Rachael Ray vs T-fal: two hard-anodized nonstick sets compared

Both sets are hard-anodized aluminum with a nonstick coating, and both go in the oven to 400°F. What settles it for most kitchens is the stove. Rachael Ray calls the Create Delicious set induction ready; T-fal says the Ultimate set suits every stove except induction. For gas, electric coils and glass tops, T-fal names all three, while Rachael Ray’s page names induction only.

Rachael Ray’s 11 pieces are 8.5- and 10.25-inch deep frying pans, 1.5- and 2-quart saucepans, a 3-quart sauté pan and a 5-quart Dutch oven, with three glass lids, a bench scraper and a slotted spoon. T-fal’s 12 pieces are 8- and 10-inch fry pans, 1-, 2- and 3-quart saucepans and a 5-quart Dutch oven, with four glass lids, a spoon and a spatula. Rachael Ray has the sauté pan, though it comes without a lid; T-fal has a third saucepan and a lid for every pot.

Both go in the oven to 400°F. T-fal limits its lids to 350°F; Rachael Ray gives no separate figure for its lids. Rachael Ray says no to the dishwasher. T-fal allows it, then recommends washing by hand because strong detergents harm aluminum. T-fal recommends plastic or wooden utensils; Rachael Ray’s page doesn’t say.

T-fal says its nonstick contains PTFE, and its own shop won’t ship the set to Colorado, Maine or Minnesota, states that have stopped the sale of new cookware with intentionally added PFAS. Rachael Ray’s own disclosure page says its PlatinumShield set contains PTFE as well, with intentionally added PFAS, which those three states’ laws cover. T-fal’s set is made in China; Rachael Ray’s page doesn’t say where its set is made. Both carry a limited lifetime warranty.

Choose Rachael Ray Create Delicious for an induction cooktop and a sauté pan. Choose T-fal Ultimate for a third saucepan, a lid on every pot and a set that may go in the dishwasher, on any stove but induction. If you want Rachael Ray on any stove and in the dishwasher, its Create Delicious 13-piece set says yes to both.