Best cookware set for newlyweds?

Question

We just got hitched and have some money to buy a good cookware set. Most of our cooking is everyday stuff, but sometimes I like to go gourmet (I love cooking French food ala Julia Childs!) Any suggestions? Oh, and should we go with non-stick?

Answer 1

Wow! Tough Question!

Of course sizes will depend upon what you cook, and for how many. (I know there's two of you, but family, friends, etc. should be considered!)

Also, if you are heavily into sauces, a saucier (medium-frying pan-looking thing with rounded edges at the bottom for easy whisking), perhaps a wok (if you are so inclined), and a few other specialty items should be considered.

As for materials... Stainless steel with a heavy bottom (see Revere for an example. Unless you like polishing copper, get eh all-stainless type.

These will last more than your lifetime and give excellent service. There are many good brands, so do some shopping. OH! Get metal handles so you can stick them in the oven!

Non-stick. I was devastated when my beloved T-Fal just wore out and had to be pitched. It scratched badly, and cost a bundle!

I hate to sound like a commercial, but having scraped, scratched and just plain worn out favorite pots and pans, I now buy Calphalon Downside? Rubber handles. You can (carefully) slip them under the broiler, but no oven time please!


Otherwise, they are tough as nails, and work extremely well.

It may seem odd, but I have a couple of IKEA nonstick frying pans and pots. Incredibly cheap (3 pots, 1 frying pan for under $25), they are my "danger" pots. If I'm doing caramel, or a recipe that is new and likely to burn, I use them based on the theory that if the worst happens, I can replace them for a few bucks!

I hope this helps!

Best wishes!

Answer 2

In addition to a nice set (I do prefer non-stick) of modern cookware, I'd heartily recommend a set of gool old cast iron skillets and a dutch oven if you can find and afford one. To keep the cast iron nice for years and years to come, season it well before use. Grease it and warm the pan until the grease melts. Cool the pan and then wipe it out with a paper towel. Don't use soap on a cast iron pan -- unless you have an emergency and burn things badly. Then, re-season it before storing it. Grease the outside, too, occasionally, as this prevents rust. Always dry cast iron well before storing. If you have any senior citizens in your circle of friends, especially 'country folk,' ask one or two of the ladies about the care and keeping of cast iron cookware.

When shopping for your modern cookware, don't automatically assume the highest-priced stuff is the best. You may be paying extra for a name or the ambience in the shop. Check things out carefully. See if you can find a higher-end store's outlet shop. Tuesday Morning, for example, (go online and see if you can find one near you) is a clearance shop for several higher-end department stores. Be willing to pay for the good stuff, but be sure you're really getting what you're paying for.

Get a good basic set of the modern cookware, and then splurge on a couple of the fancier task-specific pieces that you won't use as much. You'll get a better price if you only buy individually what isn't sold in a set. Also, check to see if you can tighten the handles if they loosen over time.

Answer 3

Stainless Steel - the best you can buy (the thicker the bottom the better) Make sure it is not coated - Teflon wears after a while and gets into the food which is not very tasty or healthy. I would recommend a Wok and 1 good cast Iron skillet as well (for making steaks and pan frying). To get the biggest bang for your buck buy in pieces and only buy those you will use it will prevent you having to pack and store items you have no use for. Stainless is easy to clean an if a good quality will last many years (some of mine was my gramma's and it is still in excellent condition). Good Luck!

Answer 4

Bessemer is by the far the best cookware on the market. It is VERY pricey but well worth it. You can bake things in it on the stove top. My aunt has had some Bessemer pots for about 30 years and they are still going strong. No scratches, dints or anything.
Hope this helps, congratulations to you and your new wife and I hope you have a long and prosperous life together.
Have a great day/night!!!
xx K

Answer 5

Calphalon pans are awesome. They are good heavy pans, you can choose a non-stick surface, but they can be somewhat expensive to get a whole set. The good part is that they will last a very long time, and in 5 years you won't have to replace them like you would with a cheap set. If you do get the non-stick surface, just be sure not to overheat them.

Answer 6

I´m an avid cooker and my son is attending college at The Culinary Institute of America. Without any doubt, I would reccomend you to invest in a Calphalon set. I use to cook on a Calphalon cooper set. You will enjoy it for years and years. Upscale quality and thermically this material in the best you can find everywhere.

Answer 7

I recommend the Cook's Essentials cookware for sale on QVC (www.iqvc.com). It has 18/10 stainless on the bottom which insures even heat distribution & has a non-stick surface. I have had mine for years & I swear by them!!! Great deal for the money, too!

Answer 8

Bessemer Dutch Oven

Answer 9

I saw a really nice set in Bed, Bath and Beyond put out under Emeril Lagasse's name. They came both with or without non-stick surfaces and looked very sturdy and well made.

Answer 10

whatever you decide to go with make sure you check out the shopping channels before you purchase. Most of them offer deals that absolutely cannot be beat! You get 15 pieces or better for $200.00 or under.