7 Heirloom Cookware Pieces That Will Last for Generations to Come

Best Sauté Pan: Martha Stewart Copper Sauté Fry Pan

When you think of Martha's own kitchen, you probably picture a rack of copper pots and pans. Enter this 10-inch sauté fry pan, which features her signature touches. The copper construction offers excellent heat conductivity, while 18/8 stainless steel provides durability, easy cleaning, and flexible cooking. An extra-long handle with a notch for hanging makes the pan easier to work with. The rolled edges promote drip-resistant pouring and the sloped sides support easy turning when cooking.

Best Cast Iron Skillet: Lodge Chef's Collection Seasoned Cast Iron Skillet, 12"

Lodge is a classic for a reason. The family-owned company has been making cast-iron skillets since the 19th century and recently updated their offerings with the Chef's Collection.

These pieces have higher sloped edges to make flipping foods easier and two side spouts for pouring off liquids or plating dishes like chili. The 12-inch version has two handles (one long, one short) to make it easier to pick up off the stove and turn to serve food or rinse it. The skillet comes pre-seasoned, so it's ready to use the minute you bring it home.

Best Dutch Oven: Le Creuset Signature Enameled Cast-Iron Round Oven

This Dutch oven is a staple for so many reasons. It doesn't require seasoning, it's dishwasher safe, it works on all stovetops including induction, you can use it for everything from roasting chicken to baking bread, and it's pretty enough to go straight to the table. The only decision left to make is choosing a size and color.

Best Roasting Pan: Viking Culinary 3-Ply Stainless Steel Roasting Pan with Nonstick Rack

Stainless steel is our preference for a roasting pan. It will have you covered when it comes time to make your Thanksgiving turkey, but also for beef roasts, chicken, and more since it's resilient and baked-on messes usually come off with a good soak.

This 16-by-13-inch Viking pan has a feature you might not notice at first glance but will be grateful for every time you have more than one thing in the oven simultaneously: The inverted handles give you that much more space to fit other cookware and are actually easier to pick up. You can fit up to a 25-pound bird in here—a size that'll accommodate your future feasts even if your guest list grows exponentially.

Best Nonstick Skillet: Our Place Always Pan

If there's a kitchen essential that has redefined "modern heirloom," it's the Always Pan. The ceramic coating makes it our new favorite nonstick option, but this piece can serve many more purposes. The company says it pulls hextuple-duty (that's six times the work!) as a fry pan, sauté pan, steamer, saucier, saucepan, nonstick pan, spatula, and spoon rest. We're leaving it to you to decide how you like to use it best and which of the 11 subtle, modern colors you prefer.

Best Casserole: Emile Henry French Ceramic Rectangular Covered Baker

Your fanciest sides and fastest dinners alike will look elevated in an elegant covered casserole dish. In addition to being pretty enough to serve from (oven to table is our favorite), we look for durable, evenly heating materials and a simple, no-frills design.

This Emile Henry covered baker fits the bill. Handmade in France of ceramic-coated clay, it has a lovely glaze that resists crazing and cracking. In spite of its delicate good looks, you can put it in the microwave, oven, broiler, dishwasher, and freezer without a worry.

Best Braiser: All-Clad Enameled Cast Iron Braiser

An essential piece of cookware for one-pot meals, this braiser can braise, fry, sauté, and bake. The cast-iron construction heats steadily and evenly and features a stylish glossy enamel exterior you'll love keeping on display in your kitchen. All-Clad's iron is made with 97 percent recovered materials and contains zero plastic packaging, so it's a great option if you're looking for sustainable cookware.