Cookware....anyone?

Question

I want to buy a cook set but i dont know which ones to buy. There are so many types aluminum,stainless steal, non stick;but also something that isnt heavy when your cooking,nothing to big ....any suggestion

Answer 1

Hello mercedeslee23,
I do not know your particular circumstances (how many you cook for, what you cook most often, how often you cook or intend to, etc) so answering in specifics is a little difficult.

There is a source to consult listed below. It explains the types of cookware currently available (pluses and minuses of materials, etc) and also talks about whether you actually need a "full" set of cookware or not.

All Clad (as mentioned above) is primo cookware - no doubt. There are a few other brands of similar quality. But it is also very expensive. On the other hand - in the long run - it may be a "best choice" if you take care of it. It is FAR better than cheap "grocery store" cookware.

Also, PLEASE, whatever you decide, DO NOT BUY CHEAP non-stick (Teflon?) cookware. It is bad for your health. If you are going to buy non-stick cookware, make certain it is "hard anodized."

Answer 2

honestly, do not buy one of those all i one multiple pan sets. they aren't really worth the money. It is better to pay more for a few pans that you will use a lot than to buy a set of say 5 pans and only use 2. I am an all clad fan myself I love their stainless steel collection. I generally think that the stainless pans are better than the nonstick variety. You have to watch nonstick because it does not do well at high heat and can break down over time. It is also important to get things that can go in the oven as well. some things like fritattas and scuh are started on the stove and transferred to the oven in the same pan.

The pans use the most are the 12" and 10" fry pan (have the 12" in both non-stick and stainless versions). 3 1/2" quart covered sauce pan, 1.5 quart covered sauce pan and an 8" non-stick omelet pan. The 6 or 8 quart stock pot is also nice for pasta. I also have a 5 quart Le creuset dutch oven for making things like soups and chili.

I started my collection witht he 10" fry pan and the 3 1/2" quart sauce pans and have slowly built up my collection. It is better to buy quality pieces that waste your money on a set that you may or may not use.

Answer 3

Here is what you need.
A small saute pan
A large saute pan
A medium non stick Saute pan
A 2 or 3 Quart pot
A Heavy 6 Quart pot.
A good set of Steel Bowls.

Now there are pots and pans for all styles and budgets.
Believe me the cheep stuff is not worth the money. Save up and get good stuff.
All Clad MC2 is absolutely the finest cookware on the planet. and I don't often cook with anything else. As a personal Chef I travel with my All Clad. For Non Stick, Revereware and Faberware have decent pans and they are affordable.
For a heavy pasta/soup pot I use Le Cruset. It is heavy, but to cook well heavy is best. It is forgiving if you forget to stir, it maintains an even heat on simmer and the enamel inside gives great color to onions, etc.
Good Luck

Answer 4

I bought a great inexpensive non-stick set at Linen's and Things for about $50 3 years ago, but make sure you have at least one stainless steel aluminum clad pan. It's great for searing chicken, beef and fish. Otherwise a non-stick set is a must have. Also make sure you have a big stock pot too. Don't put your non stick in the dish washer to make sure it lasts for a while.

Answer 5

I agree with the responder who said All Clad. Buy one or two pieces at a time. I've had a set for about 12 years now and it's still like new. Don't ever put in the dishwasher (the chemicals are too harsh), and clean them completely.

Happy Cooking!

Answer 6

The best brand is All Clad. But they are expensive. I suggest buying the All Clad very slowly, one piece at a time, until you have a complete set. In the meantime buy the thrift store or cheap Walmart cookware.

Answer 7

Stainless steel heats up really quick (so much quicker than non-stick), so if you are looking to cook meals in much less time, that's the way to go.
I used to be a teflon woman myself, but stainless steel is so much easier to take care of (easy to clean if you take care of it correctly, you can use metal utensils on it) that now I have a great cuisinart set. And my set was a pretty good price!
Good luck!

Answer 8

im a big fan of stainless steel for every day use, but i'd make sure you have some copper in your collection and also cast iron!

Answer 9

How about pure clay cookware it's the safest and healthy way of cooking. I got mine about two years back and I'm so glad I did and have replaced most of my metal and ceramic ware with it. It's metal and chemical free (does not react with the food). Cooks the food with far infrared heat emitted from the walls of the pot, lets seasoning and spices penetrate deeper giving you a wonderful flavor. Also seals all the nutrients in and gives healthier food. Food does not get burnt or sticks to the bottom, as you keep using these pure clay pots,they becomes completely non stick. Google pure-clay pots to find the different choices available.

Answer 10

i have caphalon..took me two years to save my money for it..i love this stuff..i wont ever buy anything else...its great..its never had anything stick to the bottom...and you dont have to grease or do any upkeep on it..except wash it..its great its ionized steel