Cookware

Magnet Test First: The Best Induction Cookware Set

The best induction cookware set for your stove: clad Tramontina and Made In, nonstick All-Clad and Ninja, and how to test any pan with a magnet.

A cook stirring food in one of several small pots on a stove
A cook working several pots at once.

Induction changes what you can buy. A pan only works if its base is magnetic, so a favorite aluminum skillet or copper pot may simply sit there, stone cold, on an induction top. When you are shopping for a whole set, you need to know that every piece in the box will work, not just most of them.

Every set on this page names induction in its listing, and we repeat what each maker says. We chose them for a kitchen that cooks on induction every day, so they run from clad stainless to PTFE and ceramic nonstick. For a broader comparison, see our best cookware set guide. If you are still shopping for the stove itself, our best induction cooktop guide is a good place to start.

Julia’s earns a commission on purchases made through links on this page, at no cost to you. Recommendations are based on what a restaurant kitchen looks for in an induction cookware set, product specifications and maker information, which we name where we use it.

Quick verdict: which induction cookware set to buy

For most kitchens, the best induction cookware set is the Tramontina Signature Tri-Ply Clad 11-Piece: fully clad steel, stated to work on induction, with three saucepans and a pasta insert. For even heavier pans, choose the five-ply Made In 10-Piece, and on a smaller budget the T-fal Pro Tri-Ply 10-Piece keeps the clad build. If you want nonstick, the All-Clad HA1 8-Piece has a stainless-steel base and plainly stated PTFE.

We also cover ceramic nonstick, a set with high oven limits, a budget nonstick set and a copper-base set.

Five induction sets side by side

Five of the eight, one for each kind of cook, with what the maker or listing says about induction. All eight are reviewed below.

Set Best for Build Induction statement Buy on Amazon
Most induction kitchens Tri-ply clad stainless Works with all stovetops, including induction View on Amazon
Serious cooks on induction 5-ply clad, made in Italy Top layer of 430 stainless View on Amazon
Clad steel on a smaller budget Tri-ply, bonded to the rim Named in the title View on Amazon
Nonstick on induction Hard-anodized, steel base Any stovetop, including induction View on Amazon
PTFE-free nonstick on induction Ceramic-coated, thick aluminum base All stovetops, including induction View on Amazon

Product images from Amazon. Specifications are as stated by each maker or listing; check the listing before you buy.

Our picks for the best induction cookware set

Clad steel comes first, as it suits most people cooking on induction every day. Nonstick and base-only sets follow where they fit.

1. Tramontina Signature Tri-Ply Clad 11-Piece Set – Fully Clad With a Pasta Insert

Best overallTramontina Signature Tri-Ply Clad Stainless Steel 11-Pc Pots and Pans Set

Clad stainless steel is the sensible default for an induction range, and this Tramontina set is a good way to buy it. The tri-ply body has an aluminum core for even heat and is listed as working on all stovetops, including induction, gas, electric and ceramic glass. It is NSF certified and dishwasher safe, according to the title, and oven safe to 500°F.

The mix of pieces is good for a real kitchen. You get 8- and 10-inch frying pans, 1.5-, 3- and 4-quart saucepans with lids, and a 6-quart stock pot with a lid and pasta strainer insert. Three saucepans is a lot of options for rice, beans and salsa going at once, and the insert saves buying a colander for pasta or vegetables.

We list a larger Tramontina Signature 12-piece on our best cookware set guide. This is a different assortment from the same line, and we include it because of the insert and the plain statement on induction. One gap: the largest frying pan is 10 inches, so you may want a separate larger pan for a family.

Why we like it

  • Tri-ply clad with aluminum core
  • Induction named on the listing
  • Three saucepans and a pasta insert
  • NSF certified per the listing title
  • Oven safe to 500°F

Key specifications

Model 80116/127DS
Pieces 11
Build Tri-ply clad stainless
Cooking surface Stainless
Induction statement All stovetops, including induction
Oven limit 500°F
Cleaning Dishwasher safe
Warranty Not stated on this listing

Why we recommend it

This is the set we would suggest to most people moving to induction, since it covers daily cooking without any nonstick coating to replace.

Skip it if you want a 12-inch skillet in the box. The largest pan here is 10 inches.

Pros and cons

Pros

  • Strong mix of pots
  • Works on any stove you might move to
  • Sold by Amazon when we checked

Cons

  • No large skillet
  • Steel needs preheating to reduce sticking

Check price on Amazon

2. Made In 10-Piece Stainless Clad Set – Five Layers and a Saucier

Best five-plyMade In Cookware - 10 Piece Stainless Steel Pot and Pan Set - 5 Ply Clad - Includes Stainless Steel Frying Pans

Made In is the most explicit of these makers about why its cookware works on induction: it says a layer of 430 stainless steel in its five-layer build does the job. The 5-ply construction is intended for professional-quality heat distribution, and the pieces are crafted in Italy, with stay-cool handles fastened by stainless steel rivets.

This set is smaller in piece count than some, but the sizes are thoughtful: 8- and 10-inch frying pans, 2- and 4-quart saucepans with lids, a 3-quart saucier with a lid and an 8-quart stock pot with a lid. The saucier, with its curved sides, is a handy extra, as it makes it easy to whisk a mole or a cream sauce.

This listing doesn’t state an oven limit or care instructions for the set. On Made In’s site, its stainless rondeau in the same material is rated to 800°F and recommended for hand washing, which gives a guide, but check the set’s own care sheet. It was sold by Made In when we checked.

Why we like it

  • Five layers with an induction-ready 430 stainless layer
  • Includes a saucier
  • Crafted in Italy
  • 8-quart stock pot in the box

Key specifications

Model KIT-10-ISS
Pieces 10
Build 5-ply clad stainless
Cooking surface Stainless
Induction statement Works with any cooktop, including induction
Oven limit Not stated on this listing
Cleaning Not stated on this listing
Warranty Not stated on this listing

Why we recommend it

This suits someone who cooks most days and wants heavier, more even pans for the long term.

Skip it if you want a big skillet, or you need every detail on one listing. It’s light on some specifics.

Pros and cons

Pros

  • Very thorough build
  • Good mix including a saucier
  • Sold by the maker

Cons

  • Oven and care not on this listing
  • No 12-inch skillet

Check price on Amazon

A pan with fish cooking on a flat black cooktop beside a ladle
Fish cooking in a pan on a flat black cooktop.

3. T-fal Pro Tri-Ply 10-Piece Induction Set – NSF Certified Clad Steel for Less

Best value cladT-fal Pro Tri-Ply Stainless Steel 10-Piece Induction Cookware Set

This set has the word induction in its title, and the rest of the listing backs it up. T-fal says the tri-ply body is fully bonded to the rim and works with all cooktops, including induction. It is certified by NSF, and it is oven safe to 500°F, with the lids rated to 350°F. It is dishwasher safe, with a limited lifetime warranty.

You get 8- and 10.5-inch frying pans, 2- and 3-quart saucepans with glass lids, and a 6-quart Dutch oven with a glass lid. The built-in measuring marks are a helpful touch on a weeknight, since you can add water for rice or beans directly to the pan. The interior is polished and the exterior has a mirror finish.

What you give up compared with Tramontina’s set is the third saucepan and the pasta insert. You also get glass lids rather than stainless, so take care with them near the edge of the counter. But for the essentials of clad cooking on induction, this is a strong and simple way in.

Why we like it

  • Fully bonded to the rim
  • Induction and NSF stated on the listing
  • Measuring marks inside
  • Oven safe to 500°F

Key specifications

Model Tri-Ply Stainless Steel
Pieces 10
Build Tri-ply stainless, bonded to the rim
Cooking surface Polished stainless
Induction statement All cooktops, including induction
Oven limit 500°F (lids 350°F)
Cleaning Dishwasher safe
Warranty Limited lifetime

Why we recommend it

For a cook moving to induction on a budget who still wants clad steel, this set is the first one to compare against the Tramontina.

Skip it if you want a third saucepan or stainless lids. Choose the Tramontina for those.

Pros and cons

Pros

  • Clear induction claim
  • Handy measuring marks
  • Sold by Amazon when we checked

Cons

  • Glass lids have a lower heat limit
  • Fewer pots than the top pick

Check price on Amazon

4. All-Clad HA1 8-Piece Nonstick Set – PTFE on a Stainless-Steel Base

Best nonstickAll-Clad HA1® Nonstick 8-Piece Pots & Pans Set

Aluminum alone doesn’t work on induction, so a nonstick set depends on what is bonded to the bottom of each pan. All-Clad’s HA1 has a stainless-steel base on a hard-anodized body, which it says improves durability, resists warping and gives even, consistent heat. It says the set works on any stovetop, including induction.

The nonstick is PTFE, which All-Clad states plainly. Pieces are 8- and 10-inch fry pans, 2.5- and 3.5-quart covered saucepans and an 8-quart covered stockpot. It is oven safe to 500°F with glass lids to 350°F, and rated dishwasher safe, though All-Clad suggests soap and a sponge to preserve the nonstick, along with silicone, nylon or wooden utensils.

Be aware that this line is designed in Pennsylvania and made in China, as the listing says, unlike All-Clad’s clad stainless made in the US. Nonstick also has a shorter life than steel, whatever the name on it. Keep the heat moderate, and plan on replacing the frying pans some years from now.

Why we like it

  • Stainless-steel base for induction
  • Plainly stated PTFE coating
  • 8-quart stockpot in the box
  • Limited lifetime warranty

Key specifications

Model 11644913861
Pieces 8
Build Hard-anodized aluminum, stainless base
Cooking surface PTFE nonstick
Induction statement Any stovetop, including induction
Oven limit 500°F (lids 350°F)
Cleaning Dishwasher safe; hand wash preserves nonstick
Warranty Limited lifetime

Why we recommend it

Buy this if you mostly want easy release on induction, from a brand that states the coating it uses.

Skip it if you want cookware that lasts decades. The coating won’t, and a clad set will.

Pros and cons

Pros

  • Easy release and cleanup
  • Clear statement on coating
  • High oven rating for nonstick

Cons

  • Coating wears with time
  • Needs non-metal tools

Check price on Amazon

5. Ninja Ceramic Pro 11-Piece Set – A Ceramic Coating and a Ten-Year Guarantee

Best ceramicNinja Ceramic Pro 11Piece Cookware Set

If you want a coating other than PTFE, this is the one to look at. Ninja says this set has a titanium-infused ceramic coating and is designed without lead, cadmium, PFOA and PTFE. Those are the maker’s own statements. It also makes comparisons with Caraway and HexClad that we can’t confirm, so we would not base a decision on them.

What stands out is what Ninja is prepared to promise: a 10-year nonstick guarantee when used as directed. Ninja says the pots and pans are metal utensil safe, dishwasher safe and broil-capable to 550°F. All of that is unusually tough-sounding for a ceramic coating, so read the terms of the guarantee and keep your receipt.

The 4 mm aluminum base is for heat distribution, and the set is listed as compatible with induction. In the box are an 8-inch fry pan with lid, 10.25-inch fry pan, 1.5- and 2.5-quart saucepans with lids, a 3-quart sauté pan with lid, and a 6-quart stock pot with lid. Glass lids are flat so they stack more tidily.

Why we like it

  • Maker says no PTFE or PFOA
  • Stated 10-year nonstick guarantee
  • Compatible with induction
  • Broil-capable to 550°F by the listing

Key specifications

Model CW39011GN
Pieces 11
Build Aluminum, 4 mm base
Cooking surface Titanium-infused ceramic coating
Induction statement Gas, electric, glass ceramic, induction
Oven limit 550°F
Cleaning Dishwasher safe
Warranty 10-year guarantee (as directed)

Why we recommend it

This fits a cook who wants ceramic nonstick on induction and a long written guarantee behind it.

Skip it if you want the maximum life from your cookware. Ceramic coatings tend to fade sooner, whatever a brand promises.

Pros and cons

Pros

  • Long stated guarantee
  • Wide range of pieces
  • High heat rating for a coating

Cons

  • Some claims can’t be checked
  • Coating may lose release over time

Check price on Amazon

A woman in a patterned top pouring from a stainless steel pot above two pans on a stove
Pouring from a stainless pot above two pans.

6. OXO Enhanced 10-Piece Tri-Ply Set – Tough, With a 600°F Rating

Best for high oven heatOXO Enhanced 10 Piece Tri-Ply Stainless Steel Cookware Set

OXO’s Enhanced set is tri-ply, with two layers of stainless steel around a responsive aluminum core. It is rated for all stovetops, including induction, and for the oven and broiler to 600°F, with lids to 425°F. That is the highest oven rating of any stainless set on this page that states one.

The pieces are 8- and 9.5-inch frying pans, 1.57- and 2.1-quart saucepans with lids, a 6-quart stockpot with lid and a 3-quart sauté pan with lid. The sauté pan is the handy piece for an induction cook, because it holds a sauce or a pan of chicken and rice. Rims are drip-free, and the saucepans and stockpot have capacity markings.

OXO says the set can take metal utensils and the dishwasher, but recommends silicone tools and hand washing for the best results. The smallish saucepans are a limit. Neither holds much more than 2 quarts, which is fine for small households but tight for a pot of beans. The listing doesn’t state a warranty.

Why we like it

  • Tri-ply with aluminum core
  • Oven and broiler rated to 600°F
  • Includes a sauté pan
  • Capacity marks on saucepans and stockpot

Key specifications

Model CC011437-001
Pieces 10
Build Tri-ply stainless, aluminum core
Cooking surface Mirror-finished stainless
Induction statement All stovetops, including induction
Oven limit 600°F (lids 425°F)
Cleaning Dishwasher safe; hand wash recommended
Warranty Not stated

Why we recommend it

Choose this if you often finish dishes under the broiler, or want tough steel that can handle a busy kitchen.

Skip it if you cook big pots of beans or rice in a saucepan. These saucepans run small.

Pros and cons

Pros

  • High heat rating
  • Good piece selection
  • Sold by Amazon when we checked

Cons

  • Small saucepans
  • No warranty on the listing

Check price on Amazon

7. Circulon A1 ScratchDefense 9-Piece Set – A Full Steel Base at the Entry Level

Budget pickCirculon A1 Series Induction Pots and Pans Cookware Set

Circulon names induction in the title of this set. It has an edge-to-edge steel base, which is what you should look for on a nonstick pan for induction, as the KitchenAid guidance warns that a pan with magnetic material on only part of its base can heat unevenly. So a base that reaches the edge is a real point in its favor.

The nonstick is Circulon’s ScratchDefense, which the maker says is engineered to resist scratching and is rated dishwasher safe. Its claims about how much longer it lasts come from Circulon itself, and we can’t check them. Pieces in this 9-piece set aren’t itemized in the listing’s features, so look at the listing’s photo to see what’s included.

It is oven safe to 400°F, with lids to 350°F, which is lower than most here but enough for finishing a frittata. Handles are cast stainless and silicone, and a straining lid and pour spouts are included on the saucepan, a useful weeknight touch. It also comes with a lifetime limited warranty.

Why we like it

  • Edge-to-edge steel base
  • Induction named in the title
  • Straining lid and pour spouts
  • Lifetime limited warranty

Key specifications

Model 81839
Pieces 9
Build Steel base; body metal not stated
Cooking surface ScratchDefense nonstick
Induction statement Named in the title; induction base
Oven limit 400°F (lids 350°F)
Cleaning Dishwasher safe
Warranty Lifetime limited

Why we recommend it

This suits a first induction set where cost and easy cleanup matter most.

Skip it if you need an itemized list on the page, or a pan for high heat. It has the lowest oven limit here.

Pros and cons

Pros

  • Base reaches the edge
  • Convenient details
  • Sold by Amazon when we checked

Cons

  • Lower oven limit
  • Pieces not listed in the features

Check price on Amazon

8. Anolon Nouvelle 10-Piece Stainless Set – A Copper Core in the Base

Best disc-base setAnolon Nouvelle Stainless Steel Cookware Pots and Pans Set

Anolon’s Nouvelle takes a different approach. Rather than cladding the entire pan, it puts a 5-ply clad base with a copper core at the bottom, which Anolon says gives steady, responsive heat. The surface is polished stainless steel with no coating, which suits acidic salsa, tomato rice or a lime marinade. The listing names induction, gas, electric, ceramic and halogen.

You get 1.25- and 2.5-quart saucepans with lids, a 6.5-quart stockpot with a lid, 8- and 10.5-inch frying pans and a 3-quart sauté pan with a lid. The lids are rivet-free and domed, and the rims are folded. Anolon also says a full-cap base and those folded rims protect against corrosion, so the pans are truly dishwasher safe.

The trade-off is the side walls. Base-heated pans do well on a flat induction surface, where the base gets the most heat, but the sides stay cooler than on a fully clad pan. That matters more for a sauté pan than for a stock pot. For the money and the copper base, it’s a fair choice with a limited lifetime warranty and 500°F oven rating.

Why we like it

  • 5-ply clad base with a copper core
  • Uncoated stainless interior
  • Lists induction by name
  • Oven safe to 500°F, dishwasher safe

Key specifications

Model 75818
Pieces 10
Build Stainless with 5-ply copper-core base
Cooking surface Polished stainless, uncoated
Induction statement Induction, gas, electric, ceramic, halogen
Oven limit 500°F
Cleaning Dishwasher safe
Warranty Limited lifetime

Why we recommend it

Pick this if you want responsive heat at the base and an easy-care uncoated surface.

Skip it if you want even heat right up the walls. A fully clad set is better for that.

Pros and cons

Pros

  • Copper in the base
  • Fully uncoated cooking surfaces
  • Sold by Amazon when we checked

Cons

  • Sides aren’t clad
  • Smallest saucepan is very small

Check price on Amazon

How to choose pots and pans for induction

Induction heats the pan directly through magnetism, so the base decides everything. Start there.

Test the base with a magnet

KitchenAid’s advice is simple: hold a magnet to the base, and if it sticks firmly, the pan is compatible. It also warns that a pan with magnetic material on only part of its base may heat unevenly, so look for a base with magnetic steel that reaches the edge. Bring a small magnet when you shop in a store, and check the listing for any piece that is an exception.

Hammered copper pots hanging from a rack
Copper pots like these typically need a magnetic base for induction.

Every piece needs to work

Sets can hide a surprise. T-fal’s Experience listing, for example, includes a small one-egg pan that it says is not induction safe, even though the set is sold for induction. We did not choose that set for that reason. Read the list of pieces and the fine print, and test each item with a magnet as soon as it arrives.

Clad steel, disc base or nonstick

Clad steel has layers up the sides, which helps with browning and sautéing. A disc base is fine for pots of liquid. Nonstick is easiest for eggs, tortillas and rice, but it wears. For most kitchens, clad steel plus one separate nonstick pan is a better long-term choice than an all-nonstick set. Our induction frying pan guide covers those single pans.

Pick the pieces you’ll use

Piece counts include lids, so a 10-piece set is really six or seven pots and pans. For Mexican cooking, look for a 3-quart saucepan for rice and a 6- to 8-quart stock pot for beans and pozole. A wide skillet is useful for tortillas and quesadillas. Few sets here include a 12-inch pan, so plan on adding one.

Oven limits and lids

Check both numbers. Pans in this list range from 400°F to 600°F. Glass lids are often rated lower than the pan, and some sets don’t state a limit on the listing at all.

A black and white view of a steel kitchen counter stacked with pots and molds
A steel counter stacked with pots and molds.

How we picked these eight induction sets

We looked for complete sets, sold new and in stock, from identifiable makers, whose listings name induction or a stovetop list that includes it. We avoided every set on our cookware set and stainless cookware set guides. We then compared construction, what the maker says about induction, the pieces in the box, oven limits, care and warranty.

We have not cooked on these sets, and we don’t claim to have. A search for independent induction cookware reviews turned up general roundups that we did not read in full or rely on, so these picks rest on listings and maker details. We looked up each brand in the CPSC recall database and found no recall of any set on this page.

Induction cookware questions, answered

What makes pots and pans work for induction?

A magnetic base. Cast iron, enameled steel and many layered stainless pans have one. KitchenAid says aluminum and copper typically don’t work unless they have a magnetic base added. That is why many nonstick aluminum pans now have a steel plate on the bottom.

Is all stainless steel induction compatible?

No. It depends on the grade and on how the pan is built, and some stainless pans won’t hold a magnet. Use the magnet test, or choose a set that says induction on the listing, as all of these do in some form.

Can I use nonstick on induction?

Yes, if the base is magnetic. The All-Clad HA1, Ninja and Circulon sets here all state compatibility. Induction heats quickly, so keep nonstick on moderate settings.

Will these sets work on gas and electric too?

Mostly yes. Most listings here also name gas and electric, which helps if you move. It’s still worth reading the list on any single set.

Do I need a new set to go induction?

Not always. Test what you own first. Cast iron and many stainless pans already work. Replace only the pieces that fail, as a full set may be more than you need.

Our final pick for your induction range

The Tramontina 11-Piece is the set we would start with, and the T-fal Pro is an excellent alternative if your budget is tight. Add one good nonstick pan for eggs and tortillas, then put them to work on a pot of charro or refried beans.

When you have earned a night off from the stove, see the menu at Julia’s or call to order.

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