Thyme & Table Cookware Review 2023: Quality Pots and Pans
Thyme & Table offers an impressive yet affordable line of cookware that rivals premium brands like All-Clad and Calphalon. In this in-depth review, we’ll cover everything you need to know about Thyme & Table pots and pans to help you decide if they are right for your kitchen.
Introduction to Thyme & Table
Thyme & Table was founded in 2015 by home cooks looking for restaurant-grade cookware that didn’t require taking out a loan. After being disappointed with the quality of major retail brands, they set out to create their own line of high-performing yet affordable pots and pans.
The result is an extensive collection of thoughtfully designed cookware made with commercial-grade materials. From frying pans to stock pots, Thyme & Table aims to bring quality cooking tools to home kitchens at reasonable prices.
In this review, we’ll take a close look at:
- Key features and benefits of Thyme & Table cookware
- Materials, construction quality, and durability
- Cooking performance for different recipes and techniques
- Drawbacks or downsides to consider
- How Thyme & Table compares to premium cookware brands
- Whether it’s worth the investment for your kitchen
By the end, you’ll know if Thyme & Table’s pots and pans can help take your cooking to the next level, all without breaking the bank.
Overview of the Thyme & Table Cookware Line
Thyme & Table offers a focused line of cookware essentials including:
- Frying pans: Available in 8″, 10″, and 12″ sizes with or without lids. Great for cooking eggs, pancakes, or sautéing veggies.
- Saucepans: Offered in 1, 2, 3, and 4 quart sizes with lids. Ideal for cooking rice, making sauces, steaming vegetables, and more.
- Stock pots: Large 8 quart size with lid perfect for simmering soups, stews, and boiling pasta.
- Saute pans: 3 quart pan with lid designed for tossing veggies, searing meat, and pan sauces.
- Chef’s pan: Spacious 5 quart pan combines a sauté pan and stock pot. Handy for one-pot meals.
The line covers all the basics without unnecessary extras. And with price points ranging from $40 to $120 per piece, Thyme & Table pans are budget-friendly compared to premium brands.
Durable Design and Commercial-Grade Materials
Thyme & Table cookware is crafted from professional-grade metals for reliable everyday performance. Here are the key materials:
- Aluminum core: A thick aluminum core runs up each pan’s sides for superior heat conduction. This allows for fast, even heating without hot spots.
- Stainless steel interior: The cooking surface is stainless steel which is naturally nonstick when properly preheased. It’s also scratch resistant and easy to clean.
- Magnetic stainless exterior: The exterior uses a magnetic grade of stainless steel compatible with all cooktops including induction. It’s durable, oven-safe, and resists corrosion.
- Riveted handles: Sturdy, ergonomic handles are double riveted to the pan for a secure grip that won’t loosen. Silicone covers keep handles cool.
- Tight-fitting lids: Glass lids fit snugly to lock in heat, moisture, and nutrients. Knobs are oven safe to 400°F.
This commercial-level construction ensures years of reliable cooking performance. And Thyme & Table covers it with a lifetime warranty, so you can cook with confidence.
Tested Cooking Performance
In testing Thyme & Table pans with a variety of recipes, we were impressed by their cooking abilities. Here are some standout features:
- Even heating: The aluminum core ensures meats and veggies brown evenly with no scorching or burning. Soups and sauces come to temperature gradually without hot spots.
- Superior sear: The stainless cooking surface can be heated to high temps for gorgeous golden sear marks on steaks, chops, etc.
- Effortless release: Foods release cleanly from the stainless interior, especially with a little cooking fat or oil. Much better release than bare stainless pans.
- Deglazing and fond: Pan sauces come together perfectly, as browned bits (fond) lift cleanly for flavorful deglazing.
- Simmering and braising: Low even heat distribution and tight lids make Thyme & Table pots excel for long braises, simmering soups/chili, and cooking grains like rice.
- Nonstick performance: While not as slick as ceramic nonstick, the stainless cooking surface becomes relatively nonstick when preheated with a little oil. Enough for easy egg cooking.
- Oven and broiler safe: You can safely transfer the pans from stovetop to oven or broiler up to 600°F.
- Dishwasher safe: While hand washing is recommended, you can toss the pans in the dishwasher for easy cleanup.
For home cooks seeking restaurant-worthy results, Thyme & Table delivers on performance and versatility. The pans can handle a wide range of cooking techniques for both everyday meals and more advanced recipes.
Potential Drawbacks to Consider
Thyme & Table cookware is designed to offer premium performance at an affordable price point. But there are a few potential downsides to note:
- Requires seasoning: The stainless interior needs to be seasoned before first use for ideal nonstick release. This involves rubbing with oil and running through a bake cycle.
- Lower sides: Saucepans and frying pans have lower sides than some brands which may impact capacity.
- Fewer available sizes: The range isn’t as expansive as wider collections from other brands. If you need specific sizes, check availability.
- Can discolor: The stainless interior may pick up some discoloration from highly pigmented foods or burning. This does not affect performance.
- Not the prettiest: The simple styling lacks the elegant polish of premium brands like All-Clad or Le Creuset.
For most home cooks, these are minor trade-offs given the quality and value Thyme & Table provides. But it’s helpful to be aware of any potential limitations before purchasing.
How Thyme & Table Compares to Premium Brands?
Thanks to its commercial-grade construction, Thyme & Table cookware can compete with the best when it comes to actual cooking performance. But there are some differences to premium brands that account for the lower prices:
- Durability: Thyme & Table is plenty durable for home use. But the heavier-gauge metals used by brands like All-Clad make them more indestructible. All-Clad is a better choice for professional kitchens.
- Variety: Premium brands offer cookware in dozens of configurations from woks to roasting pans. Thyme & Table focuses on just the core essential pieces.
- Looks: With its simple styling, Thyme & Table pots aren’t as stylish or eye-catching as the polished collections from brands like Calphalon.
- Brand reputation: While earning positive reviews, Thyme & Table lacks the long-standing reputation and loyalty inspired by legacy brands like Le Creuset.
- Price: This is the biggest differentiator. Pieces from All-Clad, Calphalon, and Le Creuset often cost $200 to $400 each. Thyme & Table keeps prices between $40 to $120 per piece.
For home cooks that want pro-grade performance without overspending, Thyme & Table hits the sweet spot. It cooks on par with the premium brands at a fraction of the price.
Is Thyme & Table Worth Investing In?
For most home kitchens, yes – Thyme & Table cookware is worth investing in for its quality construction and cooking performance. The commercial-grade materials rival expensive brands while keeping prices budget-friendly.
The line covers all the core pieces the average home cook needs with some nice extras like the chef’s pan and saute pans. Performance is impressive across cooking techniques like searing, simmering, and sautéing.
The lower sides on some pans allow for easy flipping but limit capacity compared to wider braiser choices. And you’ll need to season before first use. But overall, Thyme & Table delivers outstanding durability, versatility, and functionality for the reasonable price.
If you want cookware that helps you cook restaurant-worthy meals at home without overspending, Thyme & Table is a smart investment. The quality and performance rival the best for a fraction of the price.
Where to Buy Thyme & Table Cookware?
Thyme & Table cookware is sold direct to consumers online through the brand’s website. This helps them offer attractive pricing by cutting out retailer markups.
For the widest selection and best prices, we recommend buying directly from the Thyme & Table website. Be sure to check for any promotions or sales to get the most savings possible on their quality cookware.
The Verdict: An Affordable Alternative to Premium Cookware
For home cooks seeking commercial-grade pots and pans on a budget, Thyme & Table is a top choice. Constructed from durable metals with slick stainless interiors, the cookware excels at browning, searing, simmering, and more.
The line covers all the basics from frying pans to stock pots featuring thoughtful designs like riveted handles and tight-fitting lids. While not as polished looking as premium brands, Thyme & Table performs on par with the best thanks to quality materials and construction.
Considering the reasonable prices and lifetime warranty, investing in Thyme & Table cookware can elevate your cooking without breaking the bank. If you want restaurant-worthy results in your home kitchen, Thyme & Table delivers impressive quality and performance for the price.
Frequently Asked Questions About Thyme & Table Cookware
Does Thyme & Table cookware work on induction cooktops?
Yes, the exterior stainless steel is a magnetic grade compatible with all cooktops including induction.
How should Thyme & Table pans be cared for?
Hand wash and dry thoroughly to maintain the finish. Avoid abrasive cleaners or scouring pads. Can be washed in the dishwasher but hand washing is best.
Can Thyme & Table pans go in the oven?
Yes, the pans are oven safe up to 600°F. The glass lids are oven safe up to 400°F.
Does Thyme & Table offer replacement parts?
Yes, they have an extensive replacement parts program. Handles, knobs, lids, etc. can be ordered directly from their website.
What is Thyme & Table’s warranty policy?
Thyme & Table offers a limited lifetime warranty covering manufacturer defects. Proof of purchase is required.
What are some cooking tips for Thyme & Table pans?
Always preheat at low to medium heat. Use a little oil or cooking fat for easy release. Don’t crank heat too high. Let pans cool before washing.
Are there any sales or discounts on Thyme & Table cookware?
Check their website for any promotions or sales. Buying sets can offer bundled savings over individual pieces.
Our Verdict: Worth Investing In for Most Kitchens
For home cooks that want commercial-grade durability and performance without a premium price tag, Thyme & Table cookware is a worthy investment. Constructed from thick aluminum and stainless steel, it conducts heat evenly for superior searing, simmering, and sautéing.
The core frying pans, saucepans, and stock pots handle everyday cooking tasks with ease. And extras like the saute pan and chef’s pan provide added versatility. While not the most elegant looking cookware, Thyme & Table outperforms pots costing twice as much.
Given the affordable prices and lifetime warranty, upgrading to Thyme & Table can help most home cooks achieve better results without overspending. If you take your cooking seriously but not the price tag, Thyme & Table delivers impressive quality and reliability for the cost.
