Cookware

[jspchief]

Pots and Pans.

I'm tired of going through crappy cookware every few years, and I want to look into get better quality stuff. I've tried getting the "good" quality pans at places like target, and they just don't meet my standards. My mother has had the same pans my entire life. They cleaned easily, didn't warp when heated, and obviously were durable.

The top three things I'm looking for:
1. Even heating. The bottom stays flat when the pan gets hot.
2. Durability.
3. Clean easily. This may be a lost cause. I don't think any teflon type pans are going to offer the other two traits I want, but you never know.

I don't know what my budget is. I'll probably try to look at it from a good, better, best angle, and weigh performance vs value. I'll also likely buy individual pans, adding as I go versus trying to buy a full set at once. If it matters, I'm using a ceramic top electric range.

And don't tell me cast iron. I plan on adding a cast iron pan to my collection, but it won't be a regular part of my cooking.

OK CP chefs, what are your recommendations?

[Bugeater]

We have a set of Farberware we got as a wedding gift 19 years ago and outside of the handles occasionally coming loose it's held up very well.

As far as non-stick frying pans...they all suck. We buy a new one every year.

[the Talking Can]

i've had a stainless steel copper bottom skillet that I have abused for a decade...can't hurt it, great heat distribution, goes in the oven (great for steaks)

it's a Revere, which isn't that great a line...but it's my favorite pan

edit, I think I paid $50 way back when

[threebag02]

Wrap it in foil over an open flame.

Cast Iron

[Al Bundy]

http://www.crateandbarrel.com/calpha...-bonus/s382012

I have had this set for 3 years. You're welcome.

[RubberSponge]

Any local chef supply store would have what you want. Becareful looking for a particular brand. Half of what you will pay for a brand name is just that, a brand name.

http://www.midwestchefsupply.shoppin...37/8581850.htm
Will last a non-commercial user many many years with good care, and under $35 too.

[loochy]

We got a set of pampered chef stainless for our wedding (half off because we had enough people buy things on our registry). They are very stout and they have a lifetime warranty. However, certain foods stick to stainless like crazy due to a chemical reaction. For example, eggs stick really bad.

These will meet all of your standards though. They don't warp (if they do you can return them for new ones), they are durable because they are stainless, and they are easy to clean.

We've got these 2 sets (and we only paid $400 for both!):

http://www.pamperedchef.com/ordering...&outletSubCat=
and
http://www.pamperedchef.com/ordering...&outletSubCat=

[KCUnited]

Originally Posted by Al Bundy

http://www.crateandbarrel.com/calpha...-bonus/s382012

I have had this set for 3 years. You're welcome.

I use these pans, I don't have the whole set. They work well and I don't expect to have to replace them anytime soon.

[Great Expectations]

I've used these for a few years and noticed a huge upgrade in how even they heat through. 4 or 5 times a year there will be a piece that is being marketed at 1/2 off, right now it is the 9 inch omelot non stick skillet.

http://www.williams-sonoma.com/shop/...ware-all-clad/

[Flachief58]

Originally Posted by Al Bundy

http://www.crateandbarrel.com/calpha...-bonus/s382012

I have had this set for 3 years. You're welcome.

This, we've had our for 10 years and still going strong. I think we paid around $250 at the time, very well worth it

[Inmem58]

I have the same old set I bought at a Walmart for several years. Some faberware shit.


I would never spend over $500 on pots and pans lol. That's silly.

[Buzz_TinBalls]

Affordable quality cookware;

http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/ca...cooking/20624/

[mikeyis4dcats.]

Anolon.

[jspchief]

Originally Posted by loochy

We got a set of pampered chef stainless for our wedding (half off because we had enough people buy things on our registry). They are very stout and they have a lifetime warranty. However, certain foods stick to stainless like crazy due to a chemical reaction. For example, eggs stick really bad.

These will meet all of your standards though. They don't warp (if they do you can return them for new ones), they are durable because they are stainless, and they are easy to clean.

We've got these 2 sets (and we only paid $400 for both!):

http://www.pamperedchef.com/ordering...&outletSubCat=
and
http://www.pamperedchef.com/ordering...&outletSubCat=

Yeah, you have to own at least 1 nonstick skillet, if for nothing other than eggs.

[listopencil]

I buy the stuff at Wal Mart. Just bought a set of the Paula Dean pots and pans not too long ago. They are holding up well. I'll just keep buying the cheap stuff and maybe eventually build a giant robot out of the crap as it goes bad.