Which brand of pans do you like best?

[KathySC]

I am in the market for a new non-stick saute pan and am not sure which brand to buy. I recently read an article that stated that All-Clad are the best. However, I have found them to be a bit pricey. I was looking at the stainless steel one with the aluminum core, which sold for about $190. (I did just read the posting about the All-Clad bargain. I guess I will have to look in the stores mentioned.)
Also I have several friends who love the somewhat new Pampered Chef pans that have a lifetime guarantee.
I have not had a lot of luck with non-stick pans and have found that after several years the non-stick wears out. Any advice would be appreciated.

[BlueV8Dakota]

I love Calphalon(not as pricey as All Clad).
I've built up a collection over the past several years. Twice a year though All Clad has a manufacturers sale.In fact just saw the ad in local paper(it's in the Pittsburgh area). There is a number to call 1-877-659-2051 and the sale is 40-60% off on Friday June 1st and Saturday June 2nd.
I've been to one of the sales but still found everything too expensive, and still prefer Calphalon.

[Laura B]

I have both Calphalon and All-Clad pans and would recommend both brands. I do prefer my All-Clad pieces, though, and wish I could have afforded to buy all of my pans in that brand. If the price of All-Clad bothers you, check out http://www.outletsonline.w1.net/shop/ . They have an All-Clad "scratch-and-dent" outlet there where you can get All-Clad pans for up to half price. They are manufacturer-rejected pieces, so they all have some kind of defect. I ordered a saute pan from there and the only things wrong were a few scratches on the underside of the pan and a small bump on the handle which I don't even notice. There is also a guarantee so that you can return the pan if the flaw is something that you cannot live with. I am thrilled with my pan and any future All-Clad purchases I make will be from that web site. I just wish I had known about it when I bought my other two All-Clad pans.

[Lynn B]

We've discussed this lots in the past (one of our favorite subjects, I think!) If you do a search of cookware, etc., you should be able to come up w/ at least several past threads w/ lots of information and recommendations.

I have All-Clad (regular stainless and non-stick) and I love it. It gets used HARD and still looks brand new. The non-stick is guaranteed for life, just like all the other pieces. Yes, it is pricey -- but there are some bargains to be found! And it is absolutely the LAST cookware you will buy!

Lynn

[crc77]

I love all clad. But I have had the advantage of going to their twice a year sale. It's this weekend in Cannonsburg, PA. It's usually the first weekend in June and Dec. Some stores in Pittsburgh also offer the sale price. Most are seconds- but you can't tell looking at my pots. I'm sending my mother in law there to pick up two more this Friday. (I've since moved to the DC area.) Worth a road trip if you are near enough.

[KathySC]

Thanks, everyone for sharing your experiences. I am definately going to purchase an All-Clad pan, but I will try and find it on sale or buy it at the outlet website.

[Vanessa]

I love calphalon (reg) and for skillets non stick)We started with some basic pieces and through the yrs DH has bought woks, pasta inserts, roasters etc. I tease him and call him Mr CAlphalon.