This Surprisingly Cheap Cookware Set From IKEA Uses High-Quality Materials

Upgrading your kitchen doesn't always have to involve costly renovations or time-consuming projects. Sometimes, in fact, improving your kitchen's performance can be as easy as acquiring some new cooking essentials. One affordable option worth considering is the IKEA 365+ 9-piece cookware set.

Retailing for $99.99, this 9-piece cookware set, which is crafted from stainless steel, comes with three pots of various sizes, and two saucepans. There are four lids, total, which each corresponds to one of the pots — only the smallest saucepan lacks a lid. The product's information states that the cookware is dishwasher safe, oven safe, and suitable for use on any cooking surface (gas, induction, electric, or ceramic), making it an attractive option for busy individuals or families who require no-nonsense cooking. They also come with a 15-year limited warranty, which can help in the event of performance issues. If this is to be your first time buying stainless steel cookware, here is everything you should know.

At the time of writing, customers had given the cookware set a 4-star average from more than 20 reviews. Buyers generally appreciate the value of this set, as well as its appearance. One 5-star review states, "They work very well on my cook tops and are very sturdy. I love using them. I got a set for my mom as well for her gas range."

While the low cost of the set, versatile design, and stainless steel construction is easy to get excited about, it is worth noting that some customers have less-than-stellar feedback about the set. Several reviews state that the set suffered stains, discoloration, and actual damages after mild usage. One 2-star review on IKEA's website states "I've only had these pots for about 2 weeks and in the inside it has discoloration and stuff already." Another review claims that the same set from 2015 was of a far superior build. The customer writes, "They are very light weight, and got water and blue stains after boiling water at low heat once. My 10 year old set of these pots still looks brand new."

You may be wondering whether these concerns are serious enough to stop you from purchasing the set. The answer likely depends on your expectations. Stainless steel is actually quite prone to discoloration when it is exposed to certain elements. Acidic foods, for example, can cause the cookware to discolor when they are still new; likewise, storing such foods in these stainless steel pots and saucepans can result in a dull and discolored appearance. It's also advised to not overheat a dry stainless steel pot, since this can cause it to have a hazy surface. To keep your stainless steel cookware looking its best, you'll also want to hand dry these pots and pans to stave off water spots. Finally, if you find that the performance of your stainless steel cookware is beginning to decline, you'll know it's time for a deep clean. When that time comes, here are 12 pantry essentials you can actually use to shine up your stainless steel cookware.