Is Goldilocks Cookware Any Good? (In-Depth Review) - Prudent Reviews (2024)

In this review, I break down the pros and cons of Goldilocks cookware. You’ll learn about its construction, design, performance, price, and more.

I also reveal how it compares to the competition based on two controlled tests.

So, if you’re shopping for new cookware and are considering Goldilocks, keep reading.

Note: Goldilocks was originally named Potluck, but the company rebranded to Goldilocks in 2019.

Use the links below to navigate the review:

• Goldilocks Cookware Review: Key Takeaways
• Video Review
• Design
• Materials and Construction
• Performance
• Goldilocks vs. the Competition
• Price
• Downsides
• FAQs about Goldilocks Cookware
• Bottom Line: Is Goldilocks Cookware Worth Buying?

Video Review

Watch me break down the pros and cons of Goldilocks cookware in the video review below:

Design

Goldilocks cookware has several unique design elements that make it stand out. Let’s take an up-close look at the 12-inch stainless steel fry pan.

Note: Goldilocks offers several other pots and pans, but they all share the same design.

Exterior

The exterior of Goldilocks cookware is polished, showcasing gleaming stainless steel walls that effortlessly blend style and functionality. The bottom of the pan showcases a brushed steel finish that hides scratches and blemishes.

The sloped walls have flared rims that prevent dripping and make transferring food from pan to plate easy.

Interior

Like the bottom of the pan, the interior features a circular brushed finish.

The pan is 12 inches from rim to rim. However, the flat part of the cooking surface is 9.5 inches. That’s ample room to cook two large ribeye steaks, 3-4 chicken breasts, or three pieces of salmon.

If you’re familiar with brands like All-Clad or Heritage Steel, this pan is comparable in size and shape to their 12-inch fry pans.

Handles

One of the design elements I like most about Goldilocks is the handle. It’s slightly curved on the bottom with a shallow groove on top for your thumb. It’s comfortable to hold and easy to control.

Rounded handles like those on HexClad and Sardel pans can rotate in your hand and slip. With Goldilocks’ design, your grip won’t slip when tilting the pan or pouring liquids.

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The handle forks right before it attaches to the base of the pan. This unique design disperses heat, so the handle stays cool even when the pan is hot.

The brand leaves its mark with “GOLDILOCKS” engraved at the base of the handle, and there’s a small hole at the end to hang the pan.

The handle is 8 inches long — standard for a 12-inch fry pan. If you’re interested in longer handles for more leverage, you might want to look at All-Clad D5 (9 inches).

Lids

The frying pan doesn’t come with a lid. But if you opt for the other pieces like the 1.5-quart saucepan, 3-quart saucepan, or 8-quart stock pot, they come with lids. The lids are thin steel with a polished finish that complements the cookware.

Materials and Construction

Goldilocks cookware doesn’t cut corners when it comes to construction. It’s built using a 3-ply system: an 18/10 stainless steel interior, an aluminum core, and an 18/0 stainless steel exterior.

Why does this layering matter? Each layer plays a role.

Stainless steel is durable and non-reactive. Aluminum, sandwiched between the steel layers, is an excellent heat conductor. The combination of metals results in even heat distribution and long-lasting durability.

This multi-layer design, called “fully-clad,” was invented by All-Clad in the 1970s, but it’s used by almost all cookware brands today.

Compared to disc-bottom pans like Farberware Classic, fully-clad pans like Goldilocks offer better heat distribution and durability. Disc-bottom pans have an aluminum disc attached only at the base, which can lead to uneven heating.

The walls of Goldilocks pans are 2.8 mm thick, giving the cookware a durable and sturdy feel. You can tell by holding it that this pan won’t warp or dent easily.

The 12-inch Goldilocks fry pan tips the scales at 3.3 pounds. That’s comparable to other high-end brands like All-Clad and Made In. Weight matters because it often indicates the quality and durability of the pan. In this case, Goldilocks holds its own.

Performance

I’ve been testing Goldilocks Cookware for several months, cooking everything from steak and chicken to vegetables and eggs. Based on my rigorous testing, here’s what you need to know about its performance in the kitchen.

Immediately, I noticed the heft of the cookware. With walls 2.8 mm thick, Goldilocks pans feel much more expensive than they are. They’re solid but not burdensome, so unless you have weak wrists or have arthritis, handling them with one hand won’t be an issue.

The flat handle is comfortable to grip and doesn’t rotate in your hand. It also doesn’t get too hot when cooking on the stove. The design reminds me of handles on Viking Professional and Anolon X cookware.

Goldilocks excelled at quick and uniform heating during my testing, thanks to its aluminum core. Whether I was cooking chicken or veggies, I didn’t spot any hot or cold spots in the pan.

The pan also has pinpoint heat control. When cooking pancakes, I realized the heat was too high. I turned the dial down, and the pan responded quickly, saving my breakfast from burning. This pan’s responsiveness also allowed me to get a perfect sear on meats without burning them.

To see how Goldilocks compares to other, much more expensive brands, I tested it head-to-head against the All-Clad Copper Core 12-inch pan.

I prepared several chicken cutlets with the same seasoning and bread crumbs. I also preheated the pans for the same amount of time and used the same amount of oil.

Both pans did an excellent job browning the chicken. However, the All-Clad pan has a copper middle layer, and since copper has a higher conductivity than aluminum, it conducts heat faster. I had to lower the heat on that burner to prevent the bread from burning.

The Goldilocks pan held its heat nice and steady, and none of the pieces overcooked.

In the end, the chicken came out great in both pans. But the point is that the All-Clad pan, which costs significantly more, didn’t provide any noticeable benefits, at least not in this test.

That said, I do have a few concerns with Goldilocks cookware.

The handle is 8 inches long and only 5.5 mm thick, so there’s not much to hold onto. The handle might feel too small if you have larger hands or are using oven mitts. While the design allows for a firm grip, more length and thickness would be beneficial.

Without proper technique, your eggs will stick. However, this is common with all stainless steel cookware, so I can’t fault Goldilocks specifically.

Expect some tarnishing. After a few uses, I noticed significant rainbow stains (also called heat tint) due to oxidation. A vinegar wash removes these, but be prepared for some maintenance to keep it looking new.

Overall, Goldilocks cookware heats up quickly, maintains temperature effectively, and rivals the performance of pricier brands like All-Clad and Made In. Although I wish the handle was longer and thicker, it’s comfortable, secure, and stays cool on the stove.

Goldilocks vs. the Competition

Every cookware brand I review goes through two experiments to measure its heat conduction (how fast and evenly it heats) and retention (how well it holds onto heat).

For the first test, I poured two cups of cold water (55°F) into the Goldilocks 12-inch fry pan and put it on the stove with the heat on high.

The first bubbles appeared after two minutes and 17 seconds, and the water came to a full boil after three minutes and five seconds.

The bubbles were uniform across the cooking surface, indicating a completely flat bottom and even heat distribution — two signs of a well-made pan.

As you can see in the results below, the Goldilocks pan took longer to boil the water than most brands. However, it was only a handful of seconds slower than major brands like All-Clad and Tramontina. The most important insight from this test is that the pan heats evenly.

The next part of the test measures heat retention, which is essential for searing. You want a pan that stays hot when you place a cold piece of meat on it. If the pan loses heat when adding cold ingredients, it won’t sear or cook evenly.

After boiling the water, I removed the pan from the stove and set it on the counter to cool down.

After five minutes, the water in the pan was 122.0°F.

After ten minutes, the water was 102.5°F.

As you can see in the results below, Goldilocks retains heat better than much more expensive brands like Hestan, Sardel, Demeyere, and Viking.

Price

Goldilocks Cookware is surprisingly affordable, especially considering the 3-ply stainless steel construction. Even the entry-level stainless steel options from brands like All-Clad and Demeyere can be twice as expensive.

This brand is all about value. They have a simple website, limited marketing and product offerings, and manufacture in China. But the pieces they do offer are well-made and low-cost.

For the most accurate and up-to-date prices, go to CookGoldilocks.com.

Downsides

Before you buy Goldilocks Cookware, it’s essential to weigh the pros against the cons. Below, I outline the downsides you should consider.

Short and Thin Handles

The handles are 8 inches long and only 5.5 mm thick. While the flat design with a groove on top is comfortable and secure, it’s not roomy enough if you have large hands or use oven mitts.

Rainbow Stains

Another issue is the rainbow stains that occur when the pan overheats. This happens due to the oxidation of chromium in the steel, resulting in splotchy coloration. While this is common in stainless steel cookware, it is more noticeable in Goldilocks pans. You can fix it with diluted white vinegar and a good scrub, but it’s an extra step you’d rather avoid.

Limited Product Offerings

If you’re looking for a wide range of products, Goldilocks might disappoint you. They only offer a 12-inch skillet, 10-inch skillet, 1.5-quart saucepan, 3-quart saucepan, and an 8-quart stock pot. You can buy these pots and pans individually or as a set. So, if you want specialty items like a wok or an extra-large skillet, you’ll need to look elsewhere.

Lack of Transparency

Goldilocks’ website lacks information about their manufacturing process or the materials used (I had to email the company to confirm the materials for this review).

The lack of details makes me question who is behind the company and how much commitment they have to its success. Even the product pages have a minimal amount of information with no details about the quality or performance of the cookware. It doesn’t say which type of steel is used, how it’s made, or what makes it unique.

They could do a much better job selling the product because, based on my testing, its performance is on par with much more established brands. There is also no customer service phone number to call, only an email address.

Company History

Goldilocks isn’t a long-standing brand. It launched in 2018 as Potluck and rebranded in 2021. A rebrand so soon in a company’s life is a red flag about its stability. Though the company offers a lifetime warranty, will Goldilocks be around long enough to honor it?

Made in China

The cookware is made in China. While this keeps the cost low, some people prefer cookware produced in countries with more stringent labor laws and quality controls. Check out my guide to the best cookware made in the USA and the best cookware NOT made in China to learn about the top alternatives.

FAQs about Goldilocks Cookware

In this section, I’ll answer some of the most frequently asked questions about Goldilocks cookware to help you clearly understand the brand and its products.

Is Goldilocks cookware non-toxic?

Yes, Goldilocks cookware is free of non-stick coatings, so you’re not dealing with potentially harmful chemicals if you overheat the pan. Also, the stainless steel cookware doesn’t react with acidic foods, so your dishes won’t taste metallic.

How do you clean Goldilocks cookware?

Before the initial use:

1. Wash the pans with dish soap, rinse, and dry with a towel.
2. After cooking, allow the pans to cool, fill them with water and dish soap, and let them soak.
3. Avoid steel wool to prevent scratching.

For hard water stains, vinegar works. For stubborn stains, use Bar Keepers Friend or similar cleaning products. Boiling water and vinegar also helps with burned food.

Is Goldilocks cookware dishwasher-safe?

Yes, it is dishwasher-safe. However, I always suggest handwashing your cookware to ensure its longevity.

Is Goldilocks cookware oven-safe?

The cookware can withstand up to 550℉ in the oven. That offers plenty of flexibility for recipes that start on the stovetop and need to be finished in the oven.

Is Goldilocks cookware induction-compatible?

Yes, the bottom of Goldilocks cookware is made of 18/0 stainless steel, which is compatible with induction cooktops. You can use these pots and pans on any stovetop.

Where is Goldilocks cookware made?

The cookware is manufactured in China. This choice plays a part in keeping their costs low compared to other brands.

Who owns Goldilocks cookware?

Minsuk Kim and Jessica Sheft-Ason own the brand. It’s worth noting that the company started in 2018 and rebranded from Potluck to Goldilocks in 2021.

Where can I buy Goldilocks cookware?

Since Goldilocks is a direct-to-consumer brand, you’ll find their products exclusively on their website, CookGoldilocks.com.

Bottom Line: Is Goldilocks Cookware Worth Buying?

Now that you know the pros and cons of Goldilocks cookware, it’s time to decide if it’s right for your kitchen.

Before I offer my recommendation, let’s quickly recap:

• Design: Goldilocks cookware is sleek, featuring a polished exterior and a brushed steel bottom. Its handles are comfortable and heat-resistant, although a bit short and thin for those with larger hands.
• Materials and Construction: The cookware offers a 3-ply construction with an 18/10 stainless steel interior, aluminum core, and 18/0 stainless steel exterior. The construction is comparable to pricier brands.
• Performance: It heats up quickly and maintains even heat, although it is prone to staining and some food sticking.
• Price: The cookware is budget-friendly, offering a premium experience without the premium price tag.
• Downsides: Drawbacks include short handles, staining issues, and limited product offerings.

Ultimately, the Goldilocks cookware is an excellent investment. It’s thick and heavy, heats evenly, and retains heat well. The handles are comfortable and safe, the polished exterior looks nice, and the price is hard to beat.

It’s a great option if you’re looking for a low-cost, fully-clad stainless steel cookware and don’t care about buying a big-name brand.

Check the current prices and read more reviews on CookGoldilocks.com.