[kaotik78]

Hi all,

I'd like to get my wife a nice set of pots and pans for the holidays. I came across some Calphalon commercial hard anodized pots/pans, but then read that they are made in china and poor in finish quality. There is also Calphalon One which is some infused non stick stuff? I don't want teflon in my food anymore and I'm sure my wife doesn't either. Which set should I get??? Any pro's or cons etc etc.
Thanks in advance,
-K

Revised: Ok, now that I've looked around here more, there's TOO MUCH INFO on cookware... stainless, all clad, copper etc.. I'm not lookin to dump 1k into pots and pans, the pro's and con's game is now making me stressed..... any other suggestions, I'm all ears now.

[buonaboy]

Your right, there is too much info out there. In my opinion look for stainless steel with an aluminum core. Any of the Al-Clad knock-offs that have some good weight to them. Or, look at it as an investment -if you drop the 1k on Al-Clad, and take care of it, you'll have it for the rest of your life -and your children's. I love my set of Al-Clad they really do cook beautifully.
-ciao
mike

[Chef at Heart]

Several years ago my husband bought me a set of Calphalon Commercial and I have really liked them. I don't have any issues with the quality.

However, as I have gotten to be a better cook and am more self-educated about cooking and cookware, I wouldn't ever buy another non-stick set. I'd prefer something that can stand up to whisking, etc.

[Montelago]

One brand that I have recently found has some good products and is reasonably priced. It is Tramontina. I have found them in many stores around me and own a 12" saute, 12 qt. stock/pasta pot with the strainer insert and a 2 qt. saucier. They are nice and heavy and have been very durable so far. I recommend them based on my experience.

[Bazza]

If I bought my wife pots and pans as a gift she would beat me to death with them !

[lentil]

Originally Posted by Bazza

If I bought my wife pots and pans as a gift she would beat me to death with them !

An old boyfriend bought me a vacuum for Christmas one year against the better judgement of his sister. Guess what. His sister was right.

I'd love to add a few new pans to my collection for Christmas though, along with cookbooks, aprons, and other goodies. What I'd really like is a remodeled kitchen, but I don't think Santa thinks I've been that good....

[shroomgirl]

I've got a set of Scan Pans.....very expensive. They've got a lifetime guarantee and are good about replacing pans.
Love them.
But for 10% of the cost of Scan Pans, cast iron are the workhorses in my kitchen. From stove to oven, they sear and saute incredibly well. Cast iron pots are to heavy but the pans are gems.


So, kinda depends on if you're into function/cost mode. Cast iron isn't fruffy but works.

[Chef at Heart]

My birthday present this year was a heavy duty Kitchenaid mixer - which I love - so I think he just knows me pretty well.

Christmas was new furniture/lamps/rug/art/tables for the living room, so that was really for us both. The kids got a Wii so it's not all practical stuff around here.

I think he just knows that I enjoy cooking so much more when I have the right tools to do it with. It elevates it somehow.