I need a new set of pots and pans
Posted by Jessimaka33 on Dec 06, 2011 · Member since Dec 2008 · 2168 posts
I am in serious need for a new set of pots and pans, i am reading through a ton of reviews and i am not sure what i want. I need something non stick, i hand wash all my dishes so dishwasher safe doesn't apply. I want to spend between $150 and $300. I need something that will last at least a few years. thanks for your help/recommendations/warnings.
I had nonstick TFal that lasted from 1992 through ~2007. They were still in decent condition, but I wanted stainless steel. I got them in college, so they are probably lesser quality than what you're looking for with your price range.
I don't think you can go wrong with Calphalon, and I think you can find a set within your price range. You could look at La Creuset, but that's a bit pricier.
I have some of both of those, but mainly I have Chantal, which I've had for a few years now and really like!
I really like this one!
http://s7d5.scene7.com/is/image/Calphalon/1803780_001?$detail$
here is the link to it http://store.calphalon.com/calphalon-contemporary-bronze-nonstick-10-pc-cookware-set/334808
i might have to up my price range.
http://t3.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcT0xU7vahv3YHOJoPCj8D3_TJTjaUhSlf7_rTKNiBNKr8FjFxix
this is the set i currently have and have been tossing out piece by piece for fear of getting sick off of the flaking tefelon (sp?) i got it about 2 years ago. I also really really need to remember not to use metal objects with my non-stick ware. like investing in a non metal whisk.
I really like this one!
http://s7d5.scene7.com/is/image/Calphalon/1803780_001?$detail$
Yeah, those look really nice! And you get a bonus utensil set and skillet!
I know! I am excited, gonna buy it after all of this christmas stuff is over. I got J ok with it by showing him more expensive ones and many mentions of the free utensils and pan. I really like the bronze. thank you AC
hh - I was a bit impressed and baffled that you had a set that lasted you so long, then i remembered that you hardly ever cook :P
My pans are an eclectic collection. I look for heavy weight pans so they heat more evenly. I have both nonstick and regular pans. My favorite is out of your price range, an All Clad skillet with a copper layer that is not coated but almost wipes clean. With the nonstick pans, I prefer the hard anodized pans. You can use metal in them and they do not flake since it is a chemical reaction, not a coating. I know this is not a specific recommendation but I hope it still helps.
I need all Le Crueset cookware. Will not buy anything new pans unless it's Le Crueset
I bought a Cuisinart set 6 years ago and still absolutely love it. It's great for the stovetop and for the oven, and it is very durable. Two of the pots do have a couple of stains now, but the others look great and the stains don't affect performance at all. I think the set was this one: Cuisinart 10 Piece Cookware Set.
In addition, I have a Le Creuset dutch oven (this one) and a Kitchen Aid porcelain coated cast iron dutch oven (this one). These are sooo great for cooking things 'low and slow' on the stove or in the oven, and I love baking bread in them as well. A cast iron skillet is also good for these purposes, and a well-seasoned one is pretty non-sticky but not fragile like most non-stick finishes. Lodge makes great cast iron products at reasonable prices, including some porcelain coated ones similar to Le Creuset (like this).
I decided to start avoiding nonstick many years ago when I got a companion bird (the fumes from nonstick pans on high heat can kill birds). Even after my bird died, I felt uncomfortable using nonstick and worried that the fumes might not be great for my own health, either. I also didn't want to invest in a whole new set of wooden or plastic cooking utensils.
I have an Analon pan that I've used day in and out for 6 years now, and it's showing no signs of wear at all. Also, I didn't even buy it new--I got it used off someone else. I don't think I'll ever buy anything except Analon. I have a few Calphalons, and I love those, too, just not as much as my Analon.
I am like 2000% against calphalon, I've owned several and they're junk. I'm sorry to anyone whos a fan of them.
DO NOT buy cuisinart stainless steel pans I can tell you that too, they're poor quality and don't heat even, I've actually ruined several for this reason.
I am in love with my Anolon Nouvelle Copper pans.I've had it for 3 years now, I use my 10in pan literally every day and the coating is just as good as the day I bought it, no scratches or anything, and yes we use dishwasher sometimes, but usually we hand wash because we use it like 4-6times a day. When I get more money I plan on buying a complete set.
http://www.anolon.com/cs/Satellite/Product+-+Anolon+Nouvelle+Copper+10+Piece+Set/mProduct/1177513656321/anolon/1242158134542/mProduct/CookwareDetailEcomm.htm
Yes, they're expensive, but I promise you they'll last probably 10-15 or more years. (since you're hand washing, probably twice that long!)
I do own one other pan and thats my TFal wok, and while I love the nonstick of TFAL their pans are low quality. My wok doesn't heat that well making it hard to stir-fry. In a pinch a midpriced tfal pan would work though, but the coating comes off within 6-12 months. (And I rarely use my tfal pan)
I hope all this helps, I'm a bit of a kitchen appliance/kitchen stuff fanatic LOL