High quality cookware

[cdttmm]

I'm thinking of investing in some high quality cookware. My partner and I both enjoy cooking and we do a lot of cooking at home. Our current cookware is pretty battered and I would like to replace it. I could certainly just buy some midrange stuff that would likely need to be replaced in 10-15 years or I could invest in some high quality stuff that will outlast us. I'm thinking of the latter. I'm also thinking about buying it as a gift for my partner for his 45th birthday. It would be the gift that keeps on giving!

So I'm looking for suggestions. The only thing on my list so far is Mauviel.

What would you buy and why?

[awakenedsoul]

Good for you! I have Le Creueset, and I love it! My mom gave me a starter set 20 years ago, and I've added a couple of pieces I found at T.J. Maxx. It's fabulous! I use it every day. It makes such a difference to buy quality. I restored a 1950's O'Keefe and Merritt gas stove, too. It will last the rest of my life. It's a nice feeling.

[Tradd]

Cast iron is too heavy for me. I'm happy with stainless steel Farberware.

[Tammy]

The only cookware we own is cast iron. We love it. We didn't buy it new, as my dad collects it and has gifted it to us over the years. It's the old stuff, already seasoned. Some of it is lighter weight than the new ones.

[Rogar]

I have picked up some Farberware pieces at Ross (like T.J. Max). They don't seem to have matched pieces to make a full set of different sizes but have other good brands that you could cobble together for a set if you don't mind things not matching. It seemed like they were pretty steeply discounted that way. I still have a lot of ancient Revereware that I really don't mind and can be had el cheapo used off eBay. It doesn't have the solid heft of the more expensive stuff, but seems to heat evenly and is sturdy. All my skillets are cast iron, which I really like.

[Rosemary]

Tri-clad stainless steel is my preference. Our cookware set is a store brand and not quite as heavy as All-Clad, but then it also only cost about 25% of that brand's price tag. I've been really happy with it. We've had it for about 12 years and there's no sign of it ever wearing out. Pros: heats evenly, cleans easily, much lighter than cast iron, usable for all cooking (no need for special pans for some foods, for instance), and oven-safe (not all sets are, but ours has stainless handles with no plastic and stainless lids).

[lizii]

I bought a new set of Revereware about 30 years ago for $100. It was cheaper than usual, since one of the pot lids had a small dent in it, which didn't matter to me.

I've been using them ever since then--2 frying pans, two pots of various sizes plus a large pot to make soups, stews, chili for my growing family, all with lids.
Very useful for anything I want to cook. One of the best bargains I've ever bought.

[Wildflower]

I bought a new set of Revereware about 30 years ago for $100. It was cheaper than usual, since one of the pot lids had a small dent in it, which didn't matter to me.

I've been using them ever since then--2 frying pans, two pots of various sizes plus a large pot to make soups, stews, chili for my growing family, all with lids.
Very useful for anything I want to cook. One of the best bargains I've ever bought.

Yes, Revereware is good stuff! I still have mine that was given as a wedding present from my MIL 37 years ago. It is still holding up well and I've used it on a daily basis. I also liked the Martha Stewart brand I bought a few years back - a big pot to cook pasta, stews, and soups in, and a large skillet. All are still like new and they are used at least weekly.

[Tussiemussies]

When we were engaged we bought a whole set of
Saladmaster cookware. It is high quality stainless steel. It is still in the same condition as when we bought it and I did a lot of cooking over 25 years. I really love it and a friend of mine bought it too. I don't know if the company is still around. I'll do a research and see...

Here is the URL:


http://www.saladmaster.com/index/Products.nws
We did get ours at a hostess part, I'm sure you don't have to go that route though you could just contact them and tell them you want to purchase.

One additional feature is that you can stack the cookware on top of each other and it will cook everything at the same time. I never use it though. I did also buy a coffee maker from them which makes very good coffee...

One additional good thing too is that it is made in the US.

PS it is expensive but you will have it life- long. Ours is 28 years old now...

[SteveinMN]

I have some Le Creuset (mostly received as gifts) and, for the right cooking, it's marvelous. For just reheating food or for stir-frying, cast iron is not the best material. So several years ago I invested in high-quality cookware and bought a set from Cuisinart. It's triple-clad, all-metal, heats just fine, and cleans up easily. It will last the rest of my life and then some. I shopped around for an appropriate set (it's much cheaper that way than buying a la carte) and have been very happy with it. I looked at Mauviel, All-Clad, Calphalon, deMeyere, etc., and it's fine stuff. But I'm kind of a proponent of the old 80/20 rule, and I feel I got 80% of what those brands can do at -- well, maybe not 20% of the cost, but certainly not 80% either.