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The average cost of quality cookware ranges between $250 to $500. If you are looking for budget-friendly cookware, then there are some best cookware sets under 200 you can buy.
With plenty of manufacturers nowadays, the competition has brought the prices for even premium cookware as low as $200.
For to enjoy cooking and prepare delicious food, choosing a high performance, versatile, durable, and good heat conductor cookware set is the ideal step.
Cooking is an art and therefore the right cookware choice enhances your cookware tasks.
Low prices on cookware don’t necessarily mean low quality since the cookware I have selected some very reputable brands. For instance, my recommended choice, the Cuisinart MCP-12N Multiclad Pro is a durable and quality cookware set.
In this article, I have listed the best cookware sets under 200 for you to choose your suitable choice.
If You’re in a Hurry – My Tops Picks at a Glance
Things to Consider When Buying the Best Cookware Set
Before settling on a specific cookware set, you need to consider a few factors that will help you choose the best of the best.
Cooking Functions & Use
Something to consider before buying any cookware set is to know what you want to use the set for. If you’re looking for an affordable yet seemingly high-end set for cooking gourmet dinners to impress a 5-star chef, you’ll be looking for a very different set than if you simply want a fully-functional set for a college dorm or a wedding registry.
Being able to cook everything from soup to fried eggs for breakfast with a single set of cookware will serve the needs of most families. But if you already know you have a particular cookware pot or pan missing from your collection and it’s a must-have in your next, be sure to double-check that!
Construction & Material
A strong construction from durable materials indicates quality cookware and long-lasting capabilities. Thick materials are better than thin materials which can lead to hot spots, especially on stainless steel cookware.
There are many types of cookware to choose from with different construction materials and this depends on your preference or cooktop type.
You can choose cast iron, enameled cast iron, stainless steel, copper, aluminum, titanium, etc materials. Aluminum is a good conductor of heat but it reacts with food which can be an issue in time.
Stainless steel is not a good heat conductor but manufacturers bond the steel with aluminum to increase its heat distribution capability.
The right material = a quality and durable cookware set. Look for PFOA, PFAS, Lead, and Cadmium free cookware for healthy cooking.
Size
Cookware sets come in different pieces to cater to a range of family sizes and amounts cooked by the user. A large family will need cookware with many pots and pans to fulfill the cooking needs.
Also, small kitchens with limited storage area would be suitable for a cookware set with less amount of pots and pans.
If you would prefer cookware with lots of pieces of pots and pans, you can choose stackable cookware set to save you storage space.
Handles
The handles are a safety feature that is important to let you handle the cookware comfortably and safely. These handles should always remain cool even when the cookware body is hot.
Also, a tight and nonslip grip handle ensures the cookware cant slide while moving the pots and pans.
Nonstick
Nonstick cookware has become popular due to their convenience and affordable prices. With nonstick cookware, you can cook food with less oil and the cleaning is very easy.
Although there are some concerns about the nonstick materials being toxic, most of the brands have adopted PFOA and PTFE free nonstick coating materials.
Heat Distribution
Copper material is the best heat conductor followed by aluminum making them have the best heat distribution.
To solve this issue, buy a multi clad cookware (Multi-layer of materials in one). The less good heat conductors are bonded with good conductors of heat like copper and aluminum creating hybrid cookware.
Maintenance
A quality cookware set is very easy to maintain to avoid replacing cookware every year.
Consider an easy to clean, rust, corrosion, and stain-resistant cookware. Does the food stick on the cooking surface? The reviews from customers are always very on this kind of issue since it’s annoying to have food stick while cooking.
These are some of the important considerations you should make before buying a cookware set under $200.
Top 10 Best Cookware Sets Under 200
1. T-fal E765SH Ultimate Hard Anodized Nonstick 17 Piece Cookware Set (Best Value)
T-fal is one of the brands offering many different types of cookware at affordable price tags. This nonstick 17piece cookware is no exception as it comes under $200.
All T-fal nonstick pots and pans come with the Thermo Spot Indicator that turns red to show the pan or pot is well heated enough to start cooking.
The strong construction guarantees the durability of the cookware set. It is built with hard-anodized aluminum to provide better heat distribution, scratch resistance, and corrosion-free.
Its nonstick can last for several years providing the best cooking experience. Food slides smoothly on the surface and the cleanup is very easy.
The handles are riveted ensuring strong and safe handling of the pots and pans. Also, it has vented lids made of glass for easy visibility while cooking and enables trapping of heat and moisture creating perfect meals.
Set Includes:
- 8 inches fry pan
- 10.25 inches fry pan
- 11.5 inches fry pan with lid
- 10.25 inches square griddle
- 1 quart; Saucepan with lid
- 2 quart; Saucepan with lid
- 3 quart; Saucepan with lid
- 3.5 quart; deep sauté
- 5 quart; dutch oven with lid
- 3 quarts; Steamer insert with 2 side handles
- A 1 egg wonder fry pan
Features
- Dishwasher Safe
- Oven safe up to 400°F (lids up to 350°F))
- Thermo-Spot Technology
- Hard-Anodized Construction
- Interior: Titanium Nonstick
- Heat Resistant Handle
- Vented Tempered Glass Lid
2. Cuisinart MCP-12N Multiclad Pro Stainless Steel 12-Piece Cookware Set (Best Stainless Steel Set)
This cookware set has been the best stainless steel a cook can ever need for daily cooking tasks.
It comes from the Multiclad Pro line that provides deluxe cookware for home and professional chefs.
Cuisinart MCP 12N cookware construction is made of Tri-ply which is a combination of an aluminum core and stainless steel. This material fused provides a strong material and superb heat distribution.
The heat surround technology used in this cookware helps to maintain even heat distribution in all the sides of the cookware.
One good thing about this cookware is the versatility and compatibility across different cooking surfaces including induction cooktops.
Unlike some of the stainless steel cookware with handles without cool grip, this cookware has secured handles with rivets and self-basting. You can handle the pots and pans without fear of burning your hands.
Set Includes:
- 1-1/2- and 3-quart covered saucepans
- 8- and 10-inch open skillets;
- 3-1/2-quart covered saute pan
- 8-quart covered stockpot
- steamer insert with lid
Features
- Oven safe up to 550F
- Dishwasher safe
- Rims are tapered for drip-free pouring
- Cool grip handles secured with stainless steel rivets
- Suitable for use with induction cooktops
- Triple Ply Construction
- 18/10 stainless steel
3. Rachael Ray 16344 Cucina Nonstick Cookware Pots and Pans Set, 12 Piece, Agave Blue
If you love beauty and style in your cookware options then this is the perfect cookware set to choose. It comes with 7 different colors to choose from creating a stylish kitchen.
With the 12 pieces of the cookware set, you can achieve all the cooking tasks in the kitchen with ease.
The nonstick cookware is free from PFOA that means it doesn’t release harmful chemicals. Its porcelain enamel surface enables easy sliding of food without sticking.
It comes with sturdy handles and tight-fitting lids to ensure the safe handling of the pots and pans. Handles have the stay-cool feature for comfortable handling while cooking at high temperatures.
Rachael Ray 16344 Cucina Nonstick Cookware is made of durable aluminum and hard enamel porcelain exteriors. This is not the typical nonstick cookware without a guarantee of durability but is the real deal for long-lasting usage.
Set Includes:
- 1 Quart and 3 Quart Covered Saucepans
- 6 Quart Covered Stockpot
- 8.5 Inch and 10 Inch Skillets
- 3 Quart Covered Sauté Pan
- Slotted Turner and Spoon
Features
- Oven safe to 400°F
- Sturdy construction and hard enamel exteriors
- PFOA-free nonstick
- Comfortable, silicone dual-riveted handles
- Over 5 colors
4. Cuisinart TPS-10 10 Piece Tri-ply Stainless Steel Cookware Set
This is a good alternative cookware set for the Cuisinart MCP-12N Multiclad Pro that has 10 piece pots and pans.
It is made of a Try-ply construction and polished exterior which gives it a sleek appearance in the kitchen.
The heat surround technology always makes sure even heat distribution in all the sides of the pots and pans eliminating hot spots.
Cuisinart stainless steel cookware is built for convenience with it being compatible with all the cooktops including induction. Cool grip handles ensure a secure grip while cooking without the risk of burns.
Set Includes:
- 1.5 Qt. Saucepan with cover
- 2.5 Qt. Saucepan with cover
- 3.0 Sauté Pan with cover and helper handle
- 6.0 Qt. Stockpot with cover
- 8” Skillet and 10” Skillet
Features
- Heat Surround technology
- Oven safe to 500 F
- Rims of cookware are tapered for drip-free pouring
- Cool Grip stick handles
- Professional triple ply construction
- Dishwasher Safe
- Lifetime Warranty
5. Farberware 71238 Classic Stainless Steel Cookware Pots and Pans Set, 17-Piece
A budget-friendly yet quality stainless steel cookware set.
The pots and pans are made of full cap bases with stainless steel layered over thick aluminum cores. The aluminum core help to provide even heat distribution.
Its handles boast a stylish and comfortable grasp for easy handling. The lids come with a bell shape, rolled rims, and knobs.
What makes this a unique set compared to others is the inclusion of the cookie sheet and cake pan, which makes it a truly well-rounded set to cover just about all of your cooking needs!
Set Includes:
- 1 Quart 2 Quart and 3 Quart Saucepans with Lids
- 4 Quart Saucepot with Lid
- 8 Quart Stockpot with Lid
- 8-inch and 10-inch Nonstick Frying Pans
- 9-inch x 13-inch Cookie Sheet
- 9-inch x 13-inch Cake Pan
- 3-piece nesting mixing bowl set
Features
- Oven safe to 350° F
- Polished Stainless Steel Construction
- Bell-shaped, stainless steel lids look great
- Dishwasher safe
- Full Cap Base
- Comfortable handles with iconic styling
- Lifetime Warranty
Best Cookware Sets Under 200 FAQ
Is expensive cookware worth it?
Sometimes, but not always. Most of that decision rides on your needs in the kitchen, and perhaps on your cooking skills.
If you’re going off for your first year of college or finally moving into a place of your own, a cheap but functional and durable set of cookware will do the job as well as a $1,000 set. Unless you are going/went to college for culinary arts, you likely won’t even notice much difference between using one set to the next.
That said, higher quality does typically correlate to a higher price tag as well, but don’t let that be your only consideration when purchasing!
How much should I spend on a good set of pots and pans?
There is no reason that any number is the “right” number to spend on a good set of cookware. You can absolutely buy a cookware set for under $200, as seen on the list above, and have it be a durable, well-made, good-quality set that will last you quite some time.
The important thing is to keep the purchase within your budget, to make sure the included dishes suit your needs, and to make sure that the maintenance and durability will stand up to the needs in your kitchen.
What are the best quality cookware brands? What are the best cookware brands overall?
While your budget often is going to the very first consideration when choosing a new cookware set, that shouldn’t be the final consideration too.
Per Consumer Reports, the top cookware brands they list are:
- All-Clad
- Anolon
- Calphalon
- Circulon
- Cuisinart
- Faberware
- Chefmate
- KitchenAid
- Le Creuset
- Mainstays
- Swiss Diamond
- T-Fal
- Tramontina
- Rachael Ray
- WearEver
You’ll notice many of those brands are found in our budget-friendly cookware options listed above, so you can be sure that you’re getting a good-quality set regardless of a much lower price tag!
Conclusion
The above-listed cookware sets are the best you can buy for high-performance cooking at an affordable price.
I have included different varieties and brands for more diversity.
Purchasing the best cookware for under $200 is an investment that should bring value and last for a long time cooking delicious meals.
I hope this post helps you find the cookware set you have been yearning for in your kitchen.