Walmart’s new Thyme & Table cookware offers a luxe feel on a budget, but does it actually cook well? Our editor put it to the test.
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Ceramic Cookware Set for Under $100? We Put Thyme & Table Cookware to the Test
Published on Jun. 16, 2025
Is she a great cook, or does she just have great cookware? It’s an age-old question. If you’ve ever used high-end tools and ingredients, you know they can do a lot of the heavy lifting when it comes to whipping up delicious meals.
That’s why I’m usually skeptical of cookware that doesn’t come from trusted brands like Caraway, Le Creuset or HexClad (to name a few). Most days, I reach for my stainless-steel pans. They’re unbeatable for soups, curries, gravies and sauces, where scraping up the browned bits adds major flavor. But stainless steel isn’t ideal for everything, especially when it comes to frying eggs or flipping pancakes. That’s where ceramic-coated and other nonstick cookware really shine.
So, when I was asked to try Walmart’s new Thyme & Table cookware line, I was curious. Could budget-friendly nonstick pans hold their own in my kitchen? Here’s how it went.
I Tried It
Thyme & Table Signature 12-Piece Cookware Set
This affordable ceramic cookware set is as pretty as it is functional.
What is the Thyme & Table Signature Cookware Set?
Thyme & Table serves up stylish, budget-friendly cookware and kitchenware, sold exclusively at Walmart. Known for its sleek 12-piece sets like the Signature Cookware Set, the brand blends style, function and affordability.
Each piece in the Signature Cookware Set features heavy-gauge aluminum and a Teflon-free, water-based ceramic nonstick coating. It’s dishwasher-safe, lightweight and available in five chic colors with gold hardware and fluted sides—a win for home cooks who want both performance and beauty.
Bonus: The Signature Cookware Set includes cookware protectors to help keep your pots and pans scratch-free during storage. (I also use them as heat-safe barriers on my counters and table.)
How We Tested It
To test the Thyme & Table Signature Cookware Set, I used it as my go-to everyday pans for over a month. The set comes with a 5.5-quart stock pot, 2.5-quart saucepan, 2-quart sauté pan, 10-inch fry pan and 8-inch fry pan. It also comes with three glass-top lids that work across all five pots and pans.
Testing the Fry Pans
Of all five pieces, the nonstick fry pans easily saw the most action. Between eggs, French toast, grilled sandwiches and pancakes, the 8- and 10-inch skillets were in near-daily rotation. Both handled fried and scrambled eggs like a champ—no oil needed, and no sticking. French toast slid across the surface with just a little bit of oil, too. I made sure to use rubber or wooden utensils to keep from scratching the surface.
Cleanup was a dream. Most food debris could be rinsed off the pans with hot water. After a quick rinse, I popped them straight into the dishwasher for cleaning. As a busy mom, that kind of low-effort cleanup is a win, especially compared to my stainless-steel pans that often sit soaking after a long day.
Testing the Saucepan and Sauté Pan
The saucepan and sauté pan handled tasks like warming sauces, steaming veggies and boiling small batches of pasta with no trouble. The nonstick coating kept things from sticking and scorching, so they’re nice for creamy dishes like mac and cheese. While I avoid using them for gravies or anything that requires scraping the bottom of the pan with a metal utensil, they’re perfect for melting butter, reheating leftovers and gentle boiling.
Testing the Stock Pot
I wasn’t entirely sure how best to use the stock pot beyond boiling batches of pasta or similar basics. While it could work for broth-based soups, I prefer a pot that I can scrape to build flavor, like a sturdy cast-iron Dutch oven or steel rondeau. The stock pot’s thin aluminum walls heat up quickly and distribute heat fairly evenly, but they don’t retain it well, so the pot cools down faster than I’d prefer when reducing from a boil to a simmer.
It’s impressively lightweight, which is a plus if you struggle when lifting heavy, full pots to the sink. Since it’s oven-safe up to 446°F and works on all cooktops, including induction, it’s a solid option for those who want something light that can easily move from stove to oven.
Pros
- Affordable
- Ideal for low-effort cooking and quick cleanup
- Great starter set for first kitchens
- Teflon-free, water-based nonstick ceramic coating
- Lightweight and easy to handle
- Stylish design with gold hardware and fluted sides
- Oven-safe up to 446°F
- Works on all cooktops
Cons
- Some off-gassing with first use
- Not ideal for browning or searing like cast iron or stainless steel
- May chip after a few years of daily wear and tear
- Pot and pan sizes may be too small for cooking larger meals or serving big families
Product Comparison: Thyme & Table vs. Beautiful by Drew Barrymore
Thyme & Table and Beautiful by Drew Barrymore are both brands that are exclusive to Walmart. At first glance, their 12-piece cookware sets look nearly identical, but there are a few differences between them.
The Beautiful 12-Piece Ceramic Cookware Set tends to be slightly more affordable and comes in a wider range of colors. Its design is clean and modern, with a minimalist aesthetic. The Thyme & Table set leans more luxe, featuring fluted sides, shinier hardware and glass lids. It’s also labeled as abrasion-resistant, which may give it a slight edge in durability.
Both cookware sets have ceramic nonstick coating that’s marketed as non-toxic, meaning it’s free from PTFE, PFOA and PFOS. They’re also oven-safe, compatible with all cooktops (including induction) and dishwasher-safe. With high ratings across the board, your decision may ultimately come down to design and color preference.
Final Verdict
The Thyme & Table Signature Cookware Set has held up well so far, and it’s even prettier in person than it looks online.
The 12-piece set is a great value for beginner cooks or anyone looking to replace old cookware on a budget. It’s affordable, stylish, easy to use and a breeze to clean. That said, if you’re a more seasoned home chef, it might be worth investing in higher-end options from brands like All-Clad, Caraway or HexClad, which offer more durability and longevity, expanded product lines and additional features.
Where to Buy the Thyme & Table Signature Cookware Set
I Tried It
Thyme & Table Signature 12-Piece Cookware Set
This budget-friendly nontoxic cookware set fries eggs without oil, easily.
The Thyme & Table Signature 12-Piece Cookware Set retails for $99 to $124 at Walmart, depending on the color you choose. It also makes a great gift for newlyweds or anyone settling into a new living space.
FAQ
Are Thyme & Table pans induction proof?
Yes. Thyme & Table pots and pans are induction-safe and compatible with induction cooktops, as well as other types of cooktops, such as gas and electric.
Is Thyme & Table a good brand?
Thyme & Table is a good value brand, offering competitive pricing compared to other similar cookware brands.
Are Thyme & Table pans oven safe?
Yes, they’re oven safe. The box says the pots and pans in the Signature 12-Piece Set are oven-safe up to 446°F. Thyme & Table says its glass lids are oven-safe up to 400°F, but I can’t recommend using them in the oven.
Why You Should Trust Us
Mary Henn is a shopping editor at Taste Recipes, specializing in household appliances and kitchen products. She has years of experience testing everything from coffee makers to meal kits and various kitchenware. Before coming to Taste Recipes, she spent time working behind the scenes in restaurants and covering the local food scene, giving her a deep appreciation for the tools and gadgets that make a kitchen run. For this review, Mary put the Thyme & Table Signature Cookware Set to the test in her own home kitchen.
