Best Induction Cookware For Your Induction Cooktop

There are many advantages to using an induction cooktop. Some of the reasons why people are choosing to use induction cooktops are safety, efficiency, precise temperature control, energy efficiency, and cost-saving.

But while induction cooking has many positives, there are a few potential drawbacks to consider. The biggest drawback of induction cooking is that – not all pieces of cookware can be used on induction cooktops and stoves – you must use induction-friendly cookware.

Our handy guide is designed to help you choose the best induction cookware for your induction cooktop. There is now a huge variety of induction cookware sets on the market to choose from, from stainless steel induction cookware, multi-ply induction cookware, cast iron induction cookware, to non-stick induction cookware. They are very different in price, quality, and heat distribution efficiency. Choosing the best cookware for your induction cooktop is no easy feat.

If you’re looking for a new induction cookware set, then our list can help you make the right decision. Check out today’s top models.

Our Top Picks – The Best Induction Cookware Sets To Buy

Choose The Right Cookware for Your Induction Cooktop

Induction cooking works by using an electromagnetic field to heat the cookware. This is very different from the traditional gas flame or electric coil cooking experience. Cookware used on an induction cooktop must have iron content. This is what makes the pan magnetic and allows the transfer of energy to the pan or pot you are using.

Induction cookware must have a magnetic base, such as cast iron or magnetic stainless steel. Fully clad cookware brands, such as All-Clad, Cristel, Demeyere, Hammer Stahl, Hestan Nanobond, Le Creuset and Zwilling work on induction cooktops because they’re magnetic. Cast Iron cookware, like Le Creuset Signature Cast Iron & Staub Enameled Cast Iron, also works on induction cooktops.

How do I know if my cookware is induction compatible?

If you’re not sure if your cookware will work with induction cooktops, you can test the compatibility of your cookware by 2 simple ways:

1) Holding a magnet to the bottom of your pans and skillets: if the magnet sticks, the cookware is induction compatible. If it doesn’t, most likely it is not induction compatible.

2) Many manufacturers have started putting an “induction compatible” symbol on the bottom of their cookware or note compatibility on the packaging. The symbol often looks like a horizontal zig-zag or a coil.

What cookware won’t work with induction cooktops?

When searching for the best induction cookware, you should know that these cookware materials won’t work with your induction cooktop.

Induction cooktops require ferromagnetic cookware, which means cookware with full glass or aluminum is out. Most copper cookware and ceramic cookware won’t work either.

These cookware materials can still be used on induction cooktops, as long as they have a layer on the bottom with magnetic properties. Using a magnetic bottom layer is fine, as long as the disc covers the whole of the base. This can cut down on cost, but it can also affect heat distribution.

This is essentially like having a non-induction pan inside of your induction pan because the heat is transferred from the magnetic layer to the nonmagnetic layer in the same fashion that heat from a regular stove reaches the pan it is being used with. Because the layers are packed so tightly together, this will reduce heat loss significantly.

Sometimes the discs are set into the base and thus are smaller than the circumference of the pot or pan – these are not suitable for induction cooking. That’s because the outer section of the base, outside the ferrous disc, becomes a ‘cold bridge’ where food can stick. A disc that covers the whole of the base will ensure a uniform spread of heat.

What’s the Best Cookware Material for Induction?

There are a few different materials of induction cookware, and the material will affect the quality of the cookware and subsequently, the quality of your meal. It’s important to choose the one that is right for you.

Stainless Steel Induction Cookware

Stainless steel cookware is perfect for induction cooktops. Stainless steel cookware is popular cookware as it dishwasher friendly, looks beautiful over time and is much lighter than cast iron. Stainless steel makes some of the best cookware for induction cooking.

All-Clad makes some of the highest quality stainless steel cookware for induction cooktops, but Cuisinart induction cookware is our favorite choice as it offers a great value for an affordable price. The Cuisinart MCP-12N Multiclad Pro Stainless Steel 12-Piece Cookware Set is our top pick as the best induction cookware set for most people.

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You can also choose your stainless steel induction cookware from many other brands such as Circulon, Anolon, Calphalon, Faberware, Kitchenaid, and Duxtop, etc.

Keep in mind that not all stainless steel cookware is created equal. Steel is an alloy, which means it is made by mixing two or more metals together. All stainless steel contains iron, which is magnetic, but the combination of other metals in the alloy will affect the magnetic properties.

The fact that not all stainless steel cookware is magnetic. In order for stainless steel cookware to be induction cooktop friendly, it has to have 18/0 stainless steel or another magnetic material built into it. Manufacturers that want their cookware to be induction compatible typically add 18/0 stainless steel to their cookware to make it induction capable.

18/10 stainless steel vs. 18/0 stainless steel?

You will see that some of the cooking surface of top quality induction cookware is made of 18/10 stainless steel (or 18/8 stainless steel).

18/10 stainless steel is the most common grade of stainless steel used for food preparation and dining, also known as Type 304 (304 Grade) and is part of the 300 series. 18/10 stainless steel interior offers superior stick resistance and easy maintenance. But the problem here is that it’s NON-magnetic.

18/0 stainless steel is magnetic, but it is more likely to rust than 18/10, still high quality. So more quality induction cookware will have a multi-layer set up sandwiched between stainless steel, with 18/10 stainless steel interior cooking surface and 18/0 grade magnetic stainless steel exterior.

For instance, the All-Clad D5 Brushed Cookware Collection which is among the highest quality cookware on the market – has 5 layers with 18/10 stainless steel interior cooking surface, magnetic stainless steel exterior (18/0), and a stainless steel core is sandwiched between two layers of aluminum. Aluminum layers in a multi-layer base help distribute heat evenly across the pan or pot with minimal loss. Copper is the premium choice for an induction core but aluminum works well too.

When selecting the best cookware for your induction cooktop, don’t forget to consider the thickness of the steel. A very light stainless steel induction cookware set can be detrimental to your cooking as it may heat up far too quickly and lose heat at the same high speed making it a finicky product to have in your home.

Keep in mind that more quality induction cookware will have a multi-layer set up sandwiched between stainless steel. What this does is help transfer the heat generated from the range to the food with minimal loss. The loss you experience will be the radiation of heat coming from the cookware itself and/or the back transfer of heat to the stovetop.

PROS of stainless steel induction cookware:

  • Durable, easy to care for, does not react with foods
  • Looks beautiful over time and dishwasher-friendly
  • Often magnetic and compatible with induction cooktops
  • Lighter than cast ion induction cookware
  • Last longer than non stick cookware

CONS of stainless steel induction cookware:

  • Food can get stuck
  • Toucher to clean than cast iron and non-stick induction cookware.
  • A very light stainless steel induction cookware set can be detrimental to your cooking as it may heat up far too quickly and lose heat at the same high speed making it a finicky product to have in your home.

Cast Iron Induction Cookware

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Cast iron cookware will always work with induction, 100% of the time. Le Creuset offers some of the best cast iron cookware for induction cooktops.

Cast iron induction cookware will last forever if taken care of properly. What makes cast iron cookware perfect for induction cooking is its natural non-stick ability and once cast iron has been seasoned, it adds an entirely new dimension of flavor.

The biggest drawback to using cast iron on an induction cooktop is that it can cause scratches the glass surface. Another drawback of cast iron induction cookware is the weight of the product makes it cumbersome and difficult to sweep with one hand or to flip your favorite omelet. It also requires special upkeep that you will need to keep it well oiled. But the benefits absolutely outweigh the negatives.

PROS of cast iron induction cookware:

  • Cast iron cookware will always work with your induction cooktop stove
  • A great alternative to nonstick cooking surfaces.
  • Induction cookware made of cast iron is extremely durable and can be preheated to temperatures that will brown meat. It will also withstand oven temperatures well above what is considered safe for nonstick pans.
  • Keeps food warm for a long time
  • Enameled cast iron induction cookware does not require seasoning and dishwasher friendly.

CONS of cast iron induction cookware:

  • Unlike enameled cast iron, uncoated cast iron must be seasoned (rubbed with multiple coats of oil) and maintained. Will rust if left in damp environments.
  • Heavy, and they get even heavier when filled with food
  • May cause scratches your induction cooktop glass surface

Non-Stick Induction Cookware

When searching for the best induction cookware, don’t forget to consider non-stick cookware. There are plenty of non-stick cookware ranges that work well with induction cooktops.

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If you’ve got money to spend, one of the best non stick induction cookware sets that we recommend is the All-Clad HA1 Hard-Anodized Nonstick Cookware Set. This is one of the highest quality non stick induction cookware set on the market today. If not, the T-fal C515SC Professional Nonstick Cookware is the best option to consider.

Top-quality non-stick induction cookware use “Hard-anodized” Aluminum. “Hard-anodized” has nothing to do with induction – anodization is just a process done to aluminum to make it harder, more durable, and nonstick without the addition of coatings like Teflon.

Non-stick cookware is ideal for cooking eggs, pancakes, and other foods that are known to stick to a pan. Using non stick induction cookware, you can cook without any extra oils or fats, and food practically slides out of the pan and onto your plate.

The majority of Non-stick induction cookware sets are made of aluminum with a stainless steel base that makes it react really well to the induction cooktop. With a nonstick interior, the pots are perfect for the health-conscious. The drawbacks to using non-stick induction cookware are their limited ability to sear and the heat limitations from the non-stick coating do not allow them to heat up as high as stainless steel induction cookware or cast iron induction cookware does.

PROS of Non-stick induction cookware:

  • Non-stick induction cookware doesn’t stick food, and it’s difficult for it to burn food items unless left unattended.
  • Exceptionally easy to clean. Need less oil for cooking, which eliminates some fat from your diet.
  • Most Non-stick induction cookware sets are dishwasher friendly

CONS of Non-stick induction cookware:

  • Some, but not all, nonstick pans are now safe for use with metal utensils. But it’s still smart to take care not to scratch or gouge the surface material.

So, what cookware material is best for my induction cooktop?

In the end, we think stainless steel makes the best induction cookware for most people.

Stainless steel induction cookware is better for searing meat, leaving behind those delicious fond bits that make the perfect start to a pan sauce. Stainless steel induction cookware also tends to last longer than non stick induction cookware as there is no coating to scratch, and some recipes specifically require that the pan get a little sticky. Plus the shiny glint of pure steel adds a professional look to your kitchen.

The biggest advantage of non stick induction cookware over stainless steel induction cookware is the fact that the non stick coating helps to keep food from sticking, and it’s easy to clean afterward. Health-conscious cooks like that they can use a lot less oil than they would with uncoated stainless steel cookware.

In our experience, you shouldn’t purchase a full set of cast iron cookware for your induction cooktop. There is a downside to using cast iron which is that it is easy to scratch the surface of your induction cooker as it is made from glass.

Best Induction Cookware Reviews

Best Induction Cookware Set Overall

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

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The Cuisinart MCP-12N Multiclad Pro is our top pick as the best induction cookware set for most people. This is a beautiful quality stainless steel induction cookware collection. It offers a brushed finish on the exterior with a polished finish on the inside for great release as foods cook. This cookware set will provide an elegant look for your kitchen, perfect cooking results, and best of all, it’s affordable.

Cuisinart MCP-12N Multiclad Pro has a triple-ply construction. Brushed magnetic stainless steel exterior allows it to be induction ready, a pure aluminum core that provides even heat distribution, and 18/10 stainless steel cooking surface to resist discoloration, reaction with foods and alteration of flavors.

What makes this set one of the best cookware for induction cooktops is not only the sandwich-style construction with an aluminum core, Cuisinart integrated the triply Heat Surround technology in its Multiclad pro-line that snacks an aluminum primary within the side and structure walls for remarkable, even heat.

In addition, you will find solid-cast stainless steel addresses that stay-cool about the stove, tight-fitting stainless steel covers, and trickle-free streaming wheels. Each item is stove-secure to 500 degrees F, and also the pans are safe for broiler- use.

This wonderful induction cookware collection includes 12 pieces. The 1.5 & 3-quart saucepan with lid takes care of everything from oatmeal to bechamel sauce. Also included are 8- and 10-inch open skillets that turn out perfect grilled cheese, hamburgers, and crepes; 3.5-quart covered saute pan with cover, great for braising meats and cooking fish fillets; and an 8-quart covered stockpot for stews and soups.

Cuisinart has included everything you need in this spectacular 12-piece induction cookware set to perfectly perform all the basic cooking tasks, large or small. From reheating a single portion of soup to preparing appetizers, entrees and side dishes for the entire family, you’ll find every tool you need in this deluxe set.

Overall, the Cuisinart MCP-12N Multiclad Pro is our pick as the best induction cookware set. All items are thick and heavy. Bottoms are perfectly flat and heat very evenly. Its 3-ply design assists easy cooking and first-class results, permitting in fact your cooking area novice to whip foods up having an exceptional design that’ll please everyone.

This is a great option for those looking for an alternative to the top of the line brand All-Clad.

Pros:

  • Good price for a high-quality set of pans.
  • Really good looking stainless steel induction cookware, Dishwasher-safe design
  • Triple-Ply construction includes the unsurpassed heat conductivity of a pure aluminum core.
  • All items are thick and heavy. Bottoms are perfectly flat and heat very evenly. Overall build quality rivals that of sets costing 2x the price or more
  • Microwave oven and broiler safe up to 500 degrees Fahrenheit.
  • Will probably last a lifetime

Cons:

  • It is a little bit heavy, but you should expect that for a quality multi clad stainless steel cookware

Best Induction Cookware Set If You’ve Got Money to Spend

2. All-Clad d5 Brushed Stainless-Steel 5-Ply 10-Piece Set

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If you’re looking for top-quality stainless steel cookware for your induction cooktop, then look no further than the All-Clad d5 Brushed Stainless Cookware Set.

This is one of the absolute best induction cookware sets money can buy that will sure to last a lifetime and give you superior cooking experiences on your induction cooktop. And this set of stainless steel cookware is optimized for induction cooktops.

Why is All-Clad induction cookware so expensive? Because All-Clad makes premium cookware from the highest-quality metals and makes all of their bonded cookware in the USA.

All-Clad has a policy of manufacturing all of its bonded cookware in the USA. This means that it purchases its metals only from US suppliers, and bonds them at its own rolling mill on-site in Canonsburg PA, and then forms them at the same location into high performance cooking vessels.

If you have watched any cooking TV show and looked at what kind of cookware chefs used, most often they used All-Clad. All-Clad cookware is thick, heavy, sturdy, controls and distributes the heat better than most other brands. All-Clad is among the best rated cookware brands, its products are really expensive, but you’ll never have to buy another induction cookware set.

So if you’ve got money to spend, All-Clad induction cookware is the best way to go. Of all All-Clad induction cookware sets, All-Clad d5 stainless steel collection is the best cookware set for induction we think you should buy even if you’re a chef.

Every piece this beautiful collection has the same durability and high quality that you’ve come to expect from All-Clad but the technology is the most advanced. Each piece has a thick base that extends all the way to the edges (unlike other pots and pans that have more rounded walls), making perfect contact with an induction cooktop and giving you even browning all across the bottom.

There are 5 layers with alternating layers of stainless steel and conductive aluminum provides warp-free strength and even heating throughout. D5’s 18/10 stainless-steel interior with a highly polished starburst finish offers natural stick resistance, and prevents food from picking up a metallic taste, while its fingerprint-free brushed stainless exterior offers exceptional beauty and hides fingerprints.

The All-Clad d5 stainless steel set is optimal for use with induction cooktops. Pots and pans have a stainless steel core that distributes the heat very well and evenly. But if heat distribution is really really critical to you, opt for the All-Clad SS stainless steel collection with a copper core.

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The copper core conducts heat better than other metals used in cookware, makes it the best induction cookware if you want your pan to transfer heat and spread heat quickly, evenly, and extremely precisely throughout the cookware. But we think the All-Clad D5 stainless steel collection is too enough to make you a chef.

Pros:

  • Compatible with all cooktops, optimal for induction cooktops
  • Made in the USA with the highest quality in the industry. Limited lifetime warranty
  • 5-ply bonded construction provides superior heat control
  • Dishwasher, oven and broiler-safe
  • Heat-resistant stainless-steel handles with large bolsters are permanently secured with stainless-steel rivets; flat stainless-steel lids; flared pouring rims.

Cons:

  • Very expensive

Best Non Stick Induction Cookware Set

3. Circulon Symmetry Hard-Anodized Nonstick Cookware Set

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Want to buy non-stick cookware for your induction cooktop? the Circulon Symmetry Hard-Anodized Nonstick Cookware Set is one of the best non-stick induction cookware sets you can buy.

What makes this set one of the best non-stick cookware for induction cooktops is all pieces are made of heavy-gauge hard-anodized aluminum construction.

So what does “hard-anodized” actually mean? It’s essentially a way of hardening a soft aluminum surface electrochemically so it becomes twice as hard as stainless steel and has an oxidized layer that is nonstick, scratch-resistant, and non-reactive to food. Hard-anodized aluminum cookware is easy to clean, non-toxic, and requires little or no oil.

Thanks to highly durable surfaces, it can withstand high temperatures, so it can go in the microwave oven. Plus, its nonstick layer lasts up to three times as long as a regular nonstick pan. It does a great job of preventing scratches and can’t chip or peel away.

There is a wide selection of hard-anodized induction cookware on the market, but the Circulon Symmetry set is the best option for most people. This set has 9-11 pieces which make it suitable for average families.

The set includes a 1-quart pouring saucepan, 2-quart covered saucepan, 3-quart covered saucepan, 8-quart covered stockpot, 8.5-inch French skillet, 10-inch French skillet, and a 3-quart covered sauté pan. All items have a nonstick coating covered on both the inside and the outside makes cleanup a breeze, whether you’re washing by hand or machine. You can choose between basic black, chocolate brown, or merlot for the exterior.

Pros:

  • Works very well on induction cooktops
  • Heavy gauge hard-anodized aluminum construction
  • It is dishwasher safe but it is also very easy to clean if you prefer hand washing
  • Oven safe to 400 degrees Fahrenheit, warp-resistant, induction compatible, metal-utensil safe, stay-cool handles.
  • PFOA-free metal utensil safe premium-quality advanced 3-layer nonstick to reduce surface abrasion.
  • Shatter-resistant glass lids with wide stainless steel rims

Cons:

  • Quite expensive

Best Non Stick Induction Cookware Set If You’ve Got Money to Spend

4. All-Clad HA1 Hard-Anodized Nonstick Cookware Set

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If you’re prepared to spend some money on non-stick cookware, then the All-Clad HA1 Cookware Set is the best induction cookware for your investment. This set of cookware is one of the most expensive, if not the most expensive, nonstick induction cookware on the market, but it is worth every penny and should last you a lifetime.

One buyer said it was better than even the best home chef would ever need. Not only can you wow your guests with your cooking, they’ll be impressed by the set’s stylish and modern, rounded design that looks great on the table as well as on the stove.

The All-Clad HA1 is hard-anodized nonstick cookware. The set includes 8-inch and 10-inch fry pans, 2-quart and 3-quart saucepans with lids, 4-quart sauté pan with lid, and an 8-quart stockpot with lid. All-Clad also sells a 10-piece set. All pieces are protected by three layers of PFOA-free nonstick coating.

You can also stick it in the oven because all the pieces in this set are rated to handle up to 500 degrees Fahrenheit. One of the big plusses about the All-Clad HA1 Set is that you can stick everything in the dishwasher, although the company recommends washing it by hand.

Pros:

  • Best quality non-stick induction cookware by All-clad
  • Hard anodized aluminum construction and PFOA-free nonstick coating
  • Oven safe to 500 degrees, dishwasher safe, induction capable, warp-resistant
  • Secure-fitting lids to lock in moisture and heat and allow for checking on food at a glance.
  • Limited Lifetime warranty

Cons:

  • One of the most expensive nonstick cookware for induction
  • A few buyers reported their handles got hot

Best Budget-Friendly Induction Cookware Set

5. Stone & Beam Tri-Ply Stainless Steel Kitchen Cookware Set

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One of the best budget-friendly induction cookware sets you can buy is the Stone & Beam Tri-Ply Stainless Steel Cookware Set. This set of 12 cookware pieces works very well on all induction cooktops without breaking the bank.

Made of 80% stainless steel and 20% aluminum, this sturdy induction-ready cookware has an aluminum core sandwiched between two layers of stainless steel for even heating, an 18/10 stainless steel interior and magnetic stainless steel exterior.

This set includes 1.5- and 3-quart saucepans with lids; 8- and 10-inch skillets; a 3.5-quart sauté pan with lid; an 8-quart stockpot with lid; and a steamer insert with lid. All items come with comfortable grip handles. They are easy to clean, dishwasher safe and can be used in the oven up to 500 degrees.

Stone & Beam is an Amazon brand – buying this cookware set you get the world’s best customer service. We’ve never been disappointed by Amazon’s customer service. The price is so good for this quality tri-ply stainless steel cookware set.

Overall, if you’re looking for quality stainless steel cookware for your induction cooktop but don’t want to break the bank, then the Stone & Beam Tri-Ply Stainless Steel Cookware Set is the best induction cookware for you.

Pros:

  • Induction cooktop friendly
  • Affordable price, an Amazon-branded item
  • Quite thick and heavy, Very good looking
  • Tri-ply construction with 18/10 stainless steel cooking surfaces
  • Dishwasher-, oven safe up to 500 degrees F

Cons:

  • Even though these are cool handles, they can still get too hot to handle barehanded when boiling water or at high temperatures

Best Induction Cookware Set Under $100

6. T-Fal C515SC Professional Nonstick Cookware Set

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This cheap non-stick induction cookware will work on any type of cooktop, including induction. T-Fal C515SC is one of the cheapest non-stick cookware on the market that is optimal for induction cooking.

But although the price is cheap, it has a decent overall quality, the non-stick surface is scratch-resistant and toxin-free, hard Titanium reinforced nonstick interior stands up to rigorous use and allows for cooking without frustrating, wasteful, stuck-on messes. This nonstick induction cookware is also dishwasher and oven safe up to 400 degrees F, but hand washing is recommended.

For added convenience, T-fal makes pre-heating practically foolproof. The Thermo-Spot heat indicator features a ring around the center that turns solid red to indicate when pans are properly pre-heated, allowing food to cook evenly and helps seal in natural juices and flavor.

We appreciate the fact that all items of the T-Fal C515SC have comfortable Riveted Silicone Handles that will not get hot during high heat cooking. So you won’t need gloves to move your pots and pans around while hot. For the price under $100, this set of 12 cookware pieces is one of the best induction cookware sets you can buy. Great price, good overall quality, easy to use, and dishwasher and oven safe, you’ll love it!

Pros:

  • Affordable non-stick cookware that works well on induction cooktops
  • The nonstick coating is hard, scratch resistant and toxin free
  • Both the lids and pots are of a heavy weight, so they seem sturdy
  • Oven safe up to 400°F (lids up to 350°F); dishwasher safe
  • The silicone handles do not get warm when cooking
  • Vented tempered glass lid maintains visibility, while trapping enough heat and moisture for perfect results every meal
  • T-fal Thermo-Spot heat indicator changes color from darker dots to solid red and shows when pan is perfectly preheated to seal in the flavor of your food.
  • The lids are sized to fit both the saucepans & the skillets

Cons:

  • One Egg Wonder is not induction compatible
  • Because they are quite heavy, they may take longer to warm up

In Conclusion – It’s Time To Buy Your Induction Cookware

Above are some of the best induction cookware on the market today that are well worth your money. There are a lot of options to choose from, but these are our all-time favorites.

All-Clad, Cuisinart, Calphalon, Fissler, Duxtop, Circulon, Le Creuset, and KitchenAid are some of the best cookware brands to look for when it comes to mid-range to high-end induction cookware. T-Fal, Farberware, Stone & Beam are good brands to buy if you’re aiming at the mid-to-lower-priced induction cookware.

After all, when it comes to induction cookware, making the final decision on whether you want stainless steel, cast iron, or non-stick is really a personal decision based on how much time you spend cooking, your expertise in the kitchen and your budget.

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