Originally Posted by BellaBoo
Don't buy a set. Buy the size you use the most separate and get a quality one. The other sizes you won't use as much you can spend less for. I love Le Creuset, it's heavy but it will last many lifetimes. Wearever makes the best non stick skillets that don't cost a fortune and will last as long as the expensive ones. The only thing to remember about non stick is not to use for high temp frying. I have the 'green' skillet and it's safe for high temp. but it's very thin and warped after a few uses. Be sure at least one pot has triple layers in the sides as well as the bottom.
i agree. i've had sets all my married years and phooey! i end up replacing the same ones over and over again. also, in Cook's Illustrated, he says to buy second up from the bottom line on non-stick because none of them last very long. that way you don't feel guilty about tossing them every year or so when they get scratched or chipped. i'm careful to get handles that can go into the oven and i make sure that when they're filled i can lift them without hurting my shoulders. as you get ...hmmm... more mature, that becomes an issue.