What kind of pots and pans should I buy?

UponThisRock
UponThisRock Posts: 4,519 Member
edited November 11 in Chit-Chat
I need a new set of pots and pans. Right now, I have a set of nonstick stuff that's about 10 years old, it's long past time for a replacement. I don't want the most expensive stuff, but I don't want the cheap stuff either. I don't mind paying a little more, but it has to be something that's going to last and cooks food well without uneven cooking, sticking, etc.

Help, please.
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Replies

  • UponThisRock
    UponThisRock Posts: 4,519 Member
    LOL, I just got an ad at the top for "Orgreenic Cookware." No thanks.
  • r1ghtpath
    r1ghtpath Posts: 701 Member
    i personally love my le creuset cookware. i highly recommend it. but it's quite pricey! if you have an outlet near by, that's the way to go.
  • CAKEDOC
    CAKEDOC Posts: 110 Member
    Do you have a Macy's near you? Try the Calphalon set. We have one that we got for our wedding, little expensive but well worth the money. Long lasting, non-stick, good quality product. Make sure to get the non-stick ones
    Check out macys.com.
  • bcampbell54
    bcampbell54 Posts: 932 Member
    Buy the Better Homes and Garden (BHG) stuff. It's not the cheapest, but it's not the expensive All-clad either.
    They make some great Le Creuset knockoff stuff, (enameled cast iron) which we use for about 80% of our cooking.
    Their bakeware is awesome.
    For little saute pans, cheap is best. ought a pair at Sam's Club for about $9.
    Pasta cooker pot? Cheap, who cares..
  • UponThisRock
    UponThisRock Posts: 4,519 Member
    i personally love my le creuset cookware. i highly recommend it. but it's quite pricey! if you have an outlet near by, that's the way to go.

    It doesn't look like they really sell a set like I'm looking for, they try to make you buy all those individual pieces, lol.
  • rileysowner
    rileysowner Posts: 8,329 Member
    It is pricey, but I love our Ameriware cookware http://www.ameriwareprofessional.com/cookware/pages/main.html
  • UponThisRock
    UponThisRock Posts: 4,519 Member
    Do you have a Macy's near you? Try the Calphalon set. We have one that we got for our wedding, little expensive but well worth the money. Long lasting, non-stick, good quality product. Make sure to get the non-stick ones
    Check out macys.com.

    I see a wide price range, and different types of materials. What kind of material is the best/most durable?
  • r1ghtpath
    r1ghtpath Posts: 701 Member
    i use it because it's excellent quality. goes from stove, to oven, to fridge, etc. and it's does haven't the toxic nonstick coating.
  • Sarabeth5
    Sarabeth5 Posts: 134 Member
    I just bought a set at Costco. Kirkland brand. About $150 for the set. I'm really happy with them... I'd have loved Calphalon that just ain't in my budget! LOL
  • walkwithme1
    walkwithme1 Posts: 492 Member
    I have Pampered Chef that I've used for 11 years and still love it. Paid a bit more than I should have but it's non stick, cooks evenly and very easy to clean.
  • odusgolp
    odusgolp Posts: 10,477 Member
    I like my Calphalon Hard-Anodized Non-stick Pots & Pans. If you're not much of a cook, they absolutely fit the bill without being extremely pricey nor cheap.

    IMO, you wouldn't want to do something like copper or cast iron unless you really know what you're doing and how to treat them.

    A non-stick set like the Calphalon will be more easy to maintain and get the results you want for every-day cooking.
  • Justjoshin
    Justjoshin Posts: 999 Member
    I recently picked up 2 Calphalon hard anodized pans. I beat the crap out of them and can really neglect your cooking and things still work out ok.

    I have Le Crueset and Revere Copper, but you do actually need to pay attention to what you're doing.
  • Cberg9
    Cberg9 Posts: 123
    Go to Roxx/TJ Maxx and get them there, you will save so much money (they even have Le Cruset pieces) Copper conducts heat the best but hard anodized aluminum is a good cheaper material. I find that they are not very "nonstick" so I got a real nonstick 8 in pan for cooking eggs in.
  • SueD66
    SueD66 Posts: 405 Member
    I bought a set of Cooks, hard anodized pots and pans. about 100 bucks. I love them! no pealing or flaking. but you can't use metal only plastic spoons and spatuals. Oh i bought them at JC Penny's.
  • cbear017
    cbear017 Posts: 345 Member
    Look for 'clad' cookware, 3-ply or higher. Bi-clad is also a popular choice.

    In fact, I just bought a set of clad cookware from Lagostina today. The set is 999$ but it was on sale for $400.

    You might want to read this:

    http://theinductionsite.com/induction-cookware.shtml

    Yes, it's a little long but it gives you a great low down on cookware.
  • MB_Positif
    MB_Positif Posts: 8,897 Member
    I want new pots and pans SO badly! I am always torn on what to buy though, so I am looking forward to reading the responses. That said, regardless of the set you buy you should absolutely get a cast iron skillet if you don't have one. Love mine!
  • MrsCon40
    MrsCon40 Posts: 2,351 Member
    I love my All-Clad. LOVE.
  • tig_ol_bitties
    tig_ol_bitties Posts: 561 Member
    Go to Roxx/TJ Maxx and get them there, you will save so much money (they even have Le Cruset pieces) Copper conducts heat the best but hard anodized aluminum is a good cheaper material. I find that they are not very "nonstick" so I got a real nonstick 8 in pan for cooking eggs in.

    I second going to Ross/TJ Maxx/Marshalls. I got all my Le Cruset cookware there for VERY cheap!
  • Ashley_Panda
    Ashley_Panda Posts: 1,404 Member
    I was bought a set of Martha Stewert nonstick for Christmas. They're fabulous.
  • Ge0rgiana
    Ge0rgiana Posts: 1,649 Member
    *bump*
  • Mom2M_and_O
    Mom2M_and_O Posts: 214 Member
    Thanks for posting this -- I need some, too. Looking forward to reading through all the suggestions.
  • dalgal26
    dalgal26 Posts: 781 Member
    I do not believe in buying a SET of pots. I have done it in the past and wind up with pots that I never use. Soooo....the last time I bought pots, I went to the store and picked out the brand that felt the best in my hand and that had a good warranty. I then only bought the size that I knew I would use the most. I have 3 of the same size, a smaller one and a larger one. I chose Paula Deen just because that was the brand that worked best for me.

    Good luck in your quest! :flowerforyou:
  • ctlinj7
    ctlinj7 Posts: 151 Member
    I have the Rachel Ray Black Hard-Anodized Non-stick Pots & Pans and they are a DREAMMMMM. Light and nothing sticks! And i tend to burn when I cook and it is easy to clean :)))
  • acantu59
    acantu59 Posts: 25 Member
    I absolutely LOVE my Circulon anodized aluminum set! It's non-stick without having to have the non-stick coating. I bought the ones that have a SS bottom so I can use my induction burner, but they make them without, too. They're VERY similar to Calphalon but without the hefty price tag. Ordered online from Chef's (or Cooking.com??) when they were on sale.
  • greenbubblegum
    greenbubblegum Posts: 26 Member
    Scanpan - nonstick. Expensive, but won't kill your canary.
  • maxmariesfo
    maxmariesfo Posts: 173 Member
    I love cast iron. I picked up each piece I own at the thrift store for a few bucks. The most expensive piece I have is the panini press that I picked up at Target for $12 to go with my mini-grill.

    http://www.lodgemfg.com/

    I have a variety of sizes. One I know I can cook a "me" sized meal in. A large one for when I have guests. The mini-grill is probably my fave piece as I love to grill veggies. Slice squash or eggplant longwise and grill. Asparagus is excellent grilled.

    PS: added bonus, they never need to be replaced.
  • jjmaag
    jjmaag Posts: 11 Member
    The Paula Deen (sp?) set from wal-mart (i know it sounds cheap because it's from wal-mart) are great! $99 a set and they have a great look to the outside of them too, like an old fashioned spackle that comes in some pretty cool colors!
  • NiciS72
    NiciS72 Posts: 1,043 Member
    How much do you want to spend? Below are my picks at different price points.

    Around $100 for a set Paul Dean at Target
    Under $500 Pampered Chef Non-Stick
    Over $100 Le Crueset

    That said, I know there are other brands out there that are good too i.e. T-Fal, Calphalon, etc.

    I would also recommend going here: http://www.americastestkitchen.com/equipment-reviews/index.php?document_activeCategoryName_2_3_0_mv=Cookware and checking out the kinds of pans you want to get. They do a lot of testing on the ones available and make good recommendations based upon usage and price point!

    Good luck!
  • camelotss
    camelotss Posts: 55
    I love my Wolfgang Puck set. I've had them about 10 years and still in very good condition.
  • juliecat1
    juliecat1 Posts: 3,450 Member
    Im just gonna leave a little comment here because Im in the market too. I had a mix-matched set before - bought quality pieces as I could afford them and ones that felt good for their use. I generally dont like the feel of all the pieces in the set.
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