Cookware

stace1814

We are trying to register for cookware and I'm having a hard time finding a good brand.  I know that I read a post about this a few months ago but I just searched and came up with nothing.  I've been looking at All Clad but have read that the handle is really uncomfortable and makes it hard to use.  I've also heard that the nonstick Calphalon flakes easily with normal use.  Can anybody recommend their cookware?  Particularly if you've had it a long time?   You guys are awesome with this stuff and I thank you in advance

MrsLele

I absolutely love my All Clad Stainless Steel.  I have only had it for about 5 months, but my mother and grandmother have both had their sets for my entire life, so it definitely stands the test of time.  Emerilware is made by the same company as All Clad and my friend really likes hers, so maybe check that out if the All Clad is uncomfortable for you. 

hmonkey

I've also heard that the nonstick Calphalon flakes easily with normal use.what.  what are people cooking?  most likely, they are probably using metal tools in a nonstick pan.

jinxed8605

I registered for calphalon stainless. My parents use calphalon non-stick and it works just fine. Just don't use metal tools in a non-stick pan!

stace1814

Thanks for the info everybody!  The person who had the non-stick said that it said 'dishwasher safe' on it but he thinks that is why it is flaking.  I've come to the realization that I won't be able to find any really good cookware that IS dishwasher safe.  Another question that I have...how is stainless when it comes to non-stick?  If I use something like PAM on it, will it be fine?  If you can't tell I've been using cheap cookware that is mismatched since I moved out 8 years ago!

duckie1905

I'm pretty sure that the booklet that my non-stick Calphalon pots/pans came in said in capital and bold type not to put them in the dishwasher. If you care for them as instructed they will last for years.

hmonkey

first, stop using pam.  you're probably using it on a hot pan, where it's just going to flash fry off and just leave a sticky film that is gross and totally hard to clean.any good, heavy stainless steel pan -- without a nonstick coating -- will be dishwasher safe. let the pan heat up, add oil, add food AND DO NOT TOUCH.  this is important.  if you keep moving it around, you'll rip it to bits.  once it starts cooking, it will shrink a little and unstick itself from the pan.  then you can flip.  no sticking.

stace1814

Actually I don't use pam on a hot pan.  The pan that I use most now is nonstick and I love it but my ex roommate ruined it by cutting chicken in the pan.  I'm just looking for a good set of cookware and I think that I actually will be OK with either All Clad stainless or Calphalon nonstick.  Thanks for all of the input ladies!

MrsLele

You can also register for a mix of pieces.  For example, if you really want non stick, just register for a non stick frying pan and the rest SS.  I personally do not like Teflon for it's chemical makeup, I just don't trust it.  I use a SS frying pan with no problem at all.  I also have a Le Creuset cast iron skillet that is wonderful.

crnota

I just recently made my registry, and had the same question. I pulled out all my old issues old Cooks Illustrated to see what they recommend (they do test kitchen experiments and each issue, recommend something).They recommend All-Clad stainless steel as their best brand that stands the test of time. In an issue about the essential cookware everyone should have, they recommend an All-Clad 12 in fry pan, All Clad 3 qt and 4th saucepans, 10 in Calphalon nonstick pan, 12 in nonstick pan, a large Calphalon stock pot, a 7 qt. Le Creuset Dutch Oven, and a Lodge Logic cast iron skillet.They said of course it would be great to get even more pieces, but with these pieces alone, you can make anything. I went by this and put them all on my registry. Then I can always collect other pans on my own, down the road.They also had recs for coffee makers, blenders, etc which were useful.

stace1814

Thanks so much for the info.  I really like the Calphalon Contemporary and have registered for quite a bit of it.  I have some All Clad on there as well.