Shopping for new Cookware

bakerman · 01-17-2008, 11:21 PM

Hey everyone!

I am in the market for a new set of cookware. The set I have is 18/10 stainless with glass lids and a thin aluminum disc on the bottom. This cookware has held up well over the last 9 years, but it was pretty cheap, non riveted handles, and I bought it when moving in to my first place without roommates.

I will be looking for stainless again, but hopefully something of better quality, I would rather not spend more than $200.

Here is what I learned, there are a couple basic types, "clad" type, which is most like traditional All-clad aluminum layer is not only on the bottom but goes up the sides to the rim, I have found a Tramontina set for an unbelievable low price of $139 at wal-mart, but here is my dilemma I have a little personal boycott with wal-mart, haven't been to one in 2 1/2 years. The next best price I have found on this set is $300 on amazon!

There is the second type, encapsulated bottoms, the aluminum disc is only on the bottom, like Emerilware, and most stainless cookware.

Which do you people use, and do you think that the "clad" is far superior to the "encapsulated"?

I am just looking forward to the best bang for my buck, something with good weight and even heating, and the handles have to be all metal as well, no silicone. I also don't want non-stick, don't care for it I have one skillet that I use for eggs etc...

thanks for your help

MAC

Food Network Fan · 01-17-2008, 11:33 PM

I have the Emerilware set and I love them. They are made by All Clad. I have had mine for about 8 or 9 years and I have been very satisfied. I know some say the more expensive All Clad is better but I don't know how it could be for me. I have a professional grade range that has a high BTU and it does an outstanding job. For me personally there are other things I would rather buy than splurge for the brand named expensive set. I think if you were a professional and everything you have is in constant use maybe it would make a difference, but as well as the emerilware performs it can't be that much better because what I have is so great I can't see how you could possibly do any better. I am happy with mine and would recommend them to anyone.

Clove · 01-18-2008, 12:05 AM

Mac,

Suzie is right.
If you don't do real serious cooking in a very sophisticated way.
Buy what you like. The Tramontina set could be fine for you.
Look at Costco if you have one in the area. They are very often better priced than Walmart or Sam's Club.

bakerman · 01-18-2008, 07:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Clove

Mac,

Suzie is right.
If you don't do real serious cooking in a very sophisticated way.
Buy what you like. The Tramontina set could be fine for you.
Look at Costco if you have one in the area. They are very often better priced than Walmart or Sam's Club.

Define sophisticated cooking. I am not looking for something to heat up spaghetti O's!:tongue:

I do make pan sauces after cooking meat, and an occasional reduction. I am looking for something that will produce a good sear when needed .

MAC

Food Network Fan · 01-18-2008, 08:40 PM

Mine does that wonderfully. I have this set. Macy*s - Kitchen - Emerilware™ by All-Clad Stainless 10-Piece Cookware Set

There are reviews on that site as well.

radiodugger · 01-18-2008, 11:02 PM

I wish I had time and space to say all I want to say about the All-Clad/Emerilware 10 pc set. This is the BEST, aside from All-Clad's own brand. I would recommend Emeril's over ANY that I've seen, including Calphalon.

I believe $250 is too much. If you REALLY want this set, and have an eBay account, go here:

eBay Express: NEW ALL CLAD 10 PC EMERILWARE STAINLESS STEEL COOKWARE - Description

The set is $179.99 with shipping being $39.90...$219.89 Total.

That's the best price I can find...unless you want to take a chance on one of the auctions...but, I've been SNIPED so many times, I use the "Buy It Now" option.

Hope this helps!

Radio Doug

Food Network Fan · 01-18-2008, 11:18 PM

Chef's catalog has it for 199.00 Shop Emerilware Stainless-Steel 10-Piece Cookware Set at CHEFS.

And coupon cabin has a free shipping coupon if you buy before Jan 21.
Chefs Catalog Promotional Codes for ChefsCatalog.com, Chefs Catalog Coupons and Discounts - CouponCabin.com

bakerman · 01-19-2008, 02:23 AM

Thanks for all the info on emerilware, I was a little leery of buying this from some of the negative reviews on amazon, most were great but a few were off putting, mentioning melting of the aluminum (I figure if this hasn't happened with my cheapo set, than I doubt it will happen to this set). There were also the reviews by people who are so hung up on the all-clad brand that this being made in china was a mortal sin, and I doubt that they have even used it. The other reviewers obviously don't know how to cook with stainless, I have never had a problem with sticking, even with my cheap stuff.

I am leaning heavily toward the emerilware, but will keep researching for a little bit, but this set seems to have every piece that I need, and I like the glass lids. I will go out looking for this to get a feel for it.

MAC

Food Network Fan · 01-19-2008, 12:13 PM

As pleased as I am with mine I would say the bulk of what you pay for the All Clad brand name comes from what you have to pay American workers vs. what Chinese workers are paid. Now I am all for buying American and I try to do so as much as possible but the All Clad line is hugely overpriced IMO and I honestly didn't know where mine was made when I bought it, I just liked Emeril. I can't see spending over 600 dollars for the same pans though, you are factoring in steel workers unions and paying factory workers and all of that, (which is quite admirable if you can afford it) you are paying more for that than you are the pan it's self. I have used both and I can say I saw absolutely no difference other than the sides of the All Clad are possibly a little thicker.
Those who have things stick probably aren't used to using the clad bottom because it heats up fast.

So I guess my view is buy the American if you can afford it. But I am sure many of those same folks down on where this is made would have no problem buying Le Creuset because of it's performance and I bought my emerilware for it's performance. I could probably afford the All Clad now with some saving much easier than I could back when I got my Emerilware set, but I have no intention of replacing it because it's doing everything I need. And the stores that sell it have Americans to pay too.

bakerman · 01-19-2008, 01:09 PM

I agree about the all-clad, I am sure that manufacturing has to do with their pricing, but their name and reputation is what you are paying the most for. Their manufacturing process has been copied by others at a fraction of the cost, partly because they are made in Asia and mostly because, really how much can aluminum and stainless steel possibly cost? In the end this stuff is basic metals formed a certain way, no real magic here. So calphalon can manufacture a fully clad set and sell it for $299, a comparable set of all-clad would be at least $800 (probably more), with probably no big difference in performance, but that would be really hard to convince an elitist who only buys the "best"

I am going to keep an eye out for a sale on the 10 piece set, as I don't need to buy right now, but would if I found a good deal. I am going to go check out cookware today.

It looks like most are really happy with their emerilware purchase. This will likely be the last set that I buy for a long time.

Thanks

MAC