What Comes in a Cookware Set?
Cookware set sizes count individual items, often including lids and inserts, so a 17-piece set may have fewer than 17 pots and pans. Compare the included pieces and sizes with the meals you make.
On this page (7 sections)
Cookware set sizes count individual items, often including lids and inserts, so a 17-piece set may have fewer than 17 pots and pans. Compare the included pieces and sizes with the meals you make.
A set's piece count is a quick label, not a direct measure of how much useful cookware you'll get. Check which pans, pots, lids and inserts are included before deciding whether a larger number is worth the cabinet space.
For a broader overview of materials and features, read our complete cookware set buying guide. If you need help choosing pan capacity, see what size pots and pans you need.
What does a cookware set size count?
A cookware set size counts the items the brand includes, and the total may include lids and inserts along with pots and pans. That's why two sets with the same piece count can have different numbers of cooking vessels.
A covered saucepan might count as two pieces: the pan and its lid. A steamer insert can add another piece, even though it sits inside a pot rather than working as a standalone pan.
Look at the included components and sort the items into three groups:
- Cooking vessels, such as saucepans, skillets and stockpots
- Covers, including glass or metal lids
- Inserts and accessories, such as steamers
This simple count makes set sizes easier to compare. It also shows how much of the total comes from pots and pans versus covers and accessories.
What comes in a 10-piece cookware set?
A 10-piece cookware set can cover everyday cooking with a few skillets, saucepans and a larger pot, but the exact mix varies. The Calphalon Classic 10-Piece Stainless Set includes six cooking vessels and four covers.
Its vessels include 8 in and 10 in frypans, 1.5 qt and 2.5 qt saucepans, a covered 3 qt pan and a 6 qt stockpot. The four covers go with the saucepans, 3 qt pan and stockpot.
This set's count doesn't mean 10 different pans. If you already own a skillet or stockpot, check whether the set duplicates pieces you have.
What comes in a 12-piece cookware set?
A 12-piece cookware set may count cooking vessels, lids and inserts together. The Cuisinart MultiClad Pro 12-Piece Set includes six cooking vessels, five lids and a steamer insert.
The saucepans are 1.5 qt and 3 qt, the sauté pan is 3.5 qt, and the stockpot is 8 qt. The skillets are 8 in and 10 in, and the steamer insert is 20 cm.
The set is stainless steel and compatible with induction, gas, electric and glass-ceramic cooktops. If stove compatibility is part of your decision, see how to tell if a cookware set works on induction.
What comes in a 17-piece cookware set?
A 17-piece cookware set often adds more vessel sizes or specialty pieces, but it can still count lids and inserts in the total. The T-fal Ultimate Hard Anodized 17-Piece Set includes a griddle, steamer insert and egg pan alongside its larger pots and pans.
It has 1 qt, 2 qt and 3 qt covered saucepans, 8 in and 10 in frypans, and an 11.5 in covered frypan. Other pieces include a 10.25 in griddle, 3.5 qt sauté pan, 5 qt Dutch oven, 3 qt steamer insert and egg pan.
The T-fal set works on all stovetops except induction. Check that limitation if you have an induction cooktop, and compare the extra pans with the storage space you have.
The Cuisinart Chef's Classic 17-Piece Stainless Set has a different mix: three saucepans, three skillets, a sauté pan, a Dutch oven, a stockpot and a steamer insert, plus covers. Its vessels include an 8 qt stockpot and skillets in 8 in, 10 in and 12 in sizes.
These two 17-piece sets illustrate why the count alone doesn't tell you what you'll use. One has a griddle and an egg pan, while the other has a 12 in skillet and an 8 qt stockpot.
How do you compare cookware set sizes?
Compare the cooking vessels first, then check the covers, inserts, material and stove fit. The total count comes last because the actual pieces determine whether a set suits your routine.
Use this checklist:
- Count the pots and pans. Separate vessels from lids and inserts.
- Check the capacities and diameters. Match them to the portions and recipes you make.
- Look for duplicates. An extra skillet is useful only if you have a reason to use it.
- Check stove compatibility. Make sure the set works with your cooktop.
- Consider storage and care. A larger set needs more cabinet space, and cleaning instructions can differ.
For help matching the assortment to your meals, read how to choose a cookware set. If cleanup matters, our guide to whether cookware sets are dishwasher safe explains why care directions are worth checking.
Is a bigger cookware set always better?
A bigger cookware set is useful when its extra vessels match dishes you make often and you have room to store them. If several pieces would sit unused, a smaller set can be a better fit.
Think about the meals you cook in a typical week. A second skillet may help if you often prepare several foods at once, while a steamer insert matters only if you plan to steam food.
Cabinet space matters too. Measure your storage area and plan where each pot, pan and lid will go before bringing a large set home.
Choose cookware set sizes by the pieces you need
Choose cookware set sizes by matching the actual pots, pans and inserts to your meals, cooktop and storage space. Pick the Calphalon set for six cooking vessels, MultiClad Pro for its assortment with an 8 qt stockpot, or either 17-piece set when you'll use its extra pans.
For capacity guidance, start with what size pots and pans you need. Then compare materials and features in the complete cookware set buying guide.
Frequently asked questions
What counts as a piece in a cookware set?
A piece can be a pot, pan, lid or insert, depending on how the brand counts the set. Check the included components and count the separate items yourself, especially lids and steamer inserts, before comparing two sets with different piece totals.
Is a 17-piece cookware set better than a 10-piece set?
Not automatically. A 17-piece set may include more pan sizes, lids or inserts, while a 10-piece set may cover the everyday basics with less storage space.
Compare the actual pots and pans with the meals you cook and the room in your cabinets.
How many pots and pans do most people need?
Start with the pieces your meals need, such as a small and medium saucepan, a skillet and a larger pot. Add a sauté pan, extra skillet or steamer only if you use those pieces often and have room to store them.
Do cookware set lids count as pieces?
Lids often count as pieces, so the total doesn't tell you how many pots and pans you'll get. A 10-piece set can include six cooking vessels and four covers, for example, so compare the included pieces before choosing between different set sizes.
