I am a huge advocate of having the right tools in the kitchen, from appliances to knives and everything in between. After all, your tools can limit your capabilities as well as allow you to reach new heights. As far as choosing the best equipment for your cooking needs, you will first have to consider a few things so that you can make a well-informed decision before jumping in.
In this article, I will discuss the best pots and pans specifically for the gas stovetop.
The purchase of a set of cookware signifies your commitment to home cooking and dictates the way you will prepare delicious healthy meals. The goal is to find something that will be compatible with your style of cooking that will also get you excited to get into the kitchen. Before you get started it is best to figure out your budget, the amount of space you can dedicate to storage, and the type of surface that you want to cook on.
Beyond that, it will benefit you to know more about how the mechanics of heat transfer and conductivity. Seems complex, but in this article, I will break things down so that you can better understand which set of pots and pans will be a fit for your needs. My goal is to steer you in the right direction so that you are equipped with the essentials you need to get into the kitchen and feel excited about preparing home-cooked meals for yourself and the people you care about.
What Should I Look For When Buying Pots and Pans for Gas Stoves?
There are a number of things that you should consider when buying a set of pots and pans for your gas stove. After all, cookware is really so much more than what meets the eye. Of course, your cookware should be nice to look at, but, much like buying a car, it is important to know what is under the hood.
There are a number of criteria that you should consider before making your purchase.
Criteria #1: Budget. Are you looking for an investment set or something a bit more economical? I have included a wide range of prices for sets of pots and pans for gas stovetops so you can make the best choice for your budget.
Criteria #2: Type of cooking surface. Are you looking for nonstick, stainless steel, or otherwise? I will cover the pros and cons of a variety of cooking surfaces so that you can feel confident that you are getting the best material for your gas stove cooking needs.
Criteria #3: Heat Transfer. How uniformly does it cook, heat up, and handle temperature changes? Some metals are best for even heat distribution while others excel at heat retention. This article will guide you in choosing the gas stove cookware set for optimal efficiency.
Criteria #4: Maintenance. What will the cleanup be like? Nobody wants to spend a lot of time cleaning up after cooking. This article will give you some insight into what you can expect in terms of whether or not your pans are dishwasher safe, as well as the best ways to keep things in the best working order.
Here’s How We’ve Determined the Best Pots and Pans for a Gas Stove
I looked at a lot of pots and pans for gas stovetops, taking into consideration how well they perform, especially when compared with others that boasted similar claims. In this article, I focused on how users felt after putting them to use in their own home kitchen. The bottom line is that these sets of cookware for gas stoves will meet your kitchen needs within your budget.
#1: Cuisinart MCP-12N Multiclad Pro Stainless Steel 12-Piece Cookware Set (Best Value – All-Purpose)
My choice for the best value in an all-purpose cookware set is the Cuisinart Multiclad Pro Tri-Ply Stainless Steel 12 Piece Cookware Set. This is a really great line of cookware in a great variety of pieces that will offer great flexibility in the kitchen.
The polished 18/10 grade stainless steel interior and brushed stainless exterior offer durability and a nice appearance. There is more than meets the eye, however, with an aluminum core that lines the entire pan, including the sides, for even heat distribution throughout. Because aluminum is such a good conductor, this will not only heat up swiftly on your gas stovetop, it will also respond to temperature changes quickly, giving you control over your cooking to better prevent burning or overcooking.
Another feature that makes this set a really solid contender is the design of the pots and pans. With sturdy riveted handles and cool-grip lid handles, this cookware has a high-end feel that gives the user confidence in its safety.
Each piece in this set boasts a really nicely shaped rim that makes for clean and smooth pouring, eliminating splashing and spilling down the sides. This type of detail is something we would expect out of expensive pots and pans, and we were happy to see that they didn’t cut corners for this nicely priced set.
As far as the variety of pieces, this stainless steel cookware set really covers a lot of the basics with some added features that set it apart. Included in this set are these pieces.
- 1.5 quart saucepan with lid
- 3 quart saucepan with lid
- 3.5 quart sauté pan with helper handle and lid
- 8 quart stockpot with lid
- 8″ skillet
- 10″ skillet
- 20cm steamer insert with cover
I am a fan of the stainless steel lids and handles that make these pots and pans set suitable for stovetop-to-oven safe. You can feel comfortable finishing things under the broiler or braising in the oven without having to transfer them into another pan. Furthermore, these pots and pans can easily double as an induction cookware set, giving you flexibility beyond your gas stovetop.
While some reviewers found this dishwasher-safe cookware to be a bit hard to maintain, some suggesting that they had issues with the food sticking to the surface, it became clear that, following the recommended method for preheating the pan properly before adding oil, this could likely be avoided. Some noticed that the exterior showed some darkening or dulling over time. Many recommended Barkeepers Friend to restore the original appearance.
#2: All-Clad BD005714 D5 Brushed 18/10 Stainless Steel 5-Ply Bonded Dishwasher Safe Cookware Set, 14-Piece, Silver (Best Set)
The choice for the best set of cookware for gas stoves is the All-Clad BD005714 D5 Brushed 18/10 Stainless Steel 5-Ply Bonded Dishwasher Safe 14-piece Cookware Set. This is the type of cookware that is designed for serious cooks. It can comfortably sustain heavy-duty cooking both in the commercial kitchen, as well as the home kitchen. Chefs stand by this brand for its durability and dependability. As far as I’m concerned, that is a pretty strong argument considering the abuse that cookware can endure in a professional kitchen.
With a price tag that is four times the price of our best value set, it is worth noting that this is the type of cookware that will last a lifetime. In fact, you may even pass this one down to your children. Serious cooks can feel like they are getting an investment piece which, in the end, is a smart purchase if you can afford it, making these the best pots and pans for gas stove cooking.
Reason #1: Superior Heat Transfer
This particular line of stainless steel cookware features a patented technology of five alternating layers of responsive aluminum and durable heat-diffusing stainless steel, each serving a specific purpose.
This set boasts stainless steel on both the interior and exterior with two layers of aluminum for heat transfer and distribution and an additional layer of stainless at the core for strength. The result is warp-free durability and supremely even heating that eliminates hotspots.
Reason #2: Most Versatility
I really like this set because it offers a great selection of stainless steel cookware. Included are the following.
- 8-inch Fry Pan
- 10-inch Fry Pan
- 2-quart Sauce Pan with lid
- 3-quart Sauce Pan with lid
- 4-quart Saute Pan with lid
- 5.5-quart Dutch Oven with lid
- 8-quart Stockpot with lid
- 12-quart Stockpot with lid
Reason #3: Unique Features
The people at All-Clad have taken this set to the next level with a few features that set it apart from the rest. Each long handle is equipped with a contoured bolster for easy grip and control. This feature makes it comfortable when lifting or moving, providing stability which translates to better safety.
The pots and lids boast oversized handles that make it easy to grip and handle, even with potholders. Again, a feature that shows consideration for comfort and – more importantly – safety.
Finally, each pan is marked with its capacity on the bottom. This takes some of the guesswork out of your cooking, especially when making larger quantity soups or sauces. Perhaps a small detail, though one that demonstrates great attention to detail.
#3: Ninja Foodi NeverStick Premium Hard-Anodized 16-Piece Cookware Set (Best Non-Stick Set)
For those home cooks who prefer a non-stick cookware set, I really like the Ninja Foodi NeverStick Premium Hard-Anodized 16-Piece Cookware Set. With unique NeverStick technology that allows you to cook, saute, or simmer without the use of oil, it seems like Ninja Foodi has come up with a way to provide durability, high heat cooking, and great heat transfer in a way that no other non-stick cookware has been previously able.
This particular line of nonstick cookware has a hard-anodized exterior, which has undergone a natural process to chemically oxidize the cooking surface of the pan. The result is something that is more durable, is somewhat nonstick, and doesn’t react with whatever you are cooking. It also conducts heat very fast and evenly, though not quite as quickly as pure aluminum. It has a forged aluminum base for better conductivity and heat retention. The sides of these pans are designed to be thinner for heat distribution then thicker at the rims for durability. Overall, the construction is very well-designed with a specific purpose.
For those non-stick fans who are familiar with the special care that this type of cookware requires, it is notable that this line of pots and pans alleges that they can sustain the use of metal utensils. That, I suspect, is a bit of a tall claim. A few reviews suggest that, while this may be somewhat true, staying with plastic or silicone tools would probably extend the life of these pans. There is really no need to take any chances, especially given that there is a great deal of nonstick-safe utensils that are widely available.
Tempered glass lids round out this set, providing an opportunity to keep an eye on your cooking without removing the top and losing heat. I like the stainless-steel, stay-cool, double-riveted handles which feel sturdy and safe, not to mention heat-proof.
As far as clean-up, expect to scrub less, due to the nature of the non-stick surface. While these pans claim to be dishwasher-safe, a few reviews suggest that careful handwashing will not only extend the life of your cookware, it will likely prevent discoloration which tended to occur in some cases. As far as I’m concerned, I would never take any chances on the effects of a dishwasher, especially with pans that are already likely to clean up quite easily.
Overall, this is a really nice set of pots and pans for a gas stove, as well as electric and induction. It is a solid choice for those looking specifically for a non-stick set that can function with little or no oil and stand up to a moderate amount of kitchen abuse.
#4: T-fal C836SD Ultimate Stainless Steel Copper Bottom 13 PC Cookware Set, Piece, Silver (Best Low-Cost)
My choice for the Best Low-Cost cookware for gas stoves is the T-fal C836SD Ultimate Stainless Steel Copper Bottom 13 PC Cookware Set. This set boasts a multi-layer strength with its heavy gauge base comprised of multiple layers of stainless steel, copper, and aluminum for fast, even heat transfer.
With its durable 18/10 grade stainless steel cooking surface, you can feel confident that it won’t react with acidic foods in the way some aluminum pans might. As with other stainless sets, proper heating and a small amount of oil will inhibit sticking, making this a relatively low-maintenance set. In the event you do incur some sticking, users found that hand washing restored these pans to like-new condition. Dishwashing is also an option here for easy cleanup.
Other features include sturdy stainless handles that are secured with rivets and designed for comfort and safety when handling and vented tempered glass lids that trap heat and moisture that allow a bit of steam to escape, giving you some visibility while helping to prevent boiling over on your stovetop. These details make for stovetop-to-oven flexibility up to 500 degrees – a bonus for this reasonably priced cookware set.
These pans feature interior measuring marks for easy filling. This will come in handy when making soups and sauces, taking some of the pre-measuring or guesswork out of your cooking. Perhaps a small detail, but one that signifies that this cookware has been well-thought-out with the needs of the cook in mind.
Included in this set are a nice variety of pieces that will give you some flexibility when cooking for a group.
- 8-inch fry pan
- 10.5-inch fry pan
- 12-inch 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
- Stainless steel steamer
#5: Lodge Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron 5 Piece Set (Best Cast Iron Set)
I would be remiss if I did not include a cast iron cookware set in my list of best pots and pans for gas stovetops. In my own kitchen, the cast iron pans I have acquired over the years are some of my favorites. I embrace them for their rugged durability and their ability to get a great sear on whatever I am cooking.
Lodge Cast Iron is a tried-and-true, American-made company that has been making heirloom-quality cookware and accessories since 1896. If you are lucky enough to have had some of their cast iron pieces for years, you can attest to their reliability – perfect for gas stovetops, campfires, and induction cooking.
Gone are the days of seasoning cast iron pans which takes time and can be a bit messy as this set comes preseasoned with vegetable oil giving it an easy-release finish that improves with use. With care and proper handling, these pans will accrue a smooth dark surface that provides the ability to cook consistently, at high heat, and with the perk of fantastic heat distribution and retention that cast iron is known for.
Protecting that finish is really important, but note that it is really quite simple. While you should never put your cast iron pans in the dishwasher, they are easily washed by hand with warm water and a drop of mild dish soap. It is important to use something non-abrasive, rinsing well and drying thoroughly over low heat or with a lint-free cloth. Once dry, a very light layer of oil while the pan is still warm will benefit the finish and prevent it from rusting.
For those who are looking for further evidence that cast iron cooking is beneficial, it is worth noting that foods prepared in cast iron cookware become fortified with iron – a welcome perk for those who are looking to add iron to their diet.
Another thing I love about cast iron is its affordability. You can get your hands on this 5-piece set quite reasonably and feel confident that it will be around for decades. You may even pass these down to your children.
Budget Options
The bottom line in the purchase of any kitchen tool or appliance is the cost. Moving forward, the following are great contenders that won’t break the bank.
#1 Best Budget: Rachael Ray Cucina Hard Anodized Nonstick Cookware Pots and Pans Set, 12 Piece
The first in my list of Best Budget pots and pans for a gas stove is the 12 piece Rachael Ray Cucina Hard-Anodized Nonstick Cookware Pots and Pans Set. I like to think of this as a decent starter cookware set for someone cooking for one or two people, as the pans are a bit on the small side for a family.
The exterior of these pans is comprised of hard-anodized aluminum that provides relatively fast and even heating. The interior is coated with long-lasting PFOA-free nonstick for easy food release. Together, these surfaces make for easy cleanup and ease of use.
Other features include double-riveted, shatterproof glass lids and silicone-over-stainless-steel handles. They are designed to withstand heat up to 400 degrees. Some reviews indicated that, despite the silicone, the handles did tend to get a bit hot. Something to keep in mind if you do plan to use these in the oven.
As far as maintenance goes, these pans require the use of nonstick-safe utensils. Kudos to the people at Rachel Ray for including some with this set, taking some of the guesswork out of things. Beyond that these pans are dishwasher safe, making them a breeze to clean up.
Included in this set are the following.
- 1-quart saucepan with lid
- 2-quart saucepan with lid
- 6- quart stockpot with lid
- 8.5-inch frying pan
- 10-Inch frying pan
- 3-quart sauté pan with lid
- Utensils
Overall, this is a nice starter set for singles or young couples that like to spend some time in the kitchen without sinking a lot of time or money into their cookware. I don’t feel that this is a set that will last a lifetime, though with some care you can expect to enjoy your time in the kitchen.
#2 Best Budget: T-fal Ultimate Hard Anodized Nonstick 12 Piece Cookware Set
Another strong contender in the budget category is the T-fal Ultimate Hard Anodized Nonstick 12 Piece Cookware Set. With a strong hard-anodized aluminum exterior that retains heat, these pans are hard titanium-reinforced, with a scratch-resistant and toxin-free nonstick interior.
One really nice feature that sets these pans apart from the rest is the Thermo spot indicator which turns solid red to show when pans are perfectly preheated. This shows some great foresight on the part of the people at T-fal who recognize the importance of a properly preheated pan. The results mean more even cooking and better searing for optimal flavor and texture.
Other details include riveted handles and vented, tempered glass lids for better visibility when in use. A silicone coating for comfort and safety doesn’t necessarily mean you can abandon your oven mitts, however.
These pans are dishwasher safe and, with proper care, should serve you well for a number of years. Included in this set are these pieces.
- 8-inch fry pan
- 10-inch fry pan
- 1-quart saucepan with lid
- 2-quart saucepan with lid
- 3-quart saucepan with lid
- 5 quart Dutch oven with lid
- Solid spoon and slotted spatula
#3 Best Budget: ELO Skyline Stainless Steel Kitchen Induction Cookware Pots and Pans Set with Air Ventilated Lids
My final selection for budget pots and pans for a gas stove is the ELO Skyline Stainless Steel Kitchen Induction Cookware Pots and Pans Set. This German cookware set features 18/10 grade stainless steel that is shiny and polished both inside and out for a nice-looking finish. This non-reactive cookware set is an adequate starter set for those who prefer the durability and look of stainless.
Each pot and pan is made with a sturdy, capsulated bottom for an even distribution of heat. Reviewers widely expressed that they felt substantial without being too heavy. Every piece in this set is fitted with a stainless-rimmed, transparent glass lid that is vented for steam release and better visibility while cooking and ergonomic handles for ease of use.
Like the other budget options, this is an adequate starter cookware set that would be sufficient for singles or couples. While there is a decent range in pot size, I think this is lacking a shallow frying pan which would round out this set quite nicely.
For ease of care, these pots and pans are dishwasher safe.
Included in this set are the following.
- 6.5-inch Stainless Steel 18/10 low casserole pot with glass lid
- 7-inch Stainless Steel 18/10 low casserole pot with glass lid
- 8-inch Stainless Steel 18/10 high casserole pot with glass lid
- 9.5-inch Stainless Steel 18/10 high casserole pot with glass lid
- 6.5-inch Stainless Steel 18/10 saucepan with glass lid
Frequently Asked Questions
Can You Use Nonstick Pans on a Gas Stove?
Absolutely! Nonstick pans work great on a gas stovetop. It is worth noting, nonstick pans should not be left over high heat on any stovetop for safety and longevity.
Can You Use Induction Cookware on a Gas Stove?
Yes, induction pots and pans can be used on gas stoves. The key difference between traditional cookware and induction cookware is a ferromagnetic unit that’s installed on the base. Otherwise, they are built in much the same way as your traditional cookware.
Can You Use Ceramic Cookware on a Gas Stove?
Yes, ceramic cookware performs very well on a gas stovetop. Because it is designed to withstand very high temperatures, upwards of 800 degrees, you can absolutely feel confident using it over the flame of a gas range.
Can You Use Hard Anodized Cookware on a Gas Stove?
Yes, hard anodized cookware does just fine on a gas stove. Because these pans are durable, they perform really well over your gas burners.
Can You Use Cast Iron Pots on a Gas Stove?
Cast iron is a great match for your gas stove. It can handle high heat and maintains temperature really well.
Verdict: Your Best Pots and Pans for a Gas Stove
I’ve covered a lot of ground on the best pots and pas for gas stovetops, offering a wide range of prices, finishes, and features. Here’s the breakdown of my findings.
If you want the best value for your money, pick the Cuisinart Multiclad Pro Tri-Ply Stainless Steel 12 Piece Cookware Set.
If you need something nonstick, pick the Ninja Foodi NeverStick Premium Hard-Anodized 16-Piece Cookware Set.
If you want to keep the spend under $190, choose the T-fal C836SD Ultimate Stainless Steel Copper Bottom 13 PC Cookware Set.
Cooking over a gas stovetop is my preferred cooking method. I like the control it provides me, cranking up the heat at a moment’s notice or extinguishing the flame altogether in a flash. There are a great many options in the search for the best pots and pans for this type of cooking, assuredly one that will suit your budget as well as your needs making your time in the kitchen most enjoyable.
