Electric coil stoves have definitely been a popular choice for kitchen cooking tops. With the ease in cooking and the lessened hazard it poses to anyone at home, electric coil stoves have surely become one of the most loved stovetops. However, choosing the best cookware set for your electric coil stove will make your cooking experience more memorable, exhilarating, and definitely rewarding.
How does an electric stove work?
An electric coil stove’s main feature is its metal coil which heats up through an electric current. The electric wiring inside the coils heats up allowing the metal surface to act as a cooktop. It then transfers the heat to your cookware and starts cooking your food.
Do electric stoves use gas?
Electric coil stoves are powered only by electricity. However, electric coil stoves can also be powered up using gas or liquid propane especially for houses that rely on natural energy for cooking.
How much electricity do electric stoves consume?
On average, an electric stove uses between 2000 to 5000 watts while energy-saving electric stoves consume about 2000 to 3000 watts. Still, the difference mostly lies in how often you cook and how long you use your electric stove. The more you cook, and the longer it takes for your food to heat up, the more electricity it consumes.
To save energy while using an electric coil stove, you need to match the size of the pan to the diameter of the coil to maximize the use of an electric stove. Otherwise, you’d be wasting energy in using a smaller pot or pan over a wider coil.
Types of electric stoves
There are two types of electric stoves: conventional coil and radiant heat. They both heat up using coils, but what sets them apart is the way they transfer heat to your cookware.
Conventional coil
The conventional coil uses an exposed wire twine that gets heated up where you directly put your pot or pan to cook. All electric coil stoves use a conventional coil mostly because the direct heat transfer is faster and more efficient. There is less heat lost when you’re cooking.
Radiant Heat
The radiant heat type of electric stove puts the heated twine under a smooth surface like glass or ceramic top. To be able to warm the cookware, the heated coil emanates the heat to the glass or ceramic cookware and thus heats up the pot or pan. Many prefer the use of a smooth electric cooktop mainly since it is easier to clean up.
See "Best cookware sets for glass top stoves" to learn more about which cookware set will suit your glass top stove as well as your needs.
Pros and Cons of Using Electric Coil Stoves
Electric stovetops are some of the most popular cooktops available in the market. However, do we really know what we can benefit from them?
Pros of using electric coil ranges
- Electric stoves are very easy to use especially for amateur cooks.
- They are more efficient when distributing heat and are less likely to cause any cold spots in your cookware.
- They don’t stain or burn your cookware.
- They are more affordable to buy overall.
- It doesn’t require the use of gas.
- They are easier to clean because you only need to wipe around the coil.
- They are easier to install, maintain, and replace.
Cons of Using Electric Coil Ranges
- Electric stove heat settings are limited.
- Electric stoves can drive up your electricity bill.
- It costs more to use electric stoves than gas ranges.
- Coils may deform over time causing an unstable cooktop
- They heat your cookware slower than gas ranges.
Electric Coil vs Gas Ranges
Electric coils and gas ranges are both great stoves to cook with but the differences in using both are quite notable.
Which is better: gas or electric stove?
When it comes to efficiency, I have to say that gas ranges are faster in heating up your cookware thus making it easier and faster to cook your food. However, if you’re looking for a cooktop that keeps a steady source of heat or temperature, then you should opt for an electric stove. Electric stoves allow you to cook with a consistent low or high heat making it perfect for simmering at high temperatures.
Gas consumption is something you don’t have to worry about when using an electric stove. However, it takes more electric current to heat or power up your electric stove compared to the amount of fuel a gas range can consume. In other words, it is more cost-efficient to use a gas range overall compared to an electric stove. See "Best pots and pans for gas stoves" to learn more about our recommendations for quality cookware for your gas stove.
The benefits and disadvantages of both types of stoves are quite different making it really hard to choose between an electric stove over a gas range.
Do electric stoves use a lot of electricity?
Electric stoves are electric current dependent, however, the amount of electricity consumed also depends on how often and how long you’re cooking. Overall, electric stoves do not eat up as much current as you’d initially think especially if you’re using it wisely.
Here are simple ways to save electricity using an electric coil top:
Use cookware with a flat bottom
Electric coils transfer heat more efficiently via conduction. It is better to use flat bottomed cookware because a wider surface area of your cookware’s base is in direct contact with the heating coils. It also improves the balance of your cookware.
Keep your stovetop clean
A clean cooktop allows you to maximize the heat. The more gunk stuck on your cooktop, the less efficiency your elective stove would be. There are fewer areas for muck to enter an electric cooktop thus making it easier to clean.
Use the right cookware size
As I’ve already mentioned, electric stoves are more efficient in heating pots and pans with a wider base surface. If you’re using a small pot over a wide electric coil much of the heat is lost at the side, you should use a small pot over a smaller coil and a wider pot over a larger coil to maximize the heat.
Invest in a high-quality cookware
Good cookware sets will never fail you, they easily conduct and retain heat and they work well with different types of stoves. Quality cookware sets do not warp, warping can affect the way your cookware heats up and performs.
Best Cookware Set For Electric Coil Stoves
T-fal Ultimate Nonstick Cookware Set
Set Includes:
- 8 inches fry pan
- 10 inches fry pan
- 1-quart saucepan with lid
- 2-quart saucepan with lid
- 3-quart saucepan with lid
- 5-quart Dutch oven with lid
- solid spoon
- slotted spatula
Prime features:
This T-fal cookware set features a hard titanium-reinforced interior making its cooking surface nonstick and scratch-resistant. The non-toxic surface allows you to cook much better with lesser cleanup.
The strong body is made with a heavy gauge hard-anodized aluminum core for strong support while maintaining a lighter weight. The body provides great heat conductivity and retention for a smooth cooking experience.
Compatibility:
This collection is highly compatible with all types of cooking ranges except for the induction stove. The flat bottom is perfect for your electric coil stove offering great conductivity. This T-fal set is also oven safe at a maximum temperature of 350 degrees.
Bonus Features:
You’ll love that this cookware set has a unique thermo spot indicator that turns bright red when the pan has reached its ideal cooking temperature. The thermo spot indicator adds to its efficacy in preheating your cookware.
Furthermore, this set features a silicone grip handle that keeps your handle cool and gentle to the touch. The silicone hand grip makes it easier for you to handle your cookware.
PROS
CONS
Overall
The T-fal is great cookware set for electric coil stoves mainly for its quick heat distribution and flat base. This is also the perfect cookware under 300 for amateurs and professional cooks because of its lightweight and easy handling.
Cuisinart Chef's Classic Non-Stick Cookware Set
Set Includes:
- 8 inches open skillet
- 10 inch skillet with lid
- 1-quart saucepan with lid
- 2-quart saucepan with lid
- 3-quart saucepan with lid
- 3-quart sauté pan with lid
- 8-quart stockpot
- 18 centimeters multi steamer insert
Prime features:
This Cuisinart cookware set promises harder than steel material as it incorporates the use of hard-anodized aluminum in its core and base making this a highly conductive selection. This highly wear-resistant cookware can withstand heavy-duty cooking and remain dent and warp-free.
In addition to a solid core, this set comes with a Quantanium nonstick surface which provides the perfect cooking surface for low to no-fat cooking. The titanium reinforced surface is not only nonstick but also nontoxic allowing you to keep the integrity of your cookware.
Compatibility:
All of the pots and pans have a wider base making it a great partner for an electric coil stove, however, this set does not go well with an induction stove. It does, however, have a higher heat tolerance reaching up to 500 degrees without the lid and only up to 350 degrees if you’re going to use the lid inside the oven.
Bonus Features:
This cooking set features a thin long handle that has a groove for your thumb. It allows you to have an easier grip over your pot and pan while improving your control.
PROS
CONS
Overall
Cuisinart is a wonderful selection for home cooks who prefer using their electric coil cooker. This set provides each cook with the ability to learn new recipes with ease.
Rachael Ray Cucina Nonstick Cookware Set
Set Includes:
- 1-Quart saucepans with lid
- 2-Quart saucepans with Lid
- 6-Quart stockpot with Lid,
- 8.5 inches frying pan
- 10 inches frying pan
- 3-Quart sauté pan with lid
- Utensils
Prime features:
This 12 piece cookware set is made with a hard-anodized aluminum core strengthened to improve its durability as well as its ability to distribute heat while keeping the heat throughout the cookware even and stable.
The cookware features PFOA-free nonstick surface giving you a smooth interior that is perfect for low-fat cooking.
Compatibility:
With a strong aluminum base, this cookware works well with any electric coil stove as well as other cooktops like gas ranges and halogen cooktop. Not only that but it can handle a maximum of 400 degrees heat inside the oven.
Bonus Features:
The cookware showcases tempered glass lids to allow you to keep watch of your cooking while locking in the moisture inside your cookware. To improve the handling of this cookware set, the pots and pans all have silicone hand grips that are ergonomically designed.
PROS
CONS
Overall
Designed to not just give you an efficient cookware set, but also adds aesthetics to your kitchen. This Racheal Ray collection is a go-to collection for beginners and professional home cooks alike who are looking for a cookware set under 200 and love hosting picnics and dinners.
GreenLife Ceramic Nonstick Cookware Set
Set Includes:
- 4 inches mini frying pan
- 7 inches frying pan
- 9.5 inches frying pan
- 1-Quart saucepans with lid
- 2-Quart saucepans with lid
- 5-Quart stockpot with lid
- 2.5-Quart sauté pan with lid
- 7 inches stainless steel steamer
- 4 kitchen utensils
Prime features:
Greenlife gives you a green cookware set that does not use dangerous chemicals in its nonstick ceramic surfaces. In addition to the non-toxic surface, this cooking set features a recycled heavy-gauge aluminum core for a sturdy yet light body. The pure aluminum core provides fast heating and even heat distribution throughout the pots and pans.
The nonstick surface uses a sand-derived ceramic free of lead, cadmium, and PFAS which are known elements found in nonstick cookware that are unsafe for human consumption. These greener and safer materials make this cookware ideal for those who are very careful when it comes to cooking food.
Compatibility:
They work very well with almost all types of cooktops excluding the induction stove. See "Best Cookware Sets For Induction Cooktop" if you are looking for quality cookware for your induction cooktop. This cooking set also works well with light oven-baked goods since it has a maximum heat tolerance of 350 degrees inside the oven.
Bonus Features:
This is one of the lightest cookware sets you can find. It has an almost all-natural material except for its stay-cool silicone hand grip. The Soft Grip Bake Lite handgrips are gentle to the touch and are formed ergonomically for your fingers to hug tightly. It makes sure that you will have better control over your pot or pan no matter what dish you’re cooking. Also, it has a rivetless handle to prevent food built up and chipping for a smooth cooking experience.
This cookware set also doubles as an amazing dinnerware that you can use in serving food straight from the stove to the table.
PROS
CONS
Overall
Greenlife is the perfect choice for those who love eco-friendly goods. With 70% of this cookware derived from natural and recycled materials, you have a cookware set that is believed to reduce up to 60% fewer gas emissions. This is the best non-stick cookware set under 100 for all types of cooks from beginners to well-known chefs.
Gotham Steel Hard Anodized Cookware Set
Set Includes:
- 3-Quart chef's pan with lid
- 10 inches frying pan
- 12.5 inches frying pan
- 1.5-Quart saucepans with lid
- 2.5-Quart saucepans with lid
- 6-Quart stockpot with lid
- 3-Quart sauté pan with lid
- 8 inches skillet
Prime features:
Designed with a complete full metal exterior, this cookware set is an ideal solution for many who are looking for heavy-duty and long-lasting cookware. This set is made with a full hard-anodized aluminum body and a mix of ceramics and titanium-coated cooking surface creating robust yet non-toxic cookware.
The cooking surface is free from toxic chemicals that are often used in creating non-stick cookware. To match the smooth surface of chemical coatings, this Gotham Steel set incorporates two layers of nonstick surfaces using ceramics and titanium. This promotes low-fat cooking thus preserving the nutrients in your food.
Compatibility:
This set has a flat wide base making it a great choice for those who have electric coils stoves. The thin but dense aluminum body promotes fast and even heating making heat transfer more efficient.
In addition, this cookware can handle high heat cooking in an oven to a maximum temperature of 400 degrees. The tempered glass provides a strong seal that locks in the right amount of heat as you cook speeding the cooking process.
Bonus Features:
The stunning copper-colored interior gives you a beautiful collection that you can also use as a serving plate. On top of that, the handles are designed with slick stainless steel bolster to improve grip and control.
PROS
CONS
Overall
The surface provides a wonderful solution for those who are looking for durable cookware that can handle the tough beatings of a busy kitchen. Furthermore, this cookware set offers you beautiful pots and pans that will further inspire you to explore your recipe book.
Comparison of the best cookware sets for electric coil stove
Cookware Set | Surface | Core | Oven Safe temperature | Current Price | Our Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Titanium coated nonstick surface | Heavy gauge hard-anodized aluminum | 350 degrees | ||
| Titanium coated nonstick surface | Hard anodized aluminum | 350 degrees with lid, 500 degrees without lid | ||
| PFOA-free nonstick surface | Hard anodized aluminum | 400 degrees | ||
| Sand-derived ceramic surface | Recycled pure aluminum | 350 degrees | ||
| Titanium-coated ceramic surface | Hard anodized aluminum | 400 degrees |