Best Pans for Electric Cooktop in 2024

Find the Best Pans for Electric Cook Tops for the Home Kitchen

Electric cook tops are all the rage these days. The sleek design of them and the built-in heat source make cooking a snap.

But what cookware should you use with an electric cook top?

There are a couple of things to consider.

First, the pans you want to use should be able to conduct heat evenly and efficiently. This means cooking with a stainless steel pan, cast iron or a pan with metal handles.

Second, you want to make sure that the pan is the right size for your cook top. The pan should hang over the edges a bit to allow for air circulation.

In this article we are going to look at the features that make the Best Pans for Electric Cook Tops.  We will also run through a complete buyers guide for those that like to do their own research, so they know they are making the right choice.

Top Reviews for the Best Pans for Electric Cook Tops

Gotham Steel 12 Piece Cookware With Nonstick Ceramic Coating

The initial selection on our list of favorite cookware is the 12-piece Gotham Steel set, featuring a ceramic copper coating that prevents sticking and handles that remain cool to the touch.

As you can appreciate from the name of the pots and pans set, the inclusion of the copper in the construction of these pots and pans means there are highly conductive properties for transferring heat evenly around the utensils.  Gotham Steel also claim this unique coating is super durable, and can withstand metal utensils and other appliances being used while cooking.

The non-stick coating means less elbow grease required to remove burnt on foods.  Plus the pots and pans are dishwasher safe.  The combination of these two features means you can cook with these pots and pans every day, and they will be easy to clean and maintain.

The handles are what Gotham Steel have dubbed as ‘stay cool handles’, which in simple terms means they have designed the pots and pans in such a way that the heat does not transfer into the handles.  Very handy for keeping burns and messes to a minimum.

Overall a very impressive collection of pots and pans that won’t break the budget.

Pros

  • the pots and pans set are dishwasher safe – meaning easy cleaning
  • copper based non-stick coating that is highly durable and can withstand metal utensils being used
  • budget friendly

Cons

  • does not contain a griddle for scoring steaks, burgers etc
  • does not contain a small pot for cooking a single serve meal

Cruisinart TPS-10 10 Piece Tri-ply Stainless Steel Cookware Set

The next pots and pans set on the list is the Cruisinart TPS-10 Tri-Ply Stainless Steel set.

With such a reputable company behind this set, there is no question as to why it is so popular.  Cruisinart has been in the kitchen and appliances space for as long as we have been cooking.  And this is proven with the lifetime warranty that comes with this pots and pans set.  Cruisinart back their products and are confident enough to offer a money back guarantee on this set.

But enough about the company, let’s take a look at what you are really interested in – the pots and pans set for your electric stove.

This set by Cruisinart boasts a tri-ply stainless steel construction.  This means the pots and pans are made with three distinct layers of hardened stainless steel.  Using their heat surround technology, Cruisinart have been able to develop a set of pots and pans that spread heat evenly throughout the bottom and sides of the cookware.

Their flat bottom design also means these pots and pans are perfect for electric stove tops with heating elements and glass top stoves.

The handles are cast stainless steel cool grip with an ergonomic design so that you maintain a secure grip on the pots and pans, without burning your hands.

Finally we’d like to highlight that Cruisinart offer different sets of this particular pots and pans.  Alongside the 10 piece set, you can scale up with a 12 piece and 13 piece set OR scale down with a 7 piece set.  This flexibility is fantastic as it will have an option for everyone’s personal circumstances.

Pros

  • superior design and technology for even heat throughout the cookware
  • comes in several different sets for added customization of the number and type of pots and pans you want in your kitchen set
  • Lifetime warranty from a reputable company means you can buy with confidence.

Cons

  • is not on the budget friendly end of the spectrum.  However if you still have your heart set on this set, you can opt for the 7 piece set at a more affordable price.

Rachael Ray Hard Anodized 12 Piece Pots and Pans Set

The final pots and pans set in our favorites list is the Rachael Ray 12 Piece Cookware set.

This one is for those that want the functionality of a good quality pots and pans set for cooking on an electric stove top, but with a bit of style and flair.

The cranberry red handles will make heads turn with their sleek and colorful design.  Not to mention that the handles are dial riveted handles for additional grip and security when handling hot liquids and foods in your pots and pans.

The hard anodized construction of the pots and pans not only means these are great for cooking on electric glass stove tops, they can also withstand high heats in the oven.

The dishwasher safe properties of the pots and pans also means they are easy to clean and maintain, especially if you are intending to use them to bake in the oven (avoid all the elbow grease of trying to remove baked on foods).

Last and definitely not least, this set also comes with a lifetime warranty, so you can purchase this pots and pans set with confidence.

Pros

  • stylish option with the functionality of one of the best pots and pans sets for electric stoves.
  • Lifetime warranty from a reputable company means you can buy with confidence.
  • comes with matching spatula and ladel for a complete cooking experience

Cons

  • is not on the budget friendly end of the spectrum.  However, if you still have your heart set on this set, you can opt for the 7 piece set at a more affordable price.

Buyers Guide for Buying the Best Cooking Pans

Materials

If you are going to get one thing right regarding the best pots and pans for electric stoves, it is choosing the right materials that the pots and pans are made from.

The materials used in the bottom and sides of the pots and pans will not only affect the look and weight, it will also impact how effective they are in conducting heat and retaining heat while you cook.

The best materials, like stainless steel, for pots and pans will conduct an even heat around the entire pan and also retain heat.  This is to ensure there are no wild fluctuations in cooking temperature.  This ensures a steady and consistent cook.

What is your Cooking Style?

One of the biggest factors that will influence your choice of cooking pans is how and what you like to cook.  There are some core pans that are versatile enough for you to cook a variety of dishes in.  However, if you like to cook particular dishes that require specific techniques, then you may want to look at a set of pans for your electric cook top.  A good example is the griddle pan – this pan is primarily used to cook large pieces of meat such as steak or fish to achieve the sear marks on the surface.

Once you are clear on your cooking habits you can start to determine the types of pots and pans sets you will likely need.  It is also helpful to identify sets that will have many redundant pieces in the set.  As a general rule of thumb it is best to avoid these because the pots and pans just end up collecting dust and end up taking valuable kitchen space that could be used for other useful pieces.

Design of Pan

You wouldn’t think construction of a pot or pan would have such a great impact, however for an electric stove cook top you will want to ensure the design of the pots and pans is suitable for your purposes.  The main feature to look for is a flat, wide even bottom to the pan/pot.  So unfortunately for those of you who are keen Asian cooks, using a wok on an electric stove top will not work.

A flat wide bottom ensures there is maximum contact between the heating element and the pot/pan to transfer as much heat to the food as possible.

It also helps to minimize heat loss and creates the most efficient cooking process as possible.

Conductivity

This is another important feature of pots and pans that you must consider carefully – especially for pots and pans that you are planning to use on an electric stove.  The main reason for this is because with an electric stove, the only part of the pot/pan that is in contact with the stove is the base.  Whereas if you were using a gas stove top, the heat from the flames can actually reach the sides of the pots and pans.

This means you will need a highly conductive metal to transfer the heat from the bottom of the pot to the rest of the pot/pan.

This comes down to the construction and material of the pot and pans – which were discussed previously.  If you need a refresher on the best materials and construction features, please scroll up further on this article.

Final Verdict

Looking for cooking pans can be an overwhelming experience.  There are so many different types of options available, it is not hard to see why people do not know where to begin.

Fortunately, we have provided a step-by-step process for you to follow regarding determining the features that are going to make the biggest impact for your circumstances.

If you have an electric stove top at home, you can simply use our Best 3 Cooking Pans Guide for some quick decision-making.

Happy cooking.