OT: Cookware

L

LisaMarie

Cathlete
Does anyone have advice on how to buy cookware? I would like to register for a new set of pans, but I have no idea where to start. I've heard that non-stick pans can be unsafe (something about the material), but I'm not sure of the validity of that claim. How about brands? Do I really NEED to spend $300 on a set of pans??

Any recommendations?

Thanks!!
Lisa
 
Hi!

I have a set of Cuisinart pots and pans - basically stainless steel. My dad got them for me about five years ago. There are some sticking issues if used w/high heat but otherwise they are built to last! They look great, clean up great, work great, and I am sure will last until my girls are grown and gone!!!

Just an opinion, but hope it helps!!!

Mary
 
I personally think that every kitchen needs some of each -- stainless and non-stick.

My stainless stuff is Cuisinart Chef's Classic -- really great quality without the Calphalon or All-Clad price tag.

My non-stick stuff is Farberware I think... I dunno, I've had it forever.
 
Lisa,

This may sound weird but I love my cast iron cooking set. There are no chemicals to create the non stick environment in the pan and the cleanup is a snap. We also love our stoneware also for the same reasons. We received all of the fancy stuff over the years and we continue to pull out the cast iron and stoneware.

Good luck!
 
Lisa,
I'd have to agree with Melissa, DH and I are almost always using our cast iron (for searing, stir-frying, pot-pies, deep dish pizzas, rustic fruit tarts, cooking veggies burgers, etc), and our stoneware. And, cooking in cast iron adds extra iron to your own food!
My mom actually just found, after a years long protracted search, a source for the stoneware pizza pans online and bought me one for my b-day. Along with some cookie sheets. She has had her pizza pan since before I was born when she and her own mother bought some at the local Agway.

You might think about registering for a few "must-have" items, instead of whole sets, from several different types of cookware.

:)
Mattea
 
I have a little of everything -- Le Creuset, All Clad, Farberware nonstick, and a couple of iron skillets.

The best nonstick is Farberware Millennium. Nonstick surfaces won't last no matter how expensive the cookware is. Farberware is pretty cheap so it's not a hardship to replace it.

The best way to preserve a nonstick finish is to cook on medium low to medium settings and never ever use those cooking sprays. If you need a little lubrication it's better to use a few drops of olive oil or a smidgen of butter.

The best place to buy iron cookware is your friendly neighborhood junk/antique shop. You can usually find a nice assortment of pans that are already seasoned and ready to go. That's where I got all of mine.
 
I recommend Simply Caphalon nonstick and Emerilware stainless steel. I've had both of these for a few years and can't say enough about them. I really believe with cookware you get what you pay for! Good luck.

Barbara
 
Thanks for your help everyone! Sounds like the way to go is to maybe skip the 10/12/14 piece sets and buy a little of everything! :)

Lisa
 
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