Hello E1, Im going to be moving in the next couple of months and IM not taking my old scratched up pots and pans . I M getting a new set But need help deciding what to buy. the non stick seem to fall apart after a year or so if not sooner . Help need a good deal on pots and pans that will last thanks Ronda

I don't really know what's best but I bought my DD a set of anodized pots and pans for college graduation from
Sam's club. She really likes them. I use a very old set called Guardian Service that was before teflon came into being. I like the set alot. It was my DH's Aunt's set of pots and pans.... Good luck on your decision.

I have the Cook's Essentials Hard Anodized from QVC. I've been using them 5 years and love them, but they are heavy. Non stick, but you can use metal utensils on them, lifetime warranty. They weren't cheap, I can't remeber exactly how much, but I'm thinking $150-180 for a good sized set, but that's cheaper than cephalon, etc.
Good cookware makes cooking a whole lot more enjoyable!!

Mary

I bought a set of SaladMaster pots and pans (which were pricey) 41 years ago. They're stainless steel, waterless cookware and they look brand new today. My daughter has decided I'm never going to die, so she just ordered a set. lol

wow, great pots and pans !

There's a growing fear of that "non stick" stuff they put in pans.
So now I have a stainless steel set, including a stainless steel
electric frying pan. I love them all, and they are easy to clean.
Light to lift, and can be used indoors or out.

I too am interested in hearing about good brands of cookware. And I want only stainless steel or stainless steel/copper.

No anodized aluminum, no Teflon or other synthetic stuff.

I looked up SaladMaster. Two concerns:
1. They talk about titanium cookware. I can't tell whether they've replaced their stainless steel with titanium-containing metal or whether they still have a stainless steel line.

2. Looks like you have to buy from an independent dealer like a Tupperware-typedealer, rather than from a store?

And they look quite pricey.

I dumped all of my pots and pans...and only use antique cast iron. Well...that's not exactly true...I do have my mom's stainless soup pot and one of her enameled pots...I use them for pasta and soups...everything else that gets cooked in my kitchen gets cooked in cast iron that's 100 years old or older...you can't get a better non stick surface, and for the most part it's cheaper than the new stuff! :)

I have the cooks essentials too and love them! I have had mine a long time also. The have a lifetime guarantee too.

I have Revere that's still doing nicely 15 years later (got it as a wedding gift). I can't handle cast iron or similar weight due to wrist problems.

Definitely go with stainless steel. Look for layered, heavy bottoms and things just won't burn or stick even without that teflon stuff. Copper inside is a good conductor of heat.
Check out KitchenAid but be sure to go top end.

Definitely Stainless Steel and when cleaning if you find it has stained or has a difficult place to clean, a little baking soda and water will fix it right up and have it shining again!

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 have the weirdest looking stainless skillet ever. It was in the oven when I turned on the self cleaning. DD forgot she left it in there. Ha! it's ugly but nothing sticks to that skillet, nothing.

I actually bought the cookware line from Pampered Chef about 8yrs ago. I wanted them so bad that I kept having parties. I eventually got them for half price. They were still looking fabulous and nothing stuck to them! I now have to get new stuff since we basically lost everything in the fire. I will be watching this thread for ideas! I may justt have to buy another set if I can get a good price..I'm cheap.

I can't respond to the first question except to say that I found a six inch Saladmaster skillet at a flea market. It had been in a house fire and really looked rough. Since Saladmaster has a lifetime guarantee, I sent it in for replacement. The new one is identical to my 41 year old set. Nothing sticks, it doesn't require extra oil or water to cook, and I think you'd have to make a concerted effort to burn something.
As for item #2 on your response...I did buy mine from an independent source (party) but have since found retail sources online. They're always very helpful and fast.

They are pricey, but you will never, ever, have to replace them.

adrian's mom - were you unable to rescue any of your Pampered Chef? If so, you might be able to contact them regarding replacement. I know their knives and stoneware are great...already had pots & pans.

I love my stainless steel set--Kirkland brand from Costco. Just heavy enough and no problems with stuff sticking or burning.
Just a note: if you have a glass cook top, don't buy copper-clad bottom cookware. It will ruin your cook top.

I just use odds and ends. But I do like my Wearever frying pans.

My mom gave me a set like this over 25 years ago: http://www.amazon.com/Farberware-Cla...9811138&sr=8-1

She also gave me her set a few years ago which was even older. I can't tell the difference between the oldest and older sets. They are the best pans.

I also have a cast iron skillet that is ancient. I would never part with that pan!

I have the pampered chef ones from a few years ago. got them the same way as adrians mom. I also have ss from Princess House. I was a dealer for years and collected them, little by little. Also bought them for dd when she married 5 years ago.

just purchased a set of Rachael Ray for fDIL from amazon. took the free shipping option, but it arrived within 3 days. it was $147. (it's $199 at target). I thought I got a good deal.

also got a Kitchen Aid mixer for her- $299 with a $30 rebate and free shipping.

I figure I saved at least $100 shopping online. More time for me to sew the table runners for shower prizes. :)

I have been using my Revereware pans for 32 years. They are wonderful.

Hmm I had bought pots and pans when out of high school for my hope chest! A man contacted all the girls after graduation. paid bout 140 back then.. great pans Stainless steel even cooking core.. lots and lots of pans and bakeware! the brand at the time was WonderWare Stainless .. 44 yrs ago now wow oh wow!

Farberware stainless steel set my DH got me for wedding almost 36 years ago is still going strong. Paid $99.00 for it then and saw it on sale recently for that price reg. $129.00 I think.

I've stopped using my non-stick and anodized pans. They can be very unhealthy. I've also stopped using non-stick bakeware, and use stoneware (Pampered Chef) instead.

I have replaced my pots and pans with copper bottom stainless steel and the old reliable cast iron pans.

I use a Revere Ware copper bottom set and Club aluminum dutch oven (wedding gifts from May '70) plus 2 cast iron skillets. The only thing I've been wanting to add for years is another 1 quart saucepan.

I bought a set of Faberware pots/pans in 1978 and still use them today. They are excellent quality and are meant to last. I have bought a couple pieces of Faberware non-stick since then and love those as well. I also have several pieces of Pampered Chef stoneware, which are great because nothing burns on them. Ask me how I know! :D :lol:

When I was in high school in the 1960s, my DD sold stainless steel cookware, and did the in-home demos where he cooked a meal for the prospects. My Mother used his "sample" set for many years, and when she died in 1977 I wound up with it. Still cooks good, still looks good, after all these years. The only problem is the 12 in skillet: food sticks to it if you fry on a high heat. My cookware has traveled many a mile, but has lived in one spot for the last 24 years.

I really like stainless, although it can be kinda heavy. Just make sure you get a heavy gauge stainless so things don't burn, but clean up is easy.

The old cast iron, Griswold, Wagner, Favorite, and some of the skillets that have heat rings and gatemarks on the bottom are nearly as thin and are as light as the higher quality stainless that's available on the market today. If you go for the newer Lodge, (the only cast iron cookware made in America) or the made in China stuff, then it's going to be thick, heavy and clunky...I haunt the antique stores and malls, and watch closely on ebay (make sure that there are GOOD photos, and stay away from yotaman, a seller that overprices his cast iron stuff)

Farberware sells nice sets with a good combination of sizes. They are medium priced, but they will last you for the rest of your life. I got some as a wedding gift 35 years ago, and still going strong. As for nonstick--you really need a good nonstick skillet in your collection. I've given up thinking they will last any amount of time. Think of it as planned obsolescence. When it stops being nonstick, donate it to Goodwill and buy another.

I have some Cutco pans (yes, the knife company makes pans) & a set of Kitchencraft waterless by Westbend. I love them both even though they are a little pricey.

I have a set of Emeril's stainless in the house and a "green" hard anodized set in the camper. Got both at Bed Bath and Beyond with their 20% off coupon. I did a lot of research before I decided. Easy to read on line.

I have a set of Faberware (30+ yrs old) that still looks and cooks like new. I don't care for using it for frying but the saucepans are excellent. If you happen to burn something, just put a little steel wool and elbow grease to it - comes out sparkling bright and clean!

I have a set of Permanent cookware we bought in the 60 from a home party. They are waterless etc. I LOVE them. They were pricey whe111n we bought them but well worth it. Don't buy cheap stuff

Le Creuset is my fave. Well worth the money. Makes nice gifts if you have someone who wants a wish list from you. I also have my grandmother's cast iron pans and my father's old Revere sauce pot. Good stuff.

Something I have and don't like very much: Martha Stewart's "eco" nonstick frying pan. Nonstick my butt. And, more importantly, it's not as good of a weapon as a cast iron pan. Too light. Make sure you reach for the heavier iron pan when that burglar breaks in (or your husband starts harping on fabric expenses).

I agree with this post. They are worth the money and you can add to them when you are ready. I use them everyday.
CAK44

I had pots and pans my mom and dad gave me for my wedding. They were non stick and I just got reed of them, because we got a new set two years ago from a friend for Christmas. the ones from mom and dad lasted 27 years and would have lasted longer. the new seat I can see it is already showing wear. so I guess its the brand you pick. Penny

Revere Ware with stainless steel bottoms. My favorite, I use a glass top stove and these do good. Cast iron is too heavy. I also have a set of Club Alum, over 40 years old, that still get used.
Revere Ward will stand behind their products. I had a fry pan that develeoped a hot spot, call Revere WAre customer sevice about problem. Pan was replaced with no problem.