Upgrading Pots and Pans

[bluesecrets]

I'm at the point where I'm ready to upgrade our pots and pans. The set we have is a cheap set that was given to us when we bought our first house by my in-laws, but they suck. The pans are buckling in the middle, so all liquids run to the edges, and they are scratched.

I'm open to a set, or purchasing individual pieces. Any brands/pieces you recommend? I'm willing to pay a little more for quality, but we are still in the process of saving to buy a second house. 

Side note - any recommendations for cooking utensils as well. I feel like I'm ready to upgrade these - H has burnt so many of the plastic handles on the spatulas we have.

[polarbearfans]

I've been happy with our Sur La Table tri-something stainless steel pans. Slowly replacing all non-stick with it. They are heavy though! I also like all our la creusset (sp?) pans... Dutch oven/grill pan

[stever]

All-Clad stuff is pricey but awesome. Same with Le Creuset. A few years ago my mom got me an Emerilware pan, which is apparently made by All-Clad, and it's holding up well.

I use a ton of wooden spoons aand spatulas but tend to use SS utensils instead of plastic. They're All-Clad too.

[kirra]

We got several All-Clad pots and pans as wedding gifts and they are very nice. But if you're willing to show old and used, the Revere Ware pots and pans I got as hand me downs are just as nice as my All Clad pans.

[auntie]

Jun 2, 2013 12:30:34 GMT -5 kirra said:

We got several All-Clad pots and pans as wedding gifts and they are very nice. But if you're willing to show old and used, the Revere Ware pots and pans I got as hand me downs are just as nice as my All Clad pans.

DH came with a set of Revereware; I do not agree. They're a good pot for heating water, but the copper bottoms is mostly decoration.

I have a mix of pots. I have some all copper Reveres with tin linings for sauces, a couple Cuisinarts (like Emerilware, these a decent value if you can't do All-Clad), a couple T-Fal sautes, a Lodge Dutchie and chicken fryer. I'd kill for a Le Cruset but don't want to commit to it price wise.

[doughseedough]

I'm a huge fan of All-Clad. I also have a large nonstick Calphalon that I really like and use a lot.

[redheadbaker]

I'd recommend a few quality pieces over a set. We just got a Lodge cast iron skillet and a stainless steel ovenproof skillet (Calphalon, I think). We also have a stockpot, a small non-stick skillet for eggs/omelets, and a couple sizes of saucepans. Most of those are hand-me-downs, I don't even know what brands.

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[hyacinthgirl]

We got the Calphalon Try-Ply Stainless Steel set as a wedding gift, and we love them. They heat up SO fast, cook evenly, are well made, and look great. You may not need the full set, but I would definitely get the stockpot, the chef's pan, a 2-3 qt sautee pan and an 8" or 10" pan (all come with lids).

[happyhomemaker]

I also recommend getting pieces instead of a set. One reason is you pay for only the pieces you will use. Another is that it makes getting pricier high quality easier to swallow. I highly recommend All-Clad d5 for cookware. Williams-Sonoma's Goldtouch bakeware is amazing! I have never paid full price for my cookware or bakeware. I always wait for sales. Also, check TJMaxx for All-Clad pieces. I recently scored an incredible deal on my All-Clad d5 brushed stainless steel 7qt. Stock pot!