Pots & Pans

[JanetRose]

What brand is considered the top of the line?

Thanks.

 

[LindaR]

Well you haven't really given much info but....AllClad!

Most high end cookware is handwash only. What are you looking for? Your needs?

 

[BC]

I have Calphalon, both the nonstick and the set that is not nonstick, meant for searing and such. I really use the nonstick set the most and really like it. Note though there are different lines of Calphalon which can be distinguished by price. I have the hard anodized professional line. Not sure if this matters to you, but it is not dishwasher recommended.

 

[AshleyW]

I don't know what you're looking for, so I'll just recommend what I have.

http://www.macys.com/catalog/product/index.ognc?ID=396917&cm_mmc=GoogleShopping-_-6-_-77-_-MP677

I got that Wolfgang Puck set (although I didn't get the wok) when my fiance & I bought our condo 3 years ago. I LOVE IT! It still looks brand new and cooks evenly.

I don't know if it's really considered "high end" but it works good enough for me.

 

[JanetRose]

My daughter is about to graduate from college and likes to cook. A good set of pots and pans is what she wants for Christmas.

I've seen sets for hundreds of dollars! And not sure if the non-stick is the way to go since they sometimes scratch.

 

[LindaR]

Well.....top of the line usually equates to top of the price range too!!!!

How much are you willing to spend? Most high quality stuff has a lifetime waranty (as long as you follow their rules, such as no dishwasher and proper utensils).

Example: About two years ago, I decided to "invest" and purchase my last set of cookware. I bought AllClad Copper-Core. Spent almost $1000 for the basic set and have added additional pieces that I want. I hand wash my stuff as per their rules. If ANYTHING ever happened to a piece, they would replace it free of charge!

Is you daughter willing to properly care for an expensive set? Or do you want a "nice" starter set?

 

[LindaR]

High quality non-stick will last a very long time AS LONG as the proper utensils are used and it is cleaned per their recommendations.

(Dishwashing is harsh and does shorten the lifespan)

Calphalon Unison is very good and is just about the only quality cookware that states that it is ok for dishwashers. The starter set is $400-600.

 

[agnes!]

I am very fond of vintage Revere-Ware. The copper cladding on the bottom of the pots is thicker, the pots and pans themselves are heavier/sturdier than the ones you find in the stores now.

I'd check out eBay for deals on whatever you decide to buy (if it's new stuff, try overstock.com as well).

agnes!

 

[suejai]

I am very fond of vintage Revere-Ware. The copper cladding on the bottom of the pots is thicker, the pots and pans themselves are heavier/sturdier than the ones you find in the stores now.

I'd check out eBay for deals on whatever you decide to buy (if it's new stuff, try overstock.com as well).

agnes!

I agree I have a Revere Ware pot that is about as old as I am - 47. My mom used it constantly at home and brought it camping. When I moved out I took it with me and still have it. I have newer pots and don't use it so much anymore - but I absolutely could.

OP - if you are looking for a decent starter set I've always liked Lagostina. But, whichever brand you decide on look for heavy gauge stainless steel and a heavy bottom.

 

[Pakey]

I could not say enough nice things about my All Clad. It is hand wash only but it cleans very easily.

 

[DVC_Princess]

I have a good set of Calphalon that I like, but since investing in that I have discovered Le Creuset. These are my absolute favorite pots! They're heavy because of the cast iron, but I find that they cook food better than anything else I own. I would highly recommend checking out one of their outlet stores - my favorite pot is my 6 3/4 Qt Oval Dutch Oven (I use it for soups, oven roasters, pasta sauce, etc. - extremely versatile).

 

[npmommie]

I have a good set of Calphalon that I like, but since investing in that I have discovered Le Creuset. These are my absolute favorite pots! They're heavy because of the cast iron, but I find that they cook food better than anything else I own. I would highly recommend checking out one of their outlet stores - my favorite pot is my 6 3/4 Qt Oval Dutch Oven (I use it for soups, oven roasters, pasta sauce, etc. - extremely versatile).

I just bought a piece of Le Creuset.........a baking dish.
I was wondering about the dutch oven, but I wonder about using it on a glass top range.
what type of range do you use the heavy enameled cast iron on?

 

[Jockaroo]

I have lots of Circulon (non-stick) and Revere Ware (stainless). It is nice cookware, but when I need to replace, I will selectively choose Calphalon and All-Clad pieces. But honestly, if I were to do things over, I would pick individual pieces from multiple lines. Pick a pan or a pot that will do the best job I need. I have a huge 10 or 12 quart pasta pot with a straining insert in my Circulon. This is non-stick and I can't turn the burner on high. Know how long it takes to heat this much water to boiling on medium heat? Yes, huge pot that is never used. I actually have to dust this pot when I clean the kitchen. Non-stick is great, but not practical for every cooking need.

I highly recommend adding a piece of Lodge cast iron to whatever you pick. It is the best for searing meats, etc. If properly seasoned, it becomes non-stick.

When I got married my mom helped me pick out a set of Revere Ware stainless. It isn't high end, but good quality. I will have this set until my toes turn up. It has nice weight and is forgiving. Since your daughter already enjoys cooking, it may not be an issue. But I didn't know how to cook that well and the Revere could really take a scrubbing when I burned things.

One note about the non-stick. I've heard this is not recommended for people who have birds as pets. Overheating non-stick releases a gas that is toxic to birds.

 

[dawson5]

my husband is of the thinking that t-fal is "quality cookware." He keeps buying me this stuff, if it was good we wouldn't have to replace it as much.

My mother loves her bridgeport copper. They no longer make this though. We look in junkstores, flea markets and online, she has found me three pieces (they are wonderful though). When she passes, I will inherit hers. I have some great cast aluminum pressure cookers from when my mom first went to housekeeping, nothing made seems to touch these. I think they are presto brand. I have a hodge-podge of cookware, lots of brands. Not everyone likes "used" cookware, I don't mind it all not matching. It does great for what I use it for.

 

[shortbun]

I agree I have a Revere Ware pot that is about as old as I am - 47. My mom used it constantly at home and brought it camping. When I moved out I took it with me and still have it. I have newer pots and don't use it so much anymore - but I absolutely could.

OP - if you are looking for a decent starter set I've always liked Lagostina. But, whichever brand you decide on look for heavy gauge stainless steel and a heavy bottom.

The old Revere ware is better than the new. I have pieces of my mother's old set from when I was a child that are in better shape than my new set. The old was thicker, had more copper bottom and much better handles and lids.

 

[dizluvah]

Another vote for Calaphon....for home use.

Professional use...I would have no idea.

 

[JerseyJanice]

I got a set of cookware from Costco a few years ago that I love. It's Kirkland Signature brand, meaning Costco contracted it to be made by some other manufacturer.

KS offered both stainless steel and hard-anondized (sp?) aluminum, which is what I have. The only drawback I see in it is that it's heavy. It distributes heat well and cleans up beautifully. I cook a lot and everything looks as good as it did when I first pulled it out of the box. When I got it--I guess about 3 years ago--my set cost $150 which I think was a bargain. The comparable stainless set was $300.

 

[taylor3297]

Al-clad is what I purchased once my other pans fell apart (handles came off). You do have to hand wash like a previous poster said and al-clad is pricey, but worth every penny.

 

[Topper]

I just bought a piece of Le Creuset.........a baking dish.
I was wondering about the dutch oven, but I wonder about using it on a glass top range.
what type of range do you use the heavy enameled cast iron on?

I use le creuset on my glass top stove all the time. You'll want to set it down gently on the burner, and you do not want to pull it across the stove.

 

[ilovepcot]

There's a real "tootie flootie" gourmet cooking board I frequent. These people are into cooking BIG time...many are professional chefs. They say if one doesn't want to spend the money for All Clad that the next best thing is the COOK'S ESSENTIAL'S from QVC. They find no fault with it whatsoever. I was shocked!