Cook N Home Basics 12-Piece Cookware Set vs Le Creuset Stainless Steel 12-Piece Cookware Set

The Le Creuset set is the stronger buy for anyone who cooks seriously: full tri-ply aluminum core from base to rim, oven-safe to 500°F, interior capacity markings, a dripless pour rim and a 9 qt. stockpot with colander insert. The Cook N Home set uses a sandwich base with an aluminum disc only in the bottom, so heat spreads less evenly up the walls and it tops out at 350°F. Owners of the Cook N Home set rate it well for the basics and it is dishwasher safe, but the Le Creuset has far more capable pieces and better build. Note the Le Creuset has only 10 ratings, so its 4.6 is a thin sample; a few buyers report a lid coming apart and slow warranty replacement.

• Choose the Cook N Home Basics set if you want a simple stainless set for everyday boiling, simmering and reheating and you do not need high-heat oven use or nonstick pans.
• Choose the Le Creuset 12-piece if you want clad tri-ply construction, nonstick fry pans, a saucier and a stockpot with colander for varied cooking and oven use up to 500°F.