12 Best Waterless Cookware Picks: Unbiased Guide

Perhaps you have never heard of waterless cookware but if you have, then you may have heard that it is more expensive than regular cookware, it is high in quality, and reduces cooking time.

In the same line of thought, this kind of cookware can be gimmicky. Therefore, if you want to get the best waterless cookware, you need to separate facts from the promotional hype.

If you have no idea where to begin your search, you may want to keep it here because we are going to help you make the right purchasing decision

Time is of the essence. And to help you save time, here’s our simplified list of quality waterless cooking utensils.

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Top Pick
Cooks Standard 10 Piece Multi-Ply Clad Cookware Set,...
Budget Friendly
Swiss Inox 18-Piece Stainless Steel Cookware Set,...
Editor's Choice
360 Wok with Lid, 5 Quart, Stainless Steel Cookware,...
Vapo-Seal 7 Ply T304 17 pc Stainless Steel Cookware Set
Chef's Secret 28 Piece 12-Element T304 Stainless Steel...
Calphalon 10-Piece Pots and Pans Set, Stainless Steel...
Product Name
Cooks Standard 10 Piece Multi-Ply Clad Cookware Set,...
Swiss Inox 18-Piece Stainless Steel Cookware Set,...
360 Wok with Lid, 5 Quart, Stainless Steel Cookware,...
Vapo-Seal 7 Ply T304 17 pc Stainless Steel Cookware Set
Chef's Secret 28 Piece 12-Element T304 Stainless Steel...
Calphalon 10-Piece Pots and Pans Set, Stainless Steel...
Dimensions
23.5 x 12.5 x 9.5 inches
22 x 22 x 8 inches
7 x 4 x 21 inches
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26.5 x 14.25 x 13.75 inches
24.96 x 14.57 x 10.75 inches
Prime Status
-
Top Pick
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Cooks Standard 10 Piece Multi-Ply Clad Cookware Set,...
Product Name
Cooks Standard 10 Piece Multi-Ply Clad Cookware Set,...
Dimensions
23.5 x 12.5 x 9.5 inches
Prime Status
Budget Friendly
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Swiss Inox 18-Piece Stainless Steel Cookware Set,...
Product Name
Swiss Inox 18-Piece Stainless Steel Cookware Set,...
Dimensions
22 x 22 x 8 inches
Prime Status
Editor's Choice
Image
360 Wok with Lid, 5 Quart, Stainless Steel Cookware,...
Product Name
360 Wok with Lid, 5 Quart, Stainless Steel Cookware,...
Dimensions
7 x 4 x 21 inches
Prime Status
Image
Vapo-Seal 7 Ply T304 17 pc Stainless Steel Cookware Set
Product Name
Vapo-Seal 7 Ply T304 17 pc Stainless Steel Cookware Set
Dimensions
-
Prime Status
-
Image
Chef's Secret 28 Piece 12-Element T304 Stainless Steel...
Product Name
Chef's Secret 28 Piece 12-Element T304 Stainless Steel...
Dimensions
26.5 x 14.25 x 13.75 inches
Prime Status
Image
Calphalon 10-Piece Pots and Pans Set, Stainless Steel...
Product Name
Calphalon 10-Piece Pots and Pans Set, Stainless Steel...
Dimensions
24.96 x 14.57 x 10.75 inches
Prime Status

How to Pick the Best Waterless Dishes for Cooking Food

Purchasing the ideal cookware is not a matter of picking the first product you come across. You want to consider several important factors including:

Build Material

It is a no-brainer that some cookware is made from better materials than others are. Of course, you want the best quality but sometimes you cannot afford it.

As such, you want to consider things like the time you intend to spend cooking, your cookware’s functionality, and your budget.

In your search, you will realize that most cookware is made from stainless steel and understandably so because the material is aesthetically appealing, flexible, and cheap. The only downside is that it does not conduct heat properly.

A good waterless pan should be made from a blend of stainless and aluminum.

Heat Conductivity

Not all metals conduct heat the same. Good conductors of heat cook food evenly and better. For instance, copper cookware cooks better than stainless steel because the former is a good heat conductor.

This is not to say that stainless steel is out of the equation. It can be blended with another metal to conduct heat better. Most waterless cookware is made of stainless steel blended with aluminum or copper.

Cookware Price

More often than not, quality comes at a steep price. Although you are encouraged to buy what you can afford, you want to be extra careful with cheap cookware.

Cookware is a lasting investment so if you can disregard the price to get premium quality, we advise you to do it.

However, if you are on a budget, try to balance the specs of your cookware with the amount you have at hand to get value for your money.

Ease of Maintenance

You do not want your cooking pots and pans to give you a hard time as far as cleaning and maintaining. To that effect, you want to pick something that you can easily clean with warm soapy water or simply toss in the dishwasher.

As far as maintenance, your preferred cookware should remain perfectly fine after washing and air-drying.

Cookware Durability

How you use your cookware plays a role in how long it is going to last. Stainless steel is a popular choice not only because it looks good but because it is durable as well.

Still on that, the material is rust-resistant and therefore one of the best options if you are looking for cookware that will serve you for a longer period.

Other materials such as carbon and chromium hold up pretty well as well so consider them as you make your purchase.

Reactivity with Food

Some materials such as aluminum are known to react with food as it cooks. This means that it can mix with your food and ultimately cause harm.

Therefore, you want to pick cookware made from first-rate material that will not react and mix with your food.

There are so many products in the market to choose from when it comes to waterless cookware. This may leave you confused and spoilt for choice.

We have compiled a list of some of the best waterless cookware to make your job easier. Let us go through them.

Best Waterless Cookware In 2021

1. Cooks 10 Piece Cookware Set

To start us off, we have this 10-piece cookware set whose build is a blend of aluminum and stainless steel. This allows heat to distribute evenly through the pots for optimal cooking performance.

The cookware’s handles are made in a thoughtful V-shape design that keeps them cooler. The fact that this product is all-metal makes it oven-safe as well.

What We Liked

This set is made of stainless steel that you will find appealing to the eyes but that is not all because the material is durable as well. It features an aluminum core for even and quick heat distribution so that you do not have to spend too much time cooking.

However, what we loved most about this set is that it comes with well-fitting lids to seal in flavor and trap heat. The riveted handles remain cool so you can carry the pots safely.

What Could Have Been Better

Unfortunately, the frying pan in this set bulges out after several uses and can therefore not sit on a flat-topped stove, which can be inconveniencing. We feel that the manufacturer should have included at least one flat-base pan in the set that can be used for the same.

Pros

  • Durable
  • Versatile
  • Value for money

Cons

  • Frying pan bulges out after several uses

2. Swiss Inox Si-7000 Cookware Set

If you like to measure your food’s temperature, you will appreciate that all the knobs in this set come with a built-in thermometer. This thermometer indicates whether the heat you are using is low, medium, or high so you will be cooking at optimal efficiency.

Other than that, this set is both functional and elegant. The bottom of each pot and pan in the set is designed to provide the highest induction efficiency.

What We Liked

When you think of complete cookware sets, this has to be one of them. With a whopping 18 pieces, you can do everything from braising, frying, and steaming.

Moving on swiftly, each piece in this set features a volume indicator so you can cook exact amounts of food without using measuring cups.

We love that all the pots in the set are stackable because this will save you effort and time while cooking.

What Could Have Been Better

The pans in this set appear to stain because of rust according to some users. The manufacturer should simply have used rust-free material in the construction of the pans

Pros

  • Easy to clean
  • Durable
  • Suction power

Cons

  • Prone to rusting

3. 360 Stainless Steel Waterless Cookware

Quality is the word when it comes to this particular set. Made from surgical grade stainless steel, you can rely on this cookware to heat your food evenly. Another thing about this material is that it is an environmentally friendly alternative to aluminum and nonstick coated pans.

This cookware is oven and dishwasher safe as well so you can imagine the convenience. It has ergonomic handles to make carrying easier as well.

What We Liked

The pans in this set come with lids to seal in the heat as you cook. You will find that cooking with this set is faster even at lower temperatures and retains the natural flavor of your food.

We love that these pots and pans are durable and that you do not have to keep replacing them. You will not have to spend continuously, as it will be a lifetime investment.

This set is so durable that it can be handed down for generations to come. Truly cost-effective if you ask us.

What Could Have Been Better

The product description of this product states that there is a wok included but users say that it is more of a sauté pan. While this may not be a major issue, we feel that the manufacturer should have given a correct product description to avoid customer mistrust.

Pros

  • Dishwasher and oven safe
  • Durable
  • Comes with a warranty

Cons

  • Misleading product description

4. Vapo-Seal T304 Cookware Set

With this set, you are assured of enjoying the benefits of waterless cooking. So much so, that you will find yourself craving and savoring healthy vegetables such as broccoli and meats cooked without oil.

The manufacturer of this set claims that you will find cooking enjoyable and convenient with this set. This is because you can use it to boil, roast, and even bake.

What We Liked

Have you ever cooked food in a pot and found that some of it was not fully cooked? Well, you will not have that problem with the cookware in this set because its surgical stainless steel build facilitates rapid and even heat distribution.

Another thing about it is that it is non-corrosive so you do not have to worry about rust particles mixing with your food.

We love that the lids offer vapor sealing so that you can cook with little to no water.

What Could Have Been Better

The manufacturer does not state where this product is made. We feel that they should have made that clear because there are many imitation products in the market and customers could mistake this set as one.

Pros

  • Versatile
  • Durable
  • Non-corrosive

Cons

  • Country of production not mentioned

5. Chef’s Secret Stainless Steel 28 Piece Cookware Set

Made from rust-resistant surgical stainless steel, this set can withstand any kind of acids from foods such as meats, milk, and vegetables.

This cookware uses steam to cook your food and that is why it is termed waterless. This also means that you get to benefit from all the nutrients retained in your food while cooking.

What We Liked

Looking at this set, all you can see at first is the beauty of its mirror exterior finish and satin interior finish. However, you will be pleased to learn that it comes with an impressive degree of functionality as well.

We love that the stainless steel bowls in the set can be used as dome covers for roasting and double boiling as well.

Again, the pieces in this set use steam to cook so you can get all the goodness that your food has to offer. 

What Could Have Been Better

Some users have complained that the pots and pans in this set burn food at times. The manufacturer should have used the appropriate material for making the base such as aluminum to avoid this.

Pros

  • Versatile
  • Durable
  • Good-looking

Cons

  • Not good heat conductors

6. Calphalon 10-Piece Stainless Steel Cookware Set 

This set is made from aluminum bases, brushed stainless steel bodies to guarantee even, and rapid heating. This will give you dependable everyday performance.

Moving away from that, the pots and pans in this set come with etched marks that will make measuring easy. Along with that, they feature tempered glass covers with holes for straining any unwanted liquids.

What We Liked

With 10-pieces, you will find this cookware set versatile and appropriate for different kinds of cooking. Its fast-heating aluminum bases ensure that you have your food ready within a matter of minutes.

Nevertheless, what we found most appealing about this set is that it easy to clean seeing, as the pieces therein are dishwasher safe.

What Could Have Been Better

Users have reported that the pots in the set are prone to staining. We feel that the manufacturer should have coated them with a non-corrosive material to avoid this.

Pros

  • Versatile
  • Durable
  • Oven-safe

Cons

  • Prone to corrosion

7. 17pc Stainless Steel Waterless Cookware Set

From the Maxam stable comes this 17-piece surgical stainless steel set that you will find extremely elegant. It utilizes steam to cook so you can be assured of daily healthy meals.

The surgical stainless steel used to make this cookware can withstand corrosive acids found in milk, fruits, and meats so you can be sure it will last a long time.

What We Liked

With a whopping 17 pieces, is there any cooking you cannot do with this set? We think not. It is as versatile as they come.

We love that the pots and pans in this set are made from non-corrosive material to guarantee you safe and healthy meals. When we talk about health, we mean that this cookware does not use any oil at all to cook meals.

Moreover, the pieces come with impact-bonded bases to guarantee even and fast heating.

What Could Have Been Better

According to some users, it is impossible to get the skillet in this set shiny and spotlessly clean after use. We feel that the manufacturer should have used nonstick coating on the skillet to avoid staining.

Pros

  • Value for money
  • Durable
  • Easy to clean

Cons

  • Prone to staining

8. USA Pan Cookware Set

American artisanship is arguably one of the most trusted globally and rightfully so because they have been known to produce first-rate and high-performance cookware.

Now, this is another beautiful set with each cover and pan polished to shine like a mirror to give your kitchen and dining table a vibrant appearance.

What We Liked

The lids in this set come with a vapor seal to trap steam in your food so that it cooks evenly and retains its nutrients.

We love that this set allows for greaseless and waterless cooking. Of course, this is a healthier way to prepare your food.

The pieces are oven and dishwasher safe so you do not have to worry about being inconvenienced with this set.

What Could Have Been Better

Some users have complained that this cookware scratches easily. The manufacturer should have used premium quality coating to avoid this.

Pros

  • Sturdy
  • Easy to clean
  • Versatile

Cons

  • Scratches easily

9. Cuisinart 12-Piece Cookware Set

You will love that the pots and pans in this 10-piece set do not react with food, discolor, or alter flavors. This means that you get to savor all the goodness in your food.

This cookware comes with cool grip handles as well to facilitate comfortable and safe handling. With pure aluminum cores, you can rely on this set to retain heat, distribute it evenly, and ultimately get rid of hot spots.

What We Liked

If you are not a fan of cleaning, you will appreciate that the pieces in this set are dishwasher safe. They are also oven-safe if you are a lazy cook.

We love that the pieces come with tight-fitting lids that seal in food nutrients and natural juices to give you flavorful and healthier meals.

With 12 pieces, you will find this product versatile enough to handle different kinds of cooing as well.

What Could Have Been Better

According to some users, the coating in this cookware wears off and can easily mix with food. We feel that the manufacturer should have used stronger coating to avoid this.

Pros

  • Even heat distribution
  • Durable
  • Versatile

Cons

  • Weak coating

10. Maxam 9-Element Waterless Cookware Set

If you are looking for a thoughtful gift for a loved one who enjoys cooking, this waterless cooking set has to be among your options.

This steam-controlled cookware guarantees you healthy and delicious meals every day. Made from non-corrosive surgical stainless steel, you do not have to worry about these pieces rusting even when exposed to moisture.

What We Liked

You do not have to spend too much time cooking, as is usually the case. These pieces distribute heat evenly and fast providing you with mouthwatering meals within a few minutes.

However, what we loved most about this set is that it features mirror-finished exteriors and satin-finished interiors. This will make you the envy among many.

Besides, this product comes with a warranty to give you more confidence as far as your purchase.

What Could Have Been Better

Some users have claimed that these products burn everything hence not waterless. The manufacturer should have used better material in the construction or stated that the products do not function as waterless cookware to avoid customer disappointment.

Pros

  • Easy to clean
  • Durable
  • Gift able

Cons

  • Questionable quality

11. Duxtop SSIB-17 P 17 Pieces Cookware Set

From Duxtop, this impact-bonded set offers impressive durability and is compatible with induction cookers as well as electric, and gas cooktops.

That aside, this set comes with tempered-glass lids that make it easy to observe your cooking. Along with riveted anti-slip handles, you will find these pieces comfortable and safe to handle.

What We Liked

This set contains units made from a blend of impact-bonded aluminum and commercial grade stainless steel to make them last longer.

We love that its handles are ergonomically shaped and finished with an anti-slip cover for maximum comfort and safety.

The units are dishwasher safe as well so do not worry about the cleaning process.

What Could Have Been Better

Food appears to stick to the pans in this set. We feel that the manufacturer should have used better quality material to coat the interior of the pans to avoid this.

Pros

  • Durable
  • Even heat distribution
  • Ergonomic handles

Cons

  • Poor interior coating quality

12. Swiss Si-7000 Cookware Set

If you are looking for beauty and functionality in one package, we encourage you to consider this set. The base of each pot and pan in this set is made to provide the highest induction efficiency.

With 18 pieces, this is truly a full cookware set and you can do anything with it from braising and frying to steaming.

What We Liked

The first thing we noticed with this product is that all pieces come with volume indicators. This means that you do not have to measure your food before cooking.

We love that each unit features a thermometer knob that tells you what temperature you are using to cook your food.

Besides, all the pots are stackable hence saving you energy and time while cooking.

What Could Have Been Better

Regrettably, some of the lids and handles and lids in this set have sharp edges, which can be very dangerous. The manufacturer should simply have ensured that all edges were smooth before releasing the product to the market.

Pros

  • Easy to clean
  • Durable
  • Aesthetically appealing

Cons

  • Sharp edges on lids and handles

Frequently Asked Questions

We believe you have several questions you want answered on this topic. We have tackled a few that could be of help.

What is waterless cookware?

Just as the name suggests, waterless cooking refers to the cooking of food without adding grease or water. Waterless cookware heats faster at lower temperatures and therefore helps you make healthier meals while saving energy and time.

Is waterless cooking healthy?

Yes, it is. This kind of cooking helps retain most of the nutrients in your food and the result is healthier and tastier meals.

How to Use Waterless Cookware

Now that you know some of the products, you can pick when looking to purchase waterless cookware, here is how to use the same.

Step 1 

If you are cooking food from the freezer, ensure that it is thawed. Remove from the freezer about 15 to 20 minutes before you begin cooking.

This is because chilled and frozen foods are likely to stick to your pan.

Step 2

Pre-heat your pot or pan on medium heat unless you are boiling water or foods that do not take much time to cook. This is also to prevents the food from sticking to the pan.

Step 3

Always use clean waterless cookware since residues can cause your new food to stick to the pan as you cook. Moreover, the residue can build-up gradually and stain your cookware over time.

Step 4

If your food begins to burn, you can add a little water or oil to prevent it from sticking to the pan as it can be difficult to wash off. That said; if you want, healthier meals avoid the oil and use water instead.

Step 5

Once your food is cooked, remove the pan from your cooker but ensure that the fire is turned off. If you remove while the fire is still on, the lid might stick to the pan because of the vapor seal.

Do not force it out either since the pressure can jerk vapor, steam out, and burn you. Besides, you could spill your food. To loosen the lid, simply reheat the pan.

Tips for Using Waterless Cookware

Here are some useful tips to help you hack waterless cooking.

Never Cook on High-heat

Always cook your food under low to medium heat when using waterless cookware. Only use high heat when boiling water. Using low to medium heat is a great way of saving energy.

Always Preheat your Pan

Before you begin cooking anything, you are advised to preheat your pan. Doing this creates a sear that prevents foods from sticking to the base.

Steam your Vegetables

Do not be tempted to boil your vegetables as this depletes them of their nutrients and makes them mushy. For tastier and more nutritious vegetables always, use the steaming method to cook.

Cover and Don’t Look

You will have to cover your waterless cookware as you cook. This creates a vapor seal that pulls the lid down. When you keep lifting the lid to check on your food, this vapor escapes and compromises the quality of your food.

Avoid Oil

Oil is mainly needed to flavor food and create a non-stick base. However, if you are going healthy, use spices and herbs to season your food and avoid oil.

Use Metal Tools

Metal tools are typically thinner compared to plastic ones and will not scratch or damage your pans. That is why they are recommended to be used alongside waterless cookware.

Avoid Spaces

When it comes to waterless cooking, you would rather use a smaller pan that is full rather than a bigger one that leaves room. This kind of cookware is made to cook better with little or no open spaces inside.

Utilize Stackable Cooking

Sometimes you need more pots and pans than the burners available. Not to worry, you can stack cook whereby one pot’s lid acts as a cooking surface for a smaller pan.

Benefits of Using Quality Waterless Pans and Pots

Perhaps you are not yet convinced of the goodness of waterless cookware. Here are several reasons that will compel you to get a set.

Retains Food Flavor

With waterless cooking, all your food is kept under a lid to ensure that nothing escapes. The lid forms a seal that traps heat, moisture, and the juices in your food. This allows you to retain up to 90% of the nutrients in your food.

It is a Healthier Way of Cooking

Steel cookware is popular but it needs you to use oil so that heat from the burner can be transferred to the food and keep it from sticking.

Waterless cooking uses the juices and moisture in your food to cook.

Energy and Time Saving

You need low to medium heat when using waterless cookware because you do not need any additional ingredients to keep your food from burning or sticking. Besides, waterless cookware material keeps your food cooking even when you turn the heat off hence saving energy.

On the other hand, waterless pans have heavy bases that facilitate rapid and even heat distribution. Some even allow for stack cooking. This saves you time.

Easy Maintenance and Cleaning

Waterless cookware is more durable compared to regular cookware and most are dishwasher safe. This makes cleaning easier and faster.

Oven-Safe

Waterless cookware can endure extremely high temperatures. This is great news if you like to bake or roast in the oven.

Our Top Pick

We have assessed all the above products and come up with the Cook 10 Piece Cookware Set as our top pick. It is made from a blend of stainless steel and aluminum making it durable. This allows for even heat distribution as well, so you can be assured that your food will cook evenly.

The pieces in the set have ergonomically designed handles to keep them cooler and safe to handle. We love that the pieces are oven-safe as well.

With their fitting lids that seal in heat and flavors, you are going to enjoy tasty and healthier meals daily with this set.

Conclusion

At this point, it is clear that waterless cooking uses existing moisture and juices produced when food is heated to cook.

This helps retain the flavors and nutrients in the food and we can bet you will appreciate that. Doing this also eliminates oil from the equation so you will be eating healthier meals.

Now that you know everything there is to know about these products, there is no reason why you should have a hard time making the right choice.

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