In a market flooded with cookware sets, sometimes it’s best to pick one brand. Yet, even then, there are so many sets available from each brand.
Today I’m diving in to take a closer look at one brand: Tramotina, a Brazilian company manufacturing high-quality cookware.
This leading brand has something for everyone, so read on for the best Tramontina cookware reviews.
I’ve tried to pick the best Tramontina set in each type of category, so whether you are looking for stainless steel cookware or nonstick, a single braiser, or a full cookware set, I’ve got you covered!
- Tramontina Stainless Steel Cookware Set (Best Overall Tramontina Cookware set)
- Tramontina Gourmet Ceramica Cookware Set (Best Tramontina Ceramic Cookware set)
- Tramontina Prima Cookware Set (Best Affordable Tramontina Nonstick Cookware set)
- Tramontina Enameled Cast Iron Braiser (Best Tramontina Enameled Oven)
- Tramontina Pro-line Two Frying Pan Pack (Best Tramontina Two-Skillet Pack)
Read the rest of my Tramontina reviews for more details on each set.
Contents
Tramontina Cookware: A Brief Overview
What Is Tramontina?
Tramontina originated in Brazil, but the U.S. Division has been around since 1986. Tramontina manufactures a wide range of home products, from kitchen utensils and cookware to appliances, gardening tools, and much more. The brand has an international presence, selling products in over 120 countries. Tramontina has a solid reputation for affordable, high-quality cookware.
When it comes to Tramontina cookware, there are pots and pans for everyone.
You’ll find something for every budget, material preference, and equipment need. The company even branches out from cookware, creating trash bins, containers, and even flatware.
I’ll focus on the pots and pans for now!
From cast iron to budget-made aluminum, there’s something for every taste.
And all of it is made in Brazil before being shipped worldwide.
Is Tramontina Cookware Safe?
Yes, Tramontina cookware is safe to use. The company uses the best materials available and stays away from toxins.
What Should Be in a Cookware Set?
What’s needed in a cookware set depends on your intent with it. If you have no equipment, you will need pots, pans, and utensils. Or do you need a few fry pans because you’ve made one-too-many stir-fries with sticky sauce?(Been there, done that.)
If you’re unsure of what belongs in a basic cookware set, the following pieces offer a good starting place:
- Small fry pan (8 inches or 20 cm)
- Medium or large fry pan (10 inches or more, 25 cm)
- A wok
- Saucepans of various sizes and depths
- A deep sauté pan
- Dutch oven
- Griddle—not mandatory, but it rounds out a set quite nicely
- Lids for everything that needs one
Of course, you can go without the Dutch oven and the griddle. A large baking tray or deep sauté pan can replace the former, and a frying pan the latter if necessary. Depending on the type of cooking you do, you might not need a wok, either. But almost everyone can use multiple fry pans, as well as saucepans and a sauté pan.
Extras: Utensils
Now, if you have nothing—not even a wooden spoon—a larger, more inclusive cookware set may be in order.
There’s one 18-piece set (I’ll be reviewing later) that I think handles the requirements excellently, but lacks a few of my essentials.
I will not include knives in this selection, as they’re in their own category.
Paired with the above, here’s what else you need as a beginner:
- Ladle
- Slotted spoon
- Spatula, with or without slots
- Wooden spoon
- Tongs
- Masher
- Whisk
- Colander
- Cheese grater
Of course, there’s so much more you could require. But let’s not get carried away.
In Single-Item or Two-Item Sets
One of the cookware sets I’ll review later is a two-pack frying pan. You may find other cookware sets like this—sets of just pots or pans of various sizes.
That’s the key to buying cookware in single item or two item sets. There should be some size variance within it.
For example, a set of fry pans should have a small and medium pan.
If you want one with a single size, that’s fine too, and those are available. Tramontina’s is excellent, but you can read the full Tramontina cookware reviews later.
Personally, I prefer a set with multiple sizes.
What Is the Best Material for Cookware?
With all these options for cookware sets, you may wonder what materials they use. And what material is best?
Tramontina uses four main materials in the products I’m reviewing today. So, these are the ones I’ll examine.
Enameled Cast Iron
In my opinion, cast iron is the best material for cookware. Others may not like the maintenance involved—it needs so much care!
First, you have to season them. Then, never use harsh detergents on them, nor scrub too enthusiastically.
Enameled cast iron, on the other hand, doesn’t need so much work. It has many of the advantages of cast iron in terms of heating, but the enamel coating means you don’t need to worry about seasoning.
The enamel coating is also nonstick making cleanup much easier.
Yet the porcelain enamel can chip, and once it’s chipped it can’t really be repaired. So enameled cast iron, while very durable when compared with other cookware, is not as durable as cast iron.
Stainless Steel
Stainless steel is one of the best materials for cookware.
This is not a non-stick material, but it’s excellent for braising and browning meat. And if you coat it well before cooking, your food shouldn’t stick (too much).
It’s also durable, not as much as cast iron, but close enough.
Not all Stainless Steel cookware is the same though, and Tramontina use layers in their stainless steel collection to maximize efficiency and durability. Check out their explanation in this video:
Aluminum
Aluminum is lightweight and conducts heat well. But, be careful with this material.
If it’s not coated, it may stain. As well as staining itself, light-colored food may end up discolored. Tramontina use a nonstick coating to seal in the aluminum cookware.
Ceramic
Ceramic cookware is non-stick, and it’s very easy to clean. There’s a Tramontina ceramic cookware review coming up shortly.
But the cons may outweigh the pros. It’s not as durable as other materials. And, some say the heat distribution isn’t great.
Tramontina Cookware Reviews
Tramontina Stainless Steel Cookware Set: Best Set Overall
It’s a common opinion, among professional chefs, that stainless steel is one of the best materials for cookware, making all of the lids and Tramontina stainless steel pans oven safe. It’s durable, shiny, yet simply designed. And you can use metal utensils on it because stainless steel is so hard to scratch.
This stylish Tramontina tri-ply clad stainless steel cookware set covers all the bases.
It’s available in the large 12-piece cookware set, which has almost everything you need in a cookware set. Each of its pieces is available on its own, too, though it’s most cost-effective to buy the set.
For a smaller Tramontina tri-ply clad set, there are also 8 and 10-piece sets available for your frying and boiling needs.
If it were me seeking new cookware, I’d go for the 12-set. Which is why it’s the one I’m reviewing.
The tri-ply bases help the pots and pans heat quickly, ensures even heat distribution, and is compatible with induction, gas, electric and ceramic stoves.
I do prefer tempered glass lids, but there is no doubt that these polished stainless steel lids will last longer than glass!
The main downside is staining. The cookware isn’t non-stick, so the food sticks and stains the metal. Need help with stuck-on food? Visit my guide on why food sticks to stainless steel pans and how you can prevent it.
Don’t confuse this cookware set with the Tramontina Tri-Ply Clad cookware set. This is a cast stainless steel cookware set with a tri-ply base ( the most important part), whereas the Tramontina Tri-Ply Clad set has three layers throughout the whole pan, thereby providing even heat distribution up the sides.
Unfortunately, the Tramontina Tri-Ply Clad set is often not available, and much more pricey when it is, which is why I don’t include it in this review.
This Tri-Ply base set is excellent quality in terms of both durability and cooking performance; most home cooks will be happy with it.
Pros
- Safe for metal utensils
- Withstands high heat
- Can withstand a good scrubbing
- Thick base ensures food won’t be burnt on the bottom
- Oven safe to 260°C (500°F)
- Induction-compatible
- Flared edges for dripless pouring
- Ergonomic stainless steel handles
Cons
- Food sticks easily
- Prone to staining
- No griddle or Dutch oven
If you want real tri-ply clad cookware (with the metal layers going through the whole pan), you have a couple of options:
- See if you can get hold of the Tramontina Tri-Ply Clad Stainless Steel Cookware Set
- Check out my Tramontina vs All Clad review as All Clad is an alternative premium stainless steel set that I recommend. All Clad Stainless Steel tri-ply clad cookware is second to none in my opinion. (All Clad also offer non-stick cookware but I don’t think it is quite worth the premium.)
Tramontina Gourmet Ceramica Cookware Set: Best Ceramic Set
If you prefer your pots and pans non-stick, this selection may be better for you than the stainless steel set. This is an 8-piece set, coming with two pots with lids, two fry pans and a Dutch oven and lid.
There’s also a 10 piece set which includes a deep skillet. Each piece is available on its own, too.
Material-wise, this is a ceramic coated aluminum cookware set. The “cold forged” aluminum makes the set light and durable, but the ceramic keeps things easy to clean and non-stick. Tramontina is careful to assure us the non-stick coating is PTFE (Teflon) free.
However, you may have to clean these by hand. The ceramic coating tends to chip in the dishwasher. And if you scrub too vigorously, you’re in for a few scratches.
Though the scratches don’t automatically make the non-stick cookware stick, it’s when they start to build up that the cookware breaks down. According to other customers, it can happen anywhere from 8–18 months, depending on how gently you treat it.
Cold forged Aluminum just isn’t as durable as hard-anodized aluminum, but hard-anodized is pricier, making this set a good quality entry level set.
Yet many customers are very satisfied with their cookware, indicating that if you treat it gently, it will last even longer.
I would buy this product, as it’s a great price for how much you get. And you should get at least a few years’ use if you treat it right. (The better you are at taking care of the cookware, the longer it can last. )
But it’s not for someone who doesn’t like hand-washing or is a bit rough with their cookware.
Pros
- Long-lasting non-stick coating, when treated well
- Easy to clean
- Long, ergonomic stainless steel handles
- Oven safe up to 167°C (350°F)
- Incredibly smooth interior, for easy stirring
- Chic, durable exterior
- PTFE (Teflon) free
Cons
- Not dishwasher safe
- Gathers small scratches easily
- Will likely need replacing eventually
- Not induction-compatible
For more details on this Tramontina cookware line, check out my Tramontina Ceramic Cookware Review. Or see my guide to the best ceramic cookware for some other options.
Tramontina Prima Cookware Set: Best Affordable Non-Stick Set
If you have no kitchen utensils to your name and little money, this starter set is ideal for you. It’s inexpensive yet packed full of pots, pans, utensils, and a griddle.
I have to admit; it’s not a premium set. The interiors are textured, which can be a bit of pain when cleaning. Although, they’re also non-stick, which should helps.
Unfortunately, I don’t know much about the non-stick coating. It may or may not have PTFE, and it coats a light, inexpensive aluminum. Plus, you have to be extremely gentle, or the coating comes off after only a few uses.
This points towards washing these in the dishwasher being a bad idea, too, although the manufacturer claims they are dishwasher-safe.
At the end of the day, you get what you pay for. It’s a good starter set with excellent utensils. It’s something that may suit a young adult moving into their first place alone. Or if you’re just experimenting with cooking, to see if you like it, they get the job done until you learn what gear you want.
Pros
- Handles stay cool
- Easy to grip
- Huge number of highly useful utensils
- Stylish, red exterior
- Non-stick coating
- Dishwasher safe
- Extremely affordable
Cons
- Not clear if it has PTFE (Teflon)
- May be too lightweight for some
- Far from the best you can buy
- Incompatible with induction cooktops
- Not great for experienced home cooks
- Not oven-safe (plastic handles)
Tramontina Enameled Cast Iron Braiser: Best Enameled Oven
We’re stepping away from sets now and into high-quality, solo cookware. This Tramontina Braiser is at the top in terms of quality and long-lasting performance. The material is a big reason why.
Enameled cast iron cookware can last decades if you treat it right. That means no harshly scraping off dried food, no scrubbing with strong brushes, and no dishwasher! I almost cried when someone scratched my frying pan by washing it too vigorously.
It also means letting the pan cool before washing. Cold water on a hot pan is one of the fastest ways to ruin your cookware.
So if long-lasting quality is what you’re after, this 4 quart (3.8 liter) braiser may be an excellent match for you. Or, consider one of the other pieces of cookware in the set.
Enameled cast iron is naturally non-stick, so you should have no trouble cleaning it gently. A wipe down with a damp cloth should do fine!
Unfortunately, the outside isn’t as durable as the interior. It tends to crack and chip. And, the enamel on the bottom could be better too. It may stick to some food if it’s not sparkling clean.
Nevertheless, this is a braiser I’d invest in. Even if it doesn’t last generations, it should last a few years. This material is tough.
If you are considering a cookware set then check out my enameled cast iron guide.
Pros
- Excellent durability
- Cooks food evenly
- Easy-grip handles
- Stainless steel lid handle is durable
- Easy to clean
- Oven safe up to 232°C (450°F)
- Compatible with all cooking surfaces, including induction cooktops
- Naturally non-stick, so PTFE free
Cons
- Exterior coating may chip or flake off
- On the heavier side
- The enamel on the bottom sometimes has a bad odor
Tramontina Pans Pro-line Two Frying Pan Pack: Best Fry Pan Pack
I don’t know about you, but I use frying pans a lot. They can cook almost anything, or heat up leftovers you want to throw some sauce on.
So I end up buying new fry pans more than my other cookware—and this two-pack of Tramontina A new fry pan really hits the spot.
Their heavy-gauge aluminum construction means they’re light but strong. And the non-stick coating keeps them easy to clean and makes sure you get all of your food—not just the food that decided to stay unstuck.
However, it’s not clear if these Tramontina skillets are PTFE free—so if you’re strictly anti-Teflon, you should steer clear. (PTFE is the main component of Teflon.)
If anyone open to Teflon is looking for a pair of smallish, 8-inch (20 cm) frying pans, this is a nice pack to consider.
They’re far from the top of the range, but further from the bottom, and I don’t see many complaints about them. Their main issue is potentially misleading advertising.
At the time of writing, it says “Made in the USA” on the packaging, yet I believe these frying pans are made in Brazil not the United States. There’s nothing wrong with a fry pan Made in Brazil, but it would be nice to see this clearly stated.
Another downside is that it’d be better if it were two different sizes of frying pans. Yet this is a great set if you need a couple of extra nonstick pans.
Pros
- Small and easy to store
- Non-stick
- Long-lasting
- Durable
- Lightweight
- Excellent for eggs
- Cleaning is easy
- 500 °F (260 °C) without silicone handles
Cons
- Made in Brazil but advertised as made in the USA
- The handle is a little too heavy, so they tilt
- Bottom of the pans isn’t completely flat
- Rivet area is harder to clean than the rest of the pan
- Would be better if the pans were different sizes
- May have PTFE (Teflon)
Tramontina Dutch Oven Reviews
All the reviews on this page concentrate on Tramontina cookware sets. However, Tramontina also makes quality enameled Dutch Ovens.
Dutch ovens are not the same as the Tramontina pots included in some of the above cookware sets. In particular, Tramontina Dutch ovens are made of different materials (cast iron and porcelain enamel.)
Check out my Tramontina Dutch oven review if you are interested. (Spoiler Alert: I actually recommend the Le Creuset Enameled Cast Iron Dutch Oven if you can afford it, but the Tramontina Enameled Cast Iron Dutch Oven is great for those on a budget.)
FAQs
Is Tramontina made in Brazil? Where is Tramontina Made?
Tramontina has a reputation for making its cookware in Brazil, and my understanding is that all its cookware is made in Brazil.
As you might have seen above, there were some strange shenanigans with a “Made in the USA” label. so it’s always worth checking the individual product.
Is Tramontina a Good Brand?
Tramontina offers excellent value for money. It terms of quality, I’d put Tramontina pots and pans at around mid-range, though of course this will depend on the individual product.
I wouldn’t turn to Tramontina if looking for absolute top quality, but I do like the brand and would be happy to use them.
Tramontina Cookware Review: Final Verdict
I’d pick the Tramontina Tri-Ply Clad Stainless Steel Cookware Set out of this group. It’s reasonably priced for stainless steel—a long-lasting material.
The 12-piece set also has most of what I appreciate in a full set. It’s only missing a Dutch oven and griddle.
It may not be as non-stick as the other cookware sets, but that’s nothing a light layer of butter won’t fix. Never cook your food dry, and things should work out fine.
This is the set I’d recommend to beginners, too. It’s true that there are cheaper options, but it’s the quality I adore here. The smooth surfaces make cooking easy, and the thick bases mean the pots and pans will last.