Kitchen

[hopi]

If the pan says 18/10 stainless steel the quality is usually excellent.

[spent2much]

My favorite stainless steel is Farberware.  I still have the pieces I bought before I got married... 51 years ago!!!  It does NOT, however, have glass lids.  I have some nonstick now and I'm so used to the glass lids that I don't like cooking without them.  I like to see the food in the pot.

[Nightowlz]

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@hopi wrote:

If the pan says 18/10 stainless steel the quality is usually excellent.

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@hopi 

Says this on their site Product in our industry is, in part, differentiated by metal composition.  In the "premium" market you have things like tri-ply, 5-ply, copper core, etc. Think of our 5-ply like a sandwich. The outer layers of “bread” are premium 18/10 stainless steel. Stainless steel provides durability, induction compatibility, and a non-reactive surface.  The “meat” of the sandwich is three layers of aluminum and aluminum alloy, which is a combination of metal known for its heat conductivity and responsiveness. Like in the sandwich, the thicker the aluminum interior better (so 5-ply is better than tri-ply) and the combination of stainless steel and aluminum is a match made in cooking heaven. Two layers of stainless plus three layers of aluminum = 5-ply.

[Gkhm]

I bought my stainless steel 15 years ago.  I was considering all clad but when I went to bed bath and beyond I saw Emeril Lagasse stainless steel.  It is made by all clad and I have really enjoyed it... it looks like new!  The lids are tempered glass and I have never broken one.  Easy to cook with and easy to clean!

[wagirl]

@faeriemoon ---not sure but let me check and get back to you. Yes the cuisinart has a vented glass lid the others have stainless, I think-----

Just checked and yes, all the stainless I have has encapsulated alum in the bases----one has the s/s lid and the others glass. got mine on AMZ. Allclad has copper in the base.  have 2 open fry pans that are black with copper handles or that color s/s anyway--got those at Macys a few yeas ago.

[patbz]

My favorite go to pans are by Martha Stewart, back in the day (15 +years) when she was in KMart.  Bought three complete sets when they were on sale (home, fifth wheel and Lance camper); still have all three sets!  You might try a stainless Kirkland set from Costco.  I have several universal lids (Curtis Stone) that I frequently use.  At least one has a glass insert and an adjustable vent.

[faeriemoon]

Thank you one and all for your suggestions.  I'll let you know what I buy!

[SilleeMee]

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@spent2much wrote:

My favorite stainless steel is Farberware.  I still have the pieces I bought before I got married... 51 years ago!!!  It does NOT, however, have glass lids.  I have some nonstick now and I'm so used to the glass lids that I don't like cooking without them.  I like to see the food in the pot.

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My fave, too! My set is old and came with steel lids. I replaced the lids with glass ones I found at JCP...those are Faberware brand as well and they fit perfectly. @spent2much 

[depglass]

There is a downside to glass lids, they are harder to keep clean.  Some of those lids must be borosilicate, after a few years they won't be clear.  But if you use the dishwasher like I do, you know they are "clean."