I need new cookware and would love suggestions

[DebMcDonald]

We currently have a 10 year old set of Calphalon which was never supposed to go in the dishwasher and it has finally shown its age and now when you touch it the color comes off on your skin (on the outside).

So any suggestions for new cookware would be appreciated.

I also have a 30% coupon for Kohl's so that would help.

 

[vicki_c]

I would not buy a set. Usually the sets come with a few useful pieces, and a few that are not used much at all by most people.

I would think a lot about which pots / pans you use all the time. And just buy those pieces individually (open stock I believe they call that) and buy the best quality ones that you can afford.

I love my All-Clad cookware and I have a few Le Creuset pieces as well, and a generic (but nice) big stockpot with a strainer/steamer/lid. I think I have only 1-2 pieces of non-stick and I wouldn't purchase a lot of that because it wears out quicker.

I don't know what brands Kohl's carries, because I never look @ the kitchen stuff when I'm in there.

 

[POOHsie]

I agree that you should buy pieces in the sizes you really use (or wished you had), rather than buying a set. To me, most sets have many pots/pans that are too small. I have two non-stick pans, but also regular pans with lids, which are very useful and versatile.

I love All-Clad, too. I have been happier to own better pots/pans, instead of junk I used to buy in my earlier years. This is your chance to get some great performing cooking gear. If you have access to military AAFES shopping, they have great All-Clad prices there. Macy's has All-Clad, but not nearly the selection of offerings like AAFES has.

I would avoid pretty-painted sets. In your case, would your set still be considered useable, if not for the paint coming off? Calphalon has a reputation for quality. I still have a few Farberware pots that I bought in the 1970s, and they look and work great. However, they're just plain Stainless, no fancy outer beauty.

 

[dawnn12]

I love my rachel ray pots and pans. I have the non stick ones- I know she has different types.

 

[Fyrefly]

Agreed. Stainless steel All-Clad. Bed, Bath and Beyond stocks them and I believe will let you use those 20% off coupons. You could hoard them and buy a piece at a time possibly. Double-check me on this though.

Also you should probably stop throwing your pots in the dishwasher, particularly if you get nice ones. If you take care of them they can last you 20, 30+ years.

(Says the grad student who has 1970s Made in America Faberware stainless steel before they went cheap and got them as hand-me-downs for her first apartment because mother finally wanted to upgrade. They still cook beautifully!)

 

[Hmom]

Love my All Clad! They are the only pots & pans I own. The factory isn't far from us & they have amazing sales twice a year. I think December & June??? 40-70% off

I have whatever version they sell that goes in the dishwasher. Awesome!!

I've stood in line waiting to enter the sale with people who had flown in just for the sale.

 

[burberryplaid]

May I ask where you bought your Calphalon pans and if you know the specific model?

With the exception of the very basic Calphalon sets, Calphalon has a lifetime guarantee so if you have an issue with them I'd contact Calphalon to get them replaced. They are really easy to work with.

I am a Calphlon fan, but if I were picking another brand, I'd go with the Food Network brand at Kohl's.

Also if you do go with All-Clad check the fine print on your Bed Bath and Beyond coupon if you buy there as I believe All-Clad is one of the brands that is restricted. (Used to work at BB&B)

 

[teCh0010]

We have the large set of Calphalon tri-ply stainless which has been great. We also have the specific Calphalon non-stick pieces we need, and I just added a 6.5 quart enameled dutch oven from Costco.

I couldn't be happier with this setup. The Costco dutch oven seems to be a smoking good deal for $69 since it is made in France, has a metal handle, and seems to have quality enamel.

BB&B will always let you use the coupon on Calphalon, but All Clad is excluded. Some store managers will let you use it anyway.

 

[sukhakuli]

I have Le Creuset, and I am going to get a few copper pieces, too. I've cooked with All Clad before, and I always ended up with stuff sticking really bad. The Le Creuset doesn't stick for me, and I can throw it in the dishwasher.

 

[Alesia]

I use the iron skillet that I inherited from my great-grandma every single day. It's literally the only skillet I ever use. Other than that I have a cast iron dutch oven and a couple of Viners saucepans that a have been great. I'm not a fan of buying sets because you always end up with things you never use and you'll end up needing things that didn't come in the set.

 

[bettymae1121]

I got a Caphlon stainless set from Kohl's about 2 years ago and love it! Just some Bar Keepers Friend and a Dobe pad and it cleans up in a snap. They are dishwasher safe, but with my dishwasher, anything "stuck on" doesn't come clean very well so it's easier to hand wash (plus if frees up more space in the washer for more dishes).

 

[Sandy321]

I use the iron skillet that I inherited from my great-grandma every single day. It's literally the only skillet I ever use. Other than that I have a cast iron dutch oven and a couple of Viners saucepans that a have been great. I'm not a fan of buying sets because you always end up with things you never use and you'll end up needing things that didn't come in the set.

ITA - only it was my husband (now of 30 years)'s grandmother's cast iron we have! I will admit to being a bit nervous at first to use the heavy stuff... but I was easily and quickly converted! We never dry with towels, just put on the stove heat and it dries, add a bit of oil on a paper towel to swab to keep the cast iron nice and seasoned!

Instead of LeCruiset - Sam's Club has a clone for $35 - I learned of the brand from watching Cook's Country - America's Test Kitchen - they are like the Consumer Reports for the cook fanatics!

http://www.americastestkitchen.com/...document_activeCategoryName_2_3_0_mv=Cookware

They are also very good at making sure their recipes arent online anywhere else - its free to join - and free to look...

 

[rcraw45425]

Another All Clad fan here. I have specific pieces, no set. Dutch oven, skillets in assorted sizes (small non stick, great for eggs). I also have two Emeril saucepans, also made by AllClad. I have some LeCreuset stovkpots, but are finding that they really hurt my shoulder due to the weight.

 

[swilshire]

With the exception of the very basic Calphalon sets, Calphalon has a lifetime guarantee so if you have an issue with them I'd contact Calphalon to get them replaced. They are really easy to work with.

HAD a lifetime warranty. Calphalon no longer makes the wonderful product they did in the past. All the new stuff has a limited warranty and isn't nearly as good. When I needed a replacement piece, I got a poor substitute.

I would love to have a good set of the older Calphalon.

I am trying to find All-Clad D5 pieces for a gift for a relative. I haven't found them anywhere except Williams Sonoma and they are never marked down much. Any suggestions appreciated. Another type of All-Clad won't do for this person.

Sheila

 

[CTdiznymom]

I've picked up a few pieces at HomeGoods. They are ECOPANS. Wish I could find more. They're wonderful. I've never had a set of anything, I just pick up what I need. So far these have been wonderful.

 

[Hmom]

.

I am trying to find All-Clad D5 pieces for a gift for a relative. I haven't found them anywhere except Williams Sonoma and they are never marked down much. Any suggestions appreciated. Another type of All-Clad won't do for this person.

Sheila

Try surlatable.com I don't know that All-Clad is ever really marked down except at the factory sale.

 

[englishteacha]

I really like my Revere cookware. I also have a T-fal non stick skillet and cast iron skillets.

 

[Jitzy]

Tuesday afternoon I purchased 10 and 12 inch Calphalon non-stick Unison frying pans for 79.99 at Williams-Sonoma. I thought that was a great price for two pans. If you want lids to go with the pans, they are separate. I did not purchase the lids because I already have some that work with the pans.

 

[edk35]

I have Emeril cookware and really like it. The only thing that has ever bugged me IS HOW HEAVY the bigger pots are....especially heavy when washing. I have had this set for probably 6 years. I also LOVE my green pans from Todd English. They are my newest pieces of cookware. I have several of his pieces and bake-ware. Amazing NON STICK cooking and clean up. Last but not least.. I have held onto two sauce pans from my very first cookware pieces from Revere-ware. I did give most of that set away to a charity but I kept the sauce pans I used the most.

 

[Judique]

I have Emeril cookware and really like it. The only thing that has ever bugged me IS HOW HEAVY the bigger pots are....especially heavy when washing. I have had this set for probably 6 years. I also LOVE my green pans from Todd English. They are my newest pieces of cookware. I have several of his pieces and bake-ware. Amazing NON STICK cooking and clean up. Last but not least.. I have held onto two sauce pans from my very first cookware pieces from Revere-ware. I did give most of that set away to a charity but I kept the sauce pans I used the most.

There was an Emeril set that was made by All Clad a while back. Do yours have glass lids?

I have too many pots and pans. I've kept my original Farberware and Revereware. I own 22 pieces of All Clad. I have some Calphalon pieces. I also have many Le Creuset pieces, along with interesting pieces I buy because I like the look or the color.

I love that there are others on here who still value their older Farberware and Revereware. My first set was a 10 piece FW set for 59.99, back in the 70ties. Than I found a RW set on sale for about 30$ and bought it because I liked the copper bottoms! They still polish up nicely after all these years and cook well.