Last Updated on October 13, 2021 by Boniface Muriuki
Have you ever heard of waterless cooking (also called waterfree cooking)? Well, this is a unique cooking technique that enables you to use little or no water when cooking your meals.
But the food will burn, won’t it?
Well, when you use the best waterless cookware, you’ll be able to cook using your ingredients’ water and natural juices. And yes! I know that this may sound weird, but it is possible.
A majority of your ingredients constitute 75-90% water by weight! Some vegetables such as cucumber, celery, lettuce, pepper, tomatoes, asparagus, mushrooms, among others contain more than 90% water.
When you use the best waterless cookware, you’ll utilize the ingredient’s water without necessarily adding any more water or even oil.
The results?
You’ll get delicious and healthy food at the end! If that sounds interesting, then it is the right time to shop for the best waterless cookware. This article guides you through every shopping step.
Best Waterless Cookware – Comparison
Image | Name | Features |
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Cuisinart MCP-12N Multiclad Pro Stainless Steel 12-Piece Cookware Set | -Polished cooking surface does not discolor, react with food or alter flavors -Features cool grip handles secured with stainless steel rivets and self-basting, tight fitting lids, Triple-Ply construction includes the unsurpassed heat conductivity of a pure aluminum core -Oven safe up to 550F -Dishwasher safe |
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Cooks Standard 10 Piece Multi-Ply Clad Cookware Set, Stainless Steel | -Stainless steel for durability and appearance; Aluminum core for even/quick heat distribution -Secure-fitting lids trap in heat/moisture to seal flavor; Riveted handles stay cool and comfortable -Works on Induction, gas, electric, glass, ceramic, halogen, etc.; Oven safe to 500F; Dishwasher safe |
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Maxam 9-Element Waterless Cookware Set, 17-Pieces | -Forged out of corrosive-resistant T304 surgical stainless steel -Temperature is controlled via Steam Control Valves -Spreading heat quickly and evenly throughout their 5-ply base |
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Duxtop SSIB-17 Professional 17 Pieces Stainless Steel Induction Cookware Set | -Constructed with 18/10 commercial grade stainless steel, heavy gauge impact-bonded aluminum encapsulated bottom, build to last for a life time -Ergonomically shaped handle with anti-slippery satin finish, handle is riveted to pan provide durability -Dishwasher-safe; oven-safe to 550 degrees F; freezer-safe for food storage; Lifetime Limited warranty |
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Calphalon Classic Pots And Pans Set, 10-Piece Cookware Set, Stainless Steel | -Impact bonded aluminum bases provide fast, even heating; Safe for the stove, oven, broiler, and dishwasher -Long, ergonomic handles provide a secure grip even with full, heavy pans, stay cool even when pan is hot, and are double riveted by hand -Fill lines make measuring easy, and covers have straining holes that line up with pour spouts to drain liquids without having to use a separate colander |
What is Waterless Cooking?
Just like the name suggests, waterless cooking challenges you to cook without adding water to your dish. Wondering how this is possible?
Well;
The water, natural juices, and fats composition in vegetables and other food ingredients are enough to complete the cooking process.
When you use the best waterless cookware, you’ll achieve uniform heat distribution and slow cooking, thus ensuring that you achieve a healthy, greaseless meal.
However, when cooking dry food such as rice, you’ll require a little water. The amount of water required will be small when using your best waterless cookware.
Why is Waterfree Cooking Healthy?
Like we’ve already indicated, the waterless cooking technique uses its natural juice. As such, you can be sure that you’ll retain many nutrients and minerals to benefit your body.
Here’s what makes waterless cooking a healthier option:
- No/little water added which helps in retaining minerals and nutrients
- No need to cook at excessively high temperatures
- No need to add oil/fat, which results in a low-calorie diet
Even better, using your best waterless cookware will result in tastier meals. It helps in retaining natural flavors, thus ensuring that you enjoy the original flavor and incredibly tasty meals.
Why is Waterless Cookware Special?
Unlike traditional sauté pans, the waterless ones offer fast heat transfer and even heating. Also, the cookware is made of sturdy material with the ability to retain heat for a long time.
To achieve this, your best waterless cookware consists of several layers. The first layer (which is the cooking surface) is made of high-grade/surgical grade steel, durable stainless steel designed specially to ensure that you do not have a metallic taste on your meals.
The heating layer is usually made up of either copper or aluminum. Also, the surface is occasionally packed with thin layers of stainless steel.
Between the outer and the inner layer, the waterless cookware has an iron core. This is especially helpful in retaining heat for longer inside the cookware, thus resulting in a fast cooking process.
Additionally, your best waterless cookware is designed to retain moisture. It has a unique steam-release valve lid which prevents the escape of moisture as you cook your food.
Best Waterless Cookware
1. Cuisinart MCP-12N Multiclad Pro Stainless Steel 12-Piece Cookware Set
This waterless cookware features a sturdy tri-ply construction that enhances heat conductivity, optimum heat retention, and even heat distribution. As such, it allows you to cook your food using steam exclusively.
It has a polished cooking surface that neither reacts with the food nor discolor. Consequently, you can be sure that you’ll never have an ugly metallic taste on your meals.
Even better, the Cuisinart cookware is specially designed for oven use (you can achieve up to 550 degrees Fahrenheit). Its unique grip handles are secured using stainless steel rivets and a tight-fitting lid, which offers comfort and convenience throughout the cooking process.
Additionally, this waterless cookware has tight-fitting stainless steel covers, fully equipped with seals. This allows the steam to accumulate in the pot, thus enabling you to cool your meals using their natural juices. Consequently, you will retain nutrients and the original flavor.
The Cuisinart MCP-12N Multiclad Pro Set comprises:
- 1-1/2- and 3-quart covered saucepans
- 8- and 10-inch open skillets
- 3-1/2-quart covered sauté pan
- 8-quart covered stockpot
- Steamer insert with lid
All the 12 pieces come with a pure aluminum core completed with a unique brushed stainless steel exterior.
Pros
- The set is dishwasher safe
- Suitable for use with induction cooktops
- Features a drip-free pouring rim tight-fitting cover seals for healthier cooking
- Lifetime warranty
Cons
- Maintenance can be a hassle
2. Cooks Standard 10 Piece Multi-Ply Clad Cookware Set, Stainless Steel
This waterless cookware set has an 18/10 stainless steel interior and exterior. Additionally, it has a uniformly distributed aluminum core to ensure equal heat distribution as you cook your meals.
Also, Cooks Standard 10 Piece Cookware comes with secure-fitting lids designed uniquely to help in trapping of moisture and flavor. Consequently, you’ll be able to use the natural juices of your meals while maintaining the original flavor without a hassle.
If you’re looking for prestige and class, then you’ll get it in this cookware. It has a shiny appearance with super attractive handles for ease of handling. Even more impressive, the riveted handles will stay cool, making it easy for you to transfer your pots without the worry of burning your hands.
This set comprises of the following:
- 1.5 qt and 3 qt saucepans
- 8 qt stockpot
- 4 qt/11 inches sauté pan
- Steamer insert (complete with lids)
Wondering whether this waterless cookware can work with an induction cooktop? Well, you’ll be shocked at its efficacy in induction cooking! Besides, the appliance is oven safe and you can use temperatures of up to 500F safely.
Even better, the Cooks Standard Waterless Cookware’s functionality is highly flexible. Apart from the induction cooktop, you can use it free with gas, electric, glass cooktops, and ceramic.
Pros
- Comes with a limited lifetime warranty
- Easy to clean manually or using a dishwasher
- Oven safe
- You can use it with an induction cooktop
Cons
- Failure to dry it before storage can quickly lead to rust
3. Maxam 9-Element Waterless Cookware Set, 17-Pieces
This Maxam Waterless Cookware is made out of 9-Element T304 surgical stainless steel, making it one of the most durable cookware you’ll ever get! The material is corrosion-resistant and can withstand varying acidity levels from your vegetables.
Additionally, the cookware has a highly controlled environment, which ensures that you cook all your meals without oil and without adding water. This way, you can be sure that it offers a healthier cooking option than your ordinary non-stick pan.
It has steam control valves to ensure that you cook your meals using the right temperature, thus preventing burning. Additionally, it’s 5-ply base has superb conductive heating which guarantees even heat distribution.
If you want elegance and class, then this Maxam Cookware will not disappoint you! It’s completed with a satin-finished interior and a unique mirror-finish interior. These construction features are strengthened to resist corrosion, even when using harsh detergents or cooking highly acidic meals.
The set includes the following:
- 11 3/8 inches skillet (complete with a helper handle and egg rack)
- 7.5-quart roaster with a stylish cover
- 3.2-quart double boiler
- 2.5-quart saucepan with a cover
- 1.7 quart (comes with its cover
- Dome cover for skillet/roaster
Pros
- The Maxam Cookware comes with a limited lifetime warranty
- Easy to clean
- Highly ergonomic handles that do not overheat
- Highly stylish
Cons
- It is not recommended for oven use
4. Duxtop SSIB-17 Professional 17 Pieces Stainless Steel Induction Cookware Set
This cookware set includes:
- 8 and 9.5 inches frying pans
- 1.6-Quart and 2.5-Quart saucepans (with lids)
- 8.6-Quart stockpot (with lid)
- 4.2-Quart casserole (with lid)
- 5.2-Quart sauté pan (with lid and helper)
- 9.5 inches pasta basket and steam basket
- 3 pieces of kitchen tools
All these constituents are constructed from high-quality and durable 18/10 stainless steel (commercial grade). Additionally, the bottom is encapsulated with a heavy-gauge and impact-bonded aluminum material for superb heat distribution.
If you’re looking for durable waterless cookware to pass to your generations, then this Duxtop brand will serve you well! It’s built for lifetime service and comes with a Limited Lifetime Warranty to back it up.
Also, this cookware has ergonomic handles with an anti-slippery satin finish to ensure safety and convenience as you undertake your cooking escapades. The handle is riveted to the pan, thus minimizing the chances of breaking away from the main pan.
Even better, this cookware can use different types of heat sources. It doesn’t matter whether you want to use an induction cook stove, ceramic cooktop, electric, gas, infrared, or a radiant glass cooktop, this cookware will serve you right.
Pros
- The cookware is dishwasher safe
- Oven-safe (up to 550 degrees F)
- Freezer safe thus allowing you to easily refrigerate your food
- Easy to clean
Cons
- The tempered-glass lid can break if they fall with immense pressure
5. Calphalon Classic Pots And Pans Set, 10-Piece Cookware Set, Stainless Steel
Calphalon used the latest technology to manufacture this versatile cookware. It has an impact-bonded aluminum base which ensures that your pots heat up fast and achieve an even heat distribution. This way, you’ll eliminate the risk of food burning before it cooks while ensuring that you retain the natural flavors and nutrients of your meals.
Additionally, the pans and pots have ergonomic handles, comfortable enough to offer a secure grip. This eliminates any chance of accidents in the kitchen! Even better, these handles stay cool even when your pan is hot and are double-riveted, which guarantees durability.
The calphalon cookware set includes:
- 8-inches fry pan
- 10-inches fry pan
- 1.5-quart saucepan (with a cover)
- 2.5-quart saucepan with a cover
- 3-quart sauté pan with a cover
- 6-quart stockpot with a cover
All these pans have marked fill lines, which makes measuring a breeze. Also, the covers come with straining holes lining up with pour spouts, which makes liquid-draining easy.
Pros
- Oven-safe
- Dishwasher-safe
- Safe for induction cooking
- Comes with a full lifetime warranty
Cons
- This set is relatively expensive
6. 360 Stainless Steel Cookware Set, Handcrafted in the USA, Pots and Pans Set (4 Piece Set)
This 360 cookware is made from a surgical grade stainless steel for guaranteed durability. Its multi-core feature allows rapid yet even distribution of heat, thus assuring top-notch functionality.
Compared to other cookware in the market, the 360 waterless brand is among the thickest. Its 110 gauge steel offers a healthy alternative to nonstick and aluminum cookware.
Additionally, the cookware has lids that create a vapor seal, thus ensuring that you do not add oil or water when cooking. This technology allows you to cook faster using low temperature, which is essential in retaining the original nutrients of your ingredients.
The cookware is made in the United States and is recognized by the EPA. It is eco-friendly and does not contain any harsh chemicals. Its smooth surfaces are achieved using a dry sanding process and all the manufacturing procedures have Certified Green Manufacturing accreditation.
Pros
- Oven safe (up to 500 degrees F)
- Ergonomic handles for ease of handling
- Works on all types of stoves (including induction, electric, and glass cooktops)
- Has a lifetime warranty
Cons
- The product is a bit pricey
7. Chef’s Secret 28 Piece 12-Element T304 Stainless Steel Waterless Cookware Set
This cookware features a unique satin finish interior with a mirror finish exterior. These features offer exceptionally stylish pots and pans. Even better, the construction utilizes modern technology to help you achieve waterless cooking without a hassle.
All the pots are completed with a steam control knob to help you regulate the temperature and moisture required when cooking.
The set comprises of:
- 1. 5qt saucepan with cover
- 1. 5qt stockpot with cover
- 2qt stockpot with cover
- 3qt stockpot with cover
- 6qt stockpot with cover
- 10-1/2″ frypan with cover and helper handle
- 9-3/8” mixing bowl
- 11” mixing bowl with polypropylene covers
- 8-3/4” steamer basket
- 7-7/8” deep fry basket with handle
- pan-top grater with handle and adapter ring
- suction knob,
- Phenolic trivet
- 4pc measuring spoon set
All the pans and pots are forged from corrosion-resistant T304 surgical stainless steel that’s hardy enough to withstand corrosive juices from fruits, vegetables, milk, and meat.
Pros
- Oven safe
- You can use an induction cooktop
- Easy to clean
Cons
- It may get scratches if you wash it together with other metallic cookware
8. Heritage Steel 10 Piece Cookware Set – Titanium Strengthened 316Ti Stainless Steel with Multiclad Construction
This waterless cookware is made in the USA and it boasts of multi-ply construction. It includes 3 layers of aluminum for improved heat conductivity and distribution. Additionally, the exterior is titanium-strengthened, which guarantees top-notch functionality and durability.
Also, the titanium strengthening process offers more than 20 times more corrosion resistance. This ensures that your cookware is not affected by food acidity, thus ensuring that you preserve their natural taste and nutrients.
This cookware has ergonomic handles that stay cool even when your pots are hot. This way, you can be sure of a comfortable grip and assured safety throughout your cooking process.
Pros
- Limited warranty against all manufacturing defects
- Easy to clean
- Oven safe
Cons
- This product is expensive (but worth it)
Best Waterless Cookware – Buying Guide
Buying your best waterless cookware can be a daunting task. It requires extensive research to understand the features of each pot before settling for the best waterless cookware. This section will give you an elaborate guide on what to look out for when shopping.
What Should I Consider When Shopping for the Best Waterless Cookware
Several factors will directly influence your choice of the best waterless cookware for your kitchen. They include:
- Material of Construction
To achieve the best results with your best waterless cookware, you should ensure that it has multi-ply construction. This allows your pots to heat fast while achieving even heat distribution for quick and efficient cooking.
Some of the common materials that can be used in the construction of waterless cookware include stainless steel and aluminum. These can be strengthened with titanium to improve heat retention and enhance durability.
- Heat Conductivity
How easy is it to heat your best waterless cookware? Well, this factor will affect the quality of the meals that you make. Always ensure that your cookware can heat up fast and evenly.
These features ensure that you cook your meals efficiently without burning, even without using oils and water.
- Ergonomic Handles
How easy is it to use your waterless cookware? If you want comfort and convenience, you should ensure that your best waterless cookware has ergonomic handles that remain cool even as your pan heats.
- Price
If you’ve been thinking that waterless cookware is expensive, then you’re wrong! There are a variety of products in the market that varies in pricing. As such, you can choose one that suits your budget.
However, you should never compromise on quality. You’d rather spend an extra buck to get all the features that you’re looking for in your best waterless cookware.
Best Waterless Cookware – The Bottom Line
There are many benefits of using your best waterless cookware. These appliances are designed in a way to minimize the need of using oil and water when cooking your meals.
As such, you can be sure that you’ll retain the natural flavor and nutrients in your meals. This guarantees a healthy meal for your family.
If you want to enjoy these benefits, you should shop for the best waterless cookware with all the features that you need. This may be a complex process if you have no idea what to look out for!
Consequently, we’ve compiled a comprehensive guide on what to consider when choosing your best waterless cookware. Ensure that you follow all the tips provided herein to get the best appliance for your kitchen.
Chef Boniface is a graduate in Culinary Arts from the Institute of Culinary Education, New York. He has worked in several restaurants and is currently the Head Chef at Cavali Restaurant.
He has excelled in developing unique recipes and influencing the menu at the restaurant. He prides himself in sharing his knowledge at thekitchenpot.com where he writes about the best cookware for various recipes.