Everyone has heard a story about their friend’s (or their own) parent’s or grandparent’s Farberware cookware lasting forever.
But nowadays, there are new materials and technology, along with a more demanding, savvy home chef.
Can Farberware please a new generation of home cooks while keeping prices low? Is Farberware a good brand?
Below you’ll find my Farberware cookware reviews of three sets, as well as a head-to-head comparison of some alternatives.
Let’s start by looking at all the Farberware Cookware sets I review in this article:
- Glide Nonstick 11 Piece – Recommended Nonstick Ceramic Set
- Millennium Nonstick– (Farberware Non-Stick Cookware Set)
- Classic Stainless Steel 15-Piece– Farberware Stainless Steel Set
Farberware Cookware can have mixed availability so I’ve included a couple of alternatives, both made by Farberware and other brands.
And non-Farberware cookware by other cookware brands:
- Rachael Ray Cucina Nonstick 12 Piece Cookware Set – Alternative Non-Stick Cookware Set
- Gotham Steel Pots and Pans – (Recommended Copper Ceramic Cookware Set)
- Cuisinart Classic Stainless 8-Piece Set – (Recommended Stainless Steel Cookware Set)
Contents
At a Glance
My favorite Farberware cookware set is the Glide Cookware Set. The ceramic coating won’t last forever, but these Farberware pans look great and offer excellent value. It’s a decent set to use in your kitchen.
If you’re looking for something more durable, like stainless steel, you could try the Farberware Classic Stainless Steel 15-Piece Cookware Set. It has the interesting option of non-stick frying pans with everything else in steel (frying is when you are most likely to use nonstick). Yet I prefer the all-steel Cuisinart Classic Stainless 8-Piece Set. It’s a heftier price tag, but I want something that lasts if I’m getting stainless steel anyway.
On the other hand, if you want Teflon-free cookware, I’d suggest avoiding the Farberware Millennium Non-Stick Set. It contains PTFE, the active ingredient of Teflon non-stick coating. The Farberware Glide Set also might contain Teflon. While PTFE isn’t that bad, some health-conscious consumers seek to avoid it. Most ceramic cookware is PTFE-free, but not all. If you need guidance, check out my ceramic cookware guide.
Is Farberware a Good Brand? Does it make Good Cookware?
For the price, Farberware pans are good cookware. If you are looking for value, then yes, Farberware is a good brand.
Farberware cookware goes back a long way. The company was established in 1900 in New York City but didn’t start manufacturing cookware until 1944. The brand began with stainless steel pots and pans, although it’s most known for nonstick cookware these days. Recently, Farberware has been focusing on value. The cookware doesn’t seem to be the lifelong purchase it once was.
That said, you can get a decent starter kitchen cookware set at a very reasonable price.
Who Uses Farberware Pans?
Because of its lower price, Farberware cookware appeals mostly to first-time homebuyers, students, and anyone on a tight budget. They’re also a great set to buy for your summer home, RV, or workplace kitchen.
Innovation in NonStick Cookware
Farberware invented CopperSlide technology; it promises 90 percent better food release than other major ceramic based cookware competitors.
Some people swear by CopperSlide, but then there are also people more likely to swear at it.
Why Should I Buy Farberware Pots and Pans?
The price of cookware has gone way up in recent years. There are many companies out there telling you that you need to buy the best, and of course, pay the price for it.
The truth is, a lot of home chefs don’t reap the benefits of high-end cookware. It can be complicated to use and a little high maintenance when it comes to cleaning.
If you want simple cookware at an affordable price, Farberware may be your next brand.
Farberware Pot and Pans Review
Let’s take a look at some Farberware Cookware sets and compare them to other brands.
I’ll start with two Farberware non-stick set reviews (copper and regular) and end off with a Farberware stainless steel cookware review.
Farberware Glide Nonstick 11 Piece Cookware Set
The Farberware Glide Nonstick 11 Piece Cookware Set is a set of ceramic non-stick pots and pans.
The set uses aluminum and CopperSlide technology in its construction; the CopperSlide is what makes it non-stick. The copper ceramic nonstick is dishwasher-safe. Some users complained about the nonstick– they found that certain foods still stuck.
Since it doesn’t say, I would assume it includes PTFE, the active ingredient of Teflon.
It comes with snug-fitting lids, which are good at sealing in heat and moisture.
Farberware calls the handles “easy-hold,” and they provide a comfortable, confident grip.
The set is safe for oven use to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (177 degrees Celsius), so they can go from the stove to the oven.
The cookware set includes:
- 2-Quart (1.9-Liter) saucepan with lid
- 1-Quart (0.9-Liter) saucepan with lid
- 8.5-Inch (22-Centimeter) deep frying pan
- Slotted turner, slotted spoon, and a pasta fork
- 11.25-Inch (29-Centimeter) deep frying pan
- 5-Quart (4.7-Liter) dutch oven with lid
Pros
- Good value
- Non-stick
- Wide variety of pots and pans
- Oven-safe
Cons
- Not fully nonstick
- Lids don’t fit fry pans
- No air vent on lid
- Will scratch if not treated carefully
- Must avoid high heat
If you’re looking for something similar, check out my complete guide to non-stick copper cookware.
Gotham Steel 10 Piece Cookware Set by Chef Daniel Green vs Farberware Glide 11 Piece Pots and Pans Set
The Gotham Steel Pots and Pans 10 Piece Cookware Set with non-stick ceramic coatings by Chef Daniel Green uses high-grade titanium with a ceramic finish; this combination ensures maximal durability.
This set works for stovetops and baking in the oven. You can bake at up to 500 degrees Fahrenheit (260 degrees Celsius.)
These are both great cookware sets. Here’s what they have in common:
- Non-stick ceramic coating
- Good from stove to oven
- Aluminum cores
- Dishwasher-safe
Differences in a nutshell:
- Oven maximum temperature is higher for the Gotham set
- Farberware promises a 90 percent better food release
- Gotham is PTFE, PFOA, and PFOS free, Farberware is only PFOA free
- You can brown meat with Gotham skillets
- Gotham includes an aluminum steamer insert
- Farberware includes three plastic utensils
- Gotham says it works on induction stovetops; Farberware doesn’t say
- Farberware has plastic handles, and Gotham’s are metal
For my money, I’d go with the Gotham cookware. I prefer the metal handles, and I’m impressed that the cookware is non-toxic. I’d also rather get a steamer instead of utensils that I probably already have in my drawer. I also think that the extra 150 degrees Fahrenheit (66 degrees Celsius) is pretty significant.
See my Gotham Steel Reviews guide for more.
Farberware Millennium 12 Piece Nonstick Cookware Set
The Farberware Millennium Nonstick Cookware Set has red porcelain enamel exteriors that are stain-resistant and easy to clean. Customers loved the color of this set.
If you want to keep an eye on what’s going on inside, there are glass lids. Some users thought they didn’t fit tightly.
The handles are comfortable because of silicone padding, but some customers complain about the overly long handles on the smaller pots causing tip-overs.
This set is safe for oven use up to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (177 degrees Celsius.)
The Teflon SmartGlide Pro non-stick technology is safe to use with metal utensils. Users verify that cleaning is easy; some customers had a problem with the coating chipping.
Here’s what’s included:
- 6-Quart (5.6-Liter) stockpot with lid
- Kitchen utensils: slotted turner, slotted spoon
- 8-Inch (20-Centimeter) and 10-Inch (25-Centimeter ) skillets
- 1-Quart (0.9-Liter) and 2-Quart (1.9-Liter) saucepans with lids
- 3-Quart (2.8-Liter) sauté pan with lid
Sometimes this cookware set is unavailable. If you want a Farberware non-stick alternative, you might consider the Farberware Smart Control Non-stick Set.
Pros
- Good value
- Can use metal utensils
- Easy to clean
- Bright color
Cons
- Some pots seem too small
- Nonstick coating may chip
- Lids not a tight fit
- Some handles are too long
Rachael Ray Cucina Nonstick 12 Piece Cookware Set vs Farberware Millennium 12 Piece Nonstick Cookware Set
The Rachael Ray Cucina Nonstick 12 Piece Cookware Set is made with sturdy hard enamel porcelain exteriors and durable aluminum construction.
Customers love the espresso-colored nonstick coating.
The stainless steel handles are rubberized.
You don’t need to worry about the glass lids breaking; they’re shatter-resistant. Well at least in theory. Try not to drop them onto a hard surface!
This set is safe for the oven to 400° Fahrenheit (205 degrees Celsius.)
I like both of these sets. Here’s what they have in common:
- Oven-safe
- Non-stick
- Bright attractive colors
- Glass lids
- Coated metal handles
- No lids for the frying pans
Differences in a nutshell:
- Farberware is more affordable
- You can use metal utensils on Farberware, at least in theory
- The Rachel Ray set is safe for oven use to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (205 degrees Celsius)
- Farberware is oven-safe to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (177 degrees Celsius)
- Rachel Ray offers a variety of bright colors
- Farberware comes in red, black, and bronz
These sets are very similar on almost everything but the price, so I’d go with the Farberware. The bright colors of the Rachel Ray cookware are tempting, but I’m not sure how good they will look after a few years of use.
Farberware Classic Stainless Steel Cookware Review
The Farberware Classic Stainless Steel 15-Piece Cookware Set features stainless steel layered over thick aluminum cores.
The pots work on any stovetop, except you can’t use the skillets on induction.
Heavy-duty construction is finished with a mirror-polished exterior. Some users felt that the pots seemed flimsy; others reported that the set started to look old quickly. Customers did like that they were easy to clean.
Pots and pans have classic looking handles and tight-fitting stainless steel lids. Some users found the handles a little thin and uncomfortable; others felt the handle attachment wasn’t great.
This Farberware Classic set is safe for oven use to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (177 degrees Celsius.)
You can load this set into the dishwasher, but Farberware recommended hand washing for the frying pans.
The 15-piece set includes:
- 1-Quart (0.9-Liter), 2-Quart (1.9-Liter), and 3-Quart 2.8-Liter) saucepans with lids
- 4-Quart (3.8-Liter) saucepot with lid
- 8-Quart (7.6-Liter) stockpot with lid
- 8-Inch (20-Centimeter) and 10-Inch (25-Centimeter) non-stick skillets
- Three nylon kitchen utensils
Pros
- Stainless steel cookware
- Easy cleanup
- Dishwasher-safe except for fry pans
Cons
- Feel a little flimsy
- Handles not properly attached
- Includes utensils that aren’t useful
- Might not age very well
Cuisinart Classic Stainless 8-Piece Set vs Farberware Classic Stainless Steel 15-Piece Cookware Set
The Cuisinart Classic Stainless 8-Piece Set features 18/10 stainless steel cookware and pure aluminum enclosed in the base.
Solid stainless steel riveted handle stays cool on the stovetop.
The cookware can go in the oven up to 500 degrees Fahrenheit (260 degrees Celsius) and the lids to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (177 degrees Celsius.)
You can’t use them with induction stovetops.
The glass lids are shatter-resistant and tight-fitting.
Here’s what these two cookware sets have in common:
- Stainless steel cookware
- Safe for oven with lids to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (177 degrees Celsius)
- Dishwasher-safe (except the fry pans in the Farberware set)
Differences in a nutshell:
- The Farberware Classic set is much more affordable
- More pieces in the Farberware set (but they are utensils)
- Cuisinart is 18/10 stainless steel cookware
- Farberware fry pans are non-stick; Cuisinart’s are stainless steel
- The handles on Cuisinart are metal, and Farberware’s are plastic
- Farberware has a retro design, and Cuisinart looks modern
- Without the lids, the Cuisinart can go in a 500 degree Fahrenheit (260 degrees Celsius) oven
The big difference here is the price; Cuisinart carries a heftier price tag because of superior steel and durability.
Another important difference is in the skillets. Some home cooks won’t like that the Cuisinart ones aren’t non-stick; others may appreciate that they’re stainless steel.
Because I prefer frying with stainless steel cookware, I’d go with the Cuisinart. I also think it’s worthwhile paying a little extra for something that’ll last.
