Wanted: Recommendations For Good Cookware

Q: I'm getting tired of Dupont Silverstone or whatever it is non-stick aluminum cookware. I want to buy a good cookware set that will last through my lifetime. I'm willing to spend $300-$500 for a basic set (2 saucepans, 3 saucepots or so). Several namebrands I have heard are: 1) Circulon 2) Calphalon 3) Townecraft Chef's Ware 4) Saladmaster 5) Magnalite Pro 6) Farberware 7) Revereware The qualities I would like are 1) Non-stick surfaces 2) Ruggedness I've found stainless steel (Farberware) hard to keep clean without scouring the surface. Am I doing something wrong? Some of these new-fangled materials sound promising. I've seen the Magnalite Pro pots and pans. They look good; do they perform as well? Any suggestions? I'd appreciate pointers on *where* to get the cookware as well, including reliable mail-order outlets, to get the best price.

A: Have you ever tried Visionware? I love it. I have several pots with lids and I use them for just about everything. They are especially good to use for steaming vegetables or boiling potatoes because you can see through the glass. I've found that I can't cook with ordinary aluminum pans anymore. I burn stuff. As for a skillet, nothing beats cast iron in my book. I spray it with PAM or just spread a little olive oil on the bottom and then just cook til my heart's content. I have no sticking problems. The secret is to keep the iron skillet seasoned by rubbing it with oil and baking it at a high temperature. I use a steel pad to clean it, so cleaning is easy. Just remember to dry it or it will rust. This has been mentioned before, and I don't want to start another TFH (thread from h***), but I don't care for Visions cookware. Everything sticks to it. You can't make a decent roux or sauce in it. Forget cooking pinto beans or pudding. I wouldn't recommend this as your main cookware set. This one I agree with, but as a good pan to round out your kitchen. I can't comment on the other brands mentioned because most of my cookware is from that famous French place, Le Garage Sale.

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