cookware question..

[thetinymagic2]

Posted: 1/31/08 at 1:00am

Does anyone use Wolfgang Puck's stainless steel cookware for everyday cooking? Opinions? I need to buy a new set..I love Le Creuset, but the the price is too high for a set. Thanks.

[artscallion]

Posted: 1/31/08 at 8:02am

Puck's is cheap crap. Get Anolon Advanced. Make sure you get the Advanced as they have silicone coated handles instead of metal ones so you don't need potholders.
AMAZON LINK

[artscallion]

Posted: 1/31/08 at 8:19am

Also make sure you note the "special offers available" link on some of the item pages. Analon has a standard deal where you get a free 5 Quart 11-Inch Sauteuse with Glass Lid if you spend over $200. Plus shipping is usually free. I got my set Christmas of 2006 and couldn't be happier. Note: you shouldn't use metal utensils with these.

[lildogs]

Posted: 1/31/08 at 10:03am

There's a journal called COOK'S ILLUSTRATED that rates cookware on a regular basis--try checking them out

And don't forget ebay--you might just find a bargain.

Calphalon is my personal fave--but you can find "off" brands that are equally as good as a name brand.

Le Creuset is better for casseroles, bakeware, that sort of thing--I don't think it's worth it otherwise, though you will have it for life.

Depending on what kind of pots/pans you look for and what kind of cooking you'll be doing, I'd think twice about using nonstick: it's good to have one for certain things, but I prefer a metal pan for most cooking. The nonstcik surfaces scratch easily, both in the cooking and washing process--just something to think about.

Look for a heavy pan with a thick bottom--it should have a thick pancake-like bottom that is often hollow--this helps the pan heat quicker and cook more evenly.

The handles aren't a concern for me, but you can always buy the covers at any kitchen supply store for a few bucks if they don't have protective handles.

[nitsua]

Posted: 1/31/08 at 10:59am

Just to give you some ideas. All-Clad's my favorite. You can get it at Williams Sonoma, online, eBay, etc. Sometimes we can find a good bargain at Home Goods.

Calphalon is my second favorite.

[lildogs]

Posted: 1/31/08 at 11:00am

All-Clad is indeed fabulous--probably better than Calphalon--but more expensive--for good reason.

I have also found good pieces at TJ MAXX, marshall's etc...check them out if you have one close by

[gilliane]

Posted: 1/31/08 at 11:03am

I first bought Le Creuset in France 20 years ago, and I still have and use the casserole dish, but the pots and pans were tossed out years ago. So I agree with lildogs, it's well worth the money for bakeware, etc., but not for everyday pots and pans. I rarely cook, so I can't really offer any more advice.

Posted: 1/31/08 at 11:04am

Do you have a restaurant supply house nearby? Edward Don is the one in the Midwest- I don't know if they are national. But, I've found great, durable "no-name" pots & pans there at about half the price of the celebrity names. They are made for every day cooking in a nigh volume restaurant kitchen- heavy, durable and very solid.

[madbrian]

Posted: 1/31/08 at 11:14am

Get yourself a cast iron skillet. They're great for going directly from stovetop into the oven.

[nitsua]

Posted: 1/31/08 at 11:14am

"All-Clad is indeed fabulous--probably better than Calphalon..."

In my humble, food and cooking obsessed opinion, All-Clad is the best.

This might be out of your price range, but the 7 & 10 piece set are a STEAL. The lids are counted, but I'd get that 10 piece if I could.

In the long run, it's smarter to spend a little bit more on one item that'll last forever instead of three or four cheap items that you'll have to replace in a few years.

We have a set of stainless steel cooking tool set that we've had for at least 2 years (we got it when we first got together) and it's still as good as the day we bought it.
All-Clad page at Williams-Sonoma

[tazber]

Posted: 1/31/08 at 11:26am

every time I scroll pass this thread I read it as cockware.

[lildogs]

Posted: 1/31/08 at 1:58pm

A cast-iron is great, but you have to season it and it also takes a long time to heat up and a long time to cool down and you can't wash them--you CAN but you'll have to re-season it--they need to be "dry" cleaned with steel wool or kosher salt.

Posted: 1/31/08 at 2:50pm

Exactly Taz. I had a Cast Iron 'ring but what's the use if you can't get it wet without rubbing it with Crisco and drying it in the oven?

[lildogs]

Posted: 1/31/08 at 3:31pm

Didn't it have Crisco on it anyway?

[thetinymagic2]

Posted: 1/31/08 at 9:01pm

I have my 2 le creuset pots for 35 yrs. now, but need a SET with
the items in the one posted below..Anyone think this is any good?
Thanks everyone with your helpful suggestions.

Stainless Steel Cookware Set (14-pc.)
Chef's Classic Stainless by Cuisinart

Stainless Steel Cookware Set (14-pc.) by Cuisinart




Also available in:
10-pc. - Stainless Steel Cookware Set
17-pc. -



















Sug Retail:
$540.00
Our Price: $199.00
You Save: $341.00
OUT OF STOCK
Email me
when available
Sku# 668982







What Experts Consider





Customer Rating: Customer Review
4.8
Read all 10 reviews • Rated 16 times by customers who purchased this item
• 10 out of 16 customers wrote reviews
• Recommended by 100% of Reviewers
• Value: 100% rated it a good value

Cuisinart Stainless Steel Cookware Set:
Cuisinart Chef's Classic Stainless Cookware Collection was inspired by the kitchens of France and the chefs that train and work in them. The line features 18/10 stainless steel and pure aluminum encapsulated in the base for fast and even heating. The pans are unsurpassed at distributing heat quickly and spreading it evenly with no hot spots. The stainless cooking surfaces do not discolor, won't react with food or alter flavors. Interiors are not non-stick. Set includes:

# 1.5-qt. Saucepan with lid
# 3-qt. Saucepan with lid
# 4-qt. Saute pan with Helper Handle and lid
# 8-in. Open Skillet
# 10-in. Skillet with Lid
# 9-qt. Stockpot with lid
# 7.8-in. Multi-Steamer Insert with lid
# 9.45-in. Pasta Insert
(Sku: #668982) w29


Material: Stainless Steel
Size: 14-pc.
Origin: China
Cleaning & Care: Dishwasher Safe
Warranty: Limited Lifetime
Special Features: Safe for use with ceramic/glass top stoves. with

[geaj]

Posted: 1/31/08 at 9:35pm

I love my Calphalon.