I need new cookware and have no clue on what's really good.

ninerbuff
ninerbuff Posts: 48,984 Member
edited October 4 in Chit-Chat
Practically all my pots and pans are really ragged looking and the "non stick" isn't working well anymore. I prefer non stick, so can some of you give me ideas on what brand to get? I want to know why this brand is good and not just because you own it.

Replies

  • Acg67
    Acg67 Posts: 12,142 Member
    Cephalon or All Clad
  • Flyntiggr
    Flyntiggr Posts: 898 Member
    I just replaced my calphalon with Circulon. I bought a 13 piece set from Costco. http://www.costco.com/Browse/Product.aspx?prodid=11622545&whse=BC&topnav=&cm_sp=RichRelevance-_-categorypageHorizontalTop-_-PopularProductsInCategory&cm_vb=categorypageHorizontalTop|PopularProductsInCategory

    they are totally non-stick, hard anodized, AND dishawasher safe. I hosed my Calphalon by accidentaly putting it in the dishwasher once....
  • JennLifts
    JennLifts Posts: 1,913 Member
    Cephalon or All Clad

    YESS!! If you can afford it... you won't buy anymore pans.... ever.
  • AlsDonkBoxSquat
    AlsDonkBoxSquat Posts: 6,128 Member
    Cephalon

    <3 Cephalon
  • NiciS72
    NiciS72 Posts: 1,043 Member
    I guess it depends on how much you want to spend. I'll make 3 recommendations with different price points:

    1. Around $125 Paula Dean Porcelein set at Target-I bought a few extra skillets months ago of hers as we're cooking EVERY DAY now and they were cheap $30 for 2. They don't stick, clean up easy and can go in the dishwasher. So when the set went on sale for $90 a month ago I bought it (see next set!)
    http://www.target.com/p/Paula-Deen-Porcelain-12-Pc-Cookware-Set-Multiple-Colors-Available/-/A-11253586

    2. $450 for a set of Pampered Chef-I had a lesser set than they sell now, but it lasted for 9 years. I could have kept it, but the non-stick was pooping out on me and I didn't want to get the set they have now (see next option for my reason). I did however keep the humongous 12" skillet I have from them as it's so useful!
    http://www.pamperedchef.com/ordering/prod_details.tpc?prodId=12106&catId=8&parentCatId=8&outletSubCat=

    3. Over $1000 for Le Creuset-While this seems like a ton of money, if you cook all the time it is not. My mother has a set that is almost as old as I am and it's in perfect condition. I've had this on my radar and am saving my peso's to buy this either on sale at Williams Sonoma or the outlet up in WI!
    http://www.williams-sonoma.com/products/le-creuset-signature-11-piece-cookware-set/?pkey=ccookware-le-creuset

    I've had LOT's of brands of cookware and learned you get what you pay for. Good luck!
  • scarletleavy
    scarletleavy Posts: 841 Member
    Le Creuset! Hands down, it's the best by far. It's expensive upfront, but it's high quality and will last a really really long time. I don't cook with anything else.
  • The_Saint
    The_Saint Posts: 358 Member
    Calphalon is a solid brand.

    I use only Calphalon for my nonstick.
    All my other cookware is 18/10 stainless steel. Heavy bottom for even heat application.

    Rule number 1 for me - If it isn't 18/10 and have a nice thick plate of steel across the bottom of the pan. It needs to be put back.
  • ajbeans
    ajbeans Posts: 2,857 Member
    A properly-seasoned cast iron pan will be better non-stick than "non-stick", and will last you long enough that you can pass it down to your great-grandkids. You also get better heat distribution. Cast iron also adds iron to your food, especially if you're cooking something acidic like tomatoes, so that's always a plus. And no man-made chemicals leeching into your food. Lodge brand comes pre-seasoned and ready to use.
  • Tiggerrick
    Tiggerrick Posts: 1,078 Member
    We have the same pots/pans!!!. I like this set. It's going strong 2 years later. Also, costco has that generous return policy.

    Oh yea, I also have a different set for searing/high heat. Can't recall the name, but you won't catch me searing in non-stick.
  • Iceskatefanrn
    Iceskatefanrn Posts: 489 Member
    Great post, I'm interested in the answers as well!

    :drinker:

    Ice
  • TLW77
    TLW77 Posts: 97 Member
    Pampered chef for sure, and lifetime replacement if anything is wrong with it. Love mine and have had it for about 4 years now.
  • poisongirl6485
    poisongirl6485 Posts: 1,487 Member
    Le Creuset! Hands down, it's the best by far. It's expensive upfront, but it's high quality and will last a really really long time. I don't cook with anything else.

    Yeah holy crap. Not into paying more than my mortgage payment for dishware!

    http://www.williams-sonoma.com/products/le-creuset-signature-11-piece-cookware-set/?pkey=ccookware-le-creuset
  • dragonbait0126
    dragonbait0126 Posts: 568 Member
    I've had my Pampered Chef cookware for 10 years and it's still like new. Plus it's got a Lifetime Guaruntee and DuPont non-stick coating.
  • BecksgotBack
    BecksgotBack Posts: 385 Member
    I'm a Pampered Chef Kitchen Wh0re...love, love, love the stuff. if you break it, they replace it.

    Le Creuset is also very good--will last forever

    Gordan Ramsay also has his own line from Royal Doulton which is very similar to All Clad--nice heavy bottoms so the heat distributes evenly.

    You get what you pay for. But a cheap set and you'll end up replacing it in a few years.

    just talking about kitchen stuff gets me excited :)
  • AnninStPaul
    AnninStPaul Posts: 1,372 Member
    What do you cook?

    I have a bunch of Calphalon, but mine isn't dishwasher safe and doesn't get used as often. I have a LeCreuset dutch oven, for meat sauce, chili, pot roast and (dare I say on this site...) deep frying, which I love and goes in the dishwasher but weighs about 20lb. I have a big aluminum pasta pot that heats up fast, but isn't useful beyond boiling stuff in water due to hot spots (which is fine because that's what I bought it for).

    It all depends what you're going to use it for. I now buy one piece of really good cookware at a time, because no set meets all of my needs.
  • scarletleavy
    scarletleavy Posts: 841 Member
    Le Creuset! Hands down, it's the best by far. It's expensive upfront, but it's high quality and will last a really really long time. I don't cook with anything else.

    Yeah holy crap. Not into paying more than my mortgage payment for dishware!

    http://www.williams-sonoma.com/products/le-creuset-signature-11-piece-cookware-set/?pkey=ccookware-le-creuset

    Haha I'd rather have a Le Creuset than a house any day.... I mean I would cut a person for messing with my Le Creuset dutch oven.

    My favorite part is that they are so easy to clean. I have a few Calphalons, but they are hell to clean. Never again.
  • Lyadeia
    Lyadeia Posts: 4,603 Member
    I got Calphalon for my wedding shower and it is the best cookware I have ever used!
  • maria1113
    maria1113 Posts: 508 Member
    I don't know if you have Hackman back there, but it's one of the best. I've had their cookware for years and they still work great and look good! :)
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