KitchenAid Cookware Reviews

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About KitchenAid 

KitchenAid is an American-based cookware manufacturer that has been in business since 1919. The company was actually responsible for the creation of the first stand mixer, which caused one user to exclaim that it was "the best kitchen aid I've ever had."

Throughout the past century, KitchenAid curated a reputation for variety, durability, and quality that helps their products stand out in a crowded field.

KitchenAid Cookware Sets and Pieces Reviewed

*We select and review all products independently, based on our opinion and customer feedback. Some links on this page are affiliate links and if you make a purchase we may receive a commission at no extra cost to you. You can read more info on our disclaimer page.

#1

1. KitchenAid 3-Ply Stainless Steel 10-Piece Set

- Base material: triple-ply stainless steel w aluminum core
- Interior: non-stick
- Cooktops: gas, ceramic, glass, electric, induction 

Our Rating

9.3

#2

2. KitchenAid Hard Anodized 10-Piece Set

- Base material: hard-anodized aluminum
- Interior: PFOA-free nonstick
- Cooktops: gas, ceramic, glass, electric, induction 

Our Rating

9.3

#3

3. KitchenAid 5-Ply Stainless Steel Pan

- Base material: stainless steel
- Interior: non-stick
- Cooktops: gas, ceramic, glass, electric, induction 

Our Rating

9.3

#4

4. KitchenAid Nonstick Fry Pan with Lid

- Base material: hard-anodized aluminum
- Interior: non-stick
- Cooktops: gas, ceramic, glass, electric, induction 

Our Rating

9.3

#1

1. KitchenAid 3-Ply Stainless Steel 10-Piece Set

- Base material: triple-ply stainless steel w aluminum core
- Interior: non-stick
- Cooktops: gas, ceramic, glass, electric, induction 

Our Rating

9.3

#2

2. KitchenAid Hard Anodized 10-Piece Set

- Base material: hard-anodized aluminum
- Interior: PFOA-free nonstick
- Cooktops: gas, ceramic, glass, electric, induction 

Our Rating

9.3

#3

3. KitchenAid 5-Ply Stainless Steel Pan

- Base material: stainless steel
- Interior: non-stick
- Cooktops: gas, ceramic, glass, electric, induction 

Our Rating

9.3

#4

4. KitchenAid Nonstick Fry Pan with Lid

- Base material: hard-anodized aluminum
- Interior: non-stick
- Cooktops: gas, ceramic, glass, electric, induction 

Our Rating

9.3

KitchenAid 3-Ply Stainless Steel 10-Piece Set

Design:

The 3-Ply Stainless Steel 10-Piece set features pots and pans that are silver in color, but the grill pan is outfitted with a grooved black nonstick coating. All of the lids are made of glass, with silver loop handles that sit high enough to reduce the risk of burns.

The riveted handles on the frying pans and saucepans have a Y-shaped design. They're on the short side but offer excellent balance. All of the pieces are heavy and well-built.

Materials:

As the name suggests, these pans are made of triple-ply stainless steel. The construction wraps two layers of high-quality steel around an aluminum core. This gives the pieces superb heat retention and distribution, so that ingredients cook both thoroughly and evenly. They're also induction compatible and oven- and broiler-safe at temperatures up to 500 degrees Fahrenheit.

Usability:

The stockpot and saucepans include etched lines to make measuring easier, which is a unique and useful feature. It also cuts down on cleanup, since it eliminates the need for additional measuring cups. The durability of the steel construction makes the pans suitable for everyday use.

Each saucepan is equipped with a straining lid, which means there's no need for a colander when making pasta dishes. The tempered glass helps to lock heat and flavor inside during cooking.

With the exception of the nonstick surface, these pans can be used with any type of utensil. Stainless steel is an excellent choice when making pan sauces, as the material allows chefs to deglaze the surface quickly and effectively. The nonstick coating, on the other hand, should only be used with wooden, silicone, or rubber utensils.

As we mentioned, the pieces are induction compatible and oven safe. Note that while the stainless steel cookware can withstand temperatures up to 500, the lids are only oven safe to 350 degrees. Also, be aware that the nonstick grill pan is not broiler safe.

Cleaning:

Anyone who's ever cooked with stainless steel will know that the surfaces clean up well with a good scrubbing, and these pans are no exception. What's more, both the pans and the glass lids are dishwasher safe. That said, we would recommend rinsing and washing the pieces as soon as possible to make the job easier.

The set contains:

  • 1.5 Quart Saucepan with Straining Lid
  • 3 Quart Saucepan with Straining Lid
  • 6 Quart Stock Pot with Lid
  • 10.25-Inch Nonstick Grill Pan
  • 8-Inch Frying Pan
  • 9.5-Inch Frying Pan with Lid

Pros

  • Built-in measuring lines
  • Strainer lids help cut back on dishes
  • Quality construction
  • Impressive heat distribution
  • Full-service set with enough pieces to round out a well-appointed kitchen

Cons

  • Some shipping issues reported
  • Spotty customer service

KitchenAid Hard Anodized 10-Piece Set

Design:

This is another quality 10-piece set from KitchenAid, with a distinctive black finish on the pots and pans. The glass lids come with high loop-style handles and steel bands around the edges to help them create a tighter seal.

The same loop handles can be found on either side of the stock pot, which has a stout appearance. All of the other handles are affixed to the pans with round rivets and feature a flat rectangular Y-shaped design.

Materials:

The pots and pans in this set are made of hard anodized aluminum and finished with a triple layer of PFOA-free nonstick coating. The rivets have the same nonstick finish, which is a clever and efficient touch.

The stock pot, saucepans, and frying pans feature thick bottoms to help them distribute heat evenly across the cooking surface. What's more, the nonstick coating is durable enough to withstand years of frequent use.

Usability:

The even, consistent heating means that this set can be used for a wide variety of dishes. Anyone who's looking to try a new recipe should appreciate the user-friendly qualities of these anodized pots and pans.

Because of the nonstick surface, the frying pans turn out excellent scrambled eggs. They're also a good choice when making fried foods or sauteed vegetables. However, we would steer clear of these pieces when making anything that requires a pan sauce, because the coating makes it impossible to deglaze the surface properly.

The stout shape of the stock pot makes it easy to brown cubes of meat for stews and casseroles, which is another huge plus. It's not the largest stock pot we've seen, but it does allow ingredients to sit at a low simmer for long periods of time, so it's great for making soup from scratch.

Take care with the nonstick coating, and use only wooden, rubber, or silicone utensils when stirring. Metal pieces can cause nicks to form in the surface, which may interfere with the quality of the results later on.

When used without the lids, these pieces are oven safe to 500 degrees Fahrenheit. That means they can be transferred easily from the range to the oven—a must for dishes like souffle and Cajun etouffee. The lids, meanwhile, are only oven safe to 350, so make sure to plan accordingly.

Cleaning:

All of the pieces in this set can be washed in the dishwasher, including the glass lids. We would advise washing them by hand whenever possible in order to preserve the integrity of the nonstick coating. With the exception of the grill pan, which includes some hard-to-reach areas, the cleanup should still go quickly.

The set contains:

  • 1.5 Quart Saucepan with Lid
  • 3 Quart Saucepan with Lid
  • 6 Quart Stock Pot with Lid
  • 11.25-Inch Grill Pan
  • 8.25-Inch Frying Pan
  • 10-Inch Frying Pan with Lid

Pros

  • Nonstick surfaces make for fast cleanup
  • Made from durable materials
  • Thick bases allow for even heating
  • Oven-safe to 500 degrees Fahrenheit
  • Good value for each dollar spent

Cons

  • Handles can get hot during cooking
  • Nonstick surfaces require extra care to avoid damaging them
  • Packaging could be better

KitchenAid 5-Ply Stainless Steel Pan

Design:

This is a generously-sized skillet that's silver in color, with the exception of the thin black handle. The riveted handle is offset to provide it with the right amount of balance and forks into a Y shape where it meets the pan.

The sides of the frying pan are medium-high and feature a gentle sloping design. There's a slight outer lip that runs along the edge, making it possible to use every available inch of the surface.

Materials:

This frying pan utilizes a 5-ply stainless steel construction, making it one of the heaviest pieces on our list. Each layer is an effective heat conductor, so the pan is suitable for most cooking applications.

The exterior is brushed to give the piece extra durability and eye appeal. Although the handle is black in color, it's made of stainless steel as well, which is a thoughtful and unique touch.

Usability:

This pan can be used on induction cooktops. This opens a lot of doors for users who have induction ranges, because it can be difficult to find cookware that's compatible with the technology. It's also broiler safe and oven safe to temperatures up to 500 degrees, so it's possible to brown a large piece of meat on the stovetop and move it to the oven to finish cooking.

The sloping edges are great for sauteing vegetables, and the pan is large enough to cook off sizable batches without having to worry about crowding. That makes it an especially good choice for ingredients like mushrooms, which won't brown properly if there are too many of them in the pan at once.

Our one quibble is with the handle, which is thinner than we would expect for a pan of this size. While the pan does have decent balance, it feels strange to grasp such a slight piece of metal while we're stirring or sauteing.

Cleaning:

Stainless steel cleans up well, but it's best to do so as soon as possible after cooking. The metal will come clean more quickly if it's still warm, which is why it's our preferred choice for pan sauces. That said, the pan is also dishwasher safe, with sealed rims that help to prevent corrosion.

Pros

  • Generous cooking surface
  • Exceptionally durable
  • Cleans up easily
  • Works well for oven roasts and pan sauces
  • Pan is induction compatible

Cons

  • High price point
  • Handle feels too thin in relation to the size of the skillet

KitchenAid Nonstick Fry Pan with Lid

Design:

This frying pan features a matte black finish on the exterior and a black nonstick coating on the interior. A thick silver handle is affixed to the skillet via a set of rivets, which also have a nonstick finish.

The set includes a glass lid with a loop handle and a thin metal rim. When the lid is in place, it can be difficult to wield the setup in one hand, but that's a testament to the quality of the materials.

Materials:

The hard anodized aluminum construction gives this pan a rugged quality that stainless steel can't quite match. The base is thick, sturdy, and heats evenly, so there's no need to worry about cold spots when browning meat or sauteing veggies. Note that this is an induction-compatible piece of cookware.

The nonstick coating is PFOA-free and features three layers, making it suitable for daily use. As we mentioned, the rivets for the handles are outfitted with the same coating, so they'll release the ingredients without sticking. The glass lid is as well-crafted as the pan itself, and the rim helps to seal in heat and steam during cooking.

Usability:

Though nonstick pans can have a limited range, this one can be used for a variety of breakfast, lunch, and supper dishes. Because of its size, it can turn out frittatas and omelets large enough to feed a crowd. The surface heats evenly enough to brown up the exterior of a perfect grilled cheese or Monte Cristo sandwich, and it puts a nice sear on scallops and other firm-fleshed fish.

The pan itself is oven safe to 500 degrees, and it can also be used in conjunction with the broiler. As for the lid, it can only withstand oven temps up to 350 degrees. Fortunately, many stovetop-to-oven dishes don't call for a lid anyway. For low-and-slow cooking applications like braising, it's best to leave the pan on the burner.

It's a good idea to stick with silicone or wooden utensils on the nonstick surface. Also, set the burner to medium-low when preheating, even if the recipe calls for higher temperatures. This will help the material retain its integrity. Once the pan is preheated, it's fine to crank up the burner.

Cleaning:

Both the pan and the glass lid are dishwasher safe. While this definitely comes in handy for the glass lid, we like to wash nonstick pans by hand if possible. This allows us to give the surface the care that it deserves. Fortunately, the triple-layer coating makes the cleanup duties go that much more quickly.

Pros

  • Turns out impressive results, even for novice chefs
  • Attractive design
  • Easy to care for
  • Built from heavy-duty materials
  • Versatile enough for everyday use

Cons

  • On the pricey side
  • Insufficient packaging for shipping

FAQ 

Is KitchenAid cookware good? 

Yes. Although the pieces don't come cheaply, KitchenAid is a reputable brand that's been in business for over a hundred years. They combine quality materials with user-friendly designs, making them a good choice for chefs of all experience levels.

Who makes KitchenAid cookware? 

Frying fish in pan

In 1985, the Whirlpool Corporation acquired the KitchenAid division of Dart & Kraft Industries. KitchenAid was originally a subsidiary of the Hobart Electric Manufacturing Company, which rose to fame after one of its employees invented the stand mixer shortly after World War I.

Be aware that while the KitchenAid brand is indeed owned by the Whirlpool Corporation, the company will sometimes outsource the production of KitchenAid cookware to third-party manufacturers.

Does KitchenAid use Teflon? 

KitchenAid uses a nonstick coating, also known as Teflon, on the interior surfaces of its hard anodized aluminum cookware. Buyers who don't want a Teflon coating are advised to seek out KitchenAid's stainless steel cookware instead.

Is KitchenAid nonstick cookware safe? 

Not all of KitchenAid's pots and pans have a nonstick coating. However, the ones that do are perfectly safe to use. The coating is PFOA-free, which means that it's free of the chemical that causes health concerns regarding nonstick cookware.

Sean Bennett
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