Looking to pick up some stainless cookware......

[markem]

I have around 30 Calphalon pieces dating back to the early 80s. It is all still in near new condition and I cook a lot.

BBB is usually a good price. Whatever you find, also look at Amazon. If you have a Macy's in your area, they are good to look at (pricey!) as are any specialty places.

Strangely enough, I just bought a Farberware non-stick 11" pan with glass lid. Some dishes just need a good non-stick (hash browns, for example). If you have some place like Fred Meyer, a big box that sells everything including groceries and lawn mowers, check out their sales as well.

The biggest thing about good cookware is that it doesn't make a hill of beans difference if your cooktop is marginal. I switched to gas when we built this place and I doubt that I'll ever own an electric cooktop again.

Good luck and take Peter's advice. If you can, buy one pan now and use it like crazy to see how it works for you. Be sure to not use metal utensils on stainless or aluminum or copper or well, you get the idea.

Oh yeah, in spite of advertisements to the contrary, I'd never put high end cookware in the dish washer. Hand washing will lead to longer life, IMO.

[markem]

Oh yeah, forgot to mention Cuisinart brand. Light weight, thin walled, but takes a beating. My 12 quart stock pot is from them.

[smitty81]

Originally Posted by markem

I have around 30 Calphalon pieces dating back to the early 80s. It is all still in near new condition and I cook a lot.

BBB is usually a good price. Whatever you find, also look at Amazon. If you have a Macy's in your area, they are good to look at (pricey!) as are any specialty places.

Strangely enough, I just bought a Farberware non-stick 11" pan with glass lid. Some dishes just need a good non-stick (hash browns, for example). If you have some place like Fred Meyer, a big box that sells everything including groceries and lawn mowers, check out their sales as well.

The biggest thing about good cookware is that it doesn't make a hill of beans difference if your cooktop is marginal. I switched to gas when we built this place and I doubt that I'll ever own an electric cooktop again.

Good luck and take Peter's advice. If you can, buy one pan now and use it like crazy to see how it works for you. Be sure to not use metal utensils on stainless or aluminum or copper or well, you get the idea.

Oh yeah, in spite of advertisements to the contrary, I'd never put high end cookware in the dish washer. Hand washing will lead to longer life, IMO.

I cant use metal utensils on stainless steel??

I knew that was a no no for teflon but I thought pretty much anything was game on stainless steel?

[markem]

Originally Posted by smitty81

I cant use metal utensils on stainless steel??

I knew that was a no no for teflon but I thought pretty much anything was game on stainless steel?

Scratching the metal gives the items you are cooking a crevice to latch on to. This will cause sticking. Also, metal on metal will shorten the life of the material as it will get worn away.

[omowasu]

If you can take reasonable care of your pots and pans (e.g. washing when you are done, not putting them in the dishwasher) go ceramic. I have been very impressed with ceramic cookware. The only issue is that the ceramic cook surface chips easily if nicked by metal, so it cant be left laying around in the sink. I really like the WearEvers for the price. No PFOAs or Cadmium with the ceramics that you would get with Teflon.

I have all kinds of cookware - everything has its place - I like stainless a lot for the durability, but unless you are cooking in oil just about everything sticks to it. If that happens, be ready to buff the surface to a mirror-like shine...