Kitchen

[Msfitness]

I am searching for a new set of pots.  I am only cooking for one.  Any suggestions?  I was going to buy individual pots, but it is cheaper to purchase a set, even though I will not use the really big ones.  I am looking for hard anodized.  My current pots are Circulon, but they started chipping in the base of the pot not long after I started using them 3 years ago.  I never use stainless steel utensils with them and I definately don't want this brand again.  I am down to the last of the set.  I also don't know what brand of utensils to buy once I purchase my cookware.  

[Mz iMac]

I am a T-Fal lover.  My first set purchased from HSN lasted 21 yrs.  Last summer I donated them all to the Salvation Army.  Went to my local BBB on the way home & purchased......

T-Fal® Expertise 16-Piece Cookware Set

[Tigriss]

I cook in heavy stainless steel and cast iron. I use whatever utensils I like and don't have to use high heat. I clean them while still warm and use a spot of oil when using things that stick or spay oil. I don't have issues with sticking. If you want non-stick, get ceramic non-stick because it is tougher than teflon.  There will be some sets on sale next week.  WalMart has some PIoneer Woman for $89.  Check their circular if aluminum non-stick are what you want.

[Msfitness]

Thanks for sharing!!  These are just the right size and they are not huge like Rachael Ray's!!  I will check them out!

[Msfitness]

Thanks so much!  I never knew what ceramic was.  Thanks for explaining.  I imagine it won't peel like teflon.  I am so excited.  I will let both of you know my decision.  I forgot it is that time of the year for great sales.  Pioneer Woman.....l will search them right now. 

[Fressa]

I like the Analon brank. It's expensive but if you have a coupon you can get a decent deal at BBB. Rachael Ray's hard anodized cookware is the same brand. I have a few of her pots/pans and love then. The hold up well inthe dishwasher.  I cook for one to 10 people so I have a variety of cookware from small to large. I use the RR oval pans multiple times a week. 

Utensils--I like the Oxo brand that you can find at BBB. I also like the RR "lazy" brank because they really do hold on the side of your pot or skillet. I received a set of Cuisanart utensils as a gift and do not like them. The handles are too long. They are awkard to store and use. I like the solid silicone utensils. I have two from Kitchenaid and I use them every day. I recently cleared out my cookware cabinet and my utensil drawer and kept only the items that I always use or go to for the holiday cooking.

I've had Cook Essentials cookware in the prior years and really liked it. There seems to be very mixed reviews on the line now so that's what prompted me to try the RR line.

I tried my first pot that I found at Kohl's on sale and a coupon so it was a deal.  It also was budget friendly. I couldn't get the color that I would have preferred but I got the pan that I wanted and at the price that fit my budget. .    . 

[Msfitness]

I have Analon in my cart @ Macy's online.  It sells for $299/set.  I have been having it in my cart on and off for the past year and a half.  LOL  My sister has a set of them and she loves them.  I have seen Oxo utensils, but did not try them because of the cost.  Thanks for your input!  I will get Oxo utensils.  I will invest into a good set of utensils.  I have got to have my pretty utensils.  As for my cookware, I will decide this week.  I don't believe I want to wait for Black Friday prices because they are not always the best prices.  I have a small stainless steel Cuisanart pot and I used it once to cook turnips and my pot was ruined.  I cooked on level 3 and the turnips left a discoloration in the base of the pot.  I am extremely disappointed with them.  Cook Essentials I have heard of.  I don't mind Rachael Ray if her pots were not so big.  I will meditate on all 4 brands although I really want the Analon.  Thanks you so much for your help!

[ID2]

Buy All Clad and never look back! I was the buying queen for the first 30 years of my marriage. I went from one cookware brand to another and none of them lived up to my standards. Until I discovered All Clad! I have several sets, have been buying more and more through the years. They are virtually indestructible and wear like iron! Sure they are costly, but at least I'll never have to buy any more for the rest of my life! 

[Nuttmeg]

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@ID2 wrote:

Buy All Clad and never look back! I was the buying queen for the first 30 years of my marriage. I went from one cookware brand to another and none of them lived up to my standards. Until I discovered All Clad! I have several sets, have been buying more and more through the years. They are virtually indestructible and wear like iron! Sure they are costly, but at least I'll never have to buy any more for the rest of my life! 

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I have All Clad pans for more than 15 years. They are great but expensive.

I was on a cruise last week. A Chef in the buffet used a frying pan from Update International SuperSteel. These are sold at Amazon. He was cooking Asian style peppers and onions.

[CAMOGIRL]

I like stainless (not a cheapo thin grade and not the highest end stuff out there either), but a mid range in grade and price) and I like cast iron skillets also. Between those two, you are literally set for some serious cooking and for several years too.

Over the years I have tried a few of the non stick brands, I don't like them too much. Except for two skillets in different sizes I use for eggs. I like to get in there and cook and not worry about what utensil I am using as to not hurt the interior finish. 

I also  just like to buy the particular pieces I want and know I will use other than buying a set. There's always some in there I will never use and they just sit in the corner of the cabinet until I give them away to Goodwill. Can not say it is saving me any money (?), but definetly saving cabinet space of unused unwanted pieces (!).