Help me choose new cookware

[KLynn]

I am investigating buying some new cookware and am amazed - and confused - by the options. What do you use and why? What brand? Non-stick? Educate me! It is so expensive, I don't want to make a mistake.

[mandarin2j]

DH and I spent a lot ($120-gasp!) on a non-stick fry pan, and I don't think I'll ever spend that much again on something so fragile. It was supposed to be virtually scratch-proof, but it still has little dings here and there, even though we use only soft plastic or wooden utensils on it. IMHO, with non-stick it's best to buy semi-disposable at Target or something.

For serious cookware, we love our Le Creuset Dutch ovens, a 3 qt and a 7 qt. They clean up really well, too. They conduct heat very well because they're enameled cast iron. We have a Calphalon wok & small omelet pan, but I'm not particularly pleased with either one. I can't use them with acidic foods like tomato, even though they're supposed to be non-reactive. They also require a lot more oil than my other cookware.

DH and I prowl estate sales for cast iron, and have built up quite a collection. I really love cooking with it because it cleans up so well and cooks so evenly. I would recommend buying cast iron used if you're interested in it, because seasoning a pan well can take years, so it's better if someone else has already done the work. http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/biggrin.gif

Someday when we're independently wealthy http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/wink.gif we plan on buying All Clad for any sauce pans, but for now, our Revereware is up to the task.

Good luck!

[Gail]

KLynn,

While waiting for answers from our newer members, please run a search on cookware, especially in the archives. In addition to whatever you pick up in the next day or so, you may pick up additional insights from past discussions.

Good luck

[foodiedelite]

I'm a big fan of Calphalon. I've had mine for years (maybe about 8-10 years) and it still looks like new! My friends swear my food is so good because of my expensive cookware???

Mine seems to be easy to clean (it's not the Non-stick). I hadn't noticed that it requires more oil and mine doesn't seem to react to acids.

I've started giving close relatives (that love cooking) Calphalon pieces for gifts to add to their collections.

Whatever you decide, buy the best you can afford to spend.

[Lynn B]

As you will see if you run a search, I am an All-Clad girl! LOVE IT! Yes, it's costly, but it's an investment. You'll NEVER have to buy cookware again! I have the stainless collection (because it's dishwasher safe... the only collection that is) I usually hand wash - but if I don't want to, I don't have to -- and that was important to me. I also have several pieces of non-stick... again, I am totally pleased. My All-Clad is several years old, used EVERY DAY, and still looks like brand new.
If you are interested, you can check out www.allclad.com (http://www.allclad.com)
Lynn

[Alisa]

I have a Circulon stainless steel set which I love. I love Calaphon non-stick too but prefer a set that I can put in the oven and dishwasher. It's a good weight, cleans easily, and looks great.

[BosunsWife]

I personally love both my All Clad and my Calphalon. I have a piece of Circulon non stick that my DH bought me about seven years ago and even though we don't use anything but wood or plastic type utensils, its still peeling. I'm currently shopping around for a 3 quart sauce pan and haven't decided whether to splurge on the All Clad or not. SAHM finding it hard to spend that much money on a pan, but I'm sure that I will fold and buy it anyway.

[chefbec]

I use and love our Pampered Chef Professional Cookware. It is similar to Calphalon non-stick but a little less, and you can get it half price when you host a show. I had always wanted to buy Calphalon, but I just didn't want to spend the money. I'm so glad I held out as I got all of my PC cookware FREE!! http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/biggrin.gif

[Peeps]

I'll probably get hounded off the board for saying this but I do not like my Calphalon non-stick set at all. It was a gift and I never would have selected it if I were choosing. Everything is so heavy, I can barely lift even the smallest saucepan with one hand and forget trying to drain or anything like that. Plus all the handles and the lid handles are metal and get so hot - I hate having to grab a towel just to lift the lid and I have burned myself more times than you can imagine. "Stay cool" handles - hah! OK, I know this is very much against the popular opinion and I'm sorry I hate my expensive cookware but there's my 2 cents!

[SusanT]

I bought my set of Belgique Tools of the Trade (it's a store brand of many major department stores) on recommendation by Consumer Reports. It's at least half the price of Calphalon and All Clad. I've been very pleased with the performance and it's all diswasher safe. I paid about $150 for a twelve piece set.

I don't care for Calphalon because the handles are uncomfortable, it's heavy and you can't put it in the dishwasher. All Clad seems nice but I choke on the price.

[adb]

I have to agree with Peeps on Calphalon. I got a set of the Pots & Pans line for my wedding and am really not thrilled with it. I think they stopped making the Pots & Pans and I am pretty sure that it is different than the professional line (and cheaper). The problem with mine is that the bottom of all the pans have these little bumps which are supposed to be great but actually make it extremely difficult to get them clean! I generally have to wash the pan, let it dry, and then rewash out the crusty stuff that dries in between the bumps! I don't have trouble with the handles getting hot though.

[luv2cook]

All-Clad, baybee!

[browneye]

All-Clad forever!!!!!!!

Seriously, I started "collecting" All-Clad one piece at a time years back when I couldn't afford to go out and buy a whole set. I now have at least 7-8 pots/pans, etc. I LOVE it, it was worth it. I will never have to buy any other cookware. My old Revereware from the 70's is in the "car camping" box in the garage! Ha.
I can't believe how I cooked with that and had anything turn out right!

[Curleytop]

I have a few Circulon stirfry pans and a wok, but for anything else, NO COATING! I have stainless steel pots and pans, I use Pam in them, and I can always use a brillo pad if they get something stuck. I also have
3 black iron fry pans.

[philamark]

I have some saucepans and frying pans from Calphalon...they're the Commercial line and non stick and I love them. They have held up very well, the handles don't get hot (the v design) and they are very easy to clean up.

I also have some saucepans from QVC's Cooks Essential line that I do lighterweight cooking in for desserts. This line is non stick, metal utensils-safe, and very easy to clean up from too.

[misstapioca]

i bought circulon a few years ago thinking it was quality stuff and i am so disapointed with the stuff. Recently i made a discovery at Target where there a new Calaphalon line of non-stick pans. I purchased 2. A 5 quart and 3 quart saute pan. i have used these alot since i purchased them and i am quite impressed. I love the lids which are glass with a cool handle. my circulon sautes are peeling and sitting in the dumpster now!