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Darrian Wilkins
- Last update: January 20, 2022
Disclaimer: we may receive commissions from purchases made via our links at no cost to you
So you’ve decided to buy some purple cookware because it’s your favorite color or so it matches your kitchen’s decor?
Well, don’t rush out and waste your money buying useless products just because they’re purple. In this article, I’ll cover some of the best colored cookware so you can buy pots and pans that aren’t only purple but are also versatile, functional, and great to cook with.
I’ve selected these top consumer-rated products based on their quality, value for money, versatility, ease of use, and durability, so you can not only have your purple cookware but use it too.
1. Rachael Ray Cucina Non-stick 12-Piece Lavender Cookware Set
If you’re looking to replace a tired old cookware set, or maybe you’re looking to furnish your new house, the Rachael Ray 12-piece lavender cookware set should be on your radar.
This attractive, deep-purple collection of pots will give you everything you need to cook all your meals for you and your family. The Rachael Ray lavender cookware set is more suited for everyday use for home chefs not overly concerned with premium cooking performance.
Set Includes:
- 3-quart & 1-quart saucepans with lids,
- 6-quart stockpot with lid,
- 3-quart saute pan with lid,
- 8.5-inch and 10-inch frying pans, spoon,
- and a slotted turner.
Things We Love
Excellent Heat Distribution: While non-stick pans will never compete with copper or multi-ply stainless steel in terms of heat distribution, this cookware set heats pretty evenly when you consider its construction and price.
Seriously Non-Stick: If you don’t mind using non-stick pans, then you’ll find the non-stick properties (PFOA-free) work exceptionally well. Your food will slide around the pan with ease, using little-to-no oil.
Super-Simple to Clean: The non-stick properties aren’t only beneficial for cooking; they also make cleaning these pots and pans by hand as easy as possible.
Cool-Touch Handles: The handle on this Racheal Ray cookware comes fitted with rubberized grips that are aesthetically pleasing, comfortable in your hands, and prevent you from burning yourself. However, the grips are on the medium-to-small side, so be careful if you have large hands.
Oven-Safe: Despite being non-stick cookware and having rubberized handles, you can still use these pots and pans in the oven, which only increases their versatility. However, you are limited to a maximum temperature of 400F.
Long-Lasting Appearance: If you take good care of your cookware, the purple exterior will remain new-looking for a relatively long time. Though it must be noted, you’ll need to clean the exterior with a non-abrasive sponge after every use.
What’s Not to Like?
Not Compatible with Induction Cookers: Unfortunately, this cookware set isn’t magnetic and can not be used with your induction stove.
Even the Accompanying Utensils Can Scratch the Interior: Like most non-stick pans, these pieces of cookware are prone to scratching if you’re not careful. Surprisingly, some consumers report that the utensils that come with the set can scratch the pans with robust use.
Not Dishwasher Safe: While I love that these pans are easy to handwash, people who prefer to use a dishwasher will be disappointed to learn that this set is not dishwasher safe.
2. Bruntmor Enameled 12” Cast Iron Skillet
Cast iron cookware is a classic, and Bruntmor’s take on the traditional skillet is a gorgeous purple piece that’s super versatile and can accomplish a great many tasks in the kitchen.
Though the frying pan is extremely heavy and can develop chips in the enamel if you’re not careful, it could still be a fantastic piece of cookware to add to your collection.
Things We Love
Stunning Appearance: Colored cookware can often appear tacky and cheap; however, Bruntmor has done a beautiful job creating this purple skillet. This fry pan is even more gorgeous in real life than it is in the pictures.
It Has High Sides: While Bruntmor markets this purple cast iron pan as a skillet, it has beautifully high sides, almost like a saute pan. They are slightly more angled than the sides you’d find on a saute pan; however, they’re still excellent for cooking sauces and risottos.
You’ll Get a Lid with the Skillet: The Bruntmor enameled cast iron skillet comes with a lid so you can use it in conjunction with the high side walls to create delicious sauces and stews without losing too much moisture.
Oven-Safe: Cast iron skillets are super versatile, thanks to the fact that you can put them in the oven, and they’ll be ok up to a temperature of 500F. Braise a beautifully seared steak or whip up a rich and fluffy frittata.
Convenient Helper Handle: You’ll find a helper handle at the front of the pan, which will assist you when maneuvering the pan, and trust me, you’ll need it (especially when it’s full). Be warned; the helper handle will get extremely hot during use.
Double Pour-Spouts: This cast iron skillet has two pour spouts at either side of the pan so it’s easier to pour food out of your skillet without spilling it whether you’re right or left-handed.
What’s Not to Like?
It’s Extremely Heavy: The Bruntmor cast iron skillet weighs in at over 15lbs, which is very heavy for a single piece of cookware. With added food, you can expect the weight to shoot up by another two or three pounds.
The Enamel is Prone to Chipping: Many consumers have reported the enamel coating can occasionally come away if you bang your pan while you’re using it. While chips won’t negatively impact the initial performance of your skillet, they could cause rust issues in later years.
3. Paula Deen Riverbend 12-Piece NonStick Speckled Purple Cookware Set
The Paula Deen Riverbend cookware collection’s distinctive “speckled” appearance sets it apart from other similar brands. While the difference in performance of non-stick cookware is negligible, these pieces give you a sense of individuality.
Like the other affordable non-stick collections I’ve talked about, this set is ideal for first-time homebuyers or newlyweds just starting out. This set is much more affordable than the Rachael Ray set, though a saucepan and a frying pan are marginally smaller.
Set Includes:
- 2-quart & 1.5-quart saucepans with lids,
- 6-quart stockpot with lid,
- 3-quart saute pan with lid,
- 8-inch and 10-inch frying pans,
- spoon, and a slotted turner.
Things We Love
The Speckled Finish: The deep purple exterior is accentuated by tiny specks of lavender which looks like it’s been flicked on with a paintbrush.
Super Affordable: This purple cookware set is perfect for people on a tighter budget. Though the collection is listed as a 12-piece set, six of those pieces are comprised of lids and utensils. Still, the average price of each pan is approximately $20, which is a super cheap way of kitting out your kitchen.
Cleaning is a Breeze: Similar to the Racheal Ray set; these pans are straightforward to clean by hand (but don’t put them in the dishwasher). The PFOA-free coating allows you to wipe away any remaining food with ease.
Relatively Durable: Generally speaking, non-stick pans don’t last too long. The durability of these pots makes the cost-effectiveness even greater. However, many repeat customers have re-bought this cookware collection after having their first set for many years.
Same Sized Lids: The rims of the larger pots are all the same size, so you never have to go in search of a specific lid.
What’s Not to Like?
Color Match Issues: While the color of these pots and pans is beautiful, a handful of consumers reported their pans had a lighter finish than advertised. There does appear to be a minimal number of incidents, but it’s something to be wary of.
Limited Oven-Safe Temperature: Technically, yes, these pots and pans are oven-safe, but only up to 350F. This limited range means you won’t be able to crisp up your pan-fried foods in the oven.
Fragile Lids: Be careful not to knock, bang, or drop the lids of your Paula Deen Riverbend cookware. The lids are not robust at all and will shatter into a thousand pieces.
Cheap Utensils: Two of the twelve pieces of this cookware set are silicone utensils. They’re inferior quality and practically worthless. You’ll probably have better utensils in your kitchen already.
4. Bruntmor 6.5-Quart Enameled Gradient Purple Cast Iron Dutch Oven
If you don’t have the budget for a luxury dutch oven from Le Creuset or Staub, the Bruntmor 6.5-quart purple dutch oven is a competent alternative.
While the pretty exterior is prone to chipping if you’re not careful, this piece of cookware is still heavy (literally) duty and capable of completing almost any cooking task that you throw at it.
Things We Love
The Gradient Purple Finish: If you’re after a purple piece of cookware, chances are you want it to look stunning. This unique gradient color transitions from deep purple on the bottom to a light lilac shade at the top. It looks gorgeous.
Extreme Versatile: As a general rule of thumb, dutch ovens are among the most versatile pieces of equipment you can have in your kitchen. You can use them for searing, roasting, baking, browning, broiling, and even deep-frying. To top it off, you can serve your guests straight from the cookware.
Designed to Self-Baste: The upper “condensation ridges” of the Bruntmor dutch oven are designed to collect water vapors and deliver them back into your food to ensure that your meat is tender and juicy.
It’s Tough as Nails: Cast iron cookware is purposely built to take a beating. The cast iron core makes this dutch oven a beast in the kitchen that doesn’t need to be treated with kid gloves.
It’s Relatively Easy to Clean: Cast iron cookware is notoriously challenging to clean. But thanks to the enamel; you won’t experience too much frustration when cleaning this dutch oven … as long as you remember to stir your food intermittently while it cooks.
What’s Not to Like?
Weighs a Ton: Not literally, but it may feel that way when your dutch oven is full. This beast weighs in at over 16lbs when it’s empty. Add to that a full-sized chicken or fill it full of chili, and you’re looking over 20lbs to lift from stove to table.
Lid Rust: The outer rim of the lid has an exposed area of cast iron while it will begin to rust and require treatment over time.
Chipping on the Exterior: You may experience some light chipping on the outside of this dutch oven if you’re unfortunate. While these chips don’t negatively impact the cookware’s performance, they detract slightly from the beautiful aesthetics.
5. Faberware 15-Piece Non-Stick Purple Cookware Set
The Faberware cookware set is by far and away the most affordable collection I’ve reviewed in this article. That might seem impressive considering that it’s a 15-piece set, however, only 33% of those pieces are actually pans.
But, you still get a decent amount of cookware for a very small outlay. Sure, it’s not the greatest quality, but if you’re on a tight budget and you’re in desperate need of some pots and pans (that have to be purple), the Faberware cookware set has you covered.
The performance won’t be comparable with more high-end cookware and they won’t last a lifetime, but for this price point, you shouldn’t expect premium cooking performance.
Set Includes:
- 1-Quart and 2-Quart Saucepans with Lids,
- 5-Quart Dutch Oven with Lid,
- 8-Inch Frying Pan,
- 10-Inch Frying Pan with Lid,
- Medium Cookie Pan,
- 5 Nylon Kitchen Utensils.
Things We Love
Excellent Affordability: Everyone needs to cook food, but we don’t all have the budget for expensive cookware. The Faberware 15-piece cookware set gives consumers the chance to own some OK pots and pans without putting a huge dent in their bank balance.
Dishwasher Safe: Unlike the other non-stick collections in this review, the Faberware purple cookware set is safe to put in the dishwasher.
Large Frying Pan Comes With a Lid: There aren’t many hidden bonuses when it comes to budget cookware, but having a lid for your large frying pan helps you to heat your food more quickly and retain moisture more efficiently.
They’re Easy to Handle: One of the benefits of cheaper products is that they’re lightweight. While lightweight cookware isn’t conducive to longevity, it does make them easier to handle when you’re cooking.
What’s Not to Like?
The Cookware Scratches Very Easily: While this cookware looks nice considering the low price point, that nice aesthetic won’t last very long. Both the interior and exterior will probably scratch within the first few uses.
Loose Handles: Keep a screwdriver close by as the handles on these pots and pans will often come loose, which can be dangerous when handling hot food. Always give the handles a check before you start cooking.
The Utensils are Trash: Five of the fifteen pieces in the Faberware cookware set are plastic utensils that are almost worthless. While they might get you by in a pinch, you should either use your existing utensils or buy some higher-quality ones with the money you saved on the cookware set.
6. GreenLife Soft Grip Ceramic Non-Stick Lavender Cookware Set
GreenLife’s 16-piece lavender cookware set is an affordable yet extensive collection of pots and pans that’s perfect for people who have just bought their first house and are looking for a convenient way to kit out their kitchen.
The ceramic non-stick coating is a healthier alternative to traditional non-stick (though not as healthy as 100% ceramic or stainless steel) and is super easy to cook with. All the pans come with stay-cool, soft-grip handles and are produced in an environmentally friendly way.
Because this GreenLife cookware set is such an affordable product, it’s not going to last you a lifetime, but it’s an excellent starter kit. These pots and pans aren’t only available in purple; in fact, I’ve reviewed them in greater detail in my “Pink Cookware” article, where you can read more about the pros and cons of this set.
Set Includes:
- 4” Mini Frying Pan,
- 7” Frying Pan,
- 9.5” Frying Pan,
- 5-Quart Stock Pot & Lid,
- 1-Quart Sauce Pan & Lid,
- 2-Quart Sauce Pan & Lid,
- Saute Pan & Lid,
- 7” Stainless Steel Steamer,
- & 4 Multi-Purpose Nylon Kitchen Utensils.
7. The Our Place “Always Pan”
The Our Place cookware company combines ethical trading practices with ingenuity and a clever design to bring the incredibly versatile “Always Pan” to the market.
The Always Pan gives you the functionality of a frying pan, saute pan, steamer, skillet, saucier, saucepan, non-stick pan all in a single piece of cookware. This pan is an excellent kitchen space-saver; however, it is a little pricey for only one pan. For a more in-depth review, check out my thoughts when I talked about it in my pink cookware article.
Set Includes:
- The Always Pan & Lid,
- Stainless Steel Nesting Basket,
- Beechwood Spatula.