If you’re a passionate cook then why not upgrade your cookware collection with some world-class Italian pots and pans? The top Italian cookware brands are loved by amateur home cooks and professional chefs alike due to their durability, high-quality craftsmanship and stylish aesthetics.
And so, whether you’re a seasoned pro or just enjoy cooking on the weekends, we’ve compiled a list of the most popular Italian cookware brands to help you find the perfect items to complement your cookware.
Ballarini.
Founded over 130 years ago, in 1889, Ballarini is a household name in Italy and produces some of the finest cookware in the world. Today, the iconic brand is owned by Zwilling, although it retains its authentic Italian roots in everything it makes. All of the items are still manufactured in Rivarolo Mantovano and the quality of its products has only improved over the years.
Ballarini focuses on combining the best of modern innovations with the traditional techniques of craftsmanship that have stood the test of time in a million Italian kitchens. It makes a good selection of cookware collections that range from modern, non-stick frying pans to enameled cast iron pans, stainless steel pots and aluminum cookware sets.
One of the stand-out Ballarini collections is the Parma Forged Aluminum Nonstick cookware set. The aluminum bodies of the pots and pans are cold-forged and reinforced with ceramic particles. This makes the cookware scratch resistant and extremely durable – ideal for daily use. The stylish gray flecks give the cookware a timeless appeal and the nonstick surface makes cooking a breeze and cleaning after dinner much easier.
Hestan.
As a relative newcomer to the Italian cookware scene, Hestan was only launched in 2013, by Stanley and Helen Cheng. Even so, it’s made quite a name for itself as a leading luxury cookware brand. Handcrafted in Italy, the brand is right at the forefront of the industry and incorporates a whole range of innovative designs and materials in its product lines. Hestan manufactures 5 main collections of Made in Italy cookware, including the innovative NanoBond, TITUM and CopperBond collections.
The NanoBond collection is made using a tri-ply construction technique with an aluminum core, an induction-compatible steel exterior and a stainless steel interior. This means that you can use the cookware on an induction hob, on a traditional stove top or even in the oven. The exterior is also reinforced with nanolayers of titanium, significantly increasing the overall strength of the design.
The TITUM collection is made with 5 layers of non-stick coating using 3 layers of diamond-reinforced materials as well as a TITUM plasma primer. To complete the process, the cookware is sandblasted to secure the non-stick layers.
The Hestan CopperBond collection is made with 5 layers of stainless steel that incorporates a thick copper core. This means that, unlike the vast majority of copper cookware, the CopperBond collection is compatible with both an induction hob and a standard stovetop. However, it’s worth noting that the CopperBond collection cannot be put in the dishwasher and should always be washed by hand.
Hestan uses some of the most innovative techniques in its manufacturing process, taking full advantage of a wide range of modern technologies. And while the price tag for Hestan cookware may seem a little steep, when you consider that you’re making an investment that will last you a lifetime, the cost is actually quite reasonable.
Ruffoni.
Producing beautifully handcrafted copper cookware in Omegna since 1931, Ruffoni is one of Italy’s premier cookware brands. The superbly crafted cookware is designed to be a family heirloom that can be passed down through the generations with pride.
Using traditional materials, such as solid copper, silver, stainless steel and Olivewood, Ruffoni respects the marvelous heritage of Italian cookware in everything that it makes. The Ruffoni collections also include delightful artistic flourishes, such as intricately detailed handles and other classy features.
There are 6 main Ruffoni collections that include saucepans, frying pans, stockpots and more, all made using a wide range of materials. As much works of art as functional kitchen utensils, one of the most astounding collections in the Ruffoni catalog is the Historia range. These hammered copper pots are made with the precision and care that only an expert artisan can accomplish.
Undoubtedly one of the most sophisticated cookware brands in the world, Ruffoni continues to raise the standards in the luxury cookware industry by using traditional Italian techniques and consistently incorporating a magnificent Baroque-style artistic flair.
Lagostina.
Established in 1901, Lagostina represents the very essence of Italian craftsmanship that makes use of high-quality materials and the elegance of stylish simplicity. Lagostina produces a wide range of cookware that includes stainless steel pots and pans, copper and carbon steel items, bakeware, ionized aluminum pots and pans, preparation and serving trays, and much more besides.
Lagostina also manufactures a whole range of specialty items to suit every possible task in the kitchen. The prices of the items in the Lagostina lineup are very reasonable, making it suitable for anyone who wants to celebrate the best of Italy without breaking the bank.
Mepra.
Mepra is a multi-award-winning contemporary Italian cookware brand that combines the latest technologies with several generations of experience at the very top of the industry. Founded in 1947 and based in Lumezzane, Mepra produces a highly refined range of luxury cookware including gourmet sets, Toscana copper cookware, glamorous stone cookware, elegant cutlery sets and a vast array of dazzling serve ware. There are also beautiful vintage collections and sets that are designed specifically for boutique hotels and restaurants.
Mepra is famous for its customer service and offers personalized advice to help you get the products that will fulfill your precise requirements. Furthermore, Mepra offers a lifetime warranty on its products and if you ever have any problems you can easily reach out to get some help or advice.
Mepra is highly innovative and constantly evolves its designs, and with more than 8,000 products in its catalog, you’ll find everything you could possibly require for all your cookware needs. Mapra also works with some of Italy’s top designers, including Angelo Mangiarotti as well as young and upcoming designers. This gives Mepra’s collections an elegant and sophisticated style that is perfectly paired with durability and practical functionality.
As Mepra continues to go from success to success, its products can be found on the tables of many of the world’s finest hotels as well as in the homes of everyday families all over the world.
Agnelli.
Agnelli was founded in 1907 by Baldassare Agnelli and has been producing excellent cookware in Bergamo for more than 100 years. Initially focusing on manufacturing aluminum cookware and mess tins for the military, the brand enjoyed huge success and soon branched out into all aspects of cookware. Famous for its attention to detail and the high quality of the materials used in the production of its cookware, Agnelli is a favorite brand in many Italian households.
The company’s collections include everything from professional-grade cookware to traditional copper pots and pans, versatile modern nonstick collections, cast iron cookware, stone cookware, and even luxury gold-plated cookware, as well as everything in between. What’s more, the majority of the cookware is oven safe and much of it is also compatible with both an induction and standard hob, giving you much more flexibility in the kitchen.
Combining functionality with elegant ergonomic designs, Agnelli cookware aims to make professional, restaurant-quality cookware affordable for amateur cooks and average households. Amongst the wonderful collections of cookware, you’re bound to find precisely what you need to complete your home kitchen.
Sardel.
Producing superior cookware at affordable prices, Sardel was founded in 2019 and has been making waves since its products first hit the market just a few short years ago. Despite being such a newcomer, Sardel has already made a name for itself and specializes in creating super-affordable cookware basics that are manufactured by multi-generational Italian experts.
Sardel is able to keep the prices down by partnering with established producers of cookware and by keeping their collections simple. And so, in line with the Italian culinary ethos, Sardel uses high-quality, durable materials and avoids the extra frills that often add to the price tag. With a great selection of stainless steel pots, skillets, nonstick and carbon steel pans, and elegant full 12-piece sets, the competitively priced cookware is perfect for a starter home or anyone on a budget.
Made In.
Launched in 2016, Made In takes a novel approach to creating professional quality and competitively priced cookware for restaurants and home kitchens. Made In has partnered with a wide range of chefs to design its collections of cookware while partnering with third-party factories to manufacture its products.
This allows Made In to focus on envisioning the very best cookware that is functional, durable and low cost – ideal for the small restaurant, hotel or home kitchen. Made In’s collections include stainless steel and copper cookware, nonstick cookware and even complete sets of glassware and chef’s knives. Made In also has an excellent reputation for customer service, offering customers a 45-day trial period on some purchases and a lifetime warranty on all its products. All of the cookware is expertly crafted and despite its superb quality the brand has managed to keep its prices well below the market average.
Inoxriv.
Although Inoxrix has been producing high-quality Italian-made cookware since 1941, the brand is relatively unknown outside of Italy. The brand produces a great selection of affordable cookware, cutlery, trays, innovative cooking gadgets and a wide range of kitchen accessories.
Inoxriv takes its environmental responsibilities very seriously and manufactures ethically sourced and environmentally friendly cookware. While the brand is best known for its modestly priced stainless steel cookware, Inoxrix also makes a huge range of other cooking tools, utensils and kitchen products. This means that Inoxriv can really be your one-stop-shop for all things kitchen related.
Italy Has Fantastic Cookware Brands.
When it comes to world-class craftsmanship, innovation and deep-rooted respect for tradition, Italy’s cookware brands are head and shoulders above the competition. From affordable cookware designed for the family on a budget to glamorous luxury collections made for boutique hotels and restaurants, you can find everything you need for your home or professional kitchen in the catalogs of Italy’s leading cookware brands.
