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And how to choose the best material.

Are you someone who's been using the same three pans for as long as you can remember? You’re not alone. Many people don't give a second thought to getting new ones or even searching for the best cooking pans. Maybe you're using hand-me-down cookware from your family, or you only invest in new ones when your current set becomes rusty, sticky, or burns your food.

Believe it or not, the cookware you use matters not only because of what it can do but also because the material needs to be safe. ”Many cookware options, especially the non-stick ones, have polytetrafluoroethylene (PFTE) and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) that can leach into our food," says Meghan Telpner, the founder of the Academy of Culinary Nutrition. "These chemicals are linked to cancer and thyroid disruption. Plus, they can accumulate in the environment."

Before you start dumping out all your old pots and pans, know that non-stick cookware is typically not a significant source of PFOA exposure, according to the American Cancer Society. The studies that found a link between cancer and this chemical looked at people living near or working in PFOA-related chemical plants. Similarly, the nonprofit points out that PFTE, which is usually sold under the brand name Teflon, has not been a main focus of concern.

That said, if your pans are falling apart, you should seriously consider replacing them. Here's everything you need to know about picking ones that will last and actually help you in the kitchen from seasoned chefs. (Also check out our Healthy Cooking Awards for some inspo!)

If you've shopped for pots and pans before, you know there are several types of material to choose from. Turns out each is best suited for whipping up different foods.

So, now that you know a little more about the materials, what about the actual pots and pans? You can mix and match the brands you like, but having cookware that can provide all the functions you need to prepare the foods you love is a must.

“Overall, you want and need a mix of materials in your kitchen. Non-stick ceramic, cast iron, stainless steel, and aluminized steel all serve very different purposes, but with a mix of them all, you’ll be set up for long-term success,” says Tishgart. In other words, diversity is key.

Looking for more specific options? Read on for cookware sets we chose based on recommendations from editors and experts.

This cookware duo does it all. Designed to replace 16 pieces of traditional cookware, the Always Pan and Perfect Pot make for a great combo purchase. It's also available in six different earth-tone colors.

If you're a big-city, small-apartment kind of gal, this Dutch Baby set from Great Jones is a solid option for tiny kitchens. It was made with beginners in mind too. Plus, it's safe for gas, electric, and induction stovetops.

This ceramic set comes in seven colors, so you'll never have to worry about sacrificing the style you had in mind for your cooking space. And if you prefer gold over silver, the sleek stainless steel handles ensure a beautiful yet comfortable grip.

A well-known brand in the culinary industry, Le Creuset's cast iron set is made with a long-lasting enamel on the outside that prevents chipping and cracking. Its heat distribution abilities work for slow or high-temperature cooking, so it's definitely worth the hefty price tag.

Created to be slightly thicker than the others on the market, this set is a good alternative to coated, non-stick frying pans or any aluminum-based ones. The surgical-grade stainless steel also works great on a variety of surfaces.

If you're looking to purchase a set that's high quality but won't break your bank account, this cast iron set from Lodge is something you can't pass up on. You can use it indoors on the oven or stove, or you can take it outside to the grill or campfire.

A copper exterior together with a stainless steel interior will keep your set from getting scratched up over time. This eight-piece set also has heat-resistant handles and is safe for up to 500 degrees in the oven or broiler.