What a relief to know that once you are done cooking and enjoying a full meal, all that is left is to place your cookware into the dishwasher. Put simply, choosing the best dishwasher-safe cookware means you can avoid scrubbing!
With all the cookware out there, you might be wondering what the best cookware set is for easy cleaning in the dishwasher. I’ve rounded up some of the best sets for you to compare.
Here’s my list of the best dishwasher safe pots and pans:
- T-fal E765SC Ultimate Hard Anodized Nonstick 12 Piece Dishwasher Safe Cookware Set (Best Overall)
- T-fal C836SD Ultimate Stainless Steel Copper Bottom 13 PC Cookware Set, Piece (Best Copper Bottom)
- GreenPan Valencia Ceramic Non-stick Dishwasher Safe Cookware Set (Best Ceramic)
- Cuisinart DSA-11 Dishwasher Safe Hard-Anodized Cookware Set (Best Mid-Range)
- WearEver C943SA Pure Living Nonstick Ceramic Dishwasher Safe Cookware Set (Best Budget)
- Fleischer & Wolf Nonstick White Aluminum Pots and Pans Set (Best High Quality)
Read on to find the most suitable pans for your kitchen.
Contents
How to Choose the Best Dishwasher Safe Cookware
If you think about it, dishwashers have a pretty tricky job to do. The standards we set for them are very high! We expect them to leave our dishes spotless without ever leaving a scratch. That’s what they are advertised to do, and I believe they should live up to their standards.
But to achieve this, you first need to load them with safe dishwasher cookware. You see, for the dishwasher to efficiently clean your cookware, it has to get a little ‘rough’. It has to use high heat, high water temperature and probably harsh detergent.
Your cookware has to be in a position to withstand these extremes. Luckily, the market is flooded with choice. Brands from Cuisinart to T-fal offer quality dishwasher safe cookware at affordable prices.
Cookware isn’t cheap, so the last thing you want is your expensive pot coming out of the dishwasher scratched, peeled or ineffective. Traditional nonstick cookware sets and non-enameled cast iron pots have, historically, been dishwasher unfriendly.
But there’s good news. Several manufacturers are making progress and producing nonstick cookware sets that can handle the dishwasher. (Non-enameled cast iron will never be dishwasher friendly though!)
In my experience, stainless steel cookware and ceramic cookware are generally dishwasher safe. They shouldn’t deteriorate with regular dishwashing. Always look for the dishwasher safe logo during when purchasing. If you are unsure whether a pan is dishwasher-safe, wash it by hand until you confirm one way or the other.
What Are the Advantages of Dishwasher Safe Cookware?
Dishwasher-safe cookware is easy to clean. Cook your meals, enjoy your food, and after you’re done, you can just pop your cookware into the dishwasher. What could be easier than that? Unfortunately, some cookware isn’t dishwasher safe. Who wants to go through the extra chore of soaking and hand washing pots and pans?
Even manufacturers of dishwasher-safe cookware will sometimes recommend against using the dishwasher. A dirty secret unknown to many. Even so, having the option is nice.
Another huge advantage? Having a clean sink. Nothing is as appalling as the sight of greasy pots and pans sitting in my sinks. With quality dishwasher safe pots and pans, it’s easier to keep your sinks clean and empty… at least until the next meal.
If you are a fan of hand washing, then you are familiar with the hustle of choosing the best cleaning sponge. Using a rough scrubber can scratch your favorite cookware. You never have to worry about scratches from a rough sponge when using the best dishwasher safe pans and pots.
Why Do Some Manufacturers Say Their Cookware is Dishwasher Friendly, Yet Recommend Against It?
I know, I know. This baffles me, too. Why would anyone advertise cookware as dishwasher safe only to advise against it? To me, this is plain misleading. Stand by your products! If your product can’t withstand the dishwasher extremes, then clearly say so.
Most cookware labeled dishwasher safe with an attached disclaimer is likely to disappoint. The manufacturer may even claim that you invalidated the warranty by dishwashing. I try as much as possible to avoid this sort of cookware. I wouldn’t recommend buying them if you are looking for dishwasher safe cookware.
To be clear, this is different than labeling a product as “hand washing preferred.” Hand washing is always preferred, especially with nonstick cookware. It prolongs the lifespan of cookware and doesn’t require harsh detergents or extreme heat. Plus, you don’t have to worry about dishes clanging against one another.
Are There Any Dishwasher-Safe Nonstick Cookware Sets?
Yes! There are some high-quality nonstick cookware sets that can go in the dishwasher. Always follow the manufacturer instructions to make sure you’re properly caring for your pans and staying within the warranty guidelines.
Is Stainless Steel Cookware Dishwasher-Safe?
Generally, stainless steel cookware is completely safe for the dishwasher. Hand washing is better if you can, but it’s not required with stainless steel cookware. There are a few exceptions, though. Stainless steel pans that have a exterior copper accent ring should not go in the dishwasher. The detergent and high heat will tarnish that copper layer.
What Is the Best Way to Clean Dishwasher Safe Cookware?
To be on the safe side, always follow the user manual instructions that come with the cookware. Different cookware may require different procedures.
However, I would suggest some simple things to avoid damaging your cookware in the dishwasher:
- The top rack generally results a gentler wash than the bottom, making it more suitable for pots and pans. This is especially the case if your cookware is delicate, like nonstick cookware. Generally though the bottom rack is easier!
- Don’t leave clean cookware ages in the dishwasher–the quicker the wash, the less likely you are to have problems.
- Try to avoid contact with the inside of the cookware. The inside is the part with the enameled or nonstick coating, and it can get easily scratched.
Best Dishwasher Safe Cookware Reviews
Which dishwasher safe cookware is the best depends on what it’s made of, and not the label attached at the bottom.
Read the dishwasher safe cookware reviews below to find out the pots and pans that best suit your kitchen.
T-fal E765SC Ultimate Hard Anodized Nonstick 12 Piece Dishwasher Safe Cookware Set (Best Overall)
The T-fal Ulitmate Hard-Anodized Nonstick Cookware Set has a hard-anodized exterior for easy, lightweight handling and maximum durability. It comes with the following pieces:
- 8-inch frying pan
- 10-inch frying pan
- 1-quart covered saucepan (.94 liters)
- 2-quart covered saucepan (1.89 liters)
- 3-quart covered saucepan (2.84 liters)
- 5-quart Dutch oven with lid (4.73 liters)
- 2 cooking utensils
I like that this 12-piece set includes three different size saucepans. Similar collections normally have two. Whether making your favorite sauce, cooking a pot of pasta, or preparing a batch of soup, this set has you covered.
Unlike the Cuisinart set, this T-fal nonstick cookware can handle pretty high heat, which is great for searing a steak or chicken breast.
The downside? You can only use this nonstick cookware up to 350°F/175°C, which essentially means you can’t use it in the oven for anything other than dehydrating. And when’s the last time you used a saucepan for dehydrating food?
One feature that I don’t find helpful is the Thermo-Spot indicator, the little ring in the center of the cooking surface that turns red when preheated. It functions fine, but I end up ignoring it and cook with the pans as normal.
If you don’t care about using your cookware in the oven, then this T-fal set might be the best dishwasher-safe nonstick cookware set for you.
Pros
- Completely dishwasher safe
- Durable and long lasting
- Oven safe (in theory)
- Genuinely nonstick cookware
- Affordable
- Evenly and efficiently distributes heat
Cons
- Can get weird markings when used on high heat (this doesn’t affect their nonstick property)
- Lids can get a little hot
- Oven safe to only 175 °C (350°F) – this is too low
If you want nonstick cookware that goes in the dishwasher, chances are you need to look at hard-anodized cookware. See my guide for more information.
Cuisinart DSA-11 Dishwasher Safe Hard-Anodized Cookware Set (Best Mid-Range)
This Cuisinart Hard-Anodized Nonstick Cookware feels like high-end cookware without the ridiculous price tag. The 11-piece set has all the necessities to suit your kitchen needs. It is light, easy to clean and nothing sticks. Here’s what you get:
- 1-quart covered saucepan (.94 liters)
- 2.5-quart covered saucepan (2.37 liters)
- 3-quart sauté pan with lid (2.84 liters)
- 6-quart sauce pot with lid (5.7 liters)
- 8-inch skillet
- 10-inch skillet
- Pasta insert
This beautiful cookware features a nonstick coating on the interior and a hard-anodized exterior. It is this exterior that gives the set its durability and efficient heating. This Cuisinart set is supposedly safe for metal utensils, but I would err on the side of caution and use wooden or heat-resistant silicone tools.
This set comes with ergonomic stainless steel handles for easy lifting, and the tempered glass lids lock in heat and moisture while cooking. Some said the handles can get a little hot, however, so be sure to use oven mitts or pot holders when handling the pans.
This nonstick cookware is oven-safe up to 500°F/260°C, so you can use it for stovetop-to-oven dishes. The lids are only safe to 350°F/177°C, however.
Made with ArmourGuard technology, this set boasts a durable hard-anodized exterior. Recommend it? Absolutely. What’s not to love?
Pros
- Affordable
- Beautiful and classy finish
- Durable and long lasting
- Completely dishwasher safe
- Nonstick surface
- Evenly distributes heat
- Oven-safe to 500°F/260°C
Cons
- Handles can get a little hot
- A little small in size thus unsuitable for large families
- Rivets inside the pan may require a little bit of attention when cleaning
T-fal C836SD Ultimate Stainless Steel Copper Bottom 13 PC Cookware Set, Piece (Best Copper Bottom)
If dishwasher safe is important to you, you probably don’t want a fuss when cleaning up. That’s the problem with stainless steel – if you don’t get it right, food is more likely to stick.
That being said, stainless steel will last longer. Nonstick cookware will wear down over time. Since stainless steel doesn’t have that nonstick coating, it is more durable.
If you’re willing to trade the nonstick coating for extra durability, you might enjoy this T-fal Ultimate Stainless Steel Cookware Set. It comes with 13 pieces, including:
- 8-inch and 10-inch frying pans
- 12-inch covered fry pan
- 1-quart saucepan with lid (.94 liters)
- 2-quart saucepan with lid (1.89 liters)
- 3-quart saucepan with lid (2.84 liters)
- 5-quart covered Dutch oven (4.73 liters)
- Steamer insert
Cooking with stainless steel is harder, but with some oil, and pre-heating, you can get almost as good performance as traditional nonstick cookware. Some people even claim that stainless steel is better for cooking as it “releases” the food at the right time. This can be especially helpful when searing steak.
I’m personally a big fan of stainless steel and use it for almost everything except eggs. This particular stainless steel set is of high quality and should last you.
The copper bottom helps spread the heat. This means no hotspots and more efficient heating.
Although these pans are dishwasher safe, the manufacturer warns that the copper bottom can discolor when in the dishwasher. This won’t affect the performance of the pan, but if you’re buying them for that beautiful copper exterior bottom, you might be disappointed.
If you are looking for a stainless steel dishwasher safe cookware set, then I would recommend this T-fal set.
Pros
- Dishwasher Safe
- Robust and long lasting
- Nice vented lids
- Copper bottom means it heats efficiently and evenly
- Oven safe to 260 °C (500°F)
- Suitable for induction cooking
Cons
- Copper bottom wears away over time
- Handles can get too hot
- Can discolor in dishwasher
- Stainless steel is harder to clean
GreenPan Valencia Ceramic Nonstick Dishwasher Safe Cookware Set (Best Ceramic)
This 11-piece nonstick cookware set is excellent. I’ve had nonstick pans in the past, and they always wear out, or even worse, the nonstick coating starts to peel!
These pans have none of that. They’re as nonstick now as they were when I bought them. They’re great to cook with, easy to clean and easy to look after. This set comes with the following pieces:
- 2-quart covered saucepan (1.89 liters)
- 3-quart covered saucepan (2.84 liters)
- 3-quart sauté pan with lid (2.84 liters)
- 8-inch frying pan
- 9.5-inch frying pan
- 11-inch fry pan
- 5-quart stock pot with lid (4.73 liters)
As an added bonus, I also think they’re quite stylish.
They’re oven-safe up to 600°F/315°C, so you can use them for any oven dish. The proprietary nonstick coating is ceramic-based for a healthy, non-toxic cooking experience.
You can tell manufacturers care through their little touches. For example, this set comes with some felt protectors to put between the pans when stacking. That’s very helpful if, like me, you don’t have room to store every piece of cookware in a single layer.
Although the manufacturer recommends hand washing, I’m happy to report that they are, in fact, dishwasher-safe. Of course, you’ll get more longevity with hand washing, but you can rest easy knowing that the dishwasher won’t ruin these pans after one cycle.
My biggest issue with this set is that some customers report scratching and chipping. While this hasn’t been my experience, you do need to treat these pans with extra care. Avoid metal utensils and overheating.
Buy this set if you want nonstick cookware that looks nice, and you are confident you will treat it carefully.
Pros
- Dishwasher safe
- Easy to clean
- Stylish
- Oven safe up to 300°C (600°F) (More than enough)
- Suitable for induction cooking
- Completely nonstick
Cons
- Quite pricey
- Reports of scratching and chipping, though this hasn’t been my experience.
- Lid handles can get hot
- “Hand washing recommended” – stand by your product!
If you like this set and want to see more Green Pan products, check out my Green Pan Reviews page.
WearEver C943SA Pure Living Nonstick Ceramic Dishwasher Safe Cookware Set (Best Budget)
This beautiful 10-piece nonstick cookware set is particularly excellent for people on a budget who like to cook. At first, you will love this set for the incredible features it boasts despite its low price. It comes with the following pieces:
- 5-quart dutch oven with lid (4.73 liters)
- 3.5-quart sauté pan with lid (3.31 liters)
- 3-quart sauce pan with lid (2.84 liters)
- 8-inch skillet
- 10.5-inch skillet
- Nylon spoon and a slotted turner
As of publishing, this set is unfortunately unavailable. But if you have your heart set on it, check back frequently.
But don’t let that deceive you; with time, the pots are prone to losing their nonstick property, and easily chip and warp. The pan also quickly burns as the bottom is so thin. And worst of all, the red paint chips after a few washings despite being dishwasher safe.
If you are looking for affordable dishwasher safe cookware that you don’t need to last then this one is for you. If you want a set that is durable as well as dishwasher safe, buy something else.
Pros
- Very affordable
- Comes in a range of colors to choose from (a nice change from the traditional grey)
- Comfortable handles (with silicon grips) to work with
- Oven safe
- Health and environmentally conscious (PTFE free)
Cons
- Prone to chipping and warping
- Not completely dishwasher safe
- Pan prone to burning
- Oven safe to 175 °C (350°F) is too low!
- Loses the nonstick property with time
- Silicon grips on the handles prevent them from being oven safe
- Warranty does not cover discoloration or chipping in the coating
Fleischer & Wolf Nonstick White Aluminum Pots and Pans Set (Best High Quality)
Some of the so-called nonstick pans are anything but that. This one uses little heat, is comfortable to hold, and totally nonstick.
When this 9-piece set is new, its features are just outstanding! Heats evenly, lightweight, versatile, perfect size, easy to clean, and the lids release water vapor.
Unfortunately it is quite pricey. This set is an investment, and one you do need to treat with care. There are reports of the nonstick properties wearing away for some customers. I would recommend being careful how you treat it in the dishwasher. In particular make sure the inside doesn’t touch anything else.
If you are looking for a long lasting cookware set, are prepared to look after it and don’t mind paying a bit extra – this set could be ideal.
Pros
- Dishwasher safe
- Lightweight
- Versatile
- Easy to clean
- Truly nonstick
- Heats evenly
- Very comfortable to grip
Cons
- Expensive
- The ‘Perfect Grip’ handle won’t suit everybody
- Gasket on lid must be removed for cleaning
- Awkwardly positioned gasket makes lid a clumsy fit
- Some reports of it losing its nonstick ability over time
Dishwasher-Safe Cookware: My Top Choice
Best Dishwasher Safe Cookware
My favorite dishwasher safe cookware is the T-fal E765SC Dishwasher Safe Cookware Set. The set is affordable, durable, easy to clean and completely dishwasher safe.
It’s a shame the oven safe temperatures are so low. Apart from that, this is a fantastic deal. Possibly the best non stick dishwasher safe pots and pans you will find at this price level.
If you are looking for a premier set of cookware that isn’t for oven cooking, look no further.
I’ve reviewed 2 T-Fal product lines and I didn’t want to get carried aware here. Yet if you are interested in a ceramic T-Fal cookware set, check out my review.
Best (Genuinely) Oven Safe & Dishwasher Safe Cookware
I don’t often put pans in the oven, but if that’s something you do then you really need pans that can take the heat.
In that case, I would suggest the GreenPan Valencia Cookware Set. It’s a sweet set that should last if you take care of it.
