I am looking to buy my first set of decent cookware (Pots and Pans only). I have worked in fine dining establishments throughout college. While most of my experience was front of house, I always had friends in the kitchen and I was able to learn alot from them. So even though i have no formal culinary education, i like to consider myself better than the average bear when comes time to get over that saute pan. Im not exactly making the big bucks (yet) and will not be able to afford that 16 piece copper set from Williams and Sonoma. Easy clean up is important to me. I would rather start with a limited set of high quality pieces, rather than going for a full set of cheap, poorly made stuff. Definitely want a set that can go from the stove top into the oven. So Im looking for recommendations somewhere in the range of $200 to $450. what i am thinking is starting with a set of only the absolute Essentials, then buying new pots and pans 1 by 1 to satisfy a full set of cooking equipment. So i need some advice on a great 4-6 piece set to start. Is there a respectable copper set in that range. Any advice on anodized aluminum.
3 Responses to “Chefs: Advice on Cookware Please.”
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Todd English Hard Anodized Green Pan
All-Clad stainless is a good start. There are cheaper brands that are very similar though but I can not comment on their quality.
You also should get a couple of cast Iron pieces. These are cheap and great for many things aside from cooking acedic foods.
I have Mauviel stainless steel and love them, although they’re really heavy. I don’t know where you can but them now that W&S stopped selling them. They still the sell the copper but not the stainless. I highly recommend Le Creuset - I love love love them. They’re also really heavy but a bit out of your price range. I recommend going to a store and seeing what looks good to you. Try Ross and TJ Maxx sometimes they have really good stuff. I won’t use aluminum myself, but that’s me, I also don’t have interest in copper because of the clean up factor. I have some cookware from Ikea that I really like. The few pieces of non-stick I own came from discount stores like Walmart and Target. Cookware is a really personal choice and you should keep your options open.
Also don’t get bogged down in the set concept. Your pans just have to be good they don’t have to match.