Need suggestions on cookware

[OneHotMomma]

I am looking for a good set of kitchen cookware (pots, pans, lids). I usually end up buying a set every year around this time because it seems we are rough on our cookware. Every one I've ever owned has had the handle start to wiggle so much that it starts getting hard to use. I'm looking for well made, sturdy cookware. I don't mind spending a little bit more money for something that's high quality. I would prefer not to need to rebuy every year. What kind of cookware do you have and love and where can I get it? Thanks.

[3timesoccermom]

I don't ever buy sets - there are always pieces I don't need/want in them but I love non-stick stuff. I've got several sizes of Circulon and Anolon pots I got from the outlet on Amazon that have held up to very heavy, constant use for several years.

Amazon.com: circulon

Amazon.com: Anolon

[uummm]

I have Circulon and I like it. I got mine at Kohls it was on sale or something (it was a REALLY good deal)...I have had it for a few years and have never had any problems. I did buy a set I am not sure if it was a 12pc set or what but I think I paid about $200 for it, but it was more than $300 regularly and it sold out quick.

I have tried TFal that was a wedding gift 20 yrs ago not so great.
Reverware it a was OK, I like non stick though
I tried a knock off BJs of what was supposed to be like Calphlon, it was NOT good I spent $120 on a 12pc set that time.
My Circulon I have had for a few years, 3 or 4 I think and I really do like it. It has held up well, and I do use my pans a lot, I cook at home all the time (My mom can not say that).


Let me add that one of my most favorite pans is called a "Chicken Fryer" though i have never fried chicken in it. It is a good sized a cross between a pot and a skillet, it has a lid, it is by far my most used pan and it has held up...My Calphlon started to chip in the middle of the non stick after a few years on this particular style pot.

For your specific problem of the handle...pick a pot that has the handle bolted on the inside of the pan and it won't happen.

I was reading a blog yesterday and the person recommended this...it has the handles that I was referring to above.

[jenrose]

Is your guys Circulon pans dishwasher safe? I swore mine said it wasn't when I got them 8yrs ago but I've heard other people say theirs are. I hate handwashing pans and mine have the circular grooves in the bottom of the pan and are starting to get harder and harder to handwash!

[3timesoccermom]

Jen, I don't know if you are supposed to put them in the DW but I do sometimes - not often though because they take up too much space.

Not sure if the DW is why the non-stick finish is coming off a couple; it could also just be tons of use over the past several year and I think that's more likely since it's only the very bottom that's affected.

You are right about the grooves though - in fact I was going to come back and post that sometimes it's hard to get the grooves completely clean. I am currently in the market for 1 or 2 new smaller pots but they won't have the grooves.

Don't forget to check Ebay after you've compared prices.

[uummm]

I NEVER EVER EVER put mine in the dishwasher. It ruins the finish...even the stainless steel I would never put in there, it takes the shine away. No matter the brand I wouldn't put it in the dishwasher.

[foggierbard9]

We are in the market for new cookware but until I can find just what I want I got cheap stuff($50 for 10pc) at walmart. I want a good stainless steel set. I am DONE with nonstick, the finish always comes off and I feel like we spend a ton replacing them. My dream cookware is the stainless steel emerilware. I wish I could get a set like my mom has, but I dont even know the brand and they don't sell it anymore either.

[Merczilla]

I'll start by saying I'm very picky. I do not buy Chinese made products. I don't use non-stick for many reasons. I try to avoid aluminum. That said, I just bought some Sitram Catering line pans. They are stainless steel with a copper core sandwich. I made a lovely omelet for hubby this morning in the 9" pan. Little bit of olive oil and no sticking whatsoever. Also got the 11" and 13" fry pans, all with lids (sold separately). The handles are spot welded on these, but at least it's not hard to clean around the rivets on the inside. They are made in France.

They also have a Professorie line that is aluminum core that are cheaper than the copper core. Got mine from Amazon...free shipping. Other online stores have them cheaper per item, but the shipping is a killer for me, so Amazon was cheaper in the long run, at least for me. Bed, Bath and Beyond supposedly carry the line, so if you have one of those near you, you can check them out, maybe. I have had good customer service from Frieling (which owns Sitram) when I had a malformed french press. Sent me a new pot without any hassles whatsoever. Didn't have to mess with returning to Amazon.

JA Henckels if still made in Germany, are also good ones. Have a 13" aluminum core pan, that cooks very nicely. Of course, the larger the pan, the heavier it is.

Like I said before, I avoid any product manufactured in China. The quality is just inferior. Most all the cookware you're going to find in a Target, Walmart, Kroger/Fred Meyer, Sears, JC Penney etc. are all going to be Chinese. If you have a restaurant supply store near you, they sometimes will carry some higher end stuff. I refuse to pay premium prices for Chinese made. lol

[Merczilla]

Ooo, another company is Vollrath. They're US made and do a lot of stainless steel. I know Lehmans carries some items...I see you're in Ohio, so don't know if you're near them or not. Haven't really done a google search lately to see who all carries their stuff.