What is a good name brand for a cookware set? What should I look for when buying the product?

Answer 1

The Bottom Line Think about your personal needs, and only own those items that you will use on a regular basis.

Most of us cook, and maybe we do not love trying to decide “what is for dinner” there are some things that will help you make the experience more pleasurable. For nearly 30 years I cooked with an assortment of hand me down pans. I was happy to get what someone didn’t want, and then one day I actually bought a set of some generic brand from Sears. It had a good assortment of pots and pans, but still it was nothing special. It was hard to clean, and frankly I had more pieces than I needed.

Still, I would add a piece or two, something that I probably did not need, but the price was right. Frankly, I had a real hodge-podge assortment, and more pieces than I really even needed to do the job. All of this “stuff” was taking space in a cabinet, and most of it was not used very often even though I cooked regularly for a family of six.

So what was wrong? Well, I had too many pieces that actually were near duplicates of the other. For example I had two similar stockpots, and one would have done the job just fine. Finally I decided it was time to get serious about cooking, and do major pot cleaning out, and start over.

For some years I had looked at the high-end cookware like Calphalon, All Clad and Berndes. It bothered me to spend around $300 for a set of cookware when I already had more than enough, but finally decided that the time had come, and broke down and ordered a set that had most of the pieces that I thought I would need.

I considered this a starter set which consisted of an 8 qt stock pot with lid, 3 1/2 qt sauce pot with lid which I have found to be in constant use in my kitchen. There were two omelet/frying pans, one 10” and the other 6”. Also included was a “Windsor” pan, which is somewhat like a saucepan, only larger. It is rather unusually shaped, as it is smaller at the bottom than at the top. That was my basic set. I decided to add a 1 1/2-qt saucepan as nothing was that small in my set, and it was a perfect size for all the odd jobs.

I felt like I was pretty well set. Everything had a purpose, and there was not the duplication of products. I put all of my mix and match old collection in the garage, gave some of it away, and only use the Calphalon cookware. For the first year, I kept strictly with the pieces that I had. Which was a total of seven not counting the lids. I have since added a 2 1/2-qt shallow saucepan and one extra 1qt saucepan. These pieces all work well for me, have little duplication of purpose, and provide excellent cookware.

So how does this help you choose a cookware set? Simple! Think about the pieces that you need. For example you are not going to need some large things if you are cooking for just two. On the other hand, your needs will be different if you have a large family. Be sure and purchase good quality merchandise. If you consider that you may spend a little more, but own cookware with a lifetime guarantee, there are no questions about having to replace it.

Be sure and shop around for the best prices. Our daughter just started setting up her first apartment, and I sent her four basic pieces of Calphalon from Amazon.com for a little over $100. Each piece has a separate use, and when you consider $25 average cost per item, that is a great start on lifetime cookware.

My recommendation is spend a little more, get the pieces you will use, and most of all, get a wall pot rack to hang them on. I purchase such an item for about $70, which holds all my Calphalon, plus has a place on the top for the lids. This gives me easy access, and saves tremendous cabinet space.

Hope this has been of some help when you consider how to put a cookware set to your best use.

Answer 2

Cuisinart is good. When buying cookware, I would get stainless steal cookware that has a mirror polish interior. A mirror polish will result in food not sticking to it. Remember, to make sure food does not stick heat the pan before adding food. Also make sure that if it has copper, titanium, and/or aluminum on the bottom that the copper etc. is impact bonded so that the bottom will not fall off over time. Also, stainless steal is the best because different types of food does not react with stainless steal and stainless does not absorb ordors like nonstick does.

Answer 3

Look for a product that is non-stick, but not Teflon. It eventually begins to peel off, and that is toxic.

I use Farberware and over the years found it to be the best...even over the more expensive cookware. They have a trusted name everywhere...also they do back their merchandise.

Watch the info-mercials late at night as well. Sometimes they have great deals on cookware, but I've never bought it.

Answer 4

Sounds like a really nice set. The two important things in the description (to me) are the 18-10 stainless with encapsutated aluminum bottom and the oven safe feature. The aluminum bottom ensures even heat. The handles being able to take high temps will also be a plus for some dishes. It takes a little practice to get used to Stainless Steel pans. I start meat at high temps to sear them and then lower the temp to finish cooking. This helps avoid sticking. Simmering in these pans requires lower heat also.

Answer 5

I've been looking at this same thing for months. Still haven't made up my mind on a single product. I see all the info-mercials too and they make me want the new products. What I do have is bunches of "American" made cast iron cookware. It's amazing what you can do with cast iron.... as long it is taken care of, which is EASY! The only thing I wont do with my cast iron is scramble eggs --- sticking problem. But even with that you just have to re-season it. I use mine selectively..... depending on what I cook. I love to cook roasts in my Dutch Oven ----- underground. But have done them on the B-B que pit also. Cast Iron pots will make the VERY best Soups you have ever eaten. The pot itself adds iron to your diet. You might consider buying a few good pieces of non-stick cookware and researching "American" made cast iron cookware.

The only reason I push American made is because I've tried foreign made and it is to porous - (sp?) ---spell ck?

Answer 6

Depends what you're using them for.

If for someone who plans on cleaning carefully and regularly
and cooking the same way, then get the best you can afford.



If for a college student, just get something that will work. Even
go to Goodwill. some of the really expensive stuff will stand up
to neglectful use, but it is not fun.

abusive cook.

Answer 7

Kitchen Aid

Answer 8

i personally like andonized non stick interiors on my pans, i have a mixture of stuff, but would really like a set of emerilware..
also, one tip, i dont like the kind of handles that have attachments with "buttons" inside the pan, they are a pain to clean around, and you want some weight to the pot or pan, not cheap stuff..
good luck

Answer 9

Bessemer is the best my nan has had her set for 20 years and they still look new

Answer 10

Reveere Ware. And Cheaper is NOT better. Expect to pay a hefty price. The ones I mention are copper, cool and will outlast you and probably your great grandkids.