Long gone are the days of outdated, big-box store cookware that never seems clean. 2021 is the year of cool, trendy cookware that will get even the most novice of chefs excited about being in the kitchen. Because let’s face it, we’re all a little more motivated when the aesthetics are on point, right? But these seven brands have more than just good looks going for them; their products are also high-quality, functional and a dream to use. So now that you’re ready to upgrade your kitchen must-haves, be sure to check out these dynamic brands.
Our Place
It’s the pan heard ’round the world. Chances are if you’re on social media you have seen the internet-famous Always Pan from Our Place. The company’s goal is creating unique cookware rooted in the modern, multiethnic American kitchen. The Always Pan is a skillet, steamer, deep fryer, saucier, pot and pan — all in one. Our Place invests in ethical factories that provide supportive environments and compensation to its teams so that the people who make the products have time, energy, and resources to connect with the people they love. The brand also creates special collections, which include pieces like a spruce steamer, to spotlight different cultural celebrations around food.
Great Jones
I’ve been a big fan of Great Jones from the start. This NYC-based modern cookware brand is as Instagrammable as it is practical. Great Jones is best-known for its colorful Dutch oven, which comes in shades like broccoli green and mustard yellow, as well as the perfect bubble gum pink, which you can bet your bottom dollar I WILL get my hands on the neck time it’s in stock. It’s made of enameled cast iron, which is super easy to clean. It also has a line of colorful bakeware if cakes and pies are more your cup of tea.
Food52
Food52 started out as a recipe hub for enthusiastic home chefs, and quickly evolved into a multi-dimensional culinary empire. It now has its own line of kitchen and cookware goods that are almost too beautiful to use. The brand launched its shop in 2013 with the goal of bringing like-minded makers and artisans together to curate the great things that allow you to cook and eat thoughtfully.
Caraway
If you’re sick of your $20 skillet and looking for an adult-worthy upgrade, Caraway makes some high-quality cookware sets that are as aesthetically pleasing as they are functional. And with its matching cookware sets, you can get everything you need and not have to hunt around for matching cookware. And if you weren’t already sold, the materials are also eco-friendly and non-toxic (you’d be surprised how many cookware brands aren’t!), releasing up to 60 percent less CO2 when produced compared to traditional nonstick coatings. I ordered myself a fry pan last week and I can’t wait to get cooking!
Material
This is the perfect brand for the minimalist at heart. Material has a less-is-more philosophy when it comes to the kitchen and doubles down on the essentials. The brand has identified and perfected the can’t-live-without-’em tools that every home cook needs in their kitchen, and has focused all its efforts on getting them right. I love its cutting boards, which are made of recycled plastic and come in a variety of fun colors.
Milo
This start-up is a great alternative to exorbitantly priced cast-iron products on the market. In fact, it has a kickstarter going on right now for its new 3-piece collection if you really want to get in on the ground floor of something cool. The French-inspired cookware is durable, elegant, and best of all, affordable.
Nordic Ware
For all the bakers and sheet pan dinner-makers out there, Nordic Ware’s line of bakeware can’t be beat. Not only has this brand been around since 1946 and won many sustainability awards, it also makes some of the prettiest, streamlined baking and cooking essentials on the market. I just bought a few of its gold sheet pans and I can’t wait to use them ASAP.
