I reach for my HexClad Hybrid Cookware almost every night when I'm not testing something new, so you can imagine my excitement when the brand launched its first bakeware collection. I swear by its cookware for reliable, non-toxic everyday cooking, and was keen to see whether the same thoughtful design would translate to baking.

The HexClad Hybrid Bakeware Set combines a ceramic coating with raised stainless steel ridges, designed to distribute heat evenly while delivering beautifully golden results, crisp bases, and easy food release.

I put the full set through its paces in my own kitchen and found some pieces more impressive than others. So far as non-toxic cookware goes, it has plenty going for it, but there are a few caveats worth knowing before you buy. Here's how I got on.

Product Specifications: HexClad Hybrid Bakeware Set

Design and First Impressions

The HexClad Hybrid Bakeware follows the same aesthetic as its iconic cookware, with a high-shine steel exterior and a black interior with stainless steel lattice. Some say this isn't very chic, especially compared with other bakeware brands that offer a slew of colorways, but I personally like the professional look.

As with their cookware, the Bakeware Set feels incredibly durable. The pieces are weighty, but are not so heavy that they are cumbersome to move around. Each piece also has flared handles, which make maneuverability simple even when wearing oven mitts.

They arrived packaged similarly to the cookware, too, with the sleek back boxes and individual bags to prevent scratches. These bags are not recyclable, but I have found plenty of other uses for them around my home, and they could also be used as stackers to prevent damage when storing bakeware.

It is worth noting that the bakeware also needs seasoning. While not as high-maintenance as something like cast iron, HexClad does advise baking a thin coating of high smoke point oil onto the bakeware before using it for the first time. This is something I experimented with, and I will go into more detail in the breakdown of each piece below.

Cooking Performance

Round Cake Pans

The cake tins gave me the most trouble out of the set. I ended up testing them twice, once before seasoning and once after, to see whether or not the extra step really made that much of a difference (spoiler alert: For me, it did not).

As with testing any bakeware, I tried the tins out with my go-to Victoria sponge recipe, dividing the mix evenly between the two tins before baking. On both tests, the cakes turned a beautiful golden color, which was even from top to bottom. It cooked to time perfectly without over- or underbaking, requiring no adjustments from my usual recipe. It was, in a word, perfect until it came to getting them out of the tins.

I greased the tins heavily with butter before adding the mixture, as I always do, but did not add cake liners. On the first test, I had not seasoned the tins as advised, and the cake stuck, ripping in half when I tried to pry it from the tin. On the second test, I had seasoned the tins a few days prior, as advised, and still the cake stuck. In the end, I needed a knife to try to release the edges, and had to force a spatula beneath to pry it the rest of the way. The perfectly golden sponge was perfectly light and fluffy, but now incredibly delicate and crumbling at the edges.

All in all, while the results were cooked to perfection, the presentation and ease of use left a little to be desired.

Square Cake Pan

The square tin was much easier to work with. I used it to make a peanut butter brownie recipe, a notoriously sticky bake packed with butter and chocolate that needs time both in the oven and in the fridge to set properly.

As with the cake tins, I buttered the base before adding the mixture and baking. The square tin was slightly smaller than my usual pan, resulting in a deeper brownie, so I had to extend the baking time. However, the results were worth the wait. Once cooled to room temperature, I transferred the brownies to the fridge for a few hours to set before slicing.

The sticky chocolate made them a little tricky to release straight from the fridge, but allowing them to come closer to room temperature helped. With a little help from a spatula, the brownie came out in one clean piece and was easy to slice. The result was deliciously fudgy, with perfectly crisp corners. More than one person told me they were the best brownies they'd ever tasted.

Rectangular Cake Pan

The Rectangular Cake Pan is one of the most versatile in the set, lending itself to both sweet bakes and savoury roasts. This was also a breeze to use, especially when making my famous extra-large cinnamon rolls.

I seasoned the tray, let it cool completely, and greased it well with butter before adding eight cut rolls and covering to let them proof. As with the cake pans, the metal conducted heat effectively, requiring no extra bake time for the butter-rich dough to cook through, especially when tented with foil (a normal step) to prevent the tops from getting too brown.

They did get a little darker than they usually do, especially compared to the bake I did in the Caraway Non-Toxic Bakeware Set, which is lighter in color, but the resulting texture was perfect. It is very possible for the color of your bakeware to affect your final bake, with darker colors absorbing more heat for faster cooking. I wonder if this played a part here.

Once coated in icing, the rolls were easy to cut and serve, peeling out of the tray seamlessly with a spatula and leaving next to no trace behind.

Medium Baking Sheet

What better recipe to test a baking sheet than cookies? I used my regular chocolate chip cookie dough for this, which always promises big, chewy cookies perfect for dipping in warm drinks.

I would go so far as to say this tray produced some of my best cookies so far. The slightly raised etched stainless steel ridges allowed hot air to circulate under the dough more than usual, resulting in golden, crispy bases. They released easily from the tray, too, even when still slightly warm and soft. I have absolutely no complaints and will be using nothing else for my biscuits and cookies from now on.

Cleaning, Storage and Maintenance

The six-piece set doesn't come with its own storage organizers, so I'd recommend investing in an adjustable bakeware organizer from Amazon to keep everything neat. While the pieces can be stacked, I'd use pan protectors or even the fabric bags they arrive in to prevent scratches and surface damage over time.

The pans need seasoning before the first use, but then should be fine from there according to the included instructions. The manual also notes that you should avoid spray-on and aerosol oils to preserve the ceramic coating (and we recommend avoiding them no matter what you're cooking with).

Cleaning the Hybrid Bakeware Set was refreshingly straightforward. The pieces are dishwasher-safe, but I hand-washed mine after each use and found that even stubborn cake residue came away easily with a soft sponge. I did notice a few watermarks on the polished stainless steel when air-drying, but these disappeared with a quick buff using a cotton towel.

What Do Shoppers Say About The HexClad Hybrid Bakeware Set?

Overall, the customer experience with this set has been overwhelmingly positive, with nothing less than five-star reviews on the HexClad site.

Customers praise the heat distribution and sturdy construction, as well as how easy they are to clean up. Shoppers also appreciate that the set comes with almost everything you would need for general home baking, although I would love it if a loaf pan or muffin pan were included, too.

One shopper noted, 'Truly the best bakeware I have ever had, and I have been cooking and baking for over 50 years. Whatever I cook, the food slides off. No spray needed (in fact, the directions say not to spray). I was nervous at first about not spraying, but of course the company is right. I won't use any other products. The best!'

I will certainly continue to play around with the cake pans to see if I can ever make them non-stick.

My Verdict: Should You Buy The HexClad Hybrid Bakeware Set?

Overall, I’d recommend the HexClad Hybrid Bakeware Set to home bakers looking to replace older bakeware and health-conscious cooks hoping to minimize PFAS exposure in the kitchen. It delivers on its promises, but you’ll need to be generous with pre-greasing and exercise a little patience when releasing cakes from the tins.

The six-piece set covers most baking basics, but it doesn't include a muffin tin or loaf pan, so you'll need to budget for those separately. The pieces also aren't available individually, making this more of an investment. I'd save it for when your existing bakeware needs replacing or you're ready to upgrade from a lower-quality collection.

Price is another important consideration. At $399 for six pieces (at the time of writing), it's undeniably expensive. For comparison, the Caraway Bakeware Set, which I also reviewed, typically hovers around $360 for 11 pieces, including storage. That's considerably more bakeware for less money, with performance that isn't too different for the everyday home baker.

If budget allows, I'd personally choose HexClad for the core baking essentials, then add the Caraway Muffin Pan, which is available separately. It's a more expensive way to build a complete collection, but a combination I'd be happy to use for years.

How We Test Bakeware at Homes & Gardens

The best bakeware ticks all the boxes: Delicious results, even heating, and a pretty presentation.

You can read more details about how we test bakeware here at Homes & Gardens, including how long we vet each piece for and specifically which recipes we trial.

I test all bakeware in my own home under real-world conditions – I choose items with non-toxic, non-stick coatings, such as ceramic, to limit PFAS exposure in my cooking. Then, I test pieces using recipes that I have used for years, so I know what results to expect to see, where pieces succeed, and where they could be better.

Finally, the pieces need to be easy to clean so I am not stuck scrubbing for ages when my feet already ache and dishes have piled up.

What Else to Shop

If you're feeling inspired to get baking, you can shop from a curated selection of top-rated bakeware and accessories below.

All prices were correct at the time of publishing.

Looking to level up your home baking setup? Check out our ranking of the best stand mixers next.

Love the latest product news and helpful shopping advice? Sign up for our newsletter and get the latest features delivered straight to your inbox.

I have baked for over 15 years, but I have never used pure ceramic bakeware until now.

The Xtrema Pure Ceramic Bakeware Set came with a serious learning curve, but after several rounds of experimentation, I found it to be a durable, quality bakeware option for more experienced bakers who want to be absolutely sure that their pieces are non-toxic.

This is how I got on with the two-piece muffin and loaf tin set, and the tricks I discovered to make the most of this unusual non-toxic cookware.

Product Specifications: Xtrema Ceramic Bakeware

Design and First Impressions

I reviewed the two-piece bakeware set comprised of the loaf tin and muffin tin. They arrived packaged neatly together with all cardboard packaging (minus the silica gel packets), which made it easy to dispose of.

The first thing I noticed is that these pieces are heavy. They are still easy to pick up and move around (even with oven mitts), but they are far weightier than normal bakeware by virtue of being 100% ceramic, not just ceramic-coated metal. They ooze durability, which gives me high hopes for their longevity. A lot of metal bakeware degrades over years of use, but I cannot see that happening with this set.

With a quick rinse, they were ready to use.

Baking Performance

The included instructions do warn that ceramic bakeware may require some experimentation with cooking times and temperatures to achieve the same results as metal bakeware, and I can testify that this is true. You cannot pick up ceramic and expect the same perfect results as a regular baking tin the first time round.

100% ceramic is very thick, which means it takes a lot longer to heat through than something like ceramic-coated aluminium, which most non-toxic bakeware favors. This fact became very apparent in my first two muffin tests.

I tested the tray with both cake cases and without to see how easily the muffins would release. However, for the first two tests, this was the least of my worries. The first two batches came out with flat, glossy tops and exploded edges. At first, I thought I had baked them too close to the top of my oven, but lowering them to the middle did nothing to fix the issue. I realized that because the ceramic was taking so long to warm through, the tops of the cakes were baking before the middles could rise. This meant no classic domed top.

For the final batch, I preheated the muffin tin, putting it in the oven as it warmed up before adding the cases and batter. This time, the muffins rose perfectly, with the exception of the two without cases. These, due to the hot melted butter I had applied to prevent sticking, rose more like Yorkshire puddings with high edges. They were deliciously crisp, however, and released easily with a delicate twist once they had cooled. I made a mistake on an earlier test of trying to remove the case-less cakes too soon, and they ripped. Patience is paramount.

The good news is that on every test, the cakes did bake through perfectly. There were no undercooked centers and burnt edges; it was simply the presentation that suffered. Going forward, I think preheating and using cake cases is the optimal setup.

Having learned from my mistakes with the muffins, the loaf tin was simpler to use. I preheated and lined the tin with parchment paper. The cake rose very evenly (more so than my usual metal tins) and developed an even golden exterior. The inside was baked to perfection (I did cover it with aluminium foil halfway through, as I usually do), and the cake was wonderfully fluffy.

Cleaning, Storage and Maintenance

Cleaning the ceramic bakeware was simple. Although it is not naturally non-stick, I had no problems when hand-washing these dishes, with any baked-on batter and grease coming away with a soft sponge and gentle dish soap. They are also dishwasher-safe, if you prefer.

Storing the Xtrema bakeware is easy, too, as they are durable and scratch-resistant, meaning you don't have to worry too much about stacking them in cabinets. Xtrema does recommend keeping the tins separate to avoid chipping, but a simple cloth between them should do the trick if you are low on space.

What Do Shoppers Say About the Xtrema Ceramic Bakeware?

Shoppers love the Xtrema bakeware, with no reviews below three stars. Reviews across the bakeware collection praise the durability, craftsmanship, and the peace of mind it offers by being non-toxic. One shopper even goes so far as to call it the 'best bakeware ever.'

Another shopper points out in their five-star review that they use the dish in their oven and air fryer, highlighting the versatility. Because the ceramic bakeware does not have a metal core, it is one of the most versatile options on the market and is even safe for use on BBQs and grills come summertime.

My Verdict: Should You Buy The Xtrema Ceramic Bakeware?

Overall, I would recommend the Xtrema Pure Ceramic Bakeware for home bakers looking for versatile, durable pieces that eliminate potential toxins.

It is a little more effort to use compared to something more traditional, such as the Caraway non-toxic bakeware I reviewed previously; however, this feels far more hard-wearing and delivers slightly more even, crisp results when used correctly.

It is arguably best suited to more experienced bakers who have mastered the basics and know what to expect from their recipes, so that they can adjust cooking times and temperatures for perfect results, especially at the higher price point of $160 for the two-piece set (at the time of writing). It is an investment for your kitchen, but one that is sure to last for decades to come.

How We Test Bakeware at Homes & Gardens

The best bakeware ticks all the boxes: Delicious results, even heating, and a pretty presentation.

You can read more details about how we test bakeware here at Homes & Gardens, including how long we vet each piece for and specifically which recipes we trial.

I test all bakeware in my own home under real-world conditions – I choose items with non-toxic, non-stick coatings, such as ceramic, to limit PFAS exposure in my cooking. Then, I test pieces using recipes that I have used for years, so I know what results to expect to see, where pieces succeed, and where they could be better.

Finally, the pieces need to be easy to clean so I am not stuck scrubbing for ages when my feet already ache and dishes have piled up.

What Else to Shop

From other bakeware favorites to essential care tools, I have rounded up a selection of pieces I love in my kitchen.

All prices were correct at the time of publishing.

I also recommend checking out the Falcon Enamelware Bake Set for another heritage option designed for sweet and savoury cooking.

Love the latest product news and helpful shopping advice? Sign up for our newsletter and get the latest features delivered straight to your inbox.

I’ve used a wooden cutting board for years to keep plastic out of my meal prep. While sturdy and reliable, there’s nothing more frustrating than running out of space or having to perform a balancing act to lift the board and scrape ingredients into a pan.

Since switching to the Elihome Essential Cutting Board Set, however, that hassle has become a thing of the past. These lightweight, non-toxic alternatives are easier to handle and clean, and are made without PFAS or plastic. They’re a practical upgrade to pair with the best non-toxic cookware.

Available individually or as a set of three, the boards have already simplified my food prep for everything from dinner to dessert, making them a new kitchen hero just in time for hosting season. Here’s why.

I have weak wrists, so lifting a thick wooden chopping block to pan height can feel like a workout. Cleaning one in the sink is another challenge, and often leaves me soaked after an awkward attempt to maneuver it under the faucet. However, I was never keen to return to plastic, particularly given my concerns about microplastic exposure from repeated knife use.

That’s why I love the Elihome Essential Cutting Board Set. These non-toxic cutting boards are lightweight and easy to maneuver, making the transition from prep to pan much simpler. They’re also useful for baking. I can place one over a baking tray or tin to turn out brownies and cakes before slicing, making them a handy addition to my baking essentials, too.

Having used them for several weeks in my home, I can assure you that there’s plenty of room to prep without ingredients spilling over the edges. The set of three also features small icons to indicate which board is intended for meat, fish, or vegetables, helping to reduce the risk of cross-contamination. A deep perimeter groove catches juices and other liquids, keeping mess to a minimum.

Made from paper fiber and food-safe resin, the boards are free from PFAS and plastic. They’re also designed to resist knife marks and everyday wear, making them a durable choice for busy kitchens. I haven't noticed my knife dull as quickly compared to my old glass block, and the surface doesn't mark as easily as my wooden alternative, either.

Best of all, unlike traditional wooden boards, they're dishwasher-safe, so cleaning a kitchen after dinner is quick and straightforward. It’s one less job to worry about after cooking, especially when hosting a crowd.

What Else to Shop

From alternative boards to knife care, I have rounded up some food prep essentials to help make your hosting prep flow more smoothly.

All prices were correct at the time of publication.

Trying to cook in bulk? We have some helpful tricks to make meal prepping quicker and easier.

Love the latest product news and helpful shopping advice? Sign up for our newsletter and get the latest features delivered straight to your inbox.

There’s a videotape somewhere of me at four years old, climbing into my mom’s baking cabinet and insisting on making a cake. It’s safe to say my love of sweet treats hasn’t changed much since.

More than 20 years later, my baking skills have improved, along with my understanding of what makes good bakeware. Now, as Appliances and Cookware Editor at Homes & Gardens, I’m on a mission to help you find the best non-toxic bakeware and cookware, so you can create delicious treats with confidence.

I’ve put our top bakeware picks through their paces in my own kitchen, testing each piece against tried-and-tested recipes, from classic Victoria sponge cakes to indulgent brownies. Here’s the process I follow to ensure every piece gets a fair assessment, and the qualities I look for when identifying the very best.

Research

As with all the products we test at Homes & Gardens, the process begins with research. As I am prioritizing making kitchens less toxic, I only want to test non-toxic bakeware that eliminates the use of PFAS. This means sourcing tins and pans made with ceramic, cast iron, or stainless steel (more on this below).

I am also looking to test different types of bakeware, covering everything from muffins to layer cakes to homemade bread. I choose complete sets to help outfit a budding baker's kitchen as well as hand-select individual investments to upgrade a veteran's arsenal.

Design & Materials

The material your bakeware is made from makes a big difference to how your final bake will turn out.

Metal is the most efficient heat conductor and is the most common for bakeware. It heats up quickly and evenly for an even rise, crisp edges, and reliable browning. This makes metal a great choice for things such as cakes, cookies, and brownies. These items can be coated in a non-stick finish to make removing the bake easy without breaking. When I am testing bakeware, I choose items with non-toxic, non-stick coatings, such as ceramic, to limit PFAS exposure in my cooking.

It is important to note that 'non-toxic' is not a regulated term, so we have put together a guide to cookware labels to break down marketing jargon and find cookware that is more mindful of your long-term health.

Cast iron bakeware is ideal for bread, getting very hot for crisp crusts and even browning. Cast iron bread ovens can be enameled, as with Le Creuset's Oval Bread Oven for low maintenance, or seasoned, such as Lodge's Round Bread Oven for a more authentic finish.

Then there is glass and ceramic. These are best for longer bakes such as pies and fruit crisps, where you want the dish to stay warmer for longer.

Once the bakeware arrives in my kitchen, I am looking for a quality piece that doesn't feel flimsy or like it might chip or shatter. Some weight is great, but it needs to not be so heavy that it is difficult to lift in and out of my oven. I will also check to see how easy it is to manoeuvre the bakeware while wearing oven gloves. It needs to be easy to hold when hot to avoid accidents.

Finally, I step back and assess the aesthetics – a beautiful piece of cookware can also make a design statement on your stove, and inspire you to cook.

Baking Performance

This is my favorite part of how we test bakeware, and arguably the most important.

For cake tins, I make a classic Victoria sponge. This light, fluffy cake needs to rise evenly and have a pale golden-brown exterior. I am also looking for a tin that releases the cake easily without tearing for perfect presentation.

For square tins, brownies are my go-to. In an ideal test, the brownie should have crisp edges and a fudgy center. Again, I want an easy release to make slicing and serving simple.

Muffin tins are self-explanatory. I make a batch of chocolate chip muffins to see how the material heats. The muffins should have a tall, domed top and release easily from the tray. I will test both with and without cake cases to see how the muffins release.

Baking trays are made for cookies. My chocolate chip cookies are nice and chewy, so I am looking for a baking tray that delivers on a crisp golden base and edges, with an easy release that doesn't leave me scraping up scraps.

Larger, deeper baking tins are reviewed with a tray of my extra-large cinnamon rolls. Again, I am looking for an even rise with golden dough. A good, easy release is especially important here, especially with sticky cinnamon filling and cream cheese frosting.

Finally, bread ovens are tested with a loaf of basic Dutch oven bread. The base needs to be crisp, the lid needs to trap moisture for a fluffy interior, and the bread needs to release quickly and easily to cool as it leaves the oven. A tap on the base should sound hollow, and the crust should crack under my fingertips.

Cleaning & Maintenance

Cleaning cookware and bakeware is one of the worst parts about baking at home, so the best bakeware needs to be easy to maintain to have a shot at topping the list.

This will usually come down to the material. Ceramic-coated pieces tend to be advertised as non-stick, so cleaning should be simple, requiring little elbow grease and some gentle soap. Stainless steel pieces should be easy to wash with a sponge, or be dishwasher-safe where appropriate.

Cast iron bakeware, on the other hand, needs regular seasoning to maintain its natural non-stick layer.

Whatever the material, I always handwash dishes with a gentle sponge and non-toxic dish soap to assess how easy it really is. I will also look at the edges of trays to check for areas where water might collect when drying. There is nothing worse than turning over what you think is a dry pan only for water to drip from hidden crevices.

Because storing bakeware can be a pain, I am pleased when a set comes with an organizer. Where they do not, I work out which pieces can be stacked and whether you will need to invest in stackers to protect any coatings.

Durability and Value for Money

Longevity is one of the most important criteria when testing bakeware, especially for expensive pieces. Over the years, I’ve used countless types of bakeware, and I know firsthand that a piece can look perfect straight out of the box but quickly lose its shine, start sticking, or become misshapen over years of use. While I can't wait years to write one review, I will test the item a few times when I can before writing up my thoughts.

I will always come back to edit a review if we find that a piece of bakeware that started off promising has deteriorated over a longer time frame, too.

The Final Verdict

At the end of testing, I'll write up my bakeware review and score the piece with a rating out of five. I'll summarize my final verdict, listing all the pros and cons, and explain which type of baker it will suit best.

Five-star ratings are rare; a perfect piece of bakeware has to tick all the boxes: manageable weight, brilliant performance, ease of cleaning, and, crucially, value for money.

Shop Baking Essentials

As I put the finishing touches on my bakeware reviews, I’ve rounded up a selection of my tried-and-tested baking essentials for you to shop in the meantime.

Al prices were correct at the time of publication.

We don't just focus our efforts on bakeware. We also have complete guides on how we test cookware and how we test coffee makers to help you build a robust kitchen.

Love the latest product news and helpful shopping advice? Sign up for our newsletter and get the latest features delivered straight to your inbox.

I adore homemade bread. When I was a child, my mom would run her bread maker overnight, and I would wake to the delicious smell of a fresh loaf. It was on these mornings that my love for snacking on bread with good-quality butter was born.

Now, I make my own by hand (well, with a little help from a stand mixer), baking it in the oven to perfection. I usually use my best Dutch oven for the task, but I have always wondered if a bread oven, such as the Le Creuset Signature Oval Bread Oven, is worth the investment.

So, I put it to the test and talked to professional bakers to settle the bread oven vs. Dutch oven vs. loaf tin debate. The short answer is that if you have a Dutch oven, you do not need a bread oven, but there are some caveats. Here's what you need to know.

Since getting my Le Creuset Dutch Oven earlier this year, it has been my go-to for baking a simple, crusty loaf. The tight-fitting lid traps moisture while the heritage cast iron retains heat for a great crust. I have never had an issue, so long as I quickly remove the baked loaf from the pot and parchment paper to cool.

Then, I got the opportunity to test out the oval bread oven and personally found it to be a game changer. While I will write up a full review soon, I can share now that the low-profile sides made the loaf easier to manoeuvre without parchment paper, providing a super crisp base. The lid trapped moisture perfectly, and the loaf was one of the best I have ever made.

That being said, professional bakers argue that for the everyday home baker, the separate investment might not be necessary unless you are particularly bothered about the shape of your bread.

Carrie Barnard, Founder and Recipe Developer at Eating on a Dime, explains, 'In general, cast iron bread ovens will not produce vastly different results than a typical Dutch oven. The major difference is simply that bread ovens have a cloche you can remove to more easily get the bread out, whereas a deeper Dutch oven makes it harder to remove quickly.

'The main appeal of a cast iron bread oven is that it effectively traps moisture to brown the exterior of the bread without overcooking the interior, and it can be effectively preheated because cast iron is excellent at holding heat. Dutch ovens share these same features, so if you already have one, there is no real need to get a separate bread oven.'

Where a bread oven really earns its keep is if you do not have a large cast iron pot and have been using a loaf tin, which is better for sandwich loaves when you want a crisp crust, Carrie continues.

'Most loaf tins are made out of aluminum, aluminized steel, or heat-resistant glass, none of which have the exceptional heat retention of cast iron. They will tend to produce a less deeply flavorful bread, so that is one area where you will likely notice a real difference.'

Carrie is not the only one. Desislava Angelova, Baker and Founder of The Bake-Keeper, agrees. 'I bake in a standard enameled Dutch oven and on a plain baking sheet, and I have never owned a dedicated bread oven. A bread oven's shallow base makes it easier to lower the dough in, but if you already own a Dutch oven, your loaf will come out nearly the same.'

The trick? No matter which pot you are using, preheat first, Desi says. 'I preheat the pot for 475°F (245°C) for 30 minutes, then bake for 30 minutes with the lid on and 10 minutes with it off.'

All in all? While I personally love the look of the oval oven and the bread it produces, if you have a quality cast-iron lidded pot as a casual baker, you can skip the bread oven and spend the money on quality ingredients instead.

What Else to Shop

From artisan bread ovens to versatile Dutch ovens and bread-making essentials, I’ve curated a selection of thoughtful upgrades to elevate your home baking, along with gift-worthy finds for the baker in your life.

All prices were correct at the time of publication.

Meet the Experts

Want to make baking a little easier on the arms? I suggest one of the best stand mixers to make baking easier and more consistent.

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Your cookware is just as important as the ingredients you use, and upgrading to pieces that will last a lifetime can feel like a real kitchen rite of passage. I’ve traditionally relied on non-stick cookware, but with so much praise for stainless steel skillets and their versatility and durability, I was keen to put one to the test for myself.

The Hestan NanoBond Titanium Skillets are made of NanoBond, which is created by bonding stainless steel to patented titanium, and Hestan claims that this material is 400% stronger than typical stainless steel cookware. This NanoBond material is also chemical-free and resistant to staining and scratching, which are all things you want to hear when you’re buying a pan at this price point. These skillets also have sealed rims, which make them dishwasher-safe.

I put them to the test in my home kitchen to decide if this premium non-toxic cookware is really worth the price. The short answer? Absolutely, particularly if you are a confident home chef who cooks to impress regularly. Here's how I got on.

Product Specifications: Hestan NanoBond Titanium Stainless-Steel Skillet

Design and First Impressions

Upon opening my Hestan package (which included the 8.5-inch and 11-inch Hestan NanoBond Titanium Skillets), I was immediately impressed by how shiny the pans looked, though I did notice the absence of lids, which stood out for this price point.

There was also very little additional plastic or packaging material, and the included product guide provided some context about the company. In particular, Hestan Culinary is committed to making highly durable, high-performance cookware that cooks beautifully and lasts for years to come, and all of that feels evident in the design.

With a quick wipe out, they were ready to use.

Cooking Performance

When testing out the Hestan NanoBond Titanium Skillets, I followed the instructions to heat the pan to medium to medium-high heat and add vegetable oil.

As with any stainless steel cookware, there was a little bit of a learning curve to prevent food from sticking, and I had to experiment to find the right temperature for each item I was cooking. I also watched a few videos about how a stainless steel pan needed to be used, which eased some of the anxiety of using such an expensive pan for the first time.

• Onions: I was able to caramelize the onions by cooking them on medium heat, but some of the onions weren’t as soft as I’d like all the way through. Some of the onions weren’t as colored as I’d like despite stirring every minute.
• Pasta sauce: Using medium heat, I made a homemade pasta sauce with a can of crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, garlic, pasta water, and onions that I had caramelized. It took less than five minutes for the sauce to simmer, and the sauce bubbled evenly across the surface. Nothing stuck to the bottom of the pan when cooking, which was a big plus.
• Steak: To test this, I cooked a rib-eye steak, which I cooked on medium-high heat. Once the pan was hot enough that the water beads slid on the metal surface of the pan, also known as the Leidenfrost effect, I added olive oil. Once I added the steak, I waited until it released from the pan, which took two minutes per side, and it didn’t stick. I also added herb butter to the pan, which I used to baste the steak. The steak was juicy with a nice even crust, and I found it even easier than the non-stick pans I usually use. The handle wasn’t hot, so I was able to touch it while cooking.
• Fried eggs: I used vegetable oil to cook two eggs over easy, which took three minutes. I used the 8.5-inch pan, which was the perfect size. The bottoms of the eggs were nice and crispy with a jammy yolk, and I was able to flip them with most of the egg intact. There also wasn’t much residue left in the pan, which made for easy cleaning, but I did notice that the pan handle was hot to the touch.

Cleaning, Storage and Maintenance

The Hestan NanoBond Titanium skillet was easy to clean when I used hot water and a Scrub Daddy sponge, which was ideal for scrubbing off burnt bits like an egg with a little elbow grease.

The pan is also dishwasher-safe because it has fully sealed rims, which is helpful if you want the benefits of a stainless steel pan without worrying about cleanup. If you start to see discoloration from high heat and oil residue, you can use the Hestan NanoBond® Professional Grade Cleaner, but I didn’t feel the need to use it as long as I washed the pan after using it.

The pans are metal utensil-safe, which is ideal for those looking for the perfect professional chef experience, but it also makes them easier to store as they are scratch-resistant. As with cleaning and caring for any cookware, however, we still suggest pan stackers (available at Amazon) or a cookware organizer to keep cabinets neat and prolong the look and lifespan of such an investment.

How Does the Hestan NanoBond Titanium Stainless-Steel Skillet Compare?

The Hestan NanoBond Titanium skillet comes at a high price point, which may be worth it if you’re looking for a pan that’ll last. If you could forgo the NanoBond material but still want a skillet made with a durable material, try the Hestan ProBond Luxe skillet, which is made of stainless steel and retains many of the design elements that make it ergonomic to use. If you’re looking for a more affordable skillet that’s still versatile and has a low-stick surface, try the Lodge Skillet, which is significantly more affordable.

On Hestan Culinary’s website, the Hestan NanoBond Titanium Skillet has an average rating of 4.9 across 2,000 reviews, and an average rating of 4 stars across 350 reviews on Amazon. Customers praise the pan for its durability, ease of cleaning, and high-end construction, which makes it a worthwhile investment for your kitchen.

In particular, customers say that they can get a great crust on their steak and fish and that it looks as new as the day they purchased it, even after repeated use. Lower reviews mention that the pan handles get too hot to hold, and that it requires polishing to prevent discoloration.

My Verdict: Should You Buy The Hestan NanoBond Titanium Stainless-Steel Skillet?

Overall, the Hestan NanoBond Titanium Skillet is worth the investment if you’re willing to learn how to use and care for stainless steel cookware. Its versatility makes it particularly useful for recipes that move from stovetop to oven, while its high-heat tolerance adds to its appeal. It’s not the only stainless steel skillet on the market, but it’s a compelling option if the price fits your budget.

The small details are where this pan shines, and it feels like a love letter to the art of cooking. This is evident in the rivets that are flush against the pan to prevent food buildup and ease of storage, flared rims for ease of pouring, and a 20% greater cooking surface than competitors’ skillets.

I’d recommend this skillet to confident home cooks, or anyone keen to develop their cooking skills and willing to get to grips with stainless steel. If you’re used to non-stick cookware, there’s a learning curve, particularly when it comes to preheating the pan correctly so food releases more easily. However, once you get the hang of it, the experience can be well worth the effort.

The biggest drawback is the price, especially as the pan doesn’t come with a lid. Still, if cooking is a passion and you’re looking for cookware built to last, it could be a worthwhile investment. The smaller 8.5-inch skillet is a practical choice for smaller households, although those cooking larger portions may prefer a bigger size, which comes at an additional cost.

How We Test Cookware at Homes & Gardens

The best cookware has to tick all the boxes: Versatility, manageable weight, safe materials, brilliant cooking performance, and, crucially, ease of cleaning.

You can read more details about how we test cookware at Homes & Gardens, including how long we vet each piece for and specifically which recipes we trial.

We test all cookware in our own homes under real-world conditions – usually mid-week meals cooked after work, putting the pans through regular use over a range of recipes to get a good understanding of how these pans perform and fit into the everyday, hard-working home.

What Else to Shop

To help organize pots and pans and prevent damage, I have rounded up a selection of top organizers and care tools to make the most of your new investment cookware.

All prices were correct at the time of publishing.

Still not sure where to start when outfitting your kitchen? We have a guide to choosing the best cookware to simplify the process and ensure your money is well spent.

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I've been an admirer of Le Creuset's Signature Roaster for a long time – since childhood, to be exact. It was one of my mother's most frequently used cookware items, responsible for making the beef roasts and baked vegetable dishes my taste buds still remember so fondly.

When I moved into my own place, I decided that I needed a Le Creuset Roaster for myself – if not to aid in the creation of tasty meals, but to remind myself of home. And luckily for me, I had an opportunity to test one for myself. Of course, I questioned if $300 was too expensive for one piece non-toxic cookware; however, I remembered that my mother has had her roaster for nearly 30 years. There must be something good about it.

Having had my Le Creuset Signature Roaster for a few months now, I can confidently say that it has completely changed the way I cook. Before, I struggled with college-era, flimsy cookware that made me feel like an amateur in the kitchen. Now, I feel like a seasoned chef at a 5-star restaurant, cooking all sorts of delicious dishes with confidence and success. Here's why I think you should consider getting one, too.

Product Specifications: Le Creuset Signature Roaster

Design and First Impressions

Oddly enough, I remember the exact moment when my Le Creuset Signature Roaster arrived. I had just moved into a new apartment, and the box was delivered the same afternoon as my housewarming party. Although I had intended to slide it into my closet to open after my guests left, they insisted that I unbox the roaster then and there so we could revel in the beauty of high-quality cookware together. That's exactly what we did.

The roaster was packed very efficiently – placed within a folding box, surrounded with bubble wrap, and packaged inside a larger box for safe transit. The folding box opened to reveal the roaster itself, which fit snug inside, along with a detailed manual explaining how to care for your cookware.

My friends and I took turns passing around the roaster, gawking at its sleek design. Most of us were shocked at its weight – nearly 10 lbs. I knew it would be a heavy piece of cookware, but I was definitely taken aback by how substantial this roaster felt.

The roaster's Shallot color – a cross between lavender and soft gray – made it all the more impressive to me. Although Le Creuset discontinued this color in the beginning of 2026, it's still available at some retailers, including Le Creuset itself. Plus, the roaster comes in over 15 different colors, including the iconic Flame, the evergreen-inspired Foret, and the classic White.

Before even putting it to use, my friends and I all agreed that this roaster seemed well worth the expensive price tag. I couldn't wait to give it a try.

Cooking Performance

After removing the sticker on my Le Creuset Signature Roaster and giving it a thorough wash (which was incredibly easy considering this cookware is dishwasher safe), I was able to put it to work.

I decided to start with something easy – stuffed peppers. Most of this recipe is completed on the stovetop, so I only used the roaster for the final bake. I figured it would be the perfect meal to make to familiarize myself with a new cookware product.

Truthfully, I had a moment of panic when placing the roaster in my oven for the first time – it just fit, with literally no room to spare. However, my New York City apartment kitchen is tiny, meaning my oven is much smaller than standard models. If a Le Creuset Roaster can fit in mine, it can definitely fit in yours. And despite barely fitting into my oven, the stuffed peppers cooked exactly to my liking – hardly sticking to the pan or turning too soggy.

With that easy recipe complete, my next bake was a side dish – roasted potatoes and Brussels sprouts. As one of my favorite vegetable duo dishes, I make roasted potatoes and Brussels sprouts a lot. I know it can be tricky to get these vegetables to the perfect level of crispiness, but I had little to no problem doing so with my roaster. I seasoned them with oil, salt, pepper, and oregano, left them in the oven at 350 degrees for 30 minutes, and they turned out just how I like them. Though some of the vegetables stuck to the bottom, I had no problem scraping them off with a silicone spatula.

Baked ziti was my next endeavor, which, as expected, proved to be incredibly easy thanks to my Le Creuset Signature Roaster. Having previously made this recipe in a cheap baking dish, I was pleasantly surprised to see how simple it was to assemble the ziti in a real, high-quality roaster. Measuring about 12" wide and 3" tall, I was able to evenly fill the roaster with the ziti mixture, ensuring a thorough cook.

My most recent creation with the signature roaster was a baked pesto chicken dish. As someone who doesn't cook chicken often, I was most nervous about how this would turn out. However, I was pleasantly surprised to find that my roaster performed exceptionally well with cooking the chicken thoroughly and evenly. Using my Thermapen Meat Thermometer to check, the chicken cooked to the perfect temperature – needing no extra time in the oven.

Since I live alone, I don't use the roaster to cook elaborate roasts or bakes. But with Thanksgiving around the corner, I promised to bring this handy roaster to my sister's house to help us meal prep for the holiday.

Cleaning, Storage, and Maintenance

Cleaning and maintaining my Le Creuset Signature Roaster has been much easier than anticipated. Prior to its arrival, I thought it would require seasoning like traditional cast iron cookware. However, since it's enameled, this roaster can be cleaned like a normal baking dish.

After use, I let it cool down, and then I use warm water, mild soap, and a soft sponge to clean it. Because of the weight of the roaster, it can be difficult to clean by hand with just one person. However, it's dishwasher-safe, so if handwashing is too much of a challenge, just place this dish in the bottom rack of your dishwasher for a thorough, easy clean.

The roaster's weight and size influence its storage capabilities. Because I live in an old New York City apartment with a very small kitchen, there's not much space for me to store my Le Creuset Signature Roaster, and it's too wide to fit in my cabinet shelves. So, I've decided to put it to use instead of just stashing it in a closet somewhere. When I'm not using it to cook, my roaster doubles as kitchen storage – acting as a makeshift bread basket on my dining table (as shown above). It helps that the roaster itself is chic – making my bread look elegantly organized.

How Does the Le Creuset Signature Roaster Compare?

For years, I've been using my college-era cookware – that is, baking sheets, roasters, pots, and pans that I bought for nearly nothing at the local hardware store in my college town. Switching from a $20 baking dish to an over $300 roaster was certainly a major change for me, but in my mind, it was exactly what I needed.

Le Creuset's Signature Roaster performs so much better than other baking dishes that there's hardly any competition. For starters, few dishes are as sleek as this roaster – which is available in several different colorways. Plus, its enameled coating makes it easy to clean and extra durable.

I know Le Creuset cookware is incredibly long lasting, too – my mother's 30+ year old roaster is proof. If given a choice between an affordable, questionable-quality roaster that may or may not need to be replaced in five years or a Le Creuset Roaster, I'm choosing Le Creuset everyday.

My Verdict: Should You Buy A Le Creuset Signature Roaster?

After using Le Creuset's Signature Roaster for a few months to make various meals, I can confidently say that this dish is absolutely worthy of a spot in your kitchen.

By no means would I consider myself a great cook, but when I use this roaster, I feel like one. With it, cooking simple dishes becomes even easier, and cooking complex meals feel like a walk in the park. Its heat retention and distribution promises even and thorough results every single time. Even its stylish design makes me feel like I'm a chef at a fancy restaurant while cooking my humble weeknight dinners.

I've only been able to find a few downsides to this roaster: the weight, the clunkiness, and the price. As for the weight and clunkiness, these are things I've gotten used to. Now, I don't mind exerting energy to lift this roaster; I think of it as an unexpected but much-appreciated arm workout. And while the roaster is too big to fit anywhere other than my dining table when not in use, I'm sure it could easily find a home in cabinets of a kitchen larger than mine.

At just over $300, Le Creuset's Signature Roaster isn't an impulse buy. This is a very expensive piece of cookware. However, I expect to have this roaster for decades to come, so in my mind, it's absolutely worth the steep price tag.

What Else to Shop

Looking to spruce up your cookware collection ahead of the hosting seasons? I have curated a selection of the best Le Creuset cookware to elevate your table settings, and some more affordable alternatives if you cannot quite stretch your budget.

All prices were correct at the time of publication.

Looking to expand your Le Creuset collection ahead of the holiday season? Allow me to introduce you to the newly released Le Creuset Fondue Set – a sure-to-be guest favorite for making cheesy dips or chocolatey treats.

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When I’m hosting friends and family, my first priority is always the main course. It’s usually the most time-consuming part of the meal, taking up the bulk of my energy and, more often than not, most of the space in my oven. By the time it comes to dessert, there’s rarely room left to bake anything else.

That’s why this year, I’m considering moving more of my baking to my non-toxic air fryer. The glass Lékué Air Fryer Dishes, available at Amazon, look like just the thing for preparing perfectly portioned desserts without competing for precious oven space.

Available in a range of sizes for everything from mini loaves to round cakes, these glass dishes offer a flexible way to bake smaller batches with less fuss, making all the difference to my dessert prep.

In case you did not know, yes, you can bake a cake in an air fryer. While it's far from the traditional method, if your oven is stuffed full already, this countertop essential is the perfect backup for quick bakes.

The key is picking the right air fryer liners for the task. The glass Lékué dishes, also at Wayfair, are non-toxic and use silicone tabs for easy removal, so you do not have to worry about squashing or damaging sponges or crumbles as you lift them from the tray.

Better yet, the glass dishes are incredibly versatile, suitable for the oven, air fryer, and fridge, for baking and setting a wide range of sweet treats for any occasion. With plain glass sides, they can also go straight from the oven to the table for serving, making kitchen cleanup after dinner easier.

With hosting season rapidly approaching, I love the idea of having a dedicated set of dishes for air fryer baking, especially when oven space is at a premium. These glass essentials make it easier to turn out everything from individual puddings to small-batch cakes, helping ensure dessert is still on the menu, even when the oven is already working overtime.

What Else to Shop

I’ve rounded up a selection of alternative air fryer dishes and essential baking tools to help you perfect your recipes and get ahead of the busy hosting season.

All prices were correct at the time of publication.

I have also curated a list of other air fryer accessories I wouldn't be without to help prepare you for the busy hosting season.

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When we think of fall, shades of burnt orange, burgundy, and rich brown usually come to mind. Blue, by contrast, is more often associated with summer. Le Creuset is changing that, however, with the return of one of its most sumptuous colorways.

Relaunching Nuit, a deliciously deep, inky blue, the heritage brand has expanded the 2024 colorway across even more of its best non-toxic cookware. Reminiscent of those early twilight evenings, this atmospheric shade offers a sophisticated alternative for anyone ready to move beyond traditional fall tableware colors.

From hearty, wholesome bakes to slow-roasted casseroles, these hardworking pieces are designed to handle everything from everyday cooking to seasonal entertaining. It's the perfect investment for fall and winter hosting that will look just as beautiful on the table throughout the rest of the year.

This endearing color has been inspired by the 'mystery of the night sky,' Le Creuset explains. 'This luxurious, velvety color swirls from black to true blue.'

The color quickly adds depth and drama to any fall table decor or winter festive tablescaping. Its inky finish feels particularly beautiful by candlelight, adding a rich, atmospheric touch to seasonal gatherings without relying on the usual fall and winter colors.

The relaunch also introduces the new Centennial Crucible Knob, a silver-toned adornment inspired by the industrial crucible used to melt the raw materials that become Le Creuset’s iconic enameled cast iron. Set against the velvety blue finish, it feels like a star glinting in the night sky, providing the perfect celestial touch.

I've already put the mini cocottes on my Christmas list (a little early, I know, but I'm dreaming of serving indulgent desserts at a New Year's dinner party). There’s something about this deep, almost otherworldly blue that makes even the simplest pieces feel special, and it's a colorway I simply can’t resist.

Shop The Collection

Fancy something a little lighter? The timeless Le Creuset chateau launch is the perfect soft gray for a year round table.

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Is there anything cozier than sitting around a table with friends, sharing good food and even better stories during the holiday season? I certainly don’t think so.

That’s why I’m so excited about Le Creuset’s new Alpine Fondue Set, launched just in time for gifting season. This all-inclusive starter set comes with everything you need for a fondue night, including a fondue pot with a stand and base, fondue forks, and a grooved stainless steel collar.

Made from the same heritage enameled cast iron as their other best non-toxic cookware, it’s a beautiful piece designed to be enjoyed for years to come. Whether you’re buying it for your own table or gifting it to someone special, I can’t think of a more charming way to create new holiday traditions.

Whether you favor cheese recipes or decide on a sweet, chocolatey treat, the Alpine Fondue Set is designed to tackle both.

The pot itself is crafted from thick enameled cast iron, designed for even heating and fantastic heat retention, keeping the contents warm and delightfully gooey, perfect for dipping. It arrives ready to use with no seasoning, and from experience with their best Dutch ovens, I can testify to how easy the enameled interior is to clean after use, making this messy dish quicker to clear away after use.

The set comes with everything you need to get started, including individually colored fondue forks and a stainless steel collar with grooves for holding each in place between dips. When you're finished, each piece nests together neatly for compact storage, making it an option even for those of us with small kitchens.

When planning for hosting and gifting season, I can’t think of a better pick for adding a little extra interest to your table. With free shipping, it makes a wonderful gift for the comfort-foodie in your life, or a charming centerpiece for after-dinner drinks following Thanksgiving dinner or Christmas lunch.

It’s a timeless investment that turns even the simplest of gatherings into a special occasion, and one you’ll look forward to bringing out year after year.

What Else to Shop

From alternative fondue setups to elegant serving essentials, I’ve curated a selection of beautiful picks to elevate your hosting table this cozy season.

All prices were correct at the time of publication.

We have compiled a list of alternative chef-approved gifts for your foodie friends to consider before the holiday period.

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More often than not, my midweek meals don’t require much more than a quality large pan and a saucepan, yet my cluttered kitchen cabinets overcomplicate each meal.

I have frying pans, skillets, roasting dishes, and more crammed into my cupboards, despite the fact that I rarely need them all. Unless I’m cooking a multi-course meal (which happens about twice a year), I’d much rather have a few hardworking pieces that can do more.

That’s where the Our Place Titanium Always Pan Pro, available at Amazon, comes in. Designed to replace eight pieces of cookware, this versatile pan can braise, sear, steam, sauté, and bake, helping to streamline your kitchen without compromising on what you can cook.

Better yet, this non-toxic cookware gem is currently at its lowest price ever during the Amazon Prime Big Deal Days. For anyone looking to make more space in a crowded kitchen, it’s the perfect time to shop.

The beauty of the Our Place Titanium Always Pan Pro lies in its construction. Made with a titanium interior that requires minimal seasoning, the design eliminates PFAS-based coatings to make a kitchen less toxic. It also ensures that the pan is safe up to 1000°F, meaning that it can move from stovetop to oven for searing, roasting, browning, and finishing dishes at professional temperatures.

Because it is so versatile for the everyday home cook, you can usually declutter some of the things that always make your kitchen look cluttered, such as the dedicated sauté pan you use a few times a year or the wobbly fry pan you have been battling for the last few months.

The non-stick claim has been proven, too. Our expert chef Lydia Hayman used the pan in her kitchen every night for three months, and saw no degradation in performance. The even heat distribution allowed steady caramelization of onions; fried eggs and pancakes didn't cling to the surface, especially with semi-regular seasoning, and sauces simmered evenly, with plenty of space to stir without worrying about spills.

When it comes to decluttering your kitchen like a line cook, it is one of the easiest solutions without sacrificing practicality.

What Else to Shop

From other Our Place recommendations to standout non-toxic pan picks, these Prime deals are well worth considering while the sale is still on.

All prices were correct at the time of publication.

To keep your pan looking and working at its best for years to come, brush up on how to clean and care for every type of cookware.

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Thanksgiving will be here before you know it, and with it comes a need for quality cookware that does more than just perform on the stove.

The best cast-iron cookware can do it all − sear, bake, and bubble, and transition straight to the table for serving, without the need to juggle extra dishes. However, it often comes with a heavy price tag, especially if you are looking at Le Creuset.

Now, however, IKEA has extended its enamelled VARDAGEN cast iron range to pigmented round Dutch ovens that mimic the look of the big name without the premium price tag. At over $200 cheaper and with similar performance on test, it is an easy decision when hosting on a more modest budget.

Ensuring you have a reliable arsenal of quality cookware should be at the top of your checklist for Thanksgiving. Without it, your Thanksgiving menu risks being more overwhelming than it ought to be, with food sticking or burning, or with extra serving dishes to juggle, making it impossible to keep kitchen counters clear.

Investing in beautiful cookware that performs as well on the table as it does in the kitchen is one of the simplest ways to cut stress, with the bonus of family-style serving subtly taking another task off your to-do list.

Pieces from brands such as Le Creuset and STAUB are certainly show stoppers, and their pieces have always been the best on test. However, the IKEA VARDAGEN collection is a remarkably close second. I personally found that the metal heats evenly, the lid traps moisture, and the enameled coating prevents sticking while ensuring a golden sear. For $40, it is one of the most affordable Dutch ovens I have used, and I have been incredibly impressed.

The new launch more closely replicates the iconic look of the Le Creuset pieces, with round Dutch ovens and a Braiser with the circular ridged lids and flared side handles. The color selection isn't as varied as the big names: the round pot comes in dark gray-green and light yellow, the shallow round pot in light pink, and the original oval Dutch oven in a chic duck-egg blue. However, it still features some classic colors that would work as well with your Thanksgiving table decor as they would with summer tablescaping trends, making them a worthy, lifelong investment.

What Else to Shop

To help upgrade your kitchen ahead of the hosting season, I have rounded up other contenders for the best Dutch oven and the utensils I rely on to simplify cast iron cooking.

All prices were correct at the time of publication.

If you want your cast iron cookware to last, it pays to work out how to clean and care for cookware to prevent rust and cracked enamel.

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I’ve been baking for more than 15 years, and I’m fiercely loyal to my bakeware. Once I find something that works, I tend to stick with it until it finally gives up the ghost.

That was, at least, until HexClad launched its first-ever Bakeware Set. As a longtime HexClad cookware loyalist, I’m intrigued by the idea of bringing the brand’s signature non-toxic, non-stick technology to cake tins and other baking essentials, and just in time for fall baking season, too.

The collection reimagines HexClad’s TerraBond ceramic non-stick coating, used across its best non-toxic cookware, specifically for delicate baked goods. Add in a lifetime warranty, and I’m more than a little tempted to rethink my baking cabinet. I can’t wait to get my hands on the collection and put it through its paces this fall.

I have spent hours trawling for the most beautiful bakeware finds for fall, but none have me as excited as the new HexClad Bakeware. It might sound silly to be so excited about some baking tins, but HexClad makes some of the best cookware on the market.

Backed by Gordon Ramsey, the mix of ceramic non-stick with a fine lattice of stainless steel makes for a near-indestructible pan that sears wonderfully, heats evenly, and is easy to clean up afterwards. I don't use anything else in my kitchen.

The bakeware reimagines this fabulous coating with baking in mind. Sweet treats should lift effortlessly away from the surface without sticking or tearing, while the etched surface allows air to circulate beneath your bakes for more even browning. These are both things I will put to the test when I get my hands on them.

The complete six-piece set includes two 9" round cake pans, a 9"x13" rectangular cake pan, an 8" x 8" square cake pan, a 10" x 15" medium baking sheet, and a 9.5" x 14.5" stainless steel cooling rack. All are PFAS-free for peace of mind when baking this holiday season.

What Else To Shop

I’ve rounded up a selection of other standout picks, from the HexClad cookware I rely on most to the essential storage and cleaning tools that help keep your investment in top condition.

All prices were correct at the time of publication.

While you are leveling up your home baking setup, consider one of the best stand mixers to make baking effortless.

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Fall is the baking season. From pumpkin pies to hearty traybakes, there’s no better time to slow down and get hands-on in the kitchen.

Whether you’re a seasoned baker, just starting out, or searching for the perfect gift for the baker in your life, there’s something here for every skill level and baking style.

With hosting season rapidly approaching, I’ve selected a collection of the best and most beautiful bakeware, from hardworking stand mixers to charming seasonal molds, to help you get ahead with your dessert prep.

Carry the seasonal aesthetic through from your kitchen with these fall table decor ideas to get your home ready for hosting.

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Having used the Falcon Enamelware Bake Set for the last few weeks for a range of sweet and savoury dishes, I now understand the appeal of this rustic cookware.

Some of the best non-toxic cookware and enamelware uses porcelain fused to a steel core, making a smooth, durable, and, importantly, non-reactive surface designed for use on stoves, in ovens, and fridge/freezers. The five-piece set can be used for everything from individual weeknight dinners to hosting a crowd, and looks good while doing so.

I could hardly fault the set during my testing, and I have even sent a few trays off with a cousin to university. It's a great baking set designed for rugged everyday home use. Here's exactly how it performed, and who I think would make the most of this timeless investment.

Product Specifications: Falcon Enamelware Bake Set

Design and First Impressions

I unbox countless pieces of cookware and appliances a month, so the simpler the packaging, the better.

The Falcon Enamelware Bake set arrived in a simple cardboard box, with cardboard wraps to hold everything in place. It took me a matter of seconds to have everything out, and less than a few minutes to have all the packaging cleared away.

Enamel, unlike cast iron, does not need any prep, so besides a quick wipe-out to remove any dust, they were ready to use from the get-go. This is another big win in my book.

The classically designed trays are all rectangular in shape, just varying in size. There is something for every occasion here, from single servings to hosting dishes or meal prep. I found a way to use every size in the set quite easily. I love the fact that they safely nest together without the risk of scratching, for easy storage in my small kitchen.

Cooking Performance

Generally speaking, enamelware is great for just about anything from roasting meats to baking lasagne. It is safe for use in both the oven and freezer, and it can even be used for homemade ice cream.

I decided to put it through a string of sweet and savoury tests to get a feel for the true versatility:

Cinnamon Apple Crisp

Fall is finally rolling in, so I thought there was no better test than a hearty, homemade apple crisp. This autumnal recipe was the perfect big-batch test, acting as my offering for a family meal at the weekend.

I started by cooking down the apples and sultanas with spices and butter in my Le Creuset Pumpkin Cocotte (which I was also reviewing at the time), then added the filling to the ungreased tray, topped it with my oat and pecan crumble, and baked it.

The resulting crumble was perfectly cooked, bubbling all the way through to the middle with no burnt bits at the edges. The crumble was easy to transport as the tray is lightweight. I simply topped it with some aluminium foil and placed it gently in my car. On arrival, it was easy to serve, with no sticking or charred spots on the base. Everyone was very satisfied (with a small 'fight' over the final slice).

Chicken Pies

The smaller duo pans were perfect for individual pies. I settled on a chicken and leek pie.

I cooked the filling down in a separate pan before ladling into the ungreased tins. Before adding the pastry and baking, I let the filling cool and set it in the fridge. I loved that the enamelware allowed for this versatility. They would be fantastic for preparing meals ahead for this very reason; for instance, if you know you have a busy night ahead but still want a hearty home-cooked meal.

I pulled the trays out later that night as the oven preheated, allowing them to come back closer to room temperature as I added the puff pastry tops to prevent thermal shock from cracking the glass. While enamelware is very durable, sudden temperature changes can cause fractures.

The resulting pies were perfectly cooked through, released easily, and were the perfect large portion for one. There were no scratches even after using metal utensils, and no cracks. I will absolutely classify these as a new meal prep essential.

Roasted Vegetables

Roasted vegetable couscous is a go-to mid-week recipe in my household; it packs plenty of nutrients into a dish that makes cleaning a kitchen after dinner a breeze.

After chopping up eggplant, zucchini, and bell pepper, and adding a tin of chickpeas, the vegetables are covered in oil and spices before heading to the oven for two 20-minute bouts.

They cooked as well as they do in my usual ceramic non-stick tray, with no sticking or burning (which is more than I can say for my old PFAS-based non-stick tray). Things were easy to stir partway through, and simple to serve.

Cake Test

Falcon Enamelware does not specifically advertise their trays as cake tins, but a class with a Le Creuset chef taught me that anything can become a cake tin.

After craving cinnamon rolls, but having none of the energy to make dough, I whipped up a quick cinnamon roll sheet cake, adding a thin batter to a tray and swirling in a cinnamon sugar paste. I heavily buttered the tray first to help limit sticking.

The sheet cake cooked quickly and evenly, with a little browning at the edges where the mix was spread a little too thinly (this is certainly user error in my rush for a sweet treat). It was quickly topped with glaze and left to cool to a more palatable temperature.

The cake did stick a little bit on this test, but it was not enough to ruin the sponge. The worst parts were the clumps of cinnamon butter which had sunk to the base, and the sugar had melted. I did have to use a knife to scrape these up when serving.

I think if I were to grease and flour the pan before baking next time, and be more cautious about keeping the cinnamon sugar paste at the top of the pan, I would have no issues with using this set for cake, either. It's truly versatile.

Cleaning, Storage and Maintenance

I will admit that I was nervous about cleaning the Falcon Enamelware Bake Set at first, as it is not naturally non-stick. That said, I have zero issues washing these dishes by hand.

They are dishwasher-safe, but lacking that appliance, I washed each with a soft sponge. From the roasted vegetables to the crumble to the cake batter debris, everything washed away with gentle dish soap and hot water. I had less hassle cleaning these than I have with any ceramic bakeware I have tried in the past. They were then left to air dry, but being so lightweight, they are easy to dry with a cotton dish towel, too.

As these dishes are so durable, they are ideal for small kitchen storage, as they can be stacked without concern. A simple Joseph Joseph baking tray organizer from Wayfair can help to keep them upright and neat when organizing kitchen cabinets.

What Do Shoppers Say About the Falcon Enamelware Bake Set?

The overall shopper experience with the Falcon Enamelware Bake Set is very positive. Averaging 4.8 stars on the Falcon site and 4.5 stars on Amazon, shoppers have been thrilled with the vintage aesthetic, durability, and how easy they are to clean.

Several comment on the quality of the set, claiming that it feels like a set that will last a lifetime, despite how light they are.

One anonymous shopper also praised the service, sharing, 'Really impressed with these items; they are super quality, and I can’t wait to use them in my new kitchen. I am also impressed with the delivery to New York. Ordered on a Saturday night and they arrived by Thursday, all the way from Sheffield. These would be great for a large family, but as an empty nester, I would definitely purchase a smaller (size) set if they were available. Side note: I also purchased the square tin separately.'

My Verdict: Should You Buy The Falcon Enamelware Bake Set?

Overall, I would recommend the Falcon Enamelware Bake Set to anyone looking to upgrade their baking trays away from PFAS-based non-stick, or who need a no-fuss, easy to clean, bake set for home cooking and baking. They're incredibly versatile, dishwasher safe, and durable, making them an heirloom investment that does not break the bank.

They are ideal for just about any home cook, especially those who are low on storage with a nesting design that saves plenty of space. They are pretty, practical, and limit fuss. There is very little to not like.

How We Test Cookware at Homes & Gardens

The best cookware has to tick all the boxes: Versatility, manageable weight, safe materials, brilliant cooking performance, and, crucially, ease of cleaning.

You can read more details about how we test cookware here at Homes & Gardens, including how long we vet each piece for and specifically which recipes we trial.

I test all cookware in my own home under real-world conditions – usually mid-week meals cooked after work, putting the pans through regular use over a range of recipes to get a good understanding of how these pans perform and fit into the everyday, hard-working home. For bakeware, I test pieces using recipes that I have used for years, so I know what results to expect to see where pieces succeed, and where they could be better.

What Else to Shop

From other enameled favorites to essential care tools, I have rounded up a selection of pieces I love in my kitchen.

All prices were correct at the time of publishing.

Looking for a more conventional baking set? Consider the Caraway Bakeware Set I reviewed, with non-toxic ceramic coatings.

Love the latest product news and helpful shopping advice? Sign up for our newsletter and get the latest features delivered straight to your inbox.

Fall and winter are my busiest seasons of the year. Between the holidays, an onslaught of family birthdays, and my busiest months at work, every day can feel non-stop. That’s why I’m always looking for quick tricks to make meal and snack times as frictionless as possible.

Meal prepping is my superpower during these months, but making food in bulk can quickly become messy – particularly when it comes to portioning and finding food storage solutions that keep the whole process streamlined.

While hunting for new approaches, I stumbled across this pre-portioned brownie pan on Amazon and had a light-bulb moment. Its 18-section design means I can pour in batters, layer pasta dishes, and portion out snack mixes before cooking, then easily lift each serving from the pan in perfectly portioned slices, ready to be stored.

While things such as Souper Cubes, also from Amazon, can be great for portioning out leftover soups, rice, and sauces, the silicone molds are not the best for chunky foods, be it pre-prepped sweet treats for a mid-week pick-me-up, or pre-prepared lasagnas or frittatas for quick, reheatable lunches.

This 18-hole brownie pan lets you prepare an oven-baked dish as usual, then slot the perfectly measured divider into place before cooking to separate the food into 18 evenly portioned blocks. The individual portions lift out easily, thanks to a removable base designed to prevent sticking, and can then be stacked in containers, such as the Caraway glass storage dishes from Crate & Barrel, or transferred into silicone food storage bags, such as Stasher from Amazon, ready for the fridge or freezer. You can also use the tray without the divider for everyday cooking, making it a two-in-one and saving space in your kitchen storage.

Better still, the pan is dishwasher-safe, making post-meal-prep clean-up much less of a chore. When you’re cooking in bulk, anything that makes meal prepping quicker and speeds up cleaning a kitchen after cooking is a win in my book.

Shoppers love the tray, with an average of 4.5/5 stars from over 2,000 reviews, with many claiming that despite the higher price, it is more than worth the investment and that you get what you pay for. One verified shopper, Joanne C, shared in their five-star review, ‘What can I say, what a great item. I love the pull-out tray and the perfect cutter. I love to cut them as soon as they come out of the oven. Saves a lot of time. No stickiness and cleans up really well; the size is great.’

Another reviewer, Viren B, had a similar idea to mine. In this five-star comment, they labelled the tray ‘game-changing ’, adding, ‘OMG this product is an absolute game changer; use it for multiple purposes. I used it to make tray bakes, and this made perfect quadrants and extremely professional and clean bars. Makes products look like they were purchased from a high-end store.’

What Else to Shop

To help you master meal prep and take the stress out of the back-to-school and hosting seasons, I’ve curated a selection of non-toxic meal prep essentials designed to make quick, healthy meal planning easier.

All prices were correct at the time of publication.

Feeling swamped by the holiday season? Fret not. Design and lifestyle expert Shea McGee has shared her top fall hosting hacks to survive the season.

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I am a certified fall enthusiast. As soon as the mercury begins to drop, my home is drenched in orange, with pumpkins of every size on any surface they can fit on, and an arsenal of autumnal recipes ready to go.

It is perhaps no surprise that I have been itching to test the Le Creuset Signature Pumpkin Cocotte to see if the seasonal upgrade of the iconic Dutch oven lives up to the hype online.

The short answer? It is. If you love fall and cook or host regularly, it is absolutely worth treating yourself. That said, if I am being picky, it is slightly smaller than the standard Le Creuset Dutch ovens, and the ridged edges can be just a little fiddly at times. However, I would now easily class it as one of my most prized pieces of non-toxic cookware.

Product Specifications: Le Creuset Signature Pumpkin Cocotte

Design and First Impressions

If you are buying the Le Creuset Pumpkin Cocotte, it is (mainly) because of the aesthetic. Beneath it all, it is the same great heritage enameled cast iron as the other Le Creuset pieces, including the Modern Heritage Dutch Oven I reviewed earlier this year.

The pumpkin shape is certainly a novelty, and I am happy to say that it does not impact general performance.

It looks spectacular. The Dutch oven shape lends itself to pumpkin-fication, with the domed lid working perfectly to trap moisture for ultra-tender meats and stews, and fluffy breads. Note that it does need to be lined up perfectly ridge-for-ridge to sit flush with the base and ensure a seal. This can add a few seconds to general use. It's minor, but worth mentioning.

The curled pumpkin stem lid handle is another nice touch, especially in the gold finish. It is generally easy to wrap your fingers around to lift and manoeuvre; however, if you are using thick oven mitts, such as the Le Creuset oven mitts I have, it gets a little trickier. I didn't feel like I was going to drop it at any point, but I felt myself gripping a lot more firmly to ensure I did not.

If you are keen on using kitchenware as decor, this is a worthy choice for fall.

Cooking Performance

Having reviewed the Modern Heritage Dutch oven a few months ago, I found the Pumpkin Cocotte's performance comparable. As with any enameled cast iron Le Creuset piece, it heats evenly over low heat, maintains its temperature, and is relatively low-stick when oiled.

I tested similar recipes again to understand how the new shape and size affected the experience and results:

• Dutch oven bread: The Pumpkin Cocotte is uniquely shaped, and I was intrigued to see if the ridges would transfer onto a loaf of Dutch oven bread. My dough was slightly too small to get the full effect, but there was certainly evidence of the indentations from the Pumpkin ridges. The domed lid trapped moisture perfectly for the first half of the bake, and the bread base crisped beautifully. All in all, it was a deliciously airy loaf.
• Stewed apple: It would not be fall without an apple crisp. While testing some new baking trays, I used the Cocotte to cook down some apple chunks, sultanas, butter, sugar, and cinnamon for the filling. With the lid on, everything softened nicely and quickly, with nothing sticking or burning. I did find that stirring and scraping the edges of the pot was more difficult than in a flat-sided Dutch oven, however, meaning I had to scrape up and down, rather than sweeping round, to ensure no pieces were unmixed.
• Aubergine Tofu Stew: This is where I started to really notice the difference in capacity. The onion and aubergine cooked down nicely without sticking; however, scraping the pan once again felt a little fiddly. As the Cocotte slopes inwards towards the base, the large chunks also felt a little cramped. It transferred well to the oven, however, and the results were deliciously rich.
• Chicken Casserole: A classic test for any Dutch oven that enters my home, the smaller base was once again noticeable. I could only fit three large skin-on, bone-in chicken thighs comfortably in the base of the pot, compared to the four to six I have managed in other pots. It is safe to say that this Cocotte is best for serving up to four people comfortably, rather than a whole crowd. The stew cooked as well as it did in the Modern Heritage pot, with crispy skin and tender vegetables, and absolutely no sticking or burning. When serving, the ridges once again make it more awkward to fish all the sauce out, as I could not sweep the edges smoothly.

Cleaning, Storage and Maintenance

As with all Le Creuset cast iron, you need to hand wash the Pumpkin Cocotte. This helps to protect the enamel, the brilliant coloring, and the gold handle from damage. As it is slightly smaller, the Pumpkin is marginally lighter than the original Dutch ovens (and is some of the lightest cast iron on the market). That said, I have always found it easiest to leave it flat on the counter and fill it with soap and water, scrub it, and then empty it and repeat, rather than trying to hold it with just one hand to avoid slipping and dropping it.

The enamel cleans easily, although, as with serving, the raised ridges mean you cannot get an easy clean sweep around the edges, making the up-and-down technique best for getting all the nooks and crannies. It is not an overwhelming amount of extra effort, but worth noting. The lid is much the same. Once clean, hand-dry to prevent rust from forming on the rim.

Storing the Le Creuset Signature Pumpkin Cocotte is about as awkward as any heavy pot. You need to store it on a low shelf to prevent damaging your kitchen storage or dropping it when you take it out. You also cannot stack this pot, meaning you need to dedicate a chunk of space just for it. This is worth considering if you plan on only using the pot in the fall, unlike me, who plans to leave it on the stove year-round.

My Verdict: Should You Buy The Le Creuset Signature Pumpkin Cocotte?

If you love fall, pumpkins, or cozy seasonal cooking, I absolutely think that the Le Creuset Signature Pumpkin Cocotte is worth treating yourself to, or putting on your holiday gift list. It is a fun, novel addition to your seasonal cookware, is entirely non-toxic to help make a kitchen less toxic, and brings a smile to people's faces when you bring it to a fall table.

That said, it is a little smaller than a standard 5-quart Dutch oven, meaning it isn't the best for cooking for large crowds, and it is expensive ($395 at the time of writing) if you only plan to use it for a few months every year.

It is undeniably pretty, however, making a fantastic piece of seasonal decor that can also bake bread, slow-cook meats, produce bakes, soups and stews, and even display candy for Halloween.

I personally adore mine and have had a blast using it over the last few weeks. It's a piece I will cherish for decades to come.

How We Test Cookware at Homes & Gardens

The best cookware has to tick all the boxes: Versatility, manageable weight, safe materials, brilliant cooking performance, and, crucially, ease of cleaning.

You can read more details about how we test cookware at Homes & Gardens, including how long we vet each piece for and specifically which recipes we trial.

I test all cookware in my own home under real-world conditions – usually mid-week meals cooked after work, putting the pans through regular use over a range of recipes to get a good understanding of how these pans perform and fit into the everyday, hard-working home.

What Else to Shop

From the essential tools you need to clean and care for your cookware to other chic fall cookware pieces worth considering before hosting season, these are the kitchen essentials to have on your radar.

All prices were correct at the time of publishing.

Hosting this season? Explore our edit of the best fall cookware pieces to bring elegant seasonal charm to your kitchen and table.

Love the latest product news and helpful shopping advice? Sign up for our newsletter and get the latest features delivered straight to your inbox.

We’re officially entering ‘soup season’, when cooler temperatures have us reaching for hearty stews, comforting soups, and slow-cooked favorites. But as the days grow shorter and darker, finding the energy to cook from scratch every night can become a challenge.

That’s where Souper Cubes (available on Amazon) come in. This clever food-storage solution helps reduce waste by dividing leftovers into individual portions before they go into the freezer, making them easy to store, defrost, and reheat whenever you need them.

They’re ideal for everything from soups and stews to pasta and rice, helping to make meal prep simpler during the busiest time of year and beyond.

I’m always looking for simple meal-prep essentials that make cooking feel a little easier. As a cookware editor, I spend so much time in my kitchen that, by the end of a long day, there are plenty of nights when I want dinner to involve little more than opening the freezer and turning on the oven.

Previously, I found myself relying on bulky glass food-storage containers, scooping whatever was left into one large dish where sauces, sides, and grains would inevitably get mixed together. Not only did that make reheating uneven, but it also meant defrosting more food than I actually needed.

Souper Cubes, at Amazon, are changing the way I think about leftovers. Instead of freezing everything together, I can portion sauces, grains, sides, and even individual servings of soup separately, then pull out exactly what I need.

I am not the only one who loves this simple freezer organization hack, either. Our Ecommerce Content Director, Lindsey Davis, has sworn by Souper Cubes for years. She shares, 'I love soup season, but storing my big batches of home-cooked soup was always tricky. Leakproof pots take up so much space in the freezer, and I don't like freezing in bags – it's fiddly, and I'm trying to reduce single-use plastics in my home.

'Souper Cubes have given me an easy and efficient system for storing my soups and stews. I find the one-cup trays perfect for portioning, and once frozen, I transfer them to some BPA-free freezer bags (these Oggi ones on Amazon are a good price) and stack them neatly in the freezer with little wasted space. I estimated I could get four times the number of prepared meals in my freezer by making this switch – plenty to see me through fall.'

Made from food-grade silicone, this kitchen storage must-have is a simple way to make a kitchen less toxic, too, helping to cut back on BPA-containing plastics in your home. They're a no-brainer in my eyes.

What Else to Shop

From Souper Cubes sets to affordable alternatives, these are the winter food-storage staples you need to see you through the busiest cooking months of the year.

All prices were correct at the time of publication.

Not every portioning organizer is worth your money. Allow me to de-influence pantry restocks for you to save you time, energy, and money in the long run.

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When shopping for a less toxic kitchen, we almost always focus solely on our cookware and storage. While we have every right to be concerned about these common sources of PFAS and BPAs, there is one culprit many of us overlook – our cutting boards.

Plastic cutting boards have long been the standard for convenience; they're lightweight for moving ingredients from counters to pans and easy enough to use and clean without dulling our knives or warping in the dishwasher. However, in an effort to make kitchens less toxic, studies have found that they can lead to a 'substantial source of microplastics in human food'.

That is why I am switching to a paper fiber cutting board from Amazon. These non-toxic alternatives don't ruin your knives like glass and are far less work than wood. For less than $20, it is an investment you can't afford to pass up.

Choosing a non-toxic cutting board can sometimes feel like a compromise. Wood needs frequent re-oiling and requires hand-washing, and glass, stainless steel, and stone can, over time, ruin your knives. When moving away from plastic, paper fiber boards are the next best thing.

Made from high-density pine leaf, the paper fiber boards from Amazon are a sustainable kitchen upgrade that makes everyday meal prep healthier. They are made by layering paper or wood fibers with food-safe resin, which is then fused under extreme heat and pressure. This creates a non-porous panel that does not chip or leach into your food when cutting.

Unlike wood, the resin means that paper fiber boards are one of the unexpected things you can wash in the dishwasher, too, making cleaning the kitchen after dinner a breeze in busy households. With a double-sided design and deep drip catching grooze around the exterior, it's the perfect pick when trying to minimize mess.

Don't just take my word for it, either. Amazon shoppers report that it is well worth the money, with great non-slip edges and the perfect amount of prep room, and is easy to clean.

In one five-star review left after a year of use, a verified shopper shared, 'I bought the three-pack (S-M-L) a year ago, and just ordered the XL. I'm satisfied with the quality and performance of this material. A good compromise between the excessive hardness of metal and stone, the porosity and leaching issues of plastic, and the need to keep bamboo and wood oiled. Grips on the corners eliminate sliding.

'There are some light scratches on the surface from use,' they report, but 'the only negative is the sharper sound when chopping.'

For under $20, it is the non-toxic kitchen upgrade you simply should not pass up.

What Else to Shop

From branded alternatives to the care tools you need to keep your knives and cutting boards in top condition, these are the kitchen prep essentials to consider for a less-toxic, well-functioning kitchen.

All prices were correct at the time of publication.

With your food prep taken care of, consider the best non-toxic cookware to minimize your exposure to PFAS.

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After using the Made In Seasoned Cast-Iron Skillet and Dutch oven over the last few months, it is clear that it is quality, heirloom-quality cookware that delivers on reliability and delicious results time and time again.

As with all the best cast-iron cookware, the Made In pieces come with the familiar cast-iron learning curve and high maintenance regimen. But they make up for it in their performance, with relatively low-stick surfaces and great heat conductivity, providing crisp and golden results over a range of dishes.

This is how I found cooking with the Made In Seasoned Cast Iron, the minor complaints that docked half a star, and why I think it is ultimately a fantastic choice for those looking to get into cast iron cooking.

Product Specifications: Made In Seasoned Cast-Iron Cookware

Design and First Impressions

As with other Made In products I have received in the past, the Seasoned Cast-Iron cookware came packaged with no plastic, nestled in sturdy cardboard packaging that was easy to break down and recycle.

Both the skillet and the Dutch oven arrive pre-seasoned with a flaxseed oil blend, meaning after a wipe-out to remove any factory dust, they are ready for use. As always, it is recommended to start cooking with higher-fat foods so the oils can contribute to the initial seasoning, avoiding acidic dishes that could damage the metal.

I was enamored by the overall aesthetic of these pieces, especially the Dutch oven. I am used to bright enameled cast iron for these pieces, so the rustic, cast-iron exterior with stamped lid was a nice change. It has the look and feel of a vintage piece but with modern durability and peace of mind. One thing I will note, however, is that it is incredibly heavy. The eight-inch skillet is easy to move around; however, the Dutch oven (especially with the lid) is by far the heaviest piece of cookware I have tested.

For reference, the oven with lid weighs in at around 15 pounds. This is five pounds heavier than the Le Creuset Modern Heritage Dutch oven I reviewed, and two pounds heavier than the Made In Enameled Cast-Iron Dutch oven I reviewed earlier this year. I was recovering from a back injury during testing, and I could certainly feel this added weight every time I stooped to take it in and out of the oven. This is not to mention the way the oven racks bowed under the pressure. It is certainly something to keep in mind before buying.

Cooking Performance

The Made In Seasoned Cast Iron Skillet

When testing a cast-iron skillet, I use the same tests to help establish how well they perform in comparison to one another.

Overall, the Made In Seasoned Cast-Iron Skillet performed well. It was not as low-stick as some of the other skillets I have tried, but it was far from the worst. Foods cooked and browned evenly, the pan heated throughout, and when food did stick it was usually down to needing more oil. I was generally pleased with the results, cooking with minimal frustrations.

• Burgers: The first thing I cooked in the pan was a burger, using the oils and fats to help break in the seasoning. The patty browned evenly, developing a decent crust; however, it was not quite as crisp as the Victoria Cast-Iron Skillet I was using alongside it, and the fats did burn a little to the base even when cooking on a low heat. I also found that the buttered bun stuck and tore on the surface afterwards, too. Overall, however, the results were commendable, and it made a nice burger quickly with minimal fuss.
• Sausage Hash: This is a go-to quick protein lunch for me, frying up pork sausages with onion (often tomatoes in a non-cast-iron pan), and starchy potatoes. This was another test the skillet passed with ease, with everything browning and crisping nicely. There was some sticky residue on the pan after cooking, however, which proved slightly annoying to remove, but it was far from an excruciating experience.
• Pancakes: I had mixed results with the pancakes, but I believe this may have come down to user error. The first pancake, cooked with plenty of oil, released perfectly, browning nicely across the surface. The second pancake, however, stuck rather badly and I had to scrape it out. I had tilted the pan between pancakes to redistribute the oil as I usually do, but it seems this was not enough. The more oil, the better, it seems.
• Skillet Cookie: A skillet cookie is the perfect test of how a pan performs in the oven. I preheated the skillet before greasing and adding the dough, then baked. The cookie slid out of the pan surprisingly easily after cooking a little, leaving only a few crumbs behind. It had a crisp base and molten center, which is everything I am looking for.
• Fried Eggs: A fried egg is a true litmus test for a cast iron pan. This was one of the last things I tested, after the pan had been used and oiled several times. At this point, the egg cooked quickly and evenly, released with a good amount of oil and my silicone spatula, and developed a crisp skirt. Again, it is not the crispiest I have seen, but good nonetheless.

The Made In Seasoned Cast Iron Dutch Oven

Being so used to cooking in an enameled cast-iron Dutch oven, I was not sure what to expect from a plain cast-iron option. Having only tested one like it before (the IKEA Dutch oven I compared to Le Creuset), I dove in with my usual tests, with the exception of my bolognese, avoiding acidic ingredients to protect the metal:

• Bread: There is nothing better than a quick, home-baked loaf. When baking, I am looking for a quick bake with a good rise and a crispy exterior, and the Made In Dutch oven delivered. After preheating and laying the dough inside, I cooked with the lid on before removing it for the last half to crisp the top. The resulting bread was fluffy on the inside and golden on the exterior.
• Chicken Casserole: I was worried that the skin on my chicken thighs would stick to the rough interior of this Dutch oven, but I am thrilled to say I had no issues with sticking at all during my tests. The chicken crisped and released easily, the vegetables softened without complaint, and the stock bubbled evenly from edge to edge. My only complaint during the cooking process was how heavy the full pot was with the lid. I was worried that my oven rack would snap when I loaded it in, and was relieved halfway through when I removed the lid to crisp the dumpling tops. Overall, the chicken fell easily off the bone, the dumplings were light and fluffy, and the vegetables were tender and buttery. It was everything I would expect.

Cleaning, Storage and Maintenance

Cleaning cast iron has never been a task I enjoy, luckily, with the right tools, maintaining the Made In Seasoned Cast Iron was not too difficult. With both pans, residue was most easily removed with a chain mail scrubber, available at Amazon. This is especially true for the Dutch oven, which has a rough surface that would damage or catch fibers from a sponge or cloth.

You have to dry cast iron immediately, which was easy enough for the smooth-milled skillet but proved tricky with the Dutch oven. The weight and size aside, the rough surface tugged the fibers of my dish towel, leaving particles behind. I couldn't find a way around this, either, which was frustrating.

Beyond cleaning, you need to season these as you would any other cast-iron cookware. I chose to use grapeseed oil from Walmart for this, spreading it thinly over the surface before heating on my stove for a few minutes. Generally, I had no issue with this, but once again I found that paper towel chunks caught on the rough Dutch oven interior.

Storing the skillet was easy, as it slotted into my usual pan organizer; however, I would advise storing the Dutch oven on a low, sturdy shelf, as the weight could damage higher shelving or pose a risk when lifted in and out.

My Verdict: Should You Buy The Made In Cast-Iron Cookware?

The Made In Seasoned Cast Iron is, all in all, a good option if you want quality, heritage-quality cookware. It did not blow me away in the same way the super affordable Victoria skillet did, nor is it as easy to use as the Made In enameled options, but it delivers good results with minimal fuss.

I can't fault them too harshly, but there are other pans I would personally choose based on price and/or weight that offer the same performance. They look beautiful, however, making them a worthy choice if the overall aesthetic of your kitchen, and making kitchenware into decor, is a concern for you.

The general consensus among shoppers agrees with me. With an average of 4.9 stars over 54 reviews on the Made In site, customers love that it is pre-seasoned, the beautiful design, and the non-stick qualities that improve with time (especially on the smooth skillet).

How We Test Cookware at Homes & Gardens

The best cookware has to tick all the boxes: Versatility, manageable weight, safe materials, brilliant cooking performance, and, crucially, ease of cleaning.

You can read more details about how we test cookware at Homes & Gardens, including how long we vet each piece for and specifically which recipes we trial.

I test all cookware in my own home under real-world conditions – usually mid-week meals cooked after work, putting the pans through regular use over a range of recipes to get a good understanding of how these pans perform and fit into the everyday, hard-working home.

What Else to Shop

When it comes to cast iron, you need to pay particular attention to cleaning and caring for cookware. To help maintain your new cookware, I have curated a selection of care essentials that I would not live without to prevent rust and ensure these heirloom pieces are still in perfect condition when you hand them down.

All prices were correct at the time of publication.

Not sure if cast iron is for you? We have a complete guide to choosing the best cookware for your home and cooking habits.

Love the latest product news and helpful shopping advice? Sign up for our newsletter and get the latest features delivered straight to your inbox.

As fall approaches, our minds naturally turn to the flurry of feasts that will carry us from Halloween through Thanksgiving and into the holidays. There’s no better time to gather around the table and welcome family and friends with menus filled with comforting dishes, from entrées to dessert.

Naturally, a curated fall tablescape calls for quality, heritage non-toxic cookware, with Le Creuset always sitting at the top of my list for elegance and character. With the new Château colorway, it has never been more alluring.

The gentle grey-blue hue may not be the most obvious choice for the cozy season, but that’s precisely what makes it so appealing. Fresh and calming, it's perfect for balancing the busiest time of the year. Available to shop now at Le Creuset, Château is a timeless addition designed to carry you through fall and winter, and beyond.

Inspired by the iconic stone rooftops and morning mist of the French countryside, Château is my unexpected favorite for this year's fall table decor. While it might not be the obvious choice beside the usual pumpkin cookware collections we see on shelves every September, the understated elegance of the hue means it fits right in, be it a moody Halloween feast or Christmas dinner.

The balance of blue and gray undertones steers it away from the overly flat grays that have received a bad rap in recent years, making it much easier to use gray in 2026, too. It sits perfectly in a range of kitchen ideas without overwhelming the pallet, meaning you can leave it on the counter or stove, seamlessly turning your kitchenware into decor.

As a timeless neutral, it plays right into the 'neutral maximalism' trend we are seeing across designers' tables, balancing elegance without looking overly arranged. Keeping your cookware tonal means you can add texture through your place settings and table centerpieces, so your cooking steals the show without cluttering the table, no matter if you are leaning into summer uses for your Le Creuset or gathering family and friends at New Year's.

As Hebe Hatton, our Head of Interiors, muses, 'Going into hosting season, I want cookware that's double-duty. By that I mean pieces I can take from oven to table and serve up family-style, with the food and what it's served in, becoming part of my tablescape. We all know Le Creuset is perfect for this, and this new colorway is a versatile neutral that will work no matter what the season or occasion.

'You could opt for a very clean look with a white tablecloth and chrome accents, or for something warmer and more rustic for going into fall; Château would pair beautifully with a deep blue backdrop, rattan details, and brass crockery.'

The new hue is available exclusively at Le Creuset in the US and UK, Crate & Barrel, and Harrods, now.

Shop the Color

The new color spans everything from signature enameled cast iron to heritage stoneware, offering something to complement every kitchen and cooking style. I have curated a selection of the best for you to shop.

All prices were correct at the time of purchase.

Not sure which color to choose when shopping for Le Creuset? We have curated a guide to the best Le Creuset colors for your birth month to give you a starting point.

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A good pizza oven is a significant investment, and unless you live somewhere sunny year-round, it can spend much of the colder months gathering dust and cobwebs.

This year, however, I’m determined to make mine work harder, using the best cast-iron cookware to turn a summer pizza oven into a cozy-season baking hub.

The Victoria 8-Inch Cast Iron Skillet is perfect for the job. From gooey brownies and crisp-edged cookies to s’mores and bubbling fruit crisps, it turns your pizza oven into a dessert station that’s made for evenings around the fire.

Any cast-iron skillet small enough to fit comfortably inside your pizza oven will do the trick, but I am a particular fan of the Victoria Cookware eight-inch pan. Of all the non-toxic cookware I have tried, it is one of the most affordable, and, as someone who was new to cast-iron cooking, it was practically foolproof, arriving pre-seasoned and low-stick.

Burgers crisped, eggs cooked evenly and slid straight out without breaking, and skillet cookies developed a satisfying crust while staying gooey in the center. It was all I could have hoped for and more.

Safe for use up to 1,000°F, it is the ideal pick for using a pizza oven in winter. The small base (also available in 6.5 inches and 4 inches at Amazon) means it slots into the oven neatly, making it easy to manage a whole host of bakes from brownies to fruit crisps. Yes, you could use your conventional indoor oven, but the best pizza ovens offer faster baking times, creating a crisp, caramelised exterior and a molten interior, perfect for thick cookies, brownies, and s'mores.

Depending on the type of oven, it can also impart a smoky, rustic flavor you cannot achieve in a fan oven, making cozy season feel that much cozier. Don't just take my word for it. Our expert Laura Honey made brownies when reviewing the Gozney Arc Pizza Oven, dubbing the final result 'incredible', with the entire tray quickly devoured.

It’s an easy way to get more from your pizza oven long after peak pizza season has passed.

What Else to Shop

From convenient utensils to the essentials for cleaning and caring for cookware, these are the tools I keep on hand to maintain my cast iron and make pizza oven cooking as simple as possible.

All prices were correct at the time of publication.

Come summer or fall, be sure to avoid these common pizza oven mistakes for the best results time and time again.

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