Anonymous wrote:Get a stainless steel set from Costco. We got my husbands grandparents a Wolfgang puck set from there years ago for about $120 and it is still all she uses. She can add other things as she grows into cooking (cast iron skillet, Dutch oven, etc).

PP here -- like another pp said, tramontina is great. We use their non sticks and have for the last ten years (we replace as needed, every 2-3 years). I highly recommend them for quality

Get a stainless steel set from Costco. We got my husbands grandparents a Wolfgang puck set from there years ago for about $120 and it is still all she uses. She can add other things as she grows into cooking (cast iron skillet, Dutch oven, etc).

I'd highly recommend Tramontina's stainless tri-ply clad cookware available through Walmart. They've got an 8-piece set now for $132. We did our research and found that it was often compared to the much more expensive stainless sets, like All-Clad. We've had ours since December and are very impressed.

I inherited a Kirkland (Costco) set from a roommate 10 years ago and am still using the pots and pans today.

How about some of the stuff at Costco? I have Dutch oven which is pretty good and other threads on here have recommended the regular pots and pans.

OP, are you able to help her out with this financially? Using a non-stick for as your everyday pan isn't healthy b/c the coating comes off lickety-split. If you could get her a stainless steel fry pan and let her put together the rest that would be a nice gift. (Doesn't have to be AllClad but something with a metal handle that you can use under the broiler as well as the stove top is good.)

I really find these reviews helpful:

Non-stick skillets: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HwJKDD6E7M0&list=SPE720EF13D4C23DDC

Traditional skillets: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1atGnmJKmTc&list=SPE720EF13D4C23DDC

Thank you all. These is exactly the kind of information I was looking for.

I now have expensive stuff but way back when I was her age, I had nooo idea about the undesirable coatings and all so bought the cheapest I could afford. But knowing what I know now, I want to recommend something better than what I bought all those years back.

When we first started out we were given a $50 set of ware ever from Walmart (omg. Walmart.). They've held up great though we've added nicer sets as time's gone one (only 4 years later). We have a big deep pan and a few separate pots, along with a stainless steel/copper pan. They work great for the non gourmet chef. I do use them for every day cooking, though. Sorry for the rambling, bed time.

Anonymous wrote:I bought a Revere 12 piece set 16 years ago as my first kitchen ware and it's still going strong. I've had T-fal frying pans and they've been okay, but haven't lasted more than 5 years.

+1

I got a set of these when I moved out and still love and use them. I have the 4 piece set ($80 on amazon), but find the skillet to be pretty useless. I use a non stick or cast iron skillet instead.

Go to home goods and buy pots and pans individually. Or a stainless steel set from target like the giada de laurentis set.

If she's going to get a non-stick skillet, I'd get only one the 12.5 inch:

http://www.amazon.com/T-fal-E9380864-Professional-Thermo-Spot-Dishwasher/dp/B000GWG0T2/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1371959195&sr=8-1&keywords=t-fal+professional+non-stick+fry+pan

Under $100 is a tall order. I agree with PP that an All-Clad skillet is a wonderful and life-long thing, but it's not in the budget for someone in your sister's situation.

I would not buy T-fal nonstick, or any cheap nonstick. They'll scratch, they won't last, and they may end up shedding Teflon or God-knows-what into your food. Plus, they're thinner metal so are prone to hot spots.

For the general all-purpose skillet, I'd go with cast iron. It's not that hard to learn to care for cast iron--just use non-stick utensils, don't scrub with soap or abrasives, and occasionally re-season with oil, shortening, or bacon fat. With some seasoning, it's as good as nonstick. (I do eggs in mine all the time.) I would to with the 10" Lodge:
http://www.amazon.com/Lodge-Logic-Pre-Seasoned-Skillet-10-25-inch/dp/B00006JSUA/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_nS_nC?ie=UTF8&colid=38BTP2RQIJ4NM&coliid=I3KMLS6VW2AT9D,
plus an 8" Emerilware nonstick for all those quick-saute-for-one jobs:
http://www.amazon.com/Emeril-All-Clad-E9200264-Anodized-Nonstick/dp/B00284B9OM/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_nS_nC?ie=UTF8&colid=38BTP2RQIJ4NM&coliid=I27LU9RSKW210" target="_new" rel="nofollow"> http://www.amazon.com/Emeril-All-Clad-E9200264-Anodized-Nonstick/dp/B00284B9OM/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_nS_nC?ie=UTF8&colid=38BTP2RQIJ4NM&coliid=I27LU9RSKW210.
I have both of these and use them ALL the time.

(If she doesn't want to get into cast iron, you can get a duo of Emerilware nonstick skillets instead for about the same price:
http://www.amazon.com/Emeril-All-Clad-E919S264-Anodized-Resistant/dp/B00284B9QK/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_nS_nC?ie=UTF8&colid=38BTP2RQIJ4NM&coliid=I24KVLLI0BOOBQ)

She'll need saucepans and a big pot (Dutch Oven). There's one school of thought that says sets are a waste because they include stuff you don't need, but the fact is, you've gotta have saucepans, and new, individual pieces are pretty expensive. Entry-level sets can offer real savings.
Though I wouldn't buy T-Fal nonstick or ceramic, T-Fal does have this entry-level stainless set, that's all-purpose and (amazingly) cheaper than Farber and Revere. The price makes this look like a hell of a deal:
http://www.amazon.com/T-fal-C811SA64-Elegance-Stainless-Dishwasher/dp/B000EMDXFI/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_nS_nC?ie=UTF8&colid=38BTP2RQIJ4NM&coliid=I1UR8T960OG0BH

At about $36 for the 2 non-stick skillets and $69 for the T-Fal set, that's just over $100.

For $100 more, she could get a much much nicer stainless set that looks like terrific value and should last a long time:
http://www.amazon.com/Whole-Clad-Tri-Ply-Stainless-Induction-Cookware/dp/B004HBGIBI/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_nS_nC?ie=UTF8&colid=38BTP2RQIJ4NM&coliid=INSDSMCRTYSY3
The advantage of this set is the aluminum core (the part that conducts heat evenly) is not just on the bottom of the pot, it goes up the sides as well, providing even heating all-around. This looks like All-Clad quality at a fraction of the price.
(According to amazon, the same set is available used from a scratch-and-dent clearance vendor for $89--just $20 more than the entry-level T-Fal set. http://www.amazon.com/gp/offer-listing/B004HBGIBI/ref=dp_olp_used?ie=UTF8&colid=38BTP2RQIJ4NM&coliid=INSDSMCRTYSY3&condition=used

She's going to need utensils:
http://www.amazon.com/Calphalon-3-Piece-Wood-Utensil-Set/dp/B001DSGQTW/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_nS_nC?ie=UTF8&colid=38BTP2RQIJ4NM&coliid=IZ0LECH19026S
http://www.amazon.com/Calphalon-FN04-Nylon-Slotted-Turner/dp/B000IVAJ7K/ref=sr_1_18?s=home-garden&ie=UTF8&qid=1371953509&sr=1-18&keywords=turner
http://www.amazon.com/OXO-Good-Grips-Swivel-Peeler/dp/B00004OCIP/ref=sr_1_1?s=home-garden&ie=UTF8&qid=1371955141&sr=1-1&keywords=oxo+good+grips+vegetable+peeler

A cutting board:
http://www.amazon.com/Da-Vinci-Natural-3-Piece-Cutting/dp/B0049M7QQ6/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_S_nC?ie=UTF8&colid=38BTP2RQIJ4NM&coliid=IMHNWOBOLYQTU

And the most important and useful kitchen tool ever (after the skillet), IMO:
http://www.amazon.com/Progressive-International-Stainless-Steel-Locking/dp/B000LCOY04/ref=sr_1_3?s=home-garden&ie=UTF8&qid=1371953416&sr=1-3&keywords=tongs

Total cost:
8" & 10" Skillets $36 (with the cast iron, $3 more if both Emeril nonsticks)
Stainless pots set $69
Utensils (incl. tongs): $36
Cutting Boards: $13
Total: $154

With the nicer whole-clad set, $100 more. Or $20 more if she buys that set used (which is what I would do if I were in my 20s with the cooking knowledge of my 40s).

Finally, she'll need some knives. That's a whole separate subject, with a wide range of options, opinions, and prices.
On her rock-bottom budget, I'd go with Chicago Cutlery. She'll need a chef's knife (or can substitute santoku if she prefers, either one is $10) and a paring knife ($6). For an extra $10, a serrated bread knife is also handy. You can get through life with those 3 knives--you don't need a big fancy set and a block.

Chef's knife: [url]http://www.amazon.com/Chicago-Cutlery-Essentials-8-Inch-Knife/dp/B004TFDEPK/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_nS_nC?ie=UTF8&colid=38BTP2RQIJ4NM&coliid=I6KRN103L1O5T
[/url]
Santoku: http://www.amazon.com/Chicago-Cutlery-Essentials-7-Inch-Santoku/dp/B004TFDFAO/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_nS_nC?ie=UTF8&colid=38BTP2RQIJ4NM&coliid=I3678YBXG3WDQ8

Paring knife: http://www.amazon.com/Chicago-Cutlery-Essentials-2-Inch-Parer/dp/B004TFDFPE/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_nS_nC?ie=UTF8&colid=38BTP2RQIJ4NM&coliid=I3QFRVPZUWO76J

Bread knife: http://www.amazon.com/Chicago-Cutlery-Essentials-8-Inch-Bread/dp/B004TFDG7G/ref=wl_mb_hu_m_2_dp


There you go, for $180, a basic starter kitchen outfitted.

I wouldn't buy t-fal. America's test kitchen did a review of pots & pan sets in 2010. They felt like they were a waste of money b/c many seldom used pots are included. They have great equipment reviews on their site and you can access it free for 2 weeks. (My subscription has expired.) All-Clad is their favorite brand but it's pricey and they always recommend a bargain brand.

They recommend that an ideal set would include: a 12-inch traditional skillet (or fry pan); a 10-inch nonstick skillet for cooking delicate omelets and fish; a 12-inch cast-iron skillet for frying and searing; a 4-quart covered saucepan for vegetables and other side dishes; a 2-quart covered saucepan for heating soup or cooking oatmeal; a 6- or 7-quart enameled cast-iron Dutch oven for braising, deep-frying, and even baking bread; and a large stockpot that can do double-duty for pasta, or corn on the cob.

This link also gives a good list for a kitchen:
http://www.americastestkitchenfeed.com/gadgets-and-gear/2012/04/cookware-101-must-have-pots-and-pans/

For the basics for her stage of life, this is what I would recommend:

All-Clad 12" Skillet (will probably be used every day and will last):
http://www.amazon.com/All-Clad-5112-Stainless-12-Inch-Fry/dp/B00005AL5F/ref=sr_1_1?s=kitchen&ie=UTF8&qid=1371947565&sr=1-1&keywords=all+clad+skillet

Lincoln Half Sheet Pan:
http://www.amazon.com/Lincoln-Wear-Ever®-Standard-Half-Size-Sheet/dp/B001BQKRJG/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1371947408&sr=8-1&keywords=lincoln+sheet+pan

Victorinox 8" Chefs Knife:
http://www.amazon.com/Victorinox-Swiss-8-Inch-Fibrox-Straight/dp/B008M5U1C2/ref=sr_1_8?ie=UTF8&qid=1371947509&sr=8-8&keywords=victorinox

Oxo-Good Grip Cutting Board:
http://www.amazon.com/OXO-Grips--15-Inch-Utility-Cutting/dp/B000CBOTQ8/ref=sr_1_3?s=home-garden&ie=UTF8&qid=1371948311&sr=1-3&keywords=oxo+good+grip+cutting+board

From Ikea: Multi-pot with strainer and footed colander with small holes.

I bought a Revere 12 piece set 16 years ago as my first kitchen ware and it's still going strong. I've had T-fal frying pans and they've been okay, but haven't lasted more than 5 years.

My younger sister is done with college and moving to another city for work. She doesn't make a lot of money and would be living with one roommate. She wants to cook more often than not and asked for a suggestions for a pots and pans set. She wants just a few pots and pans for less than 100 bucks. Is that possible?

I looked on Amazon and see T-fal etc. Are they any good? Her cooking would be confined to one person levels and may be once in a while cook for a few friends and the roommate is bringing some of her own kitchen stuff. Any suggestions? Thank you.