T-fal Platinum 12-Piece Cookware Set

The pan tells you when it's hot enough, which solves most cooking mistakes.

Nearly everything that goes wrong in a pan is a temperature problem. Food goes in before the pan is ready, sticks, and then steams instead of searing. T-fal's heat indicator changes appearance once the pan is up to temperature, so you stop guessing. It sounds like a gimmick until you've used it for a week.

What you get

• 8" and 10.25" frypans
• 1.5qt and 2qt covered saucepans
• 3.5qt covered deep sauté
• 6.3qt covered Dutch oven
• Two metal tools

Why this one

• The heat indicator earns its place, particularly if anyone in the house is still learning.
• Ten times more resistant than T-fal's entry-level coatings, over a stainless body.
• Oven and broiler safe to 500F, which is considerably higher than most coated sets manage.
• Works on every hob, induction included, with a base that spreads heat evenly.

The details

• 12 pieces — stainless steel with platinum non-stick
• Oven and broiler safe to 500F
• Induction ready, dishwasher safe

Looking after it

Dishwasher safe. The tools that come with it are metal and rated for this coating — be more careful with metal utensils from elsewhere.