In this Anolon cookware reviews, I will show you the 5 best Anolon cookware sets in 2021.
I purposely decided to break down this review into five categories. This way, it’ll be easiest for you to pick the best Anolon cookware set for your kitchen.
To save your time, I’ll give you a hint. The best overall Anolan cookware set we reviewed is an 11 piece Anolon Advanced Hard Anodized Nonstick Cookware Set.
As a chef, I’m picky about cookware. I like well-built, sturdy, durable well-performing cookware. Anolon is the brand that ticks all those boxes.
I’ve decided to categorize my picks since I thought it would make your buying decision much easier. I know some of you have an induction, so I purposely picked the best cookware set for that. Also, some prefer one material over the other, so I reviewed all of them and selected the best set for each material.
My best overall pick is an 11 piece Anolon Advanced Hard Anodized Nonstick Cookware Set.
This set includes everything I could need, from a skillet to a sauté pan and it is reasonably priced. Not to mention it’s durable, it’s oven-safe, and more importantly, it’s light and feels great when cooking.
Let’s get started with our reviews.
Our Top Picks
- 11 Piece Anolon Advanced Hard Anodized Nonstick Cookware Pots and Pans Set (Best Cookware Set Overall)
- 10 Piece Anolon Nouvelle Stainless Steel Cookware Pots and Pans Set (Best Cookware Set For Induction)
- 12 Piece Anolon Triply Clad Stainless Steel Cookware Pots and Pans Set (Best Stainless Steel Cookware Set)
- 12 Piece Anolon Allure Hard Anodized Nonstick Cookware Pots and Pans Set (Best Nonstick Aluminium Cookware Set)
- 11 Piece Anolon Nouvelle Copper Hard Anodized Nonstick Cookware Pots and Pans Set (Best Copper Cookware Set)
5 Best Anolon Cookware Reviews
These are the five Anolon cookware sets we researched and reviewed. All 5 Anolon cookware sets are the best that Anolon has to offer. It’s up to you to pick whichever suits your taste. You won’t be disappointed.
Anolon Advanced Hard Anodized Nonstick 11 Piece Cookware Set Review
- Material: Aluminum
- Oven safe: 400 degrees Fahrenheit
- Nonstick layer: Yes
- Dishwasher safe: Yes
- Shatter-resistant glass lids: Yes
- Induction compatible: No
- Set includes: 1.5- and 3-Quart covered saucepans, 8-Quart covered stockpot, 8-Inch french Skillet, 12-Inch covered deep skillet, and 3-Quart covered sauté
This 11 piece Anolon advanced hard anodized nonstick cookware pots and pans set is one of the best you can get. That’s precisely why we chose this set as the best overall. It performed well in every category. It’s well priced in comparison to other cookware brands. Also, it’s the best-rated Anolon cookware on Amazon.
The set is made from aluminum which has one of the best thermal conductivity. Only copper performs better. What it means that it allows you to cook food more evenly. When you turn heat up or down, the cookware reacts much quicker than stainless steel cookware.
This Anolon advanced hard anodized pots and pans set is light. It’s quite a bit lighter than stainless steel. It makes it easy to carry and handle around the kitchen.
The nonstick surface performs well. The most common complaint about a nonstick coating is that it starts to come off after a few years of use. From my personal experience, I can tell you it all depends on how you treat your cookware. Avoid using metal utensils and stacking your cookware on top of each other. It’ll prevent damage to a nonstick layer.
Even plastic utensils can damage the surface if you apply too much pressure.
Overall, Anolon triple-layer PFOA free nonstick performs well both in cooking and reliability. Still allot depends on how you cook and treat your cookware.
When it comes to design, it’s subjective. I like the looks of copper or stainless steel cookware. However, you have an option to choose this set from a few different colors. Graphite, bronze, indigo, and onyx. I prefer the darker one, which is onyx in this case. However, I have to warn you that scratches are more prominent on this color. I’m not sure about other colors, but I assume it’s the same.
Comfort-wise, the SureGrip stainless steel handles are fantastic. It makes holding a heavier pan easier compared to rival pans. A lightweight aluminum structure makes it even more so comfortable.
Even though a manufacturer tells you their cookware is dishwasher safe, I would still wash it by hand. The washing machine is too harsh for the nonstick surface. Over time you can damage it, which can result in a nonstick layer coming off.
Cleaning this set is easy. The leftover food comes off effortlessly. Keep in mind not to use any abrasive scrubs as they can damage the surface. I have a guide on how to fix a scratched nonstick pan if you accidentally scratch your new set.
Verdict
What makes it the best cookware set overall? It’s safe to use in the oven, which is useful for more advanced home cooks. The built quality is excellent. A shatter-resistant glass lid keeps the moisture inside much better than some of the competitor’s cookware. That is important because humidity transfers heat more efficiently to food which results in much faster cooking. Though I would prefer it came with stainless steel lids. And last but not least is the surface. A nonstick interior makes it a joy to cook.
Pros
- Safe to use in the oven
- High quality cookware set
- Easy to clean
- Well Priced
Cons
- The rivets came loose (the common issue for most cookware)
- Stainless steel handles can get hot
- Not compatible with induction
- I wish it came with stainless steel lids
Anolon Nouvelle Stainless Steel Cookware 10 Piece Set Review
- Material: Stainless Steel and copper
- Oven safe: 500 degrees Fahrenheit
- Nonstick layer: No
- Dishwasher safe: Yes
- Induction compatible: Yes
- Set includes: 1.25-Quart and 2.5-Quart saucepans with lids, 6.5-Quart stockpot with lid, 8-Inch and 10.5-Inch frying pan, 3-Quart sauté pan with lid
Anolon Nouvelle Stainless Steel cookware set the best for induction stovetops. Many home cooks enjoy using induction cooktops because they are so convenient. They heat up so fast and cool down in a matter of few minutes. Anolon Nouvelle stainless steel is one of a few cookware sets that are induction compatible. Even though it’s not the best option for me, many of you will find this set is more than enough. So let’s get more into detail about this particular set.
Stainless steel has one of the poorest heat conductivity among other metals used in cookware. However, because this Anolon set has an induction-suitable copper base, you’ll avoid this problem altogether. Copper is the best at conducting heat. It will result in better heat control.
Stainless steel has a reputation among chefs for its durability. It will take some effort to wear it out in a home cooking environment completely. With that said, I can assure you if you take care of this cooking set properly, it will last for a long time.
This cookware set doesn’t have a nonstick layer which can be a downside to some home cooks. The interior is smooth to prevent food from burning. However, you’ll definitely need to get used to it. Food can burn to the pan or pot much easier when compared to a nonstick surface.
To avoid food burning with this set, it’s best to cook on low to medium heat. It’ll prevent food from sticking. If you’re still having problems managing heat, use a dash of water if you start to notice that food starts to stick.
Polished stainless steel makes this Anolon set a timeless classic. Not only it looks good, but it’s practical too. I like that they decided to include stainless steel lids as well. In my opinion, they look better than glass lids.
Most people can find this set too heavy. I have to admit there are better options in regards to comfort. For me, it’s not that much of an issue. Honestly, I like cookware a bit on a heavier side as it gives me more feel when tossing food around.
Handels are not only solid and pleasing to look at, but they are comfortable too. The grip will give you more confidence in tossing food around. One thing I noticed that handles tend to get hot.
Nonstick cookware is easier to maintain than this stainless steel set. It’s easier to burn food which makes it more challenging to wash. I would still avoid using a dishwasher even though the manufacturer claims otherwise.
My chef colleague, who’s been using this set for over two years, confirmed that it started to rust after using a dishwasher to wash pots. As we can see, if you want to maintain cookware in mint condition – avoid the dishwasher.
Verdict
Honestly, it will take some time to get used to this cookware set. In general, cooking on stainless steel takes time to learn. It requires managing heat correctly to avoid food burning.
I have to admit I did manage to burn onions and a few other ingredients when doing this Anolon cookware review. But that’s because I let it sit on medium to high heat for too long without stirring food.
Another feature I like about this set is that you can use it in the oven up to 500 degrees. Seal the fish in a pan and put it in the oven. Simple as that. A friendly reminder use a towel when getting your pans out of the oven.
The stainless steel lids seal the pot well. You don’t want to have a noisy lid rattling on top of your pot whenever something is boiling.
Pros
- Design
- Safe to use in the oven
- Compatible with induction
- Built quality
Cons
- Handles tend to get hot when using on a gas stove
- It can be difficult to wash
- A bit on a heavier side for most home users
Anolon Triply Clad Stainless Steel 12 Piece Cookware Set Review
- Material: Stainless steel and aluminum
- Oven safe: 500 degrees Fahrenheit
- Nonstick layer: No
- Dishwasher safe: Yes
- Induction compatible: Yes
- Set includes: 1.5 saucepan with lid, 2-Quart saucepan with lid, 3.5-Quart saucepot with lid, 4-Quart sauté pan with lid, 8-Quart stockpot with lid, 8.5-Inch frying pan, and 10.25-Inch frying pan
12 piece Anolon triply clad stainless steel cookware pots and pans set is one of the best stainless steel sets. It works on all stovetops, including induction. It has decent heat conductivity thanks to an aluminum layer sandwiched in between stainless steel. Though as with every stainless steel cookware, you need to be extra careful if you don’t want to burn food. Other than that, it’s an excellent set that performs well on induction cooktops.
Stainless steel doesn’t have the best heat conductivity. To compensate for that, Anolon came up with the solution to include a layer of aluminum that conducts heat far better than stainless steel. This layer is sandwiched in between stainless steel, which results in more even cooking.
When it comes to durability, stainless steel has no match. It’s one of the best. Though this cookware set is sturdy, it’s also on a heavier side, which can be a downside to some. A heavy material makes it more challenging to handle than copper or aluminum cookware.
Because of an aluminum core surrounded by layers of stainless steel, the cooking experience is more pleasant. The food doesn’t burn that quickly when compared to regular stainless steel cookware.
Though managing heat is something you’ll need to get used to. In our review, a junior chef managed to burn a pot of vegetables. So if you tend to burn food, stick to nonstick cookware instead.
If you like shiny things, you’re definitely going to like this cookware set. Though it’s a fingerprint magnet, the timeless design makes it look premium.
The handles are comfortable, which makes them easy to hold and navigate around the kitchen. Though as I mentioned earlier, this Triply Clad stainless steel cookware set is on a heavier side. It requires more effort to carry a full sauté pan of stew holding with one hand.
When it comes to maintenance, this set is relatively easy to clean. However, as with any shiny cookware, it’s challenging to keep them free of fingerprints.
Burnt food doesn’t come off as easy as on a nonstick pan. I suggest you leave your Anolon cookware to soak in warm water before washing it thoroughly.
Although it’s safe to use the dishwasher to clean this cookware set, I highly advise against that. It’s safer to wash it by hand to protect your cookware from chemicals that can damage it. If you asked any chef who’s taking care of their cookware, they would tell you the same.
Verdict
Overall it’s an excellent cookware set. It’s beautiful, convenient, versatile, and most importantly, it performs well.
Yes, it’ll take some time to adapt to cooking on stainless steel. Perhaps you have experience with this material, and it won’t be anything new. Remember a key thing – manage heat properly. Ideally, cook on low to medium to avoid food burning on this beautiful cookware set.
The lids fit snuggly, which allows food t heat evenly.
You can use this cookware in the oven up to 500 degrees Fahrenheit. It’s helpful if you’re looking for new ways of cooking different meats.
One thing I find annoying is that the handles tend to get very hot, as with every stainless steel handle. So use the towel when cooking on a gas stove if you want to pick a pan or a pot.
Pros
- Design
- Conducts heat well
- Compatible with induction
- Built quality
Cons
- Handles tend to get hot (it applies to all stainless steel cookware)
- More challenging to wash than nonstick cookware
- A bit on a heavier side for most users
- After a few uses, the interior of a pan became darker.
Anolon Allure Hard Anodized Nonstick 12 Piece Cookware Set Review
- Material: aluminum
- Oven safe: 500 degrees Fahrenheit
- Nonstick layer: Yes
- Dishwasher safe: Yes
- Induction compatible: No
- Set includes: 2-quart covered saucepan, 3-quart covered saucepan, 8-Quart covered stockpot, 4. 5-Quart covered casserole, 5-quart covered sauté with helper handle, 8. 5-Inch skillet, and 10. 25-Inch skillet
Anolon Allure hard anodized nonstick cookware set is one of the most versatile that Anolon has to offer. The one feature that I’m missing is compatibility with an induction stovetop, which is the biggest downside. Other than that, it’s an all-around excellent cookware set. Go ahead and read below a full review to find out more about this set.
Made from heavy-gauge hard anodized aluminum, this Anolon Allure cookware set is as tough as stainless steel. In fact, they claim it’s twice as strong as stainless steel.
The pans and pots are light which is something you need to consider. On the other hand, stainless steel is heavy, which makes it harder to maneuver around the kitchen with a full pot of soup.
Aluminum is one of the best materials for heat conductivity. In our review, it performed well as expected. The heat distribution was perfect, and the food was cooked evenly.
One downside of these pots if you have a gas stove and cast iron grates, the bottom of the cookware tends to scratch easily.
A PFOA-free nonstick surface on this set is excellent for cooking anything from vegetables to meat and fish. To no one surprise, it will take some effort to burn food. I’m not saying it’s impossible, but it’s way easier to do that on stainless steel cookware.
I’m using only wooden and silicone utensils to protect it from any deep scratches when it comes to interior surface durability. When washing your Anolon pots and pans, avoid using abrasive scrubs. It can easily damage the surface, which will result in food sticking to the cookware.
Though the designs resemble Ikea cookware, I still prefer the looks of timeless stainless steel, cast iron, or copper cookware. Don’t get me wrong; this set doesn’t look bad. It’s just a personal preference.
Comfort-wise this Anolon Allure cookware set is no different from Anolon’s advanced hard anodized nonstick set. It’s light. The handles are comfortable to hold, making them easy to handle when tossing food around or carrying a full saucepan of food.
It’s also very light because of its aluminum construction. In comparison to Anolon Nouvelle stainless steel set, this Allure set is way easier to handle. Steel adds more weight to the cookware, while aluminum is much lighter.
One of the benefits of having a nonstick cookware set is that it’s easy to clean. This set is no exception. The leftover food comes off quickly and easily. Although if you did burn some food accidentally, it’s better if you leave it to soak in hot water for a while before you wash it. Abrasive scrubs are a sure way to damage the nonstick surface; hence soaking your cookware will prevent it from any damage.
Verdict
Nonstick cookware makes the overall cooking experience a bit more pleasant (at least for a home cook). The food doesn’t burn so quickly. Cleaning is quick and easy. The lids are excellent and keep the moisture trapped inside the cookware. Also, It’s oven-safe up to 500 degrees Fahrenheit.
Pros
- Conducts heat well
- Easy to clean
- Light
Cons
- Handles tend to get hot (it applies to all stainless steel cookware)
- Not working on an induction cooktop
- The bottom of the cookware is fragile when on cast iron grates
Anolon Nouvelle Copper Hard Anodized Nonstick 11 Piece Cookware Set Review
- Material: aluminum and copper
- Oven safe: 500 degrees Fahrenheit
- Nonstick layer: Yes
- Dishwasher safe: Yes
- Induction compatible: Yes
- Set includes: 1.5-Quart saucepan with lid, 3-Quart saucepan with lid, 8-Quart stockpot with lid, 3-Quart sauté with lid and helper handle, 8.5-Inch skillet, 12-Inch skillet
Even though this Anolon Nouvelle copper hard anodized nonstick cookware set is not made entirely of copper, it still feels and looks premium. Overall built quality is excellent. Although I’ve read a few online reviews, some customers noticed nonstick layers starting to come off after three to four years of use. Usually, metal utensils or staking cookware on top of each other can damage the surface.
This set is made from the two best heat conductors there’s – aluminum and copper. It allows for cookware to heat up and cool down really fast.
To test out its durability, you need to use them for a while. But overall, the built quality and material look and feel solid, which should last for years to come. According to some comments I read online, very few people complained about the durability.
A nonstick surface performs well as expected. Food heat evenly and doesn’t stick to the surface. When using on induction, the pot full of water heats up in a matter of minutes. Thanks to copper and aluminum construction.
As with any nonstick surface, beware of avoiding any sharp or metal utensils. It can easily damage the nonstick layer beyond repair. In that case, you’re most likely going to need a replacement.
I would say the design is more contemporary than timeless. The handles look and feel premium. Although Sable color doesn’t look as good in the picture, it does look great in real life.
This cookware set is very light, and when you combine it with such comfortable handles, the cooking experience is the best you can get.
Sauté pan has two handles which make it easier to carry a full pot of stew or sauce. There’re brands that, for some reason, decided not to put an extra handle on a sauté pan. And that makes me think, why?
The pans and pots are easy to wash, thanks to the surface. Yes, you can use a dishwasher to clean them, but if you want to keep this set in a mint condition, I suggest washing it by hand. This way, the pans will maintain the original color much longer, and you’ll reduce the chance of damaging a nonstick coating.
Again, avoid abrasive scrubs or steel wools.
Verdict
You’ll definitely enjoy cooking with this set. Thanks to the materials like copper, the thermal conductivity is amazing. Built quality is premium. The stainless steel lids trap moisture inside cookware really well without ratling or jumping around. Also, many cooks will enjoy that you can use this set in the oven up to 500 degrees Fahrenheit.
Pros
- One of the best cookware sets in terms of heat conductivity
- Easy to clean
- Light
- Beautiful design
- High quality cookware set
Cons
- Handles tend to get hot (it applies to all stainless steel cookware)
- Exterior scratches easily
Buying Guide to Anolon Cookware Set
When choosing a cookware set, you’ll need to pay attention to a few things listed below.
Heat Conductivity
You need to take into consideration that some metals are better at conducting heat than others. For instance, stainless steel is poor at conducting heat, whereas copper is by far a better option.
In fact, copper performs best among any other metals. Take a look at the table below to see the numbers.
| Metal | Thermal Conductivity [BTU/(hr·ft⋅°F)] |
| Copper | 223 |
| Aluminum | 118 |
| Brass | 64 |
| Steel | 17 |
| Bronze | 15 |
In simple terms, the better the heat conductivity, the better and more evenly your food will cook.
When turning the heat up or down, copper cookware will react much quicker than stainless steel.
To sum it up, the outcome of better heat conductivity is simple: fewer burnt pans and more control over how you cook.
Durability
When it comes to durability, stainless steel is the best in this regard. However, it all depends on how well you take care of your cookware. Even the best cookware can be damaged beyond repair if you don’t use it properly.
Before purchasing a cookware set, I highly advise you to read customer reviews or do quick online research on how durable the product is.
Maintenance
Some cookware is easier to maintain than others, and it all comes down to the material.
Cast-iron and copper require a lot more work to keep them clean. For example, you need to know how to clean a cast iron and season it before using it for the first time. To give you an idea, you can’t use dishwashing soap to clean cast-iron cookware.
When it comes to stainless steel, it’s much easier to maintain. If you’re a busy person and don’t have much time washing and seasoning your cookware, just go with a stainless steel set. You’ll save yourself a lot of time.
Warranty
Warranty is a good indicator of how durable a cookware set is. If a manufacturer is confident in their product, you can expect even a lifetime warranty. In fact, Anolon has a lifetime warranty.
Number of Pieces
Make sure that a cookware set includes the main pots and pans you’re going to need.
FAQ
Is Anolon Cookware Oven-Safe?
Is it Safe to Wash Anolon Cookware in a Dishwasher?
Yes, it’s safe to wash Anolon cookware in a dishwasher. However, if you wash your cookware by hand, it tends to last longer. Even though a dishwasher is more convenient, handwashing is better for your cookware in the long run.
Our Verdict
To quickly sum it up, all five cookware sets we reviewed are excellent. Let’s not forget they have different features and they are made from different materials. It results in different cooking performances.
As a chef and a home cook, I would go for 11 piece Anolon Advanced hard anodized nonstick cookware pots and pans set. It performs well. It’s durable, and most importantly, you get a lot for what you pay for.
