You might think that all pots and pans will work on all kinds of stoves, but this isn’t necessarily true. Not if you want the best results.
One of the most favored features of a gas stove is the ability to see and control the flame (and thus temperature) quickly and easily. But, the existence of that open flame generally means that the burners do not heat in a uniform manner, and the temperature can fluctuate. At any point in time, some parts of the flame will be stronger than others.
The best pots and pans for gas stoves can withstand high direct heat and can distribute that heat throughout the pan quickly and in a relatively uniform manner.
In today's cookware, the materials most likely to do that are Anodized Aluminum, Stainless Steel and Copper. But that still covers a wide range of possibilities. To navigate these choices, keep reading for specific recommendations in this guide to the best pots and pans for gas stoves.
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OUR TOP PICK
Material: HA Titanium Nonstick
No. of Pieces: 12/13/14/17
Color(s) available: Black
Our top pick for the best pots and pans for gas stoves is this T-fal Hard Adonized Nonstick set. It is affordable, has a classic look, and a good range of items.
When it comes to cookware, there are few brands more famous and popular than T-fal. They are known for their good quality, longevity, and durability.
But they are also well-known for their high prices. When bought individually, T-fal pots and pans can generally range from $10 to $15 above the average.
That’s one of the reasons this T-fal Ultimate Hard Anodized Nonstick cookware set is such a great choice.
The price (at the time of writing) is super affordable. If another brand had such an affordable cookware set, especially with so many pieces, you wouldn’t feel that you could trust the quality. But you absolutely can with this set.
The 17-piece set includes:
8" fry pan
10.25" fry pan
11.5" fry pan with lid
10.25" square griddle
1 egg wonder fry pan
1QT, 2 QT & 3QT Saucepans with lids
3.5QT sauté pan
5QT Dutch oven with lid
3QT Steamer insert with handles
Don’t worry, if you saw the number of pieces and thought “where on earth am I going to find the space?!”, this set is also available in 12, 13, and 14 pieces.
But even 12 is a good number of items and it also includes cooking utensils. So don’t start to wonder in which cupboard you’re going to have to try and shove a tower of pots and pans.
One of the most unique features of T-fal cookware is its thermo-spot technology.
This means that the iconic red symbol in the middle of the pan is an indicator that will tell you exactly when it’s preheated and ready to begin cooking.
Pros
- Affordable
- Well-known, reliable brand
- Thermo-spot technology
- Oven safe
Cons
- Only oven safe up to 400°F
EDITORS CHOICE
Material: Stainless steel
No. of Pieces: 7/10/12
Color(s) available: Silver
When it comes to cookware and appliances, Cuisinart is another brand that can guarantee you good quality. This stainless steel set looks good enough to be in a professional chef’s kitchen but without the professional price.
This set is a fair bit more than some of the other options on this list, but is still not as expensive as a lot of other sets available. It is pricey but for the items you get, and the high quality of the items, it’s worth the extra price.
Available in 7, 10, and 12 piece sets, this is a great gift for a couple moving into their first home or if you’re looking to upgrade your current set to feed a big family.
The 12 piece set even includes a sturdy steamer, which is not a very common feature of pots and pans sets. The 7 piece set features two saucepans of different sizes, a stockpot, and a skillet. The 10 piece set has an additional saute pan and two skillets.
Pros
- Well-known, reliable brand
- Multiple sized sets available
- Can also be used in the oven up to 550°F
Cons
- Expensive
BEST VALUE
Material: Stainless steel
No. of pieces: 13
Color(s) available: Copper
If you’re looking for a sturdy set of pots and pans that will last, then this is the set for you.
Gas stoves are classic and usually the preference of serious cooks, but not all pots and pans can be used on them. But this set will be absolutely fine.
You won’t have to worry about damaging it and can focus on making delicious dishes instead.
The ceramic coating provides extra protection against the flame without interfering with the temperature or its ability to cook well.
The materials that have been used to construct this pan are an unusual combination, but a good one. The pans themselves have a ceramic coating which provides extra protection.
The inside is then coated in nonstick which will make cooking easier and require less oil. The handles are made of stainless steel and are attached with reinforced rivets that will make them sturdy and durable.
As the pans themselves are ceramic and the handles are made from stainless steel, they can be safely used in the oven as well.
They are safe in ovens up to 450°F which isn’t very high but should be okay for most dishes. Just make sure you don’t turn the heat all the way up!
This set has a good range of items included, but they are quite basic. There is a decent size stockpot, two different sized saucepans, a deep frying pan, and two smaller shallow frying pans of different sizes.
Pros
- Includes 3 utensils
- Affordable
- Oven safe up to 450°F
Cons
- Only available in copper
- Limited range of items
RUNNER UP
Material: Stainless steel
No. of Pieces: 10
Color(s) available: Silver
This is (at the time of writing) the most expensive option on this list. This set of pots and pans is an investment but is a great one.
This would be a great addition to your home if you want to upgrade your cooking.
There is a good range of pots and pans in this set. It includes a large saute pan, a large stockpot, two saucepans of different sizes, and two frying pans of different sizes.
Although this isn’t the biggest set on this list, there is a decent range of pots and pans available, so you won’t find yourself needing to supplement it.
Or, as also often happens, find yourself with too many pans that you will never end up using.
It would also make a wonderful present for any avid cook. This is a professional-grade stainless steel set and wouldn’t look out of place in the kitchen of a high-end restaurant.
If you know someone who is a hobbyist chef but still has amazing culinary skills, then they will truly appreciate this set.
As it is stainless steel, this is a great option for a gas stove. It is classic, reliable, and will heat up quickly over a gas-powered flame.
Most professional chefs will use a gas stove instead of an electric one, so you will be cooking the best food possible with a professional stove and these professional pans.
As the handles are also made from stainless steel, these pans can be safely transferred from the stove to the oven.
But don’t worry, while they’re on the stove the handles will still remain cool and won’t heat up too much.
Pros
- Oven safe up to 600°F
- Good range of pots and pans
- Professional-grade stainless steel
Cons
- Not budget friendly
RUNNER UP
Material: Anodized Aluminum
No. of Pieces: 10/14
Color(s) available: Black with brown wood-like handles
This set is up-to-date and modern but has a really great traditional look with matte sides and wood-like handles.
If you have a gas stove, then you’re probably a big fan of a traditional look. Having handles that are made from real wood might look good but it isn’t actually practical.
If you don’t turn the handles off to the side when you’re cooking and using multiple hobs, you risk burning the handle. Wood can become dangerous when it’s heated, even with very little friction.
These wood-like handles are actually made from rubber and are oven safe up to 350°F. They are also dishwasher safe which pans with real wooden handles wouldn’t be.
This pan set is really unique as it has a wide range of pots and pans available. A lot of affordable cookware sets will include a skillet and then a range of saucepans of varying sizes.
But this set includes a large stockpot, two saucepans of different heights, two skillets of different sizes, and a large covered saute pan.
The 14 piece set includes an additional large saucepan and a huge stockpot. This is a great range and will allow you to produce a wide range of delicious foods.
This set is also really affordable, especially considering how much is included and what a range there is.
As is almost expected of most non-stainless steel pans, this set has a nonstick coating. This coating is durable and will stop food from sticking but will also make it really easy to clean.
When pots and pans are exposed to a naked flame, like on a gas stove, they can sometimes overheat and it can be difficult to control the temperature.
So nonstick pans are really useful as they provide that bit of extra protection and ease of use.
Pros
- Affordable
- Traditional style
- Oven safe
- Nonstick interior
- Easy to clean
Cons
- Only oven safe up to 350°F
Best Pots And Pans for Gas Stove Buying Guide
Buying Sets vs Buying Individual Pots and Pans
Pots and pans might be essential items but they aren’t cheap ones. Buying a complete set of pots and pans can be a big investment.
Some sets can cost upwards of $1,000, but don’t feel like you have to go for these to get good quality.
If you want all of your pans to match, then it’s best to buy a set. If you just buy the odd one and then want another that goes with it later on, you run the risk of the collection being discontinued.
Like all things, different styles of pots and pans will go in and out of fashion. So if you’re thinking about getting one in particular, you might as well go for it.
Some items, like a wok or a griddle, are fine to buy individually as sets don’t usually include them. When it comes to everyday pots and pans, you will also likely save money buying them in a set rather than individually.
But, if you know exactly what you want and have chosen the perfect pots and pans from different sets, then that’s no problem.
The choice is entirely yours but don’t feel like you have to spend a huge amount of money on a set. There are plenty of more affordable options that will work just as well and last just as long.
An important thing to remember when it comes to buying sets is that lids are counted as separate items. So, if you’re buying a 17 piece set, that doesn’t mean you will have 17 different pots and pans.
Related Content: Anolon Nouvelle Copper Cookware Reviews--A Great Choice For Your Family Kitchen!
Nonstick vs Stainless Steel
Stainless steel might be the most traditional material for pots and pans, but nonstick has become incredibly popular since it first came out.
Although most people focus (unsurprisingly) on how much the food sticks to a pan, how well it conducts heat and being oven safe is also important. Stainless steel pans provide rapid, uniform heating. And, depending on the handles, most such sets can withstand high oven heats and go under the broiler.
As for nonstick, many people find that food does not brown as well in nonstick pans. You also should be mindful of the types of utensils you use when cooking. Sometimes metal utensils can scratch nonstick pans. And, if you value the ability to toss your pans in the dishwasher after dinner, be sure to get a nonstick set that specifically notes that it's dishwasher-safe. Many nonstick sets are not. You'll also want to check whether the nonstick pans are oven safe.
Related Content: Calphalon Cookware Reviews--Find The Perfect Set Now For Your Family
Gas vs Electric
The choice between a gas and an electric stoves can be difficult. One isn’t necessarily better than the other, they’re just different. But, when it comes to pots and pans, you do need to be careful which ones you choose.
A lot of electric stoves won’t work with every kind of pan and induction stoves only work with specific pots and pans. This is useful and is intended for efficiency and safety.
Gas stoves are easier as more pots and pans can be used with them, but you still need to be careful. Not all pots and pans will react well to be exposed to a strong flame.
Some pots and pans may burn or overheat which will damage them and affect whatever you’re cooking.
Always make sure to double-check the description of the pans you’re buying and don’t assume that they will all work on a gas stove.
The last thing you want is to try out your brand new set and find that it isn’t compatible with your stove.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it better to cook with stainless steel or nonstick?
This depends on what you’re cooking and how you’re cooking it. Nonstick pots and pans are the go-to for many but if you cook at a proper heat and use enough oil or butter, you should be okay with stainless steel.
Nonstick pans are generally supposed to cut out the need for oil but this isn’t always the case. And anyway, oil isn’t all bad (extra-virgin olive oil actually has some healthy qualities) and can add to the flavor. It isn’t just there to stop the food from sticking.
Nonstick doesn’t always work and doesn’t always last that long either. We’ve all had a pan that seemed like magic at first but, after a few uses and a few washes, begins to stop working so well.
For a gas stove, you can choose whichever kind you prefer. As both stainless steel and nonstick pans have metal outer-shells, they will both conduct heat well.
But, the nonstick coating does provide an extra layer so may not get as hot as quickly as a stainless steel pan. Mostly, it depends on the brand and manufacturer.
Can you use nonstick pans on a gas stove?
Yes, you absolutely can.
Nonstick pans may seem modern and like they would work better on an electric stove, but that isn’t the case.
Can you use ceramic pots on a gas stove?
Yes, you can. Some pots and pans aren’t strong enough to be used over the naked flame of a gas stove.
Ceramic pots and pans are strong and very durable so work well on gas stoves.
Ceramic pots and pans are also very classic items, so will look great on a classic gas stove.
What is the least toxic cookware?
Some pots and pans have been treated with chemicals or have nonstick coatings that can chip off. Double-check the material of all pots and pans to make sure they’re non-toxic. This will likely mean they’re more eco-friendly too.
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