranty

Pros

  • The marking indicating volume
  • Glass lids for easy monitoring the cooking eliminating the need for removing the cover so there is no loss of heat and moisture.
  • Covers come with straining holes that line up with pour spouts for hassle free draining of liquids so you don’t need a separate colander.
  • Aluminum base for fast and even heating, no hotspots
  • Dishwasher safe

Cons

  • The largest pot in this Calphalon stainless steel cookware set is little bit small for lot of things we do in our daily kitchen routine.

#4 Cooks Standard Stainless Steel Kitchen Cookware Sets, 10 Piece Multi-Ply Clad Pots and Pans Set with Stay-Cool Handles, Dishwasher Safe, Silver


This is not under $200 cookware from a trusted brand.

Cooks Standard Stainless Steel Kitchen Cookware Sets includes;

  • 1-1/2-quart covered saucepan
  • 3-quart covered saucepan
  • 8-inch open skillet
  • 10-inch open skillet
  • 8-quart covered stockpot
  • universal covered steamer insert

Key Features

  • The stainless steel used here is nickel free. Stainless steel plus nickel formula is being more corrosion resistant. Nickel bearing stainless steel is more commonly used in industry. Nickel is a toxin and carcinogen. This is the reason this stainless steel formula is 100% nickel free. It is a food grade 430 stainless steel (18/0). Nickel also reduces the conductive properties of the material. So being nickel free the pots and pans are more heat conductive. The cookware set has the ability to reduce energy consumption by 12 to 15 percent.
  • There is no nonstick coating so there is no risk of health hazardous substances leaching into your food.
  • Toxic PFOA and PTFE free
  • The cookware 3 ply construction and heat surround technology ensures even distribution of heat across the base and walls of the pot for fast and even cooking experience.
  • 4MM thick 3-Ply construction in the base; a pure aluminum core is a sandwiched between two layers of stainless steel to eliminate the poor heat conductivity and ensures even distribution of heat across the cooking surface. So there is faster cooking and substantial saving of energy.
  • Riveted stainless steel handles stays cool on stovetop
  • Tempered glass lid keeping heat and moisture inside the cooking space while allow hassle free monitoring.
  • Flared rims for drip free pouring
  • Compatible with all stovetops; gas, electric, ceramic, halogen and induction
  • Oven and dishwasher safe
  • The product is covered with one month free trial and lifetime customer service.

Pros

  • Triply Construction; made of three layers. The scratch resistant induction compatible exterior, mid aluminum layer for superb heat conductivity and premium grade 18/10 inner stainless steel layer.
  • Low price quality cookware set, high value for your money
  • It is pretty easy to clean. Even in case you accidently burn your food, you just need some baking soda and a fresh scouring for breeze cleanup.
  • Incomparable customers’ service. If you have any query about your new cookware set you will get a quick responsive. You wouldn’t wait for weeks!
  • The manual you will get provides detailed information about how to take care of your pots and pans. You will find it very helpful indeed!

Cons

  • As the pots and pans come in this cookware set are nonstick, so some sticky foods will stick to it. Some users complain about this problem. But honestly speaking you can’t expect a 100% stick cooking experience from a stainless steel cookware set.

Nonstick Under $200 Cookware Set

#5 Rachael Ray 87630 Cucina Hard Anodized Nonstick Cookware Pots and Pans Set, 12 Piece, Gray with Red Handles


The 12 piece Rachael Ray 87630 Cucina Hard Anodized Nonstick Cookware Pots and Pans Set includes;

 1 quart saucepan with lid

  • 2 quart saucepan with lid
  • 6 quart stockpot with lid
  • 5 inch frying pan
  • 10 inch frying pan
  • 3 quart sauté pan with lid and utensils

Key Features

  • Hard anodized construction for fast and even heat distribution
  • Oven safe up-to 400 degree F
  • Stick free cooking because of the quality and healthy nonstick cooking surface.
  • Interior nonstick coating is durable and PFOA free.
  • Dishwasher safe for breeze cleanup
  • Dual riveted handles
  • Shatter resistant glass lids allow hassle free monitoring of the cooking process. There is no need to lift the lid for viewing your food so there is no heat and moisture loss.
  • Protected with limited lifetime warranty

Pros

  • A product from a reputable brand
  • Quality and durable nonstick coating
  • Affordable price for generous number of pieces
  • Dishwasher safe despite of being nonstick. Most of the nonstick cookware sets are not dishwasher safe
  • Safe and healthy PFOA free nonstick coating
  • Hard anodized construction ensures even distribution of heat
  • Oven safe so there is no need for changing pots if your recipe needs oven treatment
  • Affordable and protected with limited lifetime warranty

Cons

  • Some users have issues with delivery of the product. They say, they get the product with some the pieces damaged.

Things Need To Consider Before Buying a Cookware Set

Besides price and quality another thing might attract your interest is the material of your cookware set. You can choose from different types of material such as stainless, ceramic and aluminum. We have not mentioned copper in your material choices because copper made cookware sets are very expensive some are even above $ 1500. So if you are looking for a copper made cookware set then it is the good time to leave this page and read our article about best copper cookware sets.

Now we will explore these cookware sets one by one in detail so that you can easily find a one best for your this excellent products.

Cookware set’s material play a vital role in its cooking-ability. So the biggest decision is your material choice.

Stainless Steel

Stainless steel is the most famous and popular material choice when a cookware buying decision is made. Pots and pans made of this material are famous for their robust construction, long lasting lifespan, glossy and shinning surface and extreme tolerance for high temperature.

They are compatible with all heat surfaces including induction stovetops. Despite of all these promising attributes these cookware sets are not limitations free. Stainless steel cookware sets are expensive when compared to competing same pieces nonstick cookware sets.

Stainless steel cookware sets also well-known for their extreme passiveness means nonreactive. They don’t react with foods, even safe for cooking acidic nature foods.

They are dishwasher safe.

The biggest objection the professionals leveled against it is its inability to work like a nonstick. Food can stick to its surface. If the stainless steel cookware set is made of pure stainless steel then it will tend to develop hotspots. Hotspots are not good for your cooking. It can spoil your cooking recipe if the preventive steps are not taken at time. Hotspots develop due to uneven distribution of heat across the cooking surface. To address this issue of uneven distribution of heat stainless steel cookware sets come with aluminum core. The aluminum core is sandwiched between two layers of stainless steel. As we know aluminum is famous for its excellent even distribution of heat. Aluminum core eliminates these bad attributes of uneven heat distribution of stainless steel. In market you will find stainless steel cookware sets with three and five layers of materials.

Aluminum

Aluminum is quite popular cookware material among the kitchen enthusiasts. Cookware sets made of aluminum come with excellent heat conductivity. Other loving attributes you will find in cookware sets made of this material are lightweight and affordability.

Aluminum is highly reactive to acidic and alkaline foods. The pots and pans made of it are soft and tend to warp especially in high temperature. They easily scratch can lead to health concern when use for long term.

Anodized Aluminum

Anodize aluminum eliminates the cons associated with pure aluminum made cookware sets such as reactivity and softness. It has been treated by electrochemical process makes it harden so eliminates the bad things associated with raw aluminum.

It is an excellent heat conductor. Although it takes longer time to heat up when compared to other materials made pots and pans.

It is starch resistant and lightweight.

Cast Iron

Cast iron made cookware sets are famous for their durability. Some brands made pots and pans with life more than hundred years are still in use. Despite of their extreme durability, they are inexpensive. It behaves as natural nonstick surface if it is properly seasoned. It allows even distribution of heat across the cooking surface so there are not hot or cold spots. Besides even distribution of heat it also works excellently for retaining heat. So the cooking surface remains hot for long time.

Some of the iron will mixed in your food, adds iron into your food for betterment of your health.

An exception option for chefs looking for a cookware that works excellently for long, low browning and simmering.

It is reactive and not a good choice to go with for acidic natured foods. It is heavy, makes cooking process little bit tiring. Slowly heats up than competing materials.

More difficult to clean and maintain when compared with other materials made pots and pans.