The kitchen is the heart of every household as it is where food is prepared for the family, and food brings everyone together.
Some people say that the neater the person, the neater their kitchen. Regardless of how true that is, a tidy kitchen is everyone’s dream. Especially with increasingly expensive living standards, apartments/homes are getting smaller, so are the kitchens.
As a result, cramming all your pots and pans set in snug little compartments and hanging them around everywhere on the walls is a daily hassle. Not to mention the regular awkward struggle to keep your cookware in place when grabbing one causes more to topple over.
If you’re looking for a remedy to such an inconvenience, you’ve come to the right place! Grab a seat and buckle up as today we’re all about the best cookware for first apartment that will eliminate your kitchen nightmares in a jiffy!
Comparison Chart For Top 9 Cookware For First Apartment
| IMAGE | NAME | Pieces | Material | Specialty | price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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GRANITESTONE Stackmaster | 15 | Aluminum with granite coating | Cool-touch handles | |
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GreenPan Levels | 11 | Anodized ceramic | Non-toxic non-stick | |
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T-fal All In One | 5 | Aluminum | Thermo-Spot Technology | |
  |
Gotham Steel Ultra Nonstick Cast Texture | 10 | Aluminum with Ti-cera | Dishwasher-safe | |
  |
Gotham Steel Stackable Frying Pan Set | 3 | Aluminum with Ti-cera | Safe to be used on induction stoves and ovens | |
  |
GreenPan Levels Essential | 6 | Steel | Diamond-reinforced ceramic coating | |
  |
Gotham Steel | 15 | Ti-Cerama (Titanium + ceramic) | Interchangeable glass lids | |
  |
Rachael Ray | 8 | Aluminum | Platinum Shield Technology for enhanced durability | |
  |
Gotham Steel Mini Stackmaster | 5 | Ti-Cerama (Titanium + ceramic) | Withstands metal spoons and spatulas |
Best Cookware For First Apartment Reviews
1. GRANITESTONE Stackmaster – Best Cookware Set For Small Apartment
This 15-piece wonder set offers you the most versatile array of cookware to meet all your needs. These pieces are all stackable, taking up unbelievably little space!
This model consists of two frying-pans, three saucepans, a stock pot, four lids, a mesh basket plus crisper tray, a deep-fry basket, and a steamer insert. So whatever type of cooking adventure you intend to embark on, this set has got your back.
Composed of Aluminum and coated with triple layers of granite stone, the cookware are incredibly durable and resistant to warps and scratches. The lids are composed of tempered glass for sturdiness, while the special handles stay cool even while cooking.
As a result, you no longer have to fear of getting your hands burnt accidentally while cooking. The set is a great choice for cooking any type of food thanks to its PFOA-free non-stick coating. They are dishwasher-safe as well, thus making cleaning up a piece of cake in a breeze!
The best part of this stackable set is also the fact that you get to use it on any cooktop, even your oven or induction stoves. You get to bake in the frying pans, thus eliminating the need for extra baking dishes, further reducing clutter.
Highlighted Features
- 15-piece set composed of granite stone coated aluminum and tempered glass
- Oven-safe and PFOA-free non-stick layer
- Handles stay cool during cooking for safe handling
- Dishwasher-safe and resistant to scratches and warps
2. GreenPan Levels | first apartment kitchen set
For cooking large capacity meals for your big family, this 11-piece set sure is a lifesaver thanks to the high-capacity nonstick cookware pots and pans it includes.
This stackable set comprises of two saucepans, a stockpot, two frying pans, a grill pan, one foldable steamer, and four lids in total. The smaller frying pan possesses a helper handle for convenient usage. The lids are not your regular glass lids as they function as a strainer simultaneously.
The cookware are composed of strong anodized bodies which make them heavily durable and great for daily usage. The non-stick layer adopts GreenPan’s Thermolon Diamond Advanced diamond-infused ceramic composition. This makes it non-toxic as it is free from toxic chemicals such as PFOA, lead, cadmium, and PFAS.
Hence, you get to use them every day without the worry of consuming harmful chemicals hanging over your head. No need to fret about what utensil to use to stir your food either as this ceramic nonstick coating is metal-safe.
Cleaning up has never been easier as you can safely pop them into your dishwasher and let the machine do all the work. This is one heck of a phenomenal ceramic cookware set as once stacked up, the 11 pieces altogether reach a height of just 13.5 inches!
Highlighted Features
- 11-piece large capacity set
- Oven-safe up to 400⁰F, lids are oven-safe up to 350⁰F
- Non-toxic diamond-infused ceramic nonstick cookware coating that is metal utensil safe
- Glass lids double as a strainer
3. T-fal All In One
Composed of Aluminum with a durable titanium non-stick interior, this 5-piece stackable set is a must-have for any kitchen, and that too, while saving 45% more room!
The set constitutes of three different-sized frying pans, each with a pouring spout, a fry basket, and a silicone splatter screen. One of the frying pans include a shorter side-handle along with the long handle to ensure enhanced convenience.
The pans are coated with a durable and scratch-proof titanium non-stick layer which enables easy cooking of any type of food, while the pouring spot allows easier serving. The cookware adopt T-fal’s unique Thermo-Spot Technology which indicates when the pans are perfectly hot enough to commence your cooking magic!
The splatter screen acts like a lid preventing food from splattering as it cooks while letting steam to escape. Hence, it facilitates perfect cooking without causing any mess for a neat chef-like cooking experience. The pans are equipped with silicon handles that remain cool during cooking to ensure safety.
This cookware set is versatile and is usable on any cooktop including your oven. Even the silicone handles are oven-safe within temperatures up to 400°F, thus enabling you to pop the whole pan inside without worry.
Highlighted Features
- 5-piece stackable set that saves 45% more space
- Includes a silicone splatter screen which enables mess-free cooking
- Thermo-Spot Technology indicates when pans are perfectly hot enough to commence cooking
- Stay-cool oven-safe silicone handles up to 400°F
4. Gotham Steel Ultra Nonstick Cast Texture
This impressively durable set by Gotham Steel is composed of Aluminum with a Ti-cera non-stick coating (Titanium + ceramic) for a superb performance.
The cookware includes a frying pan, a skillet, two saucepans, a stock pot, three interchangeable glass lids, a spoon, and a spatula with slots. Since the Ti-cera coating is ultra-durable and resistant to scratches, feel free to uses metal spoons and spatulas as well. That too, without the fear of scraping the coating off!
This unique technology of ceramic reinforced titanium non-stick leads to not requiring butter or oil to grease your pan, thus facilitating a healthier diet. Clean-up is made a piece of cake as well since the cookware are all dishwasher-safe to eliminate an annoying chore off your schedule.
Once stacked up, you get to save 30% more space in comparison to regular pots and pans, thus keeping your kitchen clutter-free. The stay-cool handles ensure a safe cooking experience. Their heavy aluminum body is super-strong and non-porous, providing you with phenomenal durability and wear-resistance.
You get to enjoy a versatile cooking experience as this device is compatible with almost all cooktops, even your oven! With the capacity to withstand up to an impressive 500°F, it sure is a model not worth missing out on!
Highlighted Features
- Durable aluminum composition with Ti-cera non-stick coating
- Interchangeable glass lids
- Ceramic nonstick set, oven-safe up to 500°F
- Ti-cera non-stick coating requires no/less butter and oil and is metal-safe
5. Gotham Steel Stackable Frying Pan Set– Best Basic Cookware Set
This model by Gotham Steel is a 3-piece steel cookware set that consists of two frying pans and an interchangeable glass lid.
With triple coated Ti-cera non-stick coating, it is ultra-durable, allowing any cooking style while withstanding any utensils, including metal ones.
The coating is free from PFOA and PFOS, thus ensuring a safe usage without the risk of chemical consumption. Stay-cool handles make them safe to handle and move while being dishwasher-safe is a blessing to your cleaning-up routine.
Its brown exterior adds to aesthetics, so your cooking isn’t the only thing that will impress your guests. Along with being non-toxic, the Ti-cera coating enables oil-free cooking, thus contributing to a healthier and safer lifestyle.
The cookware set is safe to use on any cooktops, including induction, electric, gas, and oven. With the capacity to withstand temperatures up to 550°F, this beast of a device has it all to easily become number one on your wishlist!
Highlighted Features
- 3-piece frying pan set with brown aluminum exterior and an interchangeable glass lid
- Ti-cera non-stick coating free from PFOA and PFOS and requires no oil
- Stay-cool stainless-steel handles
- Induction and oven-safe with a heat endurance capacity of up to 550°F
- Dishwasher-safe and metal utensil-safe
Cookware For First Apartment Buying Guide
Number Of Pieces
Since stackable cookware come in sets, it is essential to consider how big a set you want in terms of number. With up to 15-piece sets available, including the lids, the options are limitless.
If you’re moving into a new place and basically need a type of every pot and pan, larger sets are your go-to. For when you need to make a few new additions, smaller sets are the ones to opt for.
Types Of Cookware
A stackable set can include various types of cookware or the same type. Options to choose from include saucepans, pots, pans, deep-fryers, mesh baskets, crisper trays, lids, stock pots, steamer inserts, spoons, spatulas, etc.
Choose a combination of cookware you desire or a single type as per your requirements. Combos are a great investment as you get to indulge in convenient versatility without taking up any extra space!
Stackability
By this, we mean how conveniently your cookware stacks up to take up as little room as possible.
Most models are the regular type, meaning you get to stack them up in a tower starting from the largest cookware and finishing with the smaller ones at the top.
Advanced stackability features ensure that you get to save even more kitchen space. These models, though a little more expensive, are sure worth it, especially when you are dangerously low on cabinet space.
You can opt for models that use a single lid for multiple pots and pans, reducing confusion and clutter. Some models’ cookware come with staggering handles or shorter handles on two sides, significantly reducing the storage space they need.
Lids with flat tops are also a great space-saver, and so are foldable frying baskets. Small-handled models make it easier to load your cookware into your dishwasher as well, automating washing-up to make your life easier.
Composition And Non-Stick Properties
Durability is the next thing to focus on and the best cookware for first apartment must be composed of strong material to ensure that your cookware lasts for years. Common options include Aluminum, cast-iron, ceramic, etc.
Aluminum is widely used and loved as not only is it super-strong but is lightweight as well, thus making it convenient for everyday use. Cast iron cookware are favored by the more pro cooks and chefs since they heat up evenly and have amazing heat retention properties.
Non-stickiness is a lifesaver property for every cookware and most models possess it, unless it’s a cast-iron cookware which requires frequent seasoning. Aluminum models come with an integrated non-stick layer which further enhances durability.
It also makes clean-up easier and you get to use any type of utensils on some, even metal ones, without worrying about the non-stick coating scraping off. Just ensure that it is free from Perfluorooctanoic Acid (PFOA) and other toxic chemicals as or else, chemicals will leach out into your food and lead to consumption.
Oven Safety
To further reduce the usage of space in your kitchen cupboard, you might want to consider choosing an oven-safe stackable cookware set.
They will offer a more versatile usage by enabling you to bake in them as well, without requiring you to buy extra baking dishes.
How To Store Pots And Pans In A Small Apartment?
Kitchen has multiple spots where you can store your pots and pans no matter how small the apartment is. You just have to make arrangements to utilize the storage.
1. Kitchen Shelf And Pot Rack
Mount a shelf or rack to the kitchen wall so you can make the most of it. Make sure the shelf has hooks at the bottom. This way, you can place some cookware on top of the shelf and hang some of them.
You can consider getting Vdomus shelf that features two grid shelves with 10 hanging hooks. It is solid enough to handle the weight of the cookware.
2. Pegboard
Another great kitchen piece to attach to the wall. You can use hooks of the pegboard to hang pots and pans for storage.
This product by Wall Control is one of the most durable pegboards that you can get for a small kitchen. It comes with U-Hooks that are not only durable but unmovable as well.
3. Toe-Kick Drawer
Install toe-kick drawer underneath the lower appliance or cabinet or wherever it’s convenient. You can use the shallow space to store thin utensils like sheet pans or pizza pans. The wise thing you can do is to place dividers. These will prevent the pans from rattling around while opening the drawer.
4. Lid Organizer
Use an organizer to store the lids separately. You can either place them in drawer or get a piece like Y.Z.Bros organizer to arrange the lids on top of the counter.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What Kind Of Pans Would You Choose For Your 1st Apartment?
You can choose cookware like big and small frying pan, saucepan, grill pan, roaster pan and baking sheet. These are some of the must-haves for your first apartment kitchen set.
What Is A Good Starter Set Of Pots And Pans?
For starter cookware set, make sure to get something budget-friendly. You can consider this 10-piece cookware set by Rachel Ray. It’s reasonable, nonstick, dishwasher safe and oven safe.
All the pots and the pans ensure long-lasting performance thanks to hard-anodized construction. The cooking surface will heat up evenly and work to hold the temperature for longer period.
It comes with see-through glass lids that help you keep track of cooking. The lids seal the pots and the pans tight enough to cook the food thoroughly.
As for the handles, they are easy to grip and don’t get hot.
However, it’s not induction compatible.
What Pans Are The Most Versatile And Best For Beginner Cooks?
Usually fry pans and saucepans are the most versatile and best for beginner cooks. They can fry, stir-fry, roast, steam, and grill foods with such pans. If you want more versatile options, then look for the ones that can be used on majority of stovetops including induction.
It will be great if you start your cooking journey with nonstick pans. With this, you don’t have to face any hassle of food sticking to the surface.
This pan set by SHINEURI can be a great option for beginner cooks. It has all the qualities that make the pans versatile.
What Do You Need In A New Apartment?
The kitchen essentials you may need in your new apartment include-
- Frying pans
- Saucepans
- Stockpots
- Casserole Dish
- Skillets and
- Dutch Oven.
These cookware are enough to let you explore different kinds of cooking with different ingredients.
What Is The Best Stackable Cookware?
The Calphalon Premier Space-Saving Nonstick is one of the popular nonstick cookware sets out there. It is made from hard-anodized aluminum which gives it good strength and durability. At the same time, it is small and compact making it good for small kitchens.
Can You Stack Pots And Pans?
Yes, you can stack pots and pans. Some stackable cookware sets of cookware are made in such a way that you can stack them on top of each other to save space. And because those have been made with this purpose in mind, you do not risk ruining the cookware either.
How Do You Stack Pans?
You can stack pans on top of one another. Be sure to start with the largest at the bottom, and stacking smaller sizes on top as you go. Don’t stack ones that fit too tight into one another, because then you risk damaging the pans when taking them out.
Conclusion
Whether you want a beginner set that has everything, or add a few new members to your cookware collection, the best cookware for first apartment are a lifesaver; especially when you have a smaller kitchen.
Stackable sets are the ultimate choice to keep your kitchen neat and clutter-free while having every piece of necessary cookware. They are thus surely an investment worth every penny and inch of space!
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