If you are reading this guide expecting an easy answer to the best pots and pans for gas stove cooktops, I won’t disappoint you. However the best one for me might not be the best one for you.
Young adults leaving home won’t need the same cookware as someone with a large family and little time. You may want cookware that your great grandchildren will be passing on to their children, or cookware that is simply easy to use. You might just want to know what the best pans for gas stoves are.
Well you’re in the right place! I’ve put together an epic guide which will help you decide on best type of cookware for your gas stove.
If you are in a hurry and just want to know what cookware set I would pick, then my personal favorite is the All Clad Stainless Steel Copper Core Cookware Set. Yet it’s pricey and stainless steel cookware isn’t for everyone.
For affordable convenience, I recommend the T-fal E918SE Nonstick 14 Piece Cookware Set.
But do read on to find the right cookware set for you.
Contents
Main Things I Look for in Gas Stove Cookware
Are the best pots and pans for gas stoves different from any other pots and pans? Yes, they are! Their exposure to the naked flame of a gas stove means they need to be tougher and able to distribute the heat. On the other hand, their shape is less important as they don’t have to be in contact with a flat surface.
Of course, some of the same rules apply everywhere. The most important questions I ask myself when looking at cookware sets are:
- Does it have see-through lids to contain any mess?
- Does it have the pieces I need? The number of pieces in itself won’t tell me this as sometimes this includes lids and spatulas. I want to see:
- A couple of saucepans (sometimes I use both at the same time)
- At least one stockpot
- At least one frying / sauté pan
- A steamer
- Is it dishwasher-safe? This is by no means a dealbreaker, especially with easy to clean nonstick, but it helps
- Do the handles have holes for easy hanging (storing) the cookware?
- Is there a material such as aluminum or copper to help spread the heat evenly? (Stainless steel on its own creates hotspots with gas stoves)
For gas stove cookware I would be careful around colorful pots and pans. There is a risk that the flames discolor it and make it look ugly!
It’s also important that gas stove pans distribute the heat across the whole base of the pan. The flame of the gas stove won’t heat the pan evenly–so it’s up to the pan to spread the heat and avoid hot / cold spots.
Nonstick – The Non Controversy
Nonstick is ultra-convenient and, at least since 2015, safe and free of nasty chemicals. It does have a chemical called PTFE (Polytetrafluoroethylene), which is inert and food safe. As long as you keep it below 260 °C (500 °F), keep it away from pet birds and avoid metal utensils all will be fine.
Yet, if you still don’t want PTFE (Teflon) nonstick, there are plenty of alternatives. The key, then, is that they need to clearly be PTFE free. You may see reference to “PFOA free”. Perfluorooctanoic Acid (PFOA) is a potentially carcinogenic chemical. It was used to manufacture nonstick years ago. “PFOA free” is meaningless since PFOA hasn’t been used in nonstick production for a long time.
A gas stove is probably the easiest place to accidentally overheat cookware, making it not ideal for non-stick pots pans. And yet … if you manage it correctly it shouldn’t be a problem. In particular, never heat an empty non-stick pan on a gas stove, or any stove for that matter.
In these reviews I give you the information on whether the cookware has PTFE so you can make an informed choice. I also tell you what I think is the best nonstick cookware for gas stoves.
Other Cookware Materials
Apart from PTFE nonstick the following cookware materials are common:
- Stainless steel: With stainless steel you need to use plenty of oil or grease to stop the food from sticking. However stainless steel is easy to take care of and lasts a long time. For gas stoves in particular it’s important the stainless steel has other layers, such as aluminum or copper, to help spread the heat.
- Ceramic: Ceramic offers an easy-to-use nonstick without PTFE. It’s very convenient but varies quite a lot in terms of quality and limitations. Sometimes ceramic includes PTFE. For me these aren’t real ceramic pans and I haven’t included them in this guide.
- Cast Iron and Carbon Steel: Cast Iron cookware and Carbon Steel are similar and both need a bit of work to season and maintain. For many people it’s worth it as they can last a lifetime. They also can take a lot of heavy use and high temperatures. They are more work than nonstick but aren’t as delicate.
- Glass: Yes! Believe it or not, you can get glass cookware for gas stoves. Check out my list of the best cookware for glass stove tops. Read on to find out more.
For all pots and pans, I would suggest avoiding metal utensils. If you use metal, the pans are likely to scratch, losing any coating they have. For some, like cast iron or carbon steel, you can just re-season, but why bother? I use wood, plastic, or silicone utensils with my gas stove cookware.
The Best Pots and Pans for Gas Stove Cooktops
All-Clad 600822 SS Copper Core Set—Best Pots and Pans for Gas Stove
If you are looking for the absolute best quality, All-Clad Stainless Steel is often a safe bet. Unfortunately, it’s also one of the most expensive.
This stainless steel copper core set is made with five layers, comprising:
- Stainless Steel cooking surface
- Aluminum Core
- Copper Core
- Second Aluminum Core
- Magnetic Stainless Steel exterior (for induction cooktops)
These materials create a heat-conductive environment and help with even heat distribution and preventing hotspots from forming. These pots and pans work well on all cooktops, but the even heat distribution is ideal for a gas stove.
The stainless steel, and aluminum and copper cores go all round the pot, providing heat up the sides as well.
All Clad eschews the normal tempered glass lids for tight-fitting stainless steel lids. These are much more robust, but come with the catch that it’s harder to monitor your cooking.
Another advantage of stainless steel lids: The whole cookware set is broiler and oven safe up to 316°C (600°F).
All Clad also offers long, ergonomic, cool to touch stainless steel handles.
The most attractive part for me is the copper ring around the base of the pots and pans. Stainless steel on its own can look a little boring. This copper ring adds a subtle attractiveness to the functional look.
However, it seems that the surface is somewhat susceptible to staining, which might be exacerbated on a gas stove. This is unfortunate when spending this much! If you find the this happening, I recommend Bar Keeper’s friend to help you clean up. (Or read my guide to cleaning stainless steel pans.)
Pros:
- Smooth finish
- Flared edges for easy pouring
- Five-ply bonded construction
- Aluminum cores and copper core perfect for gas stoves
- Dishwasher safe
- Attractive look
Cons:
- Quite pricey
- Stains easily
- Can’t monitor progress via stainless steel lids
T-fal E918SE Nonstick 14 Piece Cookware Set (Best Nonstick Pots and Pans for Gas Stove)
T-fal cookware is often a little bit pricier than more basic cookware but well worth it as it lasts a long time. I had my T-fal frying pan for years without any problem, though eventually I did need to throw it away.
In fact, quick tip, if you’re on a tight budget, consider getting a T-fal jumbo cooker instead of the full cookware set. You could use it to cook loads of things, it will last, it has a lid and you save space as well as money. And of course, it’s great with gas stoves!
If you are determined to get a full cookware set then I would recommend the 14 piece set. It has quite a lot of pots and pans and one of the frying pans has a lid. I love lids on my pots and pans because they make the clean up so much easier.
It also has cookware for every occasion, from the steamer to the pancake griddle.
You do need to be careful not to get it too hot: Don’t go to a super high heat (beyond 260 °C (500 °F)). In reality you will probably stay below this heat on a gas stove anyway. I have my T-fal on the medium sized burners at maximum heat all the time and have never had a problem.
Just make sure you never heat this cookware set empty. At least add some oil first.
Apart from that, tips to avoid problems with T-fal pots and pans, as with other PTFE nonstick cookware sets would be:
- Preheat with oil before adding food
- Never heat on empty
- Don’t use metal utensils
- Let the pots cool down before washing.
If you follow these steps, then this set has the potential to be the best cookware for gas stoves.
Pros:
- Low maintenance
- Strong, robust and long lasting
- Dishwasher safe (but take care)
- Limited Lifetime warranty
- Lightweight and comfortable
- Can use in oven up to 205 °C (400 °F)
Cons:
- Not the most expensive but not cheap
- Normal PTFE nonstick temperature limitation – keep to less than 260 °C (500 °F).
- Two pans don’t have lids
If you like the look of this T-Fal Cookware set, but are looking for something Teflon-Free, then T-Fal also offer a ceramic Initiatives line.
Rachael Ray 87641 Nonstick CookwareSet, 12 Piece (Most Stylish Pots and Pans for Gas Stoves)
Rachael Ray is not a professional chef but someone who likes to cook healthy food quickly and easily. If first impressions matter the most, then it helps that this cookware set is so stylish. Since the flames won’t reach the colorful handles, these pots and pans should stay looking new, even when using them on gas stoves.
For me this aluminum cookware set is missing a big frying pan and a steamer. This is because it is really a 6-piece cookware set. The 4 lids and 2 utensils make up the difference. This does mean that the already high price is harder to justify. I suppose you pay extra for the brand, and for the quality.
If you like the look of this set and can see yourself using it, it might be worth it as it should last years.
One strange feature is that the outside of the pans seem to be a little slippy. This isn’t a problem when holding them (as the handles grip well), but they can slide around on the stove. This could be a little dangerous.
The biggest thing that would hold me back is that none of the color options match my kitchen. (Which has a similar color theme as this website). A matching cookware set, if it existed, would tempt me.
As with other PTFE nonstick, I would suggest:
- Preheating with oil before adding food
- Not using metal utensils
- Letting the pots cool down before washing
Pros:
- Low maintenance
- Strong, robust and long lasting
- Dishwasher safe (but take care)
- Very stylish with a choice of colors for handles
- Ideal for gas stove – colors are kept away from flames so won’t discolour
- Fast, even heating
- Very light and easy to handle
- Color matched turner and spoon
- Can use in oven up to 205 °C (400 °F)
- Limited Lifetime warranty
Cons:
- Slides around when on stove – maybe the outside should be more sticky?
- Only pots and the saute pan have lids – no frying pans with lids
- No steamer included
- Pricey for what you get in terms of cookware pieces
- Normal PTFE nonstick temperature limitation – keep to less than 260 °C (500 °F).
SHINEURI RCS-Tech 10 Pieces Cookware Set
This ceramic, infused with copper, cookware set has one of every pot or pan you will need. It has the copper look but the lightness of ceramic. On paper it sounds great.
It works to an extent. The nonstick coating means these are easy to keep clean and they are comfortable to handle. The thing is, I don’t get this cookware set. You need to put the effort into season it (like cast iron or carbon steel), but still have the normal nonstick limitations. It isn’t as tough as cast iron nor is it as easy to use as nonstick. What’s the point?
It’s also not a true copper cookware set–it’s made of aluminum. It doesn’t even have a copper core.
In my house these pans would risk getting scratched. If I thought I could treat them with care I would consider them. You get a nice looking nonstick cookware set for a very affordable price. Perhaps the choice for someone who is on a budget and is careful with their cookware?
Pros:
- Affordable price
- Frying pan has lid
- Genuinely nonstick – no PTFE (Teflon) if that worries you
- Lightweight and easy to handle
- Has a nice “copper” look
- Dishwasher safe
- Good heat distribution – helps cook food evenly
- Sturdy stainless steel handles
Cons:
- Maximum temperature is lower than PTFE – keep to less than 230 °C (450 °F)
- Seasoning required
- Prone to scratching or chipping if not treated with care
- One pan missing a lid
- Aluminum cookware–no copper
Cook N Home 10-Piece Stainless Steel Cookware Set
This stainless steel cookware set has all the pots and pans you would need at a very affordable price. It’s hard to damage stainless steel and it doesn’t need the same care as cast iron. This makes these pots quite robust.
The flipside is that stainless steel is more work to clean.
My main design complaint would be that the lids don’t sit tight around the pans. This means more spatter from the sides as the steam goes out the side instead of the steamhole.
These pans have an aluminum core which helps with heat distribution, making them suitable for gas stoves.
I would consider this stainless steel cookware set for a young adult leaving home (such as a student going to university).
It would give them all the cookware they need, it’s not hard to look after and is not likely to break. If it is damaged or stolen, well it didn’t cost so much to begin with. Since accommodation arrangements can change, the fact it works on any stove (including induction) helps.
I wouldn’t get this cookware set for cooking with my family. The cleaning is too much work, the stockpot is too small and it’s harder to cook with (more stirring needed).
Pros:
- All the pots and pans in this set have tempered glass lids. Yes!
- Amazing price, very affordable
- Very long lasting for price
- Dishwasher safe – but dishwasher may not clean completely
- Can use on any stove
- Aluminum core in base to help spread heat
Cons:
- Stainless steel is harder to clean than nonstick – get ready to scrub
- Lids don’t sit tight around pans – means more spatter from the sides
- Stockpot (biggest pot) is a bit small
- Not oven safe (due to handles)
- Needs more attention / stirring when cooking (or food will burn)
GreenLife 16pc Ceramic Non-Stick Cookware Set (Best Ceramic Pots and Pans for Gas Stoves)
Greenlife has produced some beautiful ceramic cookware here. What’s more, as it comes in a range of colors, there’s something for everyone.
Greenlife has really got the ceramic working. It uses a nonstick coating called Thermolon. This doesn’t include PTFE, and has a maximum temperature of 450 °C (850 °F) – much higher than traditional nonstick. It would be very difficult to overheat the pans on the stove. Be careful in the oven though, the handles are different material so the max temperature in the oven is 180 °C (350 °F).
These ceramic pots and pans heat food more efficiently and quickly than you expect. This isn’t a negative but if you’re not used to it you might find yourself burning food or overheating utensils. Use a lower heat to begin with when cooking.
These are middling in price which is a very good deal considering the quality and how long they will last.
The downside is that the gas flames might discolour the colorful exterior. You can clean it, but over the long term it might fade. This doesn’t affect the functionality of the pans.
I’ve linked to the color set that would tempt me below (it most matches my kitchen), but, as you can see, there are plenty of alternatives.
I like the whole philosophy behind this company. It’s clearly trying to produce healthy, environmentally non-stick cookware. Here’s how you can see this:
- Uses recycled aluminum for the body
- Sand derived, Teflon free non-stick cooking surface
- Reduced carbon emissions in manufacture
So this is a good cookware set for someone who is conscientious about health and the environment. Check out other GreenLife cookware in my complete GreenLife Cookware review.
Pros:
- Lovely range of colors – stunning look
- Oven safe to 180 °C (350 °F)
- PTFE free if that worries you
- Genuinely nonstick – easy to clean
- Dishwasher safe
- Max temperature is 450 °C (850 °F) – much higher than traditional nonstick
- Very affordable
Cons:
- Stockpot (biggest pot) is a bit small for family cooking
- Beautiful colors on body are more prone to discolouration from flames
- 3 Frying pans without lids (although there is a sauté pan with a lid)
T-fal C836SD Stainless Steel Cookware Set (Best Budget Stainless Steel Pots and Pans for Gas Stove Cooktops)
T-fal has built these stainless steel pots and pans to last, which is a good thing as they aren’t cheap!
They can take a beating and keep on cooking. They are versatile and easy to clean, for stainless steel. It helps that they are dishwasher safe, but the dishwasher won’t always clean them 100%.
They do tend lose their shine. Of course you can try to polish them to get the lustre back, but why bother? They are working tools and as long as they stay functional, well you aren’t buying them for their looks.
If you are buying stainless steel on a budget, these could be the best pots and pans for you. They are great for cooking for the whole family and I don’t mind paying a bit extra for cookware that lasts. The thing is, being stainless steel, they are a little bit more work to clean up. I’m not sure I fancy the extra scrubbing.
Pros:
- Dishwasher safe
- Oven safe to 260 °C (500 °F)
- Limited Lifetime warranty
- Quite easy to clean for stainless steel
- Durable product that should last
- Heats evenly and efficiently for easier cooking
- Copper and Aluminum layers on base for good heat distribution
Cons:
- Steamer is smaller and limited – sits inside stockpot not on top.
- Stockpot is a little on the small side
- 2 frying pans without lids (although there is a sauté pan with a lid)
- Shine disappears quickly
- Quite expensive for stainless steel
- The copper, that helps it heat evenly, wears off eventually
- Stickers on bottom can be hard to remove
VISIONS Glass Cookware Set
Well this is something different! Did you know that you can get glass cookware for gas stoves? The advantage is that you can easily see what’s going on in the pots. Plus, well, it looks cool!
The difficulty normally with glass is that it can’t cope with temperature changes. Corning Visions have managed to overcome this so you can use these for cooking. Obviously, don’t put a hot one in water straight away though!
For glass they are tough and could last a long time if well treated. If you drop them on a hard surface they will smash though. I mean they are glass…
The big difficulty for me is that you don’t get much bang for your buck here. They are quite pricey and you only get two cookware pieces (stockpot and saucepan). It’s not enough! I suppose you could always buy a separate steamer and frying pan. In fact, they do offer a glass frying pan as well! The problem is, it starts to get pricey then.
This gas stove glass cookware is interesting. I just know that at some point I will drop them and smash them, so it’s not worth it for me. As ever, though, it’s a personal decision.
Pros:
- Nonstick
- PTFE free if that bothers you
- Long lasting if you take care
- Dishwasher safe
- Microwave safe
Cons:
- If you drop them they will smash
- Resist temperature changes well
- Expensive for what you get
- You only get two saucepans and lids
Lodge Seasoned Cast Iron 5 Piece Bundle
About Cast Iron
First of all, don’t even think of getting cast iron until you understand the work involved. It isn’t excessive by any means, but it is more than, say, nonstick. I think having one piece of cast iron or carbon steel is probably enough for me. A full set, like this one, could be too much. Remember, you need to clean and dry cast iron straight away, then lightly oil it after every time you cook with it.
On the other hand, well treated cast iron can turn into a family heirloom. Many people swear by it and only use cast iron. If you want a durable nonstick that you can use for anything, that can take a beating as long as you give it a bit of care, then perhaps cast iron is for you.
Even if you mess up and your cast iron starts to rust, you can still fix it! If you want to know more, here’s a video explaining how to season, and even restore cast iron:
Back to the Lodge Cookware Itself
Where there are trade offs it’s to swap ease of use for durability. For example you can’t see through the cast iron lid provided, because a glass lid would eventually break.
Another example is that the handles are part of the cast iron block. It means they will never come loose, but also that they get very hot when cooking. There is a silicon cover you can use to pick up the pans, but if you forget you will get burnt!
I love the lips on two of the pans that makes it easier to pour from them, this sort of design choice is made by people who actually use their own cookware.
This cast iron set is extraordinarily good value for money given the high quality. Lodge is a well-know American company that makes superior cookware. If you are going to get cast iron, then I would recommend this set as not only versatile, but also genuinely durable.
Pros:
- Oven safe
- Takes a huge amount of abuse
- Nonstick (if seasoned) without PTFE
- Could last a lifetime, or more …
Cons:
- No steamer
- Only one lid
- Lid is cast iron – hard to see
- No proper saucepan (can use stockpot and large frying pan instead)
- Handles will get very hot – you need oven gloves to handle
- Not dishwasher safe
- Hard work
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you use a stainless steel pan on gas stoves? Is stainless steel good for gas stoves?
Stainless steel on its own lacks the ability to spread the heat. Without heat distribution, hotspots will be created.
The solution? Additional layers of aluminum or copper help achieve the necessary heat distribution. This is called multiclad, tri-ply or five-ply stainless steel.
Alternatively, a disc can be impact-bonded to the stainless steel base.
Always check your stainless steel cookware set also has aluminum or copper if you are planning on using it on a gas stove.
Can you use non-stick pans on a gas stove?
Non-stick pans usually have an aluminum base which works well on a gas stove as it helps spread the heat. However, it is important not to overheat non-stick cookware–which is more likely to happen on gas stoves.
You can avoid this by never heating empty non-stick pans on a gas stove.
Why is my gas stove making my pots black?
Gas stoves should not turn your pots and pans black. They should burn cleanly and produce little if any soot.
Check to see if the flames are blue or yellow. If yellow, it’s a sign the air and gas are not mixing correctly: adjust the the burners to make sure everything is sitting correctly. Often something is out of place, disrupting the air flow to the gas stove.
Are ceramic pots good for gas stoves?
The best pots and pans for gas stove cooktops distribute heat well. On its own, ceramic would do this poorly and create cold spots. Yet, most ceramic cookware has an aluminum core–which is excellent at distributing heat.
So, yes ceramic pots and pans work well on a gas stove, if they have an aluminum body.
Can you use glass pots on a gas stove?
Glass doesn’t normally make for the best gas stove cookware, for two reasons:
- Glass isn’t very conductive, creating hotspots
- There is a risk of the glass cracking on the stove due to heat differentials
That being said, some cookware, like Visions can work on the gas stove.
What fry pans can you use on a gas hob?
Almost any fry pan will work on gas stoves. However fry pans with a copper or aluminum core work better and reduce the chance of hotspots.
I suggest looking for either a multiclad stainless steel, or a non-stick fry pan. Here’s how: go through my gas stove cookware reviews and find the cooking set you like. Then follow the link and see if a fry pan is sold separately (it normally is.)
Can you use a stainless steel fry pan on gas stoves?
Yes, you can use a stainless steel fry pan on a gas hob, however the heat distribution may not be the best. It will be more efficient, and avoid cold spots, if you use a multiclad or tri-ply stainless steel fry pan.
Best Cookware for Gas Stove Cooktops: Conclusion
Best nonstick cookware for gas stove
The best set of nonstick pots and pans for gas stoves is, for me, the T-fal E918SE Nonstick 14 Piece Cookware Set. It’s got everything I need, is pretty tough for nonstick, and is easy to use.
It’s dishwasher safe, but I often don’t even need to stick my T-fal pan in the dishwasher because it’s so easy to clean!
True, it’s not cheap, but it’s worth investing now in something that will save you time and money in the long run.
Best ceramic cookware for gas stoves
I find the colors of the GreenLife Ceramic Non-Stick Cookware Set too tempting. I know that they will fade eventually, but while they last they would be worth it. And, given the quality of this set, I would expect them to last a long time.
I like the way this set makes ceramic work out as a cookware material. It has all the advantages of PTFE nonstick (i.e. Teflon), but works at a higher temperature and has no PTFE.
Most of all, I’m amazed at the number of quality pots and pans offered for such a reasonable price. If you are on a budget but want nice cookware that lasts then this could be the set for you.
Best Other Cookware for gas stoves
I don’t want to end up with 6 categories, so I will give you a best of the rest (i.e. not nonstick or ceramic). I am very tempted by the Lodge Seasoned Cast Iron 5 Piece Bundle. It’s something I know would last a lifetime, or more, at a very affordable price. There are two big challenges with it, both of which can be overcome:
- It’s a bit more work to use
- It could do with a couple of extra pieces
I could kill two birds with one stone and also buy a nonstick frying pan, saucepan (both with lids) and a steamer. This would give me a full collection, and mean that I have a couple of pans for “quick and easy” use. (I would pick T-Fal as they last, but there are cheaper options).
Of course, cast iron cookware would last longer than the nonstick pans. After a few years I could decide whether to stick with nonstick, or replace it with cast iron.
Or, if you like cast iron cookware, consider buying the Lodge Cast Iron cookware set and seeing if it is enough for you.
(It might be that you fancy a carbon steel pan for your gas stove. That works too. If you are interested, check out my carbon steel skillet guide.)
Best Stainless Steel Pots and Pans for Gas Stoves
Many people prefer to use stainless steel. It doesn’t release toxic fumes if overheated (like Teflon), is robust, save and durable.
Most working restaurant kitchens will have stainless steel cookware in them. What’s more, it’s possible the stainless steel will discolor from the gas stove flame–but who cares?
If you are after a stainless steel cookware set for your gas stove, I would recommend the All Clad Copper Core cookware set.
Best Cookware for Gas Stove Cooktops (overall)
What is the best cookware for gas stoves? Can you point at one set and say: “This set has the best pots and pans for gas stoves, for everyone?” No. Everyone has their own personal choices. It depends on your circumstances and how much time you have. It depends on what you think of PTFE nonstick and if you are cooking for yourself or your family. There is no best type of cookware for gas stoves.
I’m hoping you’ve read this guide and have decided what your favorite is. My personal favorite used to be the T-fal E918SE Nonstick 14 Piece Cookware Set. It ticked all the boxes for me in terms of cookware pieces. It’s effortless to cook with and clean up with afterwards. It has PTFE, but that didn’t bother me as I believe it’s safe.
The thing is T-fal is great for affordable convenience, but eventually you need to replace it. As I’ve learnt more about cookware I’ve come to realize that multi-clad stainless steel cookware like All Clad is a better alternative.
It lasts forever, can take a beating, and the copper core + aluminum core mean the cooking performance is superb. It’s pricey, and stainless steel isn’t for everyone though–so consider each of the options for yourself.
Best Grill Pan for Gas Stoves
If you’re just looking for a grill pan you can use on the stove then consider this grill pan by Greenlife. I love the nice little pouring spout to get rid of the fats and oils at the end.
What’s more, the ceramic surface, with its higher heat resistant temperature, is perfect for grilling.
