Best Cookware For High Heat Cooking [Jan 2023]

best cookware for high heat cooking

The best Cookware for High Heat Cooking is one that is made of high quality materials such as cast iron, carbon steel, or stainless steel. These materials can withstand high heat and will not warp or melt. They are also durable and will last for many years.

Best Overall

Cuisinart Multiclad Pro Stainless Steel 12-Piece Cookware Set

Best Value For Money
Calphalon Classic Stainless Steel Pots and Pans, Set

Calphalon Stainless Steel 10-Piece Pots and Pans Set

Best Editor Choice
Ninja C39900 Hard Anodized 16-Piece Cookware Set

Ninja Foodi NeverStick Premium 16-Piece Cookware Set


Cooking is an art and a regular chef knows that various sorts of cooking demand different techniques, cookware, and heat level. Thus, if you love to eat browned, flavorful and delicious food then you must require high heat while cooking.

That’s why having the best cookware for high heat cooking is very important.

There are different materials used in cookware and each has its own strength and weakness. Here, we will discuss some of the best cookware that can be used on high heat.

What is the Best Cookware For High Heat?

If you’re a beginner cook, you might not know what to look for when choosing cookware for high-heat cooking tasks.

Here’s a quick guide to the different types of materials that can withstand high heat so you can use them for high-heat cooking.

1- Cast Iron

Cast iron is a relatively inexpensive cookware material that is perfect for high-heat cooking. Cast iron is a remarkable cookware material that is highly durable and perfect for all uses. You can use cast iron cookware on any stovetop and then keep it in the oven without any fear. Even if you want to use it over a campfire, it will give phenomenal cooking results.

Cast iron needs seasoning for its maintenance and longevity. After every use, oil it when the pan is a bit warm and lets it cool normally. The seasoning makes the cast-iron surface nonstick.

Moreover, it can withstand up to 1500°f temperature and I think no food needs more temperature than that. So, it is better cookware for high heat cooking.

2- Enamel cast iron

Enamel cast iron is better than cast iron cookware because it doesn’t need any seasoning and it is also resistant to rust.

The enamel cast iron cookware contains cast iron at the base while enamel coating at the surface. It is a bit more expensive than cast iron cookware.

3- Stainless steel

Stainless steel is an incredible cookware material fit for high-heat cooking. Most cooks recommend stainless steel cookware because most stainless steel cookware is dishwasher safe. Stainless steel is a durable and lasting material that will accompany you for decades in your kitchen.

Stainless steel alone is not good for conducting high heat but when combined with copper or aluminum, becomes compatible with high heat.

Copper and aluminum heat up quickly that resulting in overcooked or burnt food. The cookware of stainless steel when combined with aluminum or copper becomes less pricy. Otherwise, aluminum and copper cookware are more expensive than stainless steel cookware.

4- Carbon steel

Carbon steel is a good conductor of heat. It is quite similar to cast iron in many qualities. Carbon steel is a fabulous balance between the properties of stainless steel and cast iron cookware.

It is less heavy than cast iron and a little weighty than stainless steel so, it is easier to handle. Carbon steel like cast iron requires seasoning which makes the surface nonstick and it is dishwasher safe. Carbon steel is also more versatile and durable than nonstick.

After discussing the cookware material that can withstand high heat for cooking, it’s time to move on to discuss the best cookware for high heat cooking.

Read More: Best Non Stick Pans for High Heat Cooking

BestCookware High Heat – Our Top Picks

1- Cuisinart Multiclad Pro Stainless Steel 12-Piece Cookware Set


Are you eager to buy stainless steel cookware that retains proper heat and is best at even heating? The Cuisinart12-piece stainless steel cookware eliminates hotspots with its heat surround technology for flawless cooking. Its tri-ply construction features an aluminum core for perfect heat retention. The brushed stainless steel exterior gives it an incredible look while the polished interior surface neither reacts with food nor changes its flavor.

The stainless steel tight-fitting covers are fabulous for sealing the juices of food inside to provide delicious and healthy cooked food. The rims are perfect for drip-free pouring, keeping you safe and your kitchen counter clean. This cookware doesn’t waste your time washing, put it in the dishwasher for your ease.

Pros
  • Oven and dishwasher safe
  • Cool-grip handles
  • Tri-ply construction
  • Aluminum core for better heat retention
Cons
  • This cookware is a bit heavy

2- Lodge Seasoned Cast Iron Skillet with 2 Loop Handles


The Lodge seasoned cast iron is 17-inches wide and 2-inch deep that is perfect for sautéing, searing, braising, roasting, baking and frying. The skillet is pre-seasoned for easy release of food but it’s better to apply a little coating of vegetable oil before use.

It is compatible with gas, electric, ceramic glass top stoves, and induction cooktops. You can also use it on grills and campfires to enjoy fabulous food on camping. The two handles of the skillet give a tight grip for easy maneuvering. Heat up the pan on slow heat and then gradually bring it to high heat. The skillet has a nearly nonstick surface that is convenient to wash. Don’t use harsh detergents or dishwashers, only use hot water and a nylon brush for cleaning it.

Pros
  • Easy release finish
  • Perfect for family cooking
  • Suitable for all cooktops
  • Two handles
Cons
  • It may scratch the glass stovetop
  • Not safe to use in dishwasher

3- Lodge 12 Inch Seasoned Carbon Steel Skillet


If you have a large family and want to buy a large skillet enough for everyday cooking, then this is perfect for you. This 12-inch large carbon steel skillet is best for browning and searing food as it withstands high heat. You’ll love its exceptional performance because it heats up abruptly and provides evenly cooked food by retaining appropriate heat.

Whatever stovetop you have, it is workable on all cooktops. You can use it on open fires and grills without any fear. This skillet is pre-seasoned so, use it immediately after unboxing and its easy-release oil finish will improve with use. If you maintain it properly, it will last longer.

Pros
  • Suitable for entire family cooking
  • Conducive handle angle fit for stovetops and oven
  • Preferred in residential and professional kitchens both
Cons
  • It’s a bit weighty

4- Lodge 3.6 Quart Enamel Cast Iron Casserole Dish


When having a 3.6 Quart enamel dish then there is no need for a serving plate, transfer it from the cooktop to the dining table. The glass surface doesn’t react with any food and doesn’t require any seasoning. When it comes to heat retention and even heat distribution, this dish is unmatchable.

This phenomenal 3.6 Quart enamel dish has black rims and a half-white cooking surface that add meaning to its blue color. Comfortably use this dish for baking, braising, roasting, or broiling in an oven up to 500°f and sauté, fry or simmer on any stovetop. It is also remarkable if used to marinate or refrigerate food. The stainless steel knob and loop handles provide a secure grip.

Pros
  • Splendid heat retention and even heating
  • Usable for both preparing and serving
  • Tightly-fitting lid
  • Dishwasher safe but better to wash by hand
Cons
  • Can’t use metal utensils to keep the inner surface safe

5) Lodge Cast Iron Skillet, Oven Use, 10.25″, Black


The Lodge cast iron is a versatile and multi-functional skillet. You’ll find it functional on the campfire, grill, any cooktop, and oven and would enjoy searing, browning, frying, sautéing, baking, broiling, or braising in it. It is amazingly tough that for decades, it will remain the same.

New cooks can handle it comfortably with its assist handle. The side lips make the pouring safe and convenient. Washing this skillet is not complicated, simply wash it by hand and mild soap. If you don’t use soap for cleaning, it’s ok but remember to season it with vegetable oil after every use. It has an almost nonstick surface without having any dangerous toxic fumes as nonstick cookware contains.

Pros
  • Exceptional heat retention and even heating
  • Sturdy handle with hanging hole
  • Compatible for all stovetops including induction
  • Pre-seasoned with vegetable oil
Cons
  • Not dishwasher safe
  • Not suitable for microwave

What cookware is good for high heat?

Cookware that is suitable for high heat cooking includes cast iron, stainless steel, and anodized aluminum. All of these materials provide a good amount of heat retention and even distribution, making them ideal for frying and searing.

Can you use high heat on nonstick

It is not recommended to use high heat on nonstick cookware as the high temperatures can damage the nonstick coating, causing it to deteriorate and release harmful fumes. It is best to use low to medium heat when cooking with nonstick cookware.

Can aluminum pans handle high heat?

Aluminum pans can handle high heat, but they can warp or become misshapen if exposed to extremely high temperatures or thermal shock. It is generally recommended to use low to medium heat when cooking with aluminum pans.

Aluminum is usually treated with a process called anodization to prevent it from corroding or reacting with acidic foods. This treatment also helps aluminum pans to withstand higher temperatures without warping.

Conclusion

We have discussed the cookware and materials in detail that is suitable for high-heat cooking, so, it’s up to you which one you choose. Let me make it easier for you to make a quick decision.

If you want to use a nonstick surface for easily released food then buy cast iron cookware.

Those who get irritated by seasoning pans all the time and are fond of using cast iron should buy enamel cast iron. Because enamel cast iron possesses the same qualities of cast iron except seasoning.

Stainless steel cookware is best for those who don’t prefer nonstick surfaces and require dishwasher-safe cookware. Stainless steel doesn’t have a nonstick interior so safe to use in the dishwasher.

Those who want to enjoy cast iron properties at less price should prefer carbon steel cookware.