Kitchen

[Qwackertoo]

What is your favorite? Stainless? Anodized? Copper? Calphalon or Cuisinart or Kitchen-Aid?

I'm tempted by the Costco (Kirkland) Tri Ply set and then buy an 8" pan and 2.5 qt. pan in copper for a pop of color vs. a whole set of copper.

Or do you buy individual pans vs. sets?

[Nickname1]

I don't like the Costco set they have now, they had a set years ago that I almost wish I bought. At that time I purchased their hard anodized, this was back when HA first was getting popular, I was on waitlist for a set here, but saw the Kirkland set. This set has S/S lids which to me have more metal than some pans do. I must admit though I really only use a few pieces out of this set, fry pan and the two sauce pans. Try getting open stock and see what you like, full stainless has it's place, but you may want/need a good non stick too.

[Shelbelle]

I have Kitchen Aid tri ply stainless steel, very nice, heavy.

[KYToby]

Is am not a fan of tri-ply (or more) when it refers to the base of the cookware only, and this seems to be the case many times. I much prefer a true clad cookware where the sandwiched aluminum goes throughout the pan (the bottom and up the sides). All-Clad is my favorite, and one-day I hope t own the set with copper sandwiched between stainless.

I like the original Calphalon Hard Anodized -- the pans without the nonstick coating. I am not a huge fan of coatings. I am also a fan of carbon steel cookware such a Dubuyer, and I have replaced my nonstick skillets I used to use for eggs with this type of cookware.

While I thin cooper cookware is pretty, it is a lot of maintain, and it is really something that most home cooks o not need.

[Qwackertoo]

Interesting. Not sure IF I'm a good enough cook to justify the All Clad. The up the sides core is a plus for them for sure.

Right now I have the Calphalon Hard Anodized . . . but it is wearing in the bottoms . . . probably due to kids & husband stirring with improper utensils when I'm not looking.

I want whatever I get to have the NSF or whatever "seal of approval".

Is all All Clad made in the USA? That would be a plus for them. Some I've looked at today for other brands are made in China, Thailand and I even saw some for Brazil.

[espree]

I once owned a few All-Clad copper core pieces and, to be quite honest, I was not impressed with them. The large skillet that I had, warped. I sent it back to All-Clad (at my expense)and they said they could not find any defect in it. It was useless to me so I sent it to Goodwill. I recently have completed my collection of Ruffoni stainless steel which is exclusive to WillamsSonoma. Check it out. Yes, the pieces are expensive but they are gorgeous and perform much better than the All-Clad copper core. I use mine daily and am truly proud and happy to own these. BTW, ruffoni also make copper cookware as well.

[RASHIKE]

My dear Mrs. got me a set of Calphalon Contempary for Christmas. So far, I have been very happy the choice. I do have some cast iron and some tri ply that I use for special dishes.