Best Cookware Store

Why Quality Matters When Choosing Your Cookware

admin — Thu, 19 Aug 2010 23:16:00 +0000

NBC San Diego

Everybody knows quality cookware doesn't come cheap.
As consumers we understand that better quality equals better product, but are still afraid to make the switch. Stainless steel cookware is paving the way for quality cookware that doesn't have to put a dent in your wallet. With many brands and price ranges to choose from, stainless steel is a good choice to satisfy your inner chef.

Here's a few facts about why stainless steel cookware is a good option:

Long lasting
Stainless steel cookware can last for generations due to its inability to rust or stain.

Easy to clean
Whether washing by hand or in the dishwasher, stainless steel is easy to take care of.

More control over temperature
An aluminum core allows for even cooking and better heat conduction.

It's safe
Unlike other products such as iron, there's no worry of metal leeching into your meals.

ALL CLAD STAINLESS STEEL 10 inch FRY PAN NEW

0 Bid

US $65.00

42m

ALL CLAD STAINLESS STEEL 12 inch CHEF’S PAN W LID NEW

0 Bid

US $125.00

45m

ALL CLAD STAINLESS STEEL 2 QT SAUCE PAN W LID NEW

1 Bid

US $95.00

48m

ALL CLAD COPPER CORE 8 QT STOCK POT NEW LAST ONE

3 Bids

US $232.50

48m

NEW ALL CLAD 8 QT LTD STOCK POT W LID

5 Bids

US $81.09

1h 2m

REVERE 1801 COPPER CLAD POTS PANS MADE IN USA

1 Bid

US $9.99

1h 30m

Serious cooking requires serious cookware investment

admin — Sat, 17 Apr 2010 23:47:42 +0000

By Bob Karlovits, PITTSBURGH TRIBUNE-REVIEW

Retailer K.C. Lapiana says curing sticker-shock on good kitchen tools is a difficult task, but ultimately, it is a key to the recipe for good cooking.

"When you have replaced your $29.99 skillet for the third time in 10 years, it all begins to make sense," says the owner of the In the Kitchen store in the Strip District.

She is not alone in her thoughts that cookware and knives can be attractive in their low-price models and seem extravagant as the price crests $100 for a skillet. But says the higher-priced pans will pay for themselves.

"You have to take care of it, care for it, but it is a wise decision," says Paul Passafume, coordinator of the culinary program at Community College of Allegheny County's North Side campus and director of the food presentation system at West Penn Hospital in Bloomfield.

Gina Mrdjenovich, head chef at Vallozzi's Restaurant in Hempfield, just east of Greensburg, says it becomes a matter of showing the wisdom of a cliche.

"You get what you pay for," she says. "Plus, the results are there."

These professionals, and others, talk about the need for good education in buying and using cookware and knives.
For Passafume, it all seems so simple, but somewhere, the learning has disappeared.

The secret to success
For the most part, Passafume believes, many cookware purchasers examine higher-priced units, see a lower one and say, "This one will work just as well."

But Frank Colletti, cookware buyer for the national Kitchen Collection chain, thinks many customers think of cookware as "disposable" rather than as a tool with quality that produces better results. That chain has a number of stores in the area, including at Westmoreland Mall in Hempfield and Pittsburgh Mills mall in Frazer.

"You just don't get the value when you buy the less-expensive stuff," he says.
Lapiana says it is all a matter of smooth heat transmission and the construction that allows that. She, Passafume and Mrdjenovich agree the most-efficient cookware is bonded in construction with layers of stainless steel on the outside and on the cooking surface, which surround aluminum or copper cores.

At best, Lapiana says, the core should go up the sides of the utensil so heat is transferred evenly all over. Using stainless steel provides a strong, hard-to-damage cooking surface and a bottom that stands up to the heat.

"You just have to know that you work with this in low heat that heats up the whole cooking surface," Lapiana says.

Passafume agrees that is another matter of education. "That is Cooking 101," he says.

They point to All-Clad products, made in Canonsburg, as among the top in such products. They can be expensive, Mrdjenovich points
out, and there are some lower-priced models.

They also point to the advantages of nonstick surfaces, particularly for eggs. Using a nonstick pan, Lapiana says, eggs can be cooked without any butter or oil, thus cutting fat in a diet. Lapiana also says the chemical issue often mentioned in nonstick cookware is overstated. The problem, she says, emerges when overheated surfaces release a type of acid into the air, not when they release it into food being cooked.

Mrdjenovich says she would rather use olive oil, peanut oil and cook on stainless steel, because "some fat is necessary in a diet."

Cutting to the center of the issue
Like cookware, knives are tools where cost frightens users away from good use, kitchen experts say.

They also warn about how the need for maintenance often is overlooked.

"There is no such thing as an always-sharp, no-maintenance knife," Lapiana says.

She, Passafume and Todd Myers, vice president of sales for the German knifemaker Wusthof, all talk, for example, about the simple act of using a honing steel to maintain the edge on a knife. A honing steel is a shaft on which the blade of a knife is rubbed in a simple act that takes seconds. Myers says he knows some people who hone their blade before every use, but he says once every three to five times is fine.

Bits of maintenance like that and proper storage are ways to keep knives in best condition, Lapiana says.

"They should be wrapped, in a block or on a magnet, not thrown in a drawer," she advocates.

Obviously, the key to any knife is the blade and its sharpness. That can be kept on edge by honing and regular sharpening, either with a home device or by stores such as In the Kitchen, which charges $3 a knife.

There is an ironic twist to the sharpening process between expensive and inexpensive blades, Myers points out. The cheaper, stamped knives are harder to sharpen because their steel is too strong. More expensive knives are made from alloys that are softer and can be brought to a finer edge -- but also must be maintained.

Lapiana admits the price of good knives, which can run up to $200, can be daunting, but she thinks it is worth it.
Colletti says he has had some success buying a middle-range brand of good knives, so one could be bought for far less than a professional-level blade would cost.

"It is a step up from the basic level and lets a person feel confident he is getting a good knife," he says.

ALL CLAD STAINLESS STEEL 10 inch FRY PAN NEW

0 Bid

US $65.00

42m

ALL CLAD STAINLESS STEEL 12 inch CHEF’S PAN W LID NEW

0 Bid

US $125.00

45m

ALL CLAD STAINLESS STEEL 2 QT SAUCE PAN W LID NEW

1 Bid

US $95.00

48m

ALL CLAD COPPER CORE 8 QT STOCK POT NEW LAST ONE

3 Bids

US $232.50

48m

NEW ALL CLAD 8 QT LTD STOCK POT W LID

5 Bids

US $81.09

1h 2m

REVERE 1801 COPPER CLAD POTS PANS MADE IN USA

1 Bid

US $9.99

1h 30m

All-Clad Stainless 10-Piece Cookware Set Review

admin — Sun, 07 Mar 2010 20:47:49 +0000

Best Cookware – All-Clad Stainless 10 Piece Cookware Set

For years, the name all-clad is famous for producing top quality cookware, this cookware set is no exception. For a good even heat, sturdy, excellent quality of workmanship, and a dependable name, I can’t think of anything better than this All-Clad cookware set except it’s a bit pricey in the category of stainless steel cookware.

All-Clad Stainless Cookware – Product Description
Cookware Review - All-Clad Stainless Cookware
• Set includes 2-quart covered saucepan, 3-quart covered saute pan, 10-inch fry pan, 3-quart covered casserole pan, 6-quart covered stockpot
• Three-ply: stainless-steel layers sandwich pure aluminum core for even heating
• Comfortable lid and stay-cool pan handles riveted for strength
• Dishwasher safe, but hand washing recommended
• Lifetime warranty against defects

User Feedback
Some of the amazon user feedback that I found useful even thought this All-Clad stainless have being award by couple cookware review magazines as best cookware:
“For a good even heat, excellent quality of workmanship, and a dependable name, I can’t think of anything better than All-Clad. For years, I used cheap cookware store non-stick skillets and hand-me-down pots and pans my mother used when she first got married. What a difference it makes.” – Todd Post

“Worth the investment … I can’t say enough about how well this cookware is made. The handles are attached so strongly that I doubt they’d ever move. You can scrub the pots and pans with almost anything and they still look new. You can put them in the oven, burn food on them, immerse them in water… they still clean up like new.”
“I’ll always have All-Clad now. I will eventually add addtional pieces to my collection. If you decide to invest in this cookware, you’ll have it for life.” – Zelda Milo

“The Best Cookware There Is! I bought a set of the stainless All-Clad about ten years ago and it was one of the best kitchen purchases I’ve ever made. Over the years I’ve added pieces to it and I’ve also purchased a few pieces from other manufactures (Le Creuset, Calphalon, etc.). My All-Clad is still the best though, and is really my “work horse” cookware that I use every day. The stainless steel is great for cooking just about anything and goes into the dishwasher without a problem.
A.” – Raven

All-Clad Stainless Steel 10-Piece Cookware Set
Sale Price: $679.99
Average Rating:

Description

This high-performance All-Clad cookware is a great kitchen starter set. Constructed of durable, hand-polished 18/10 stainless steel surface with a pure aluminum core. Features riveted stay-cool handles and snug-fitting lids. Set includes 8- and 10-inch fry pans, 2-quart covered saucepan, 3-quart covered saucepan, 3-quart covered saut? pan, and 8-quart covered stock pot. Online exclusively @macys.com. All-Clad limited lifetime warranty.

Features

Originally designed to meet the demands of professional chefs, All-Clad continues to be the und...
Set of 10: 8" and 10" skillets, 2 quart/1.9 litre

Reviews

My awesome husband to be bought this for me for my birthday last week. He got me into cooking a year ago and we bought the new oven and a bunch of utensils. Now all that was left were some good cookware. He got me this set from Macy's (which was cheaper then this seller and had a $170 bonus non stick dutch oven). This set has everything you need except a 12" stainless fry pan and a 12" non-stick fry pan (we bought those 2 days later) If you are cooing for 2 the 10" fry pan is great and you probably don't need the 12", but it comes in handy cooking up large meat items. The first pan we used we 'thought' we knew what we were doing. We did not add enough oil and turned it up too high. Our new oven is very good with the amount of heat the burners produce and we were so use to the junky pot and pants we were using before that we kept the same burner flame levels. DO NOT DO THAT! It will create an awful film that takes some elbow grease to get off or soaking. This is how we ended up doing the conversion from junky pots to stainless: 1. Heat the pot pan on low until it gets warm 2. Turn the gas flame up to desired temperature / 2 (you may have to play with this depending on what you have in the pan) 8 for watery boiling applications 5 - 5 1/2 for medium high - any application 3-4 for medium - any application 3. Add any oil if not boiling water or soups else add the liquid 4. Let the oil heat up and add your ingredients 5. Wash out with soap and water and your done You will get discolorations over time but should not get junky film residue. If you do, use Bar Keepers Friend Cookware Cleanser & Polish: 12 OZ to scrub it off with a nice scrub sponge or nylon bristle brush. The heat is even all around the pans and pots (make sure your stove top is level) You don't need as much heat to cook things if moving from cheap non stick cook ware. Handles are cool to the touch for the most part until you get to the shorter handled pots and pans.

The above review (one star) is very misleading as it does not rate the All Clad product. Rather, it rates both an inferior product and the dealer who sent it to him/her. All Clad is a wonderful product. I have some that is over 25 years old and still looks new. Additionally, the shiny stainless is compatible with induction cooking for the green minded cook.

I bought this set for a wedding gift only because I have a set myself. This set of pans is as close to perfect as you can find. A serious cook will not go wrong with a purchase of All Clad. It is well worth the money.

Cuisinart GreenGourmet Eco-Friendly Nonstick Hard Anodized 12-Piece Cookware Set

admin — Sat, 06 Feb 2010 23:07:22 +0000

Get everything you need to cook up delicious, healthy meals for your family with this 12-piece set of Cuisinart Green Gourmet Hard Anodized Cookware. Cuisnart’s new energy-efficient and eco-friendly Cermica nonstick surface more than just reduces your carbon footprint–this nonstick coating also allows for easy food release and the ability to use less fat while cooking as well as for use in the oven for browning. This 12-piece set includes an 8-inch skillet, 10-inch deep fry with cover, 1.5-quart saucepan with cover, 2.5-quart saucepan with cover, 3-quart everyday pan with cover, 6-quart Dutch Oven with cover, and a steamer insert that fits the 2.5-quart saucepan. The pans deliver superior heat conductivity, requiring less energy to achieve the desired cooking temperature. Harder than stainless steel, the skillet’s hard anodized exterior is dense, nonporous, and highly wear-resistant for extra durability and professional performance as well as quick and even heat distribution. Additionally, the securely riveted stay-cool steel handles are manufactured using 70 percent recycled stainless steel and is oven-safe to 500 degrees F, so food can be browned on the stovetop then transferred to the oven to finish cooking. Cuisinart’s GreenGourmet cookware is designed with an exclusive Cuisinart Ceramica nonstick surface, which features a petroleum-free, ceramic-based coating that is applied at a temperature one half that of traditional nonsticks. The coating does not contain PTFE and PFOA, substances often used in nonstick cookware that have raised health concerns over the years. It was also developed using manufacturing techniques that reduce harmful carbon emissions by consuming less energy. The coating is also water-based, unlike other nonstick coatings on the market, which are solvent-based. In addition, Cuisinart’s cookware has a scratch-resistant nonstick surface that won’t peel off. The new cookware conforms to FDA and European RoHS standards for environmentally sound products. These pans should be hand-washed with a mild detergent, and they carry a limited lifetime warranty against defects. Cuisinart also gets some green cred from the packaging, which is made from 100 percent recycled materials and is printed using 100 percent biodegradable soy ink. –Agen G.N. Schmitz What’s in the Box One 8-inch skillet, one 10-inch deep fry (with cover), one 1.5-quart saucepan (with cover), one 2.5-quart saucepan (with cover), one 3-quart everyday pan (with cover), one 6-quart Dutch Oven (with cover), and a steamer insert that fits the 2.5-quart saucepan

Product Description
Exclusive Cuisinart Ceramica nonstick technology is ceramic based instead of petroleum based, helping to conserve existing oil supplies and the coating is applied at a temperature one half that of conventional nonstick. And it’s completely free of PTFE and PFOA. The cookware’s hard anodized construction provides high heat conductivity, which requires less energy to reach desired cooking temperatures. Riveted stainless handles stay cool on the stovetop and are made from 70% recycled stainless steel. Today more and more home cooks are going green…and so is Cuisinart Cookware! The 12 piece set contains: 8 inch skillet, 10 inch deep fry with cover, 1.5 quart saucepan with cover, 2.5 quart saucepan with cover, 3 quart everyday pan with cover, 6 quart Dutch Oven with cover and a steamer insert that fits the 2.5 quart saucepan.

Cuisinart GG-12 GreenGourmet Eco-Friendly Nonstick Hard Anodized 12-Piece Cookware Set
List Price: $570.00
Sale Price: $190.00
Used From: $188.50
Average Rating:

Description

Exclusive Cuisinart Ceramica nonstick technology is ceramic based instead of petroleum based, helping to conserve existing oil supplies and the coating is applied at a temperature one half that of conventional nonstick. And it's completely free of PTFE and PFOA. The cookware's hard anodized construction provides high heat conductivity, which requires less energy to reach desired cooking temperatures. Riveted stainless handles stay cool on the stovetop and are made from 70% recycled stainless steel. Today more and more home cooks are going green...and so is Cuisinart Cookware! The 12 piece set contains: 8 inch skillet, 10 inch deep fry with cover, 1.5 quart saucepan with cover, 2.5 quart saucepan with cover, 3 quart everyday pan with cover, 6 quart Dutch Oven with cover and a steamer insert that fits the 2.5 quart saucepan.

Features

12-piece hard-anodized aluminum cookware set featuring scratch-resistant nonstick ceramic-based surface
Water-based Ceramica nonstick surface won't peel off, free of PTFE and PFOA
Superior heat conductivity resulting in less energy use; oven- and broiler-safe
8-inch skillet; 10-inch lidded deep fry; 1-1/2-, 2-1/2-quart lidded saucepans; 3-quart lidded everyday pan; 6-quart lidded Dutch Oven; steamer insert
Limited lifetime warranty; hand wash only; oven safe up to 500 degrees F

Reviews

We have used the pots & pans for 8 months, since December 2009. They have performed very well in the non-stick aspect, cooking with even heat distribution and easy to clean. The exterior has remained as clean and attractive with the exception of one. We had a houseguest who put one small pot in the dishwasher and it definitely discolored the exterior. I have been very happy with the performance of these green pots & pans as we use them daily a LOT. HOWEVER, in using the small fry pan and partially covering the pan at a medium-low temp, we had the top pop off and a rivet cover flew ACROSS THE ROOM AND POPPED ME IN THE ARM. It was burning hot and left a small mark on my arm. I called Cuisinart and asked them why the rivet was not solid and explained the situation. I was told they had reformulated the composition and structure of this line of cookware and the rivets are now solid. (Can't imagine it took an engineer to figure that out before now) They immediately sent out a call tag and picked up the entire set two days later. Within a week I had a brand new set of all my pots and pans - including the two other Green Gourmet pieces I had purchased. They also sent a couple of Cuisinart appliances as an apology. A very nice unexpected gesture.Cuisinart GreenGourmet Eco-Friendly 12-Inch Skillet with Helper HandleCuisinart GreenGourmet Hard Anodized Eco-Friendly Nonstick 8-Quart Stock Pot with CoverCuisinart GG-12 GreenGourmet Eco-Friendly Nonstick Hard Anodized 12-Piece Cookware SetCuisinart GW-10 Greenware Eco-Friendly Nonstick 10-Piece Cookware Set I really like this cookware, having been a Calphalon user for years they are a really good option for a healthier product. The only reason I didn't give them 5 stars was the issue above. Cuisinart's customer service is 5 star +.

I love this set. The quality and 'heft' of these pans is great. The non-stick nature of the pans is flawless. A little spendy for me, but I used a gift card to purchase them. After using them for over a year, I realize they are worth every penny!

The Cuisinart GreenGourmet cookware is great! It never sticks and cooks evenly, we love them and can't imagine our life before them!

In my experience, the green gourmet skillet lost its non-stick quality after a couple of uses. Don't waste your money. I have to use butter, margarine, or oil when I cook in it.

Very happy with these pans! Feels good to cook safely and not worry about chemicals. They clean up extremely well and store well too. I do make sure that I clean them with a soft towel or sponge and NEVER with a harsh SOS pad or the like. I don't put them in the dishwasher either. Glad I purchased these!

Cuisinart GG 12 Green Gourmet 12 Piece Cookware Set

US $249.00

16d 16h 50m

Cuisinart 12 inch Skillet w Helper Handle GG22 30H

US $69.95

25d 4h 20m

3 PC Cuisinart Green Gourmet NonStick Skillet Set New

US $159.99

23d 14h 7m

Cuisinart 12 Piece Green Gourmet Set GG 12

US $229.00

23d 13h 8m

Cuisinart 12 inch Skillet w Helper Handle GGS22 30H

US $54.95

21d 20h 30m

Cuisinart GG 12 GreenGourmet Eco Friendly Nonstick Hard

US $203.52

20d 19h 57m

Best Luxury Stainless Cookware: All-Clad

admin — Sat, 30 Jan 2010 05:17:11 +0000

All-Clad Stainless Cookware
Est. $700 for a 10-piece set

Most reviewers say that if price weren't a consideration, they'd spring for All-Clad. But in reality, although All-Clad excels in comparison reviews, many owners just aren't sure the high price is justified. All-Clad's heavy aluminum core is sandwiched between a stainless steel cooking surface and an exterior layer of magnetic stainless steel. This combination ensures uniform heat distribution and retention, meaning food won't scorch and the pan's temperature recovers quickly when ingredients are added. The aluminum core extends up the sides of the pan to the rim, which makes it a good choice for use with gas ranges, where flames can lick the sides of cookware. The cookware has generous cooking areas and stay-cool handles. It's safe to use in an oven up to 500 degrees F, and the All-Clad cookware is dishwasher safe.

In reviews and tests, All-Clad Stainless is consistently identified as the best stainless-steel cookware. This cookware is balanced, and the ergonomic handles stay relatively cool. All-Clad Stainless bonds an aluminum core, which conducts heat superbly, to two layers of stainless steel, which resist warping. This process is known as cladding, and while it may help you avoid overcooking a delicate fish filet in a skillet, it might not be worth the expense of a full set to cook pasta or vegetables in water. If your budget is very limited, reviewers say that the Cuisinart Chef's Classic Stainless (*Est. $150 for a 10-piece set) is a good choice.

There are more professional reviews for All-Clad than any other brand of cookware, and we found plenty of owner reviews at Amazon.com, Cooking.com and Macys.com. Editors at Cook's Illustrated include All-Clad Stainless in its 2009 review of six stainless cookware sets and in eight separate reviews of everything from skillets to stockpots. Older reviews of All-Clad Stainless pans include Food & Wine magazine's lineup of skillets and Bon Appétit magazine's comparison of four types of pans. The New York Times includes All-Clad in its review of eight skillets that focuses on which brands release food better and are easy to clean.

All-Clad Stainless 10 Piece Cookware Set 8&10 in. Fry Pans 501341
Sale Price: $679.95
Average Rating:

Description

8" Fry Pan (5108) 10" Fry Pan (5110) 2 Quart Saucier with Lid (5212) 3 Quart Saute Pan with Lid (5403) 4 Quart Sauce Pan with Lid (5204) 8 Quart Stock Pot with Lid (5508)

Features

18/10 Stainless Steel cooking surface will not react with food
Pure aluminum inner core throughout for optimal heat conductivity
Lifetime warranty
Made in the USA
Dishwasher safe

Reviews

This is our first set of stainless cookware and so far has been easy to clean. We changed from the nonstick for health reasons and are happy with the purchase.

This is a foundation set of high quality cookware, suitable for any serious home cook. With stainless steel exteriors over aluminum cores, the pots distribute heat evenly, yet the cooking surfaces are non-reactive. While they do not have non-stick coatings, when used as directed (preheating oil in the pans before adding food to be fried), food usually doesn't stick to the pans, and you certainly don't have to worry about Teflon flaking off into your food. The stainless steel surfaces are also easy to clean. If you are used to cheaper cookware, there are a few differences with these pots that you will need to get used to. First, since the pots are heavier than single-layer pots, the balance point for pouring a pot with one hand is right up against the pot itself, rather than out along the handle. And since the handles are solid steel, that means you will definitely need to use a pot holder for pouring, although you can usually touch the handles bare handed if you're simply moving the pots around on the stove. Also, the handles for the lids are steel, so you need to use a pot holder just to lift a lid (and remind visitors to do the same, so that they don't burn their hands). While the cookware is made in the Canonsburg, PA, the lids are marked "Made in China."

EMERIL PRO CLAD TRI PLY STAINLESS 10 PIECE COOKWARE SET

US $199.99

26d 11h 59m

Emeril All Clad Hard Anodized Nonstick10Pc Cookware Set

US $179.99

6d 17h 2m

All Clad Copper Core 15 Piece Set Brand new in box

1 Bid

US $1,200.00

13h 22m

All Clad Copper Core 7 Piece Cookware Set

11 Bids

US $405.00

14h 17m

Emeril 10 pc stainless steel cookware set ALL CLAD NEW

0 Bid

US $149.00

16h 26m

Brand New ALL CLAD Copper Core 10 piece set

US $909.00

13h 30m

Best Budget Stainless Cookware: Cuisinart

admin — Sat, 30 Jan 2010 04:50:54 +0000

Cuisinart Chef's Classic Stainless Cookware
Est. $150 for a 10-piece set

In expert reviews, Cuisinart Chef's Classic Stainless cookware receives high scores for performance and value, and it's a favorite of owners posting comments on Amazon.com, though none of the professional reviews we readthink that the Cuisinart set is quite as good as the much more expensive All-Clad Stainless. A fully-encapsulated aluminum disk is built into the base of this cookware, which makes this set less expensive than All-Clad, whose aluminum core runs up the sides of the pans as well. Although the Cuisinart's handles are riveted and stay cool like more expensive brands, reviewers say they aren't as sturdy as pricier brands. This cookware is oven-safe to 550 degrees F -- a particularly high temperature rating for budget cookware.

Overall, reviewers say All-Clad Stainless (*Est. $700 for a 10-piece set) is easily the best stainless-steel cookware. However, for a lot less, experts agree that Cuisinart Chef's Classic Stainless 10-Piece Cookware Set is an excellent budget choice. Unlike the All-Clad cookware, which has an aluminum core that extends up the sides of each pot, the Chef's Classic line has a fully encapsulated aluminum disk built into the base of each pan, but it doesn't extend up the sides. Because of this, these pans heat fairly slowly, but once heated, they tend to run a little hot, requiring you to keep a close watch on your food as it cooks. This cookware is oven-safe to 550 degrees Fahrenheit, which is very high for budget cookware.

Cook's Illustrated includes Cuisinart Chef's Classic Stainless cookware in its exacting cookware tests. To gauge how this cookware holds up over time, we read dozens of owner-written reviews at Amazon.com.

Cuisinart 77-10 Chef's Classic Stainless-Steel 10-Piece Cookware Set
List Price: $400.00
Sale Price: $112.50
Average Rating:

Description

Endorsed by none other than the legendary French chef Paul Bocuse (the only restaurateur in the world to be awarded the prestigious Michelin 3 Stars for over 36 consecutive years), Cuisinart's Chef's Classic stainless cookware is high quality, yet affordable. Unlike many lines of cookware, it can go in the dishwasher for clean up, yet the aluminum core within the base provides even and efficient heating. If you've been thinking of investing in a new set of pots and pans, you'd do well to consider Cuisinart Chef's Classic. This set offers pieces in a useful range of size and function, and with the added value of set pricing.

Sautéing wild salmon and stirring a perfect risotto take on spiritual dimensions with this classic Cuisinart cookware. Made of professional quality stainless steel that won't react with acidic foods, the pots and pans in this set feature solid cast handles, tight-fitting lids with drip-free rims, and a mirror finish that retains its brightness through dishwasher, freezer, broiler, and oven use up to 550 degrees Fahrenheit. For superior, even heating, an aluminum disk is encapsulated between two layers of stainless steel in each base. The set includes: 8- and 10-inch skillets, 1-1/2- and 3-quart covered saucepans, 3-1/2-quart covered sauté pan, and a 8-quart covered stockpot. Cuisinart covers the set with a limited lifetime warranty. --Ann Bieri What's in the Box 1-1/2-quart saucepan with lid, 3-quart saucepan with lid, 3-1/2-quart sauté pan with lid, 8-quart stockpot with lid, 8-inch skillet, 10-inch skillet

Features

Classic cookware made of mirror finish stainless steel
8- and 10-inch skillets; 1-1/2- and 3-quart covered saucepans
3-1/2-quart sauté pan; and 8-quart covered stockpot
Solid, riveted handles, aluminum in base for even heating
Safe for dishwasher, freezer, broiler, and oven to 550 degrees F

Reviews

I can't believe that this retailed for $400. I got it for about $115 so I'm okay but it's not the greatest cookware set ever. I went to Costco the other day and found a similar set for like $150 and it was WAY better constructed. This set's bottoms are thinner and the handles get really hot when cooking (this is my problem for realizing that a metal handle will get hot). This set does the job and it's not flimsy, but it's definitely not worth $400. Done again, I would have bought the Costco set for another $35.

I bought this set after reading the good reviews. They are attractive and still look nice after a year, but they are sooooo hard to clean. They have to be soaked and scrubbed and scrubbed. I've gone back to using my ancient hand-me-down cookware, as it is much easier to deal with.

I just started culinary school and wanted a set of stainless steel cookware to practice with at home, but I didn't have the luxury of investing in a nice set like All-Clad. Although it was cheap, I thought it wouldn't be that bad since it was Cuisnart. Boy, was I wrong. I was sauteing some chicken and practically ruined my satue pan. The pans can't handle high heat, which is the reason why you'd buy a stainless steel cookware. If I could go back, I'd go back and pay a bit more for a higher quality cookware. Even though this is cheaper, I do NOT recommend it. You'd just have to buy another set.

I bought this 10 piece set thinking the negative reviews were just people who don't know how to use stainless steel. I only cook with stainless and I know how to take care of it. I opened this set up and boiled water on medium heat in the 3-qt saucepan. Little black specs and blooms formed on the inside bottom of the pot! Just boiling water! Unacceptable. I returned the whole set. Do not waste your time or money on this cheap cookware.

I am an avid cook and I just graduated and am ready to move into my first apartment so I was quite excited to pick out a cookware set of my own. Having just graduated, I didn't want to spend a fortune, but I wanted a set that would last. I went to our local mall and checked out the different sets. I knew I didn't want a non-stick set, so I looked exclusively at stainless steel. This set seemed to strike me as the best value for the money. The pieces were a decent weight, not too light, but not too heavy that I couldn't lift them easily (I'm not terribly strong). The construction felt sturdy and they were, of course, so shiny and pretty. I've also owned several Cuisinart products in the past and I trusted the name. I was thrilled to log onto Amazon later and find the set at a cheaper price and with free shipping! The set looked just as good as it did in the store, and its maiden voyage, a taco stir-fry, turned out beautifully, though it's true that you need to be careful with the heat with this set. I am still getting used to cooking with them but nothing that is problematic. I have been quite satisfied for the month that I have been using these, so I only hope they continue to be a quality addition to my new kitchen. (The reviewer was compensated for posting this review. However, the opinion stated in the review is that of the reviewer and the reviewer alone. Further, the reviewer independently selected this product to review and has no affiliation with the product maker/distributor, Amazon or the review requester.)

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Times ‘got non-stick scare story facts wrong’

admin — Wed, 27 Jan 2010 12:31:24 +0000

The Cookware Manufacturers Association in the US says that a report on a UK website last week on research linking the non-stick chemical PFOA to thyroid disease was misleading.

The story, published on Times Online on Thursday, reported on the Exeter University study into the possible health hazards of PFOA, which is used in the manufacture of some non-stick coatings.

"Unfortunately, this article contains erroneous information," says the association in a statement. "The study cited only looked for statistical associations between PFOA levels in blood and various disease reported by study participants. It does not, and can not, demonstrate cause and effect.

"The claim that elevated PFOA levels is associated with thyroid disease has not been confirmed in studies of other populations, such as the C9-West Virginia (USA) population or any of the occupational studies, where PFOA levels were much higher and thus the incidence of thyroid disease if caused by PFOA exposure would be expected to be more prevalent.

"Studies by authoritative sources including the US Environmental Protection Agency have indicated that non-stick cookware is not a source of exposure to PFOA. EPA states on its PFOA website: 'The information that EPA has available does not indicate that the routine use of consumer products poses a concern. At present, there are no steps that EPA recommends that consumers take to reduce exposures to PFOA.'"

The Cookware Manufacturers Association statement goes on: "Non-stick coatings have been, and continue to be, approved for use by the US Food and Drug Administration, the European Food Safety Authority and other regulatory agencies worldwide.

"Nevertheless, the major manufacturers of PFOA in the USA have banded together under the guidance of the EPA to reduce dramatically global facility emissions and product content of PFOA by 95% as of 2010, and to work toward eliminating emissions and product content of PFOA by 2015.

"Recent testing has shown significant reductions of PFOA in human blood levels since the programme got underway. These declines are expected to continue.

"Proper use of non-stick cookware, cooking at normal temperatures (less than 500 °F), can have real health benefits. Non-stick cookware is recommended by the American Heart Association because it allows for cooking with little or no oil."

The Times Online story can be read at http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/uk/health/article6996215.ece).

Best Santoku Knife: Shun Classic

admin — Mon, 25 Jan 2010 20:51:34 +0000

Shun Classic Santoku

Santoku knives a straighter lower edge and a more curved upper edge. Professionals say this knife works well for intricate work, such as slicing paper-thin vegetables. However, reviewers explain that a Santoku knife can’t match the versatility of a chef's knife, because its blade is too short and thin. Still, reviews say the top-rated Shun Classic Santoku makes an excellent supplementary kitchen knife.
Santoku knives have become huge sellers, and professional and user reviews say the Shun Classic is either the best or one of the best in its class. Even a review at Cook's Illustrated that picks a cheaper knife as best overall refers to the Shun as the "Cadillac" of Santoku. These knives differ from traditional knives with a straighter lower edge and more-curved upper edge. Experts say the Santoku is not as versatile as the longer traditional chef's knife -- it shouldn't be used to chop through bone, for example, but it's great for cutting vegetables thinly. User reviews warn that the Shun Classic Santoku is extremely sharp and can easily slice through dishrags during cleaning. For those who want traditional knives, reviews are best for the Wüsthof Classic (*Est. $150 for three).

Cook's Illustrated and Fine Cooking magazines and ConsumerReports.org all include the Shun Classic Santoku knife in comparison tests. Reports by The Wall Street Journal and New York magazine feature testing by chefs. Owner reviews at Amazon.com are worth a look because users give some safety lectures.

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Best Kitchen Knives: Wusthof

admin — Mon, 25 Jan 2010 20:43:56 +0000

Wusthof Classic

Wusthof Classic knives beat the competition in nearly every comparative review we found. These top-quality, high-performance kitchen knives are the default choice of professional chefs and cooking enthusiasts. They have super-sturdy, fully forged, high-carbon, bolstered-steel blades that hold a razor-sharp edge. Plus, the tang solidly extends the full length of the handle for extra balance and durability. Two variations, the Wusthof Grand Prix II and Wusthof Culinar, differ only in handle design. The Grand Prix's handle is made of seamless molded, textured polypropylene; the Classic's handle is made of the same material, but is riveted to both sides of the tang. The Culinar line has a steel handle that not everyone finds comfortable.

Wusthof's top-of-the-line, high-carbon-steel kitchen knives are rated the best or close to it in every credible review we saw. They are heavy and balanced, reviews say, but the grips vary by line, and the comfort level may vary. Choice magazine says male testers found the Classic's handles to be thin. The Wusthof Classic's handle is polypropylene riveted to the metal within. Other handle options include the Grand Prix II (polypropylene molded to the metal) and the Culinar, which is all stainless steel but not universally liked in reviews. The blades on all three are highly resistant to stains. User reviews are complimentary to an almost-bizarre degree. If you want to spend less, reviews say RH Forschner by Victorinox Fibrox (*Est. $65 for three) knives are an excellent value, although these knives are stamped from a sheet of metal rather than forged.

Cook's Illustrated magazine and ConsumerReports.org conduct thorough tests of kitchen knives. ConsumerReports.org tests many more knives, but Cook's Illustrated magazine offers more extensive commentary. We found additional professional reviews at Fine Cooking and Choice magazines. Owner reviews at Amazon.com are extremely positive but worth a look.

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‘Queen of Housewares’ talks cookware

admin — Thu, 14 Jan 2010 17:41:00 +0000

I laugh at a title jokingly given to me by customers at Macy's - "The Queen of Housewares." I not only demonstrate everything we sell but I also do the training for the region for our employees.

That means I get to test all kinds of fun cookware, electrics, cutlery and gadgets. What that also means is I'm a huge advocate for good quality cookware and cutlery.

Every year right after the holidays, I'm deluged with questions about cookware and knives. Checking with my other writer colleagues, I've found that these two subjects are ones that their readers have lots of inquiries about, too.

I suppose it's because they're among the best selling houseware gifts and there's such a huge variety available that it can be really confusing as to what's good, what's not, etc.

So today I'm going to address cookware. In a future column, I'll talk about cutlery.

Material
It can be stainless steel, aluminum, anodized aluminum, copper with a tinned or stainless inside surface, cast iron, cast iron with enameled inside, and nonstick, to name just a few.

Clad stainless steel

On its own, stainless is a poor conductor of heat. That's why you should always buy a stainless pan with some copper or aluminum in it.

The best cookware is "clad" which means it has an aluminum or copper core that is sandwiched, or clad, between stainless steel. It's usually called triple-ply.
There are two kinds of clad: fully clad like what I just described where the sandwiched core extends from the bottom of the pan all the way up the sides (creating three layers) or bottom clad which have a disk of aluminum or copper, or both, on the bottom only.
Both perform well but the fully clad is my choice and the highest quality. You can use metal utensils in these pans.

Aluminum
Look for anodized aluminum which means the pan has been put through a process that changes the aluminum structure to be non-reactive to foods, just like stainless and you can use metal utensils. You get great browning with this cookware.

Copper
The best conductor of heat but expensive and needs maintaining to look good. You also get great browning.

Cast Iron
I call this the original nonstick. I use mine every day. The downside is it's heavy and needs to be seasoned and dried right away after washing. The perk is you get a boost of iron every time you cook with it.

Some cast iron pieces, like Le Creuset, have an enameled cooking surface which gives you the benefit of cast iron without the work. Another line of cookware that gives great browning.

Nonstick
A lot of debate about this being a safe cooking surface. Bottom line is that you can still use your nonstick pans as long as they're not chipped or peeling. The surface is safe with normal use.
For complete information, log onto www.goodhousekeeping.com about nonstick or check out my video showing all kinds of cookware at www.abouteating.com.

What about browning in nonstick?
Nonstick does not brown as well, for the most part, as regular pans, though there are nonstick pans that offer decent browning.

Nonstick is wonderful for eggs, waffles, cheese sandwiches, low fat cooking, sauces, etc. You need no oil in the pan except for flavor, and clean up is a breeze.
Unless otherwise stated, use plastic or wooden utensils. Most nonstick is not dishwasher safe, though there are some that can be put in the dishwasher.

To spray or not to spray
I don't recommend using a pressure type spray, like Pam, on cookware. The pump units you fill yourself are fine, as is an oiled paper towel.

What happens is the Pam-type cooking spray may sometimes bond to the bottom of a pan, creating a yellowish surface that is impossible to wash off.
It won't hurt the pan, but it may disqualify the warranty and may also compromise the nonstick surface.

Rita Nader Heikenfeld is Macy's certified culinary professional and family herbalist, an educator and author. E-mail her at columns@communitypress.com with "Rita's kitchen" in the subject line. Or call 513-248-7130, ext. 356. Visit Rita at www.Abouteating.com