As a home-shopping expert, I can easily say direct-to-consumer brands have become my new bread and butter. Heading to a department store in search of a mattress [1] or new kitchenware seems like a thing of the past now. As these brands are popping up left and right lately, there's just something about them I trust. I love reading the stories behind them and seeing the evolution of an idea turn into an independent business. Also, a part of me thinks, "If they're only focussed on making pans, they must be really f*cking good, right?!"
The fact that I've become a cookware connoisseur is kind of shocking. Last year, I only owned one pan that I found on the "free table" at my work. Seriously, I used to eat out most nights or have cereal for dinner. After the pandemic hit and I moved into a new apartment with a nice kitchen, I decided to work on my culinary side. As I started my shopping journey for the best pans on the market, these DTC brands all over Instagram were seriously selling me, but I didn't know where to start. Luckily, as a shopping editor, I have the luxury of testing a variety of options, so that's exactly what I did.
If you're also in the market for some new cookware and intrigued by these cool new brands [2], then I'm here to offer a little guidance. Whether you're a beginner like me or someone who cooks constantly (I had input from my parents, too!), all these options are true winners, depending on what you're looking for. Keep reading for a full breakdown on my thoughts and to find the right ones for you.
Caraway: The Perfect Set
The Set: Caraway Cookware Set [4] ($395, originally $495)
The Specs: The nonstick set is ceramic coated and made with nontoxic, eco-friendly materials. It comes with two pots and two pans, each in a smaller and larger option.
What I Cooked in It: From pasta to eggs and even heating up leftovers (I don't own a microwave), there was nothing this set couldn't handle.
My Favourite Feature: The set comes with a handy storage system that makes grabbing and storing each piece easy, and the bottom portion is even magnetic to keep things neat and tidy.
Who It's Perfect For: If you want a whole new set or are buying one for your first time, you can't go wrong here. The four-piece isn't too much or too little. The easy-to-clean surface makes cooking easy and doing the dishes even easier. I would suggest this for a first-timer or someone looking for a total cabinet rehaul.
Our Place: The Multitasking Choice
The Pan: Our Place Always Pan [5] ($145)
The Specs: The ceramic nonstick pan is made with nontoxic materials and comes with a beechwood spatula and stainless-steel steamer basket. The pan itself features a spatula rest and easy-to-use pour spout to prevent messes.
What I Cooked in It: The pan's deeper design has made it easy for me to cook pretty much anything in it. It's great for pasta dishes like cacio e pepe. I also cook a lot of Persian food, including tadig, a famous (and delicious) crispy rice dish, that I used to make in larger pots, but now I use this and it's actually the perfect size.
My Favourite Feature: The overall design of the pan is so smart, and the spatula rest is especially genius. Its well-thought-out design makes it easy to keep everything in one place without causing a mess on the stovetop.
Why It's Worth It: This all-in-one pan truly does it all and is a great buy for someone who wants to keep it minimal in the kitchen. The smart design can save you tons of space in your cabinets, as it does the function of several pans all in one stylish piece.
Equal Parts: A Great Space Saver
The Set: Equal Parts Non-Stick Cookware Set [6] ($249, originally $292)
The Specs: Made with a natural ceramic nonstick coating, the set is also free of toxins and made with good materials. It's engineered with a smart space-saving design that's stackable, and they can even all go in the dishwasher.
What I Cooked in It: The larger pots were great for making large portions of spaghetti or mac and cheese. I mostly enjoyed the smallest pan for making my morning eggs and quickly being able to throw it in the dishwasher when I was done.
My Favourite Feature: Not only were these easy to clean, but they're also easy to store without feeling like my space is a cluttered mess.
Why It's Worth It: If you have a supersmall kitchen, this set is for you. The stackable design saved me tons of space, and I found them all to be the perfect size for each of their needs.
Made In: Professional Grade For Affordable Prices
The Pan: Made In Frying Pan [7] ($75)
The Specs: The stainless-steel pan is made with five layers of sheets of four different metals to create a professional-grade choice.
What I Cooked in It: I learned that this pan is great for heat retention, and that's great for searing. My parents helped me sear some scallops and other seafood on this, and they were amazing.
My Favourite Feature: Most pans like this don't come with lids, but what I thought was genius about this brand is that you can buy the Frying Pan Silicone Universal Lid [8] ($59) to use when you need it. The size makes it easy to use on pretty much anything from any brand.
Why It's Worth It: I learned that most other brands with similar stainless-steel options offer this kind of quality for a lot more money. Made In is focussed on cutting out the middle man and selling these directly to consumers for more reasonable prices.