Which Cookware Set is Best?
Can you give me your opinion of which cookware set is best and why?
I want to buy a cookware set for a Christmas present. I am looking at Cuisenart, KitchenAid, and Rachel Ray expecially. I want a set that is above all durable. I also need a set with good sized pots, as this will be used by a family of 5. Which cookware do you suggest?
Here is what consumer reports recommends:
Quality cookware isn’t about price or celebrity-chef endorsements. Our tests found good performers at all price levels for both nonstick and uncoated cookware. Indeed the best performer overall was a $150, 14-piece set from Costco. We think most everyday cooks will do well with a set of nonstick cookware that includes the basic saucepans and skillets and a stockpot. If you want to whip the potatoes in the pot you’ve cooked them in, make a smooth roux or delicate sauce, or deglaze carmelized bits in a frying pan to add flavor to meat, you can supplement the nonstick set with a couple of pieces of uncoated cookware.
The Ratings rank models by overall performance. Quick Picks takes other factors into account, including value and versatility.
Quick Picks
Best value in a nonstick set:
Kirkland Signature (Costco) $150,
CR Best Buy
A generous set with 14 pieces of anodized aluminum. Cooking was very even, and the nonstick surface was very durable. Safe, sturdy, comfortable handles. Easy to clean (though dirt does collect around handle rivets, which is typical). But not dishwasher safe. Not available as open stock.
Best value in an uncoated set:
Member’s Mark (Sam’s Club) $130
This 11-piece stainless-steel over aluminum set includes a small-diameter frying pan and a steamer. Mirrorlike finish makes the set look more expensive than it is. Cooking was very even. The handles are safe and comfortable, but they could be sturdier. Dishwasher safe. Cleaning fairly easy for an uncoated set. Not available as open stock.
If you want a bit of both in one set:
Calphalon $150
The eight pieces of stainless steel over aluminum include uncoated saucepans and large and small nonstick frying pans with glass lids. Set scored excellent for evenness of heating, and the coating performed reasonably well in our test of nonstick durability. Handles could be sturdier, but they are safe and comfortable. Cleaning the uncoated pieces requires some elbow grease, but all components except the frying pans are dishwasher safe. Some cooks may want to add an uncoated skillet to round out the set. If you’re the absent-minded type, note that this was one of the sets that oozed molten metal in our empty pot/hot burner test (see Avoid cooking accidents).
If your cooktop is an induction model:
KitchenAid $150
The 10-piece set of uncoated stainless steel over aluminum will work on an induction cooktop and can go in the dishwasher afterward. Silicone rubber handles are ovenproof and comfortable, but they could be sturdier. Typically, handle rivets collect dirt.
Best value if your budget is tight:
Bialetti $50
This inexpensive nine-piece nonstick set cooked very evenly. The handles aren’t particularly strong, but they’re comfortable to hold and stayed fairly cool during cooking. This was also the lightest cookware set we tested, despite its glass lids.
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8 Responses to “Which Cookware Set is Best?”
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Posted by: admin : Category: Cookware Kitchenaid
December 22nd, 2008 at 1:16 am
I would suggest Rachel Ray, but if you want to try another really good kitchen appliance, then buy the Magic Bullet. The magic bullet comes with a juicer, blender, and it chops stuff very quickly. It is also very easy to clean because it is dishwasher except-able, and it can go in the microwave. The price of the Magic Bullet is $99.99 but it is definitely worth it! Good Luck finding the right appliance for Christmas!
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December 22nd, 2008 at 1:55 am
I was just lookin at RR yesterday. I seen a 10pc set for $100 at Sams Club. I just may buy it as a Christmas presant to me from me. lol..The perk of her set is that it can go in the oven up to 400degrees, the handles are made of silicone, so they wont be hot when you handle them. Ths sizes seemed good to me.
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December 22nd, 2008 at 2:00 am
I’m all about my All Clad Ltd. It’s a bit pricey, but it is open stock, so you can build a proper set over time. We’ve been giving a piece to our boys each year over the years and they’re about done now.
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December 22nd, 2008 at 2:36 am
go to consumer sceince and consumer affairs they have all the lastest scoop on all the differnt brands
good luck
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December 22nd, 2008 at 3:13 am
Rather than getting a “set” figure out what pots and pans you will and will not use. There is no sense in getting a set that includes pans that you have no use for. There are a lot of little pans in some of the sets.
Secondly you can purchase individual pans when you can afford them. Start out getting the ones you need most first.
Before you buy a pot or pan lift it, feel it, is it comfortable in your hand. You may want a nice big pot but when it is full are you going to be able to lift it and carry it to the stove or to the sink to drain it. Look for a pot or pan that has a second handle on it to help you lift it.
Make sure you will be able to place both the pot or pan with a lid in your oven. What temperature can the cookware handle.
Make sure that you are able to return the item if you find that you do not like it. Bed Bath and Beyond has a very good return policy. Not to mention that the coupons for 20% off never expire so you can use a coupon for each piece you purchase.
Good luck in your quest for the cookware.
References :
December 22nd, 2008 at 4:02 am
Here is what consumer reports recommends:
Quality cookware isn’t about price or celebrity-chef endorsements. Our tests found good performers at all price levels for both nonstick and uncoated cookware. Indeed the best performer overall was a $150, 14-piece set from Costco. We think most everyday cooks will do well with a set of nonstick cookware that includes the basic saucepans and skillets and a stockpot. If you want to whip the potatoes in the pot you’ve cooked them in, make a smooth roux or delicate sauce, or deglaze carmelized bits in a frying pan to add flavor to meat, you can supplement the nonstick set with a couple of pieces of uncoated cookware.
The Ratings rank models by overall performance. Quick Picks takes other factors into account, including value and versatility.
Quick Picks
Best value in a nonstick set:
Kirkland Signature (Costco) $150,
CR Best Buy
A generous set with 14 pieces of anodized aluminum. Cooking was very even, and the nonstick surface was very durable. Safe, sturdy, comfortable handles. Easy to clean (though dirt does collect around handle rivets, which is typical). But not dishwasher safe. Not available as open stock.
Best value in an uncoated set:
Member’s Mark (Sam’s Club) $130
This 11-piece stainless-steel over aluminum set includes a small-diameter frying pan and a steamer. Mirrorlike finish makes the set look more expensive than it is. Cooking was very even. The handles are safe and comfortable, but they could be sturdier. Dishwasher safe. Cleaning fairly easy for an uncoated set. Not available as open stock.
If you want a bit of both in one set:
Calphalon $150
The eight pieces of stainless steel over aluminum include uncoated saucepans and large and small nonstick frying pans with glass lids. Set scored excellent for evenness of heating, and the coating performed reasonably well in our test of nonstick durability. Handles could be sturdier, but they are safe and comfortable. Cleaning the uncoated pieces requires some elbow grease, but all components except the frying pans are dishwasher safe. Some cooks may want to add an uncoated skillet to round out the set. If you’re the absent-minded type, note that this was one of the sets that oozed molten metal in our empty pot/hot burner test (see Avoid cooking accidents).
If your cooktop is an induction model:
KitchenAid $150
The 10-piece set of uncoated stainless steel over aluminum will work on an induction cooktop and can go in the dishwasher afterward. Silicone rubber handles are ovenproof and comfortable, but they could be sturdier. Typically, handle rivets collect dirt.
Best value if your budget is tight:
Bialetti $50
This inexpensive nine-piece nonstick set cooked very evenly. The handles aren’t particularly strong, but they’re comfortable to hold and stayed fairly cool during cooking. This was also the lightest cookware set we tested, despite its glass lids.
References :
Consumer Reports
December 22nd, 2008 at 4:44 am
I have to say I have a set (plus some pieces) of Circulon – purchased over 7 years ago – and I love it. It is durable and still in great shape. I also have some of the Rachael Ray cookware (being a huge fan of hers) and I have to say I wouldn’t give up my Circulon for anything. I have the Cast Iron Dutch oven, the flat/lined grill pan of RR’s and they aren’t bad – I just still wouldn’t want to give up the circulon!
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December 22nd, 2008 at 5:22 am
I tried the kitchen aid brand but didn’t like it however I bought the cooks brand from JC Penny and love it!!! I have had it like 2 years and it still looks new. They come in sets or open stock plus penny’s always has a sale and coupon out. I got the 12 piece hard anodized set. I just love it. They also have stainless steel and copper try ply sets.
The 12-piece set includes:
1- and 2-quart covered saucepans
3-quart covered saucepot
6-quart covered stockpot
3-quart (10″) saute pan with helper handle
9″ stir fry pan
8″ and 10″ skillets
Bonus set includes 16×12″ nonstick roaster, 7″ santoku knife with rubber handle and 6-piece nylon utensil
right now they have that set for 199.99
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