Cooking cookware recommendations

[jann1033]

hi, usually i stick to the photo board but wonder if anyone can recommend cookware for me?
after months of research, I thought i had decided on Cuisinart multi-ply but now see they have an anodized outside/ stainless inside as well. i recently got a anodized non stick crepe pan i love( crate and barrel, on sale for $15!!!!) so that made me wonder if since the anodized aluminum is all the way to the top, if it would act like the aluminum core of the multiply for heating. I am mainly looking at 5 quart saute pans since i have sauce pans that are ok, my skillets needed replacing. i have a 10"cast iron skillet but wanted something less reactive for braising etc.
also a dutch oven. consumer reports recommended a walmart brand of enameled cast iron ie knock off of LE Creuset( tratonomia or something similar) but wonder is anyone has had a problem with the emanel checking or cracking?
thanks for your expert opinions

 

[MazdaUK]

The problem I have with le Creuset is the weight. I have a small covered dish - big enough for maybe 3 servings - and that is as much as I can lift. A huge one would be impossible empty -never mind full!

 

[jann1033]

yeah one i saw was like 19 lbs empty! local wally mart was supposed to have the tratmontina 5 quart saute but didn't. the lodge 6 quart dutch oven they had was pretty heavy but not really unmanagable. i just had an enamel on steel yrs ago that cracked all over the place. but wondered if maybe they had improved

 

[MazdaUK]

Ikea has a 10l stockpot - I bought a 5l saucepan many years ago from them and its still going strong.

ETA I used it as a jam pan before I got my proper jam pan