Rachael Ray Nonstick Cookware Set Review

Discovering the perfect nonstick cookware set can be a game-changer in the kitchen, making cooking and cleaning a breeze. We’ve previously covered the best cookware sets, and we’re adding to that list of contenders the Rachael Ray Cook & Create Cookware Set (available at Rachael Ray) . This set is a convenient way to stock a new kitchen, particularly for beginners or anyone on a budget. But beware that its build isn't very durable and likely won't withstand heavy, long-term usage.

About the Rachael Ray Cook & Create Cookware Set

Rachael Ray's Cook & Create 11-piece Nonstick Cookware Set is a new offering from celebrity chef Rachael Ray's kitchenware line.

Ray is known for her upbeat cooking shows and goal of making cooking fun and accessible to everyone. Compared to other options on the market, this set comes at an affordable price and differentiates itself with triple-layer nonstick coating, bright colors, and celebrity endorsement. Plus, it comes with universal silicone-rimmed lids that can cleverly fit multiple pan sizes.

The 11-piece set includes two frying pans, two saucepans, a stock pot, a sheet tray, two glass lids, and three silicone cooking utensils.

The pots’ and pans’ nonstick surface allows for easy food release and easy cleanup, while the exterior is made from enamel and available in four colors.

How we tested

We tested Rachael Ray's Cook & Create 11-piece Nonstick Cookware Set for its ability to stand up to various functions: sear, sauté, boil, simmer, and reduce.

The classic test for nonstick release is eggs, so we made sunny-side-up eggs in each pan, monitoring for any sticking. We also cooked down vegetables to see how well they could absorb the steam coming off of vegetables and avoid becoming soggy.

To test even heat distribution, we tested the searing ability of the pans with chicken thighs. We also monitored the boiling and simmering capacities of its pots using rice and pasta—both of which need to be cooked through gently and consistently.

Finally, we also tested the cookware's ability to reduce and thicken a sauce.

What we like about the Rachael Ray Cook & Create Cookware Set

The nonstick surface is reliably nonstick

When testing eggs of different styles—sunny side up, down, and scrambled—they slid effortlessly from the pan every time. This also makes washing up faster, as food doesn’t cake on and can be easily removed with a sponge and minimal elbow grease.

The cookware is comfortable to hold

Each pot and pan in this set is lightweight and easy to handle. This helps reduce wrist strain, makes it easier to maneuver while making stir-fry or flipping pancakes.

It also lessens the physical load of moving pots and pans around, making for a more comfortable cooking (and cleaning!) experience.

The design is attractive (and clever)

This cookware set comes in four colors, including cheerful Agave Blue (what we tested) and bright red, plus neutral gray and almond options. This adds some fun visual flair to a product category dominated by black hues and stainless steel.

One unique detail we loved about this set was the included universal lids. The set comes with only two lids that effectively cover all the pots and pans, reducing the amount of lid storage you’ll need.

What we don’t like

The pot and pan sizes are small

The sizes of the pots and pans included are on the small side, especially for those cooking for more than one person. The set would benefit from the addition or substitution of a larger frying pan, which would allow for more versatility in its kitchen functions.

It's not very durable

As with most traditional nonstick cookware, you want to avoid using metal utensils with this set. But we still tested its durability with some light metal utensil usage (as many users might thoughtlessly do with something like a fork), and noticed some scratches appeared quite quickly. So we recommend using either the provided nylon utensils, or wooden and silicone utensils, only.

This set is also not dishwasher safe or oven safe higher than 400°F, so certain tasks are limited. But since its nonstick interior makes cleaning so easy, avoiding the dishwasher shouldn't be too much of a hassle.

We also noticed that it struggled with high-temperature cooking, which was evident when we tested chicken thighs. They ended up splotchy, with browning concentrated on the edges of the pan where oil tended to pool.

The verdict is still out about long-term durability with this set. The brand-new cookware held up well in our cooking tests, but the joinery and light material may become easily worn down over extended use. We should mention that this is standard for all nonstick cookware though, as the coating's inherent design will inevitably deteriorate over time.

What other people are saying

This cookware set holds a 4 to 4.5-star rating on most of the sites it’s reviewed on, including Target and Rachael Ray.

Most reviews are complimentary, pointing to its nonstick nature, lightweight feel, and convenient universal lids.

However, negative reviews indicate that the nonstick surface can be unreliable and that the color of the pans, pots, and utensils discolor over time.

Should you buy the Rachael Ray Cook & Create Cookware Set?

Yes, if you're looking for a budget-friendly nonstick set

This cookware set is ideal if you're looking for a quick way to stock a new kitchen. While we would like some changes to the sizes of the pots and pans, the overall value and usability make it a decent choice. It's especially great for small kitchens that don't see high amounts of use.

The interior coating is reliably nonstick, each piece is lightweight, and the universal lids also help reduce clutter. The inclusion of utensils and a baking sheet also makes this set a convenient way to get a kitchen started.