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.Most cookware is way too thin, which leaves you with hotspots.For years, I would make up for this by using a cast iron "defuser" to even out the heat and keep the direct flame off the bottom of the pan.I don't have to do this any more.With the triple-layering, you get even heating, regardless of whether it's the middle of the pan or the outer edge.
Personally, I like the stainless.MC2 wasn't around when I bought mine, and I might have chosen that because of the low-maintanace exterior, but I'm not regretting it either.I don't have to be worrying about scratching through the coating with it and it cleans up easy enough with a little water and even less elbow grease.
Cooking will always be a chore, even if you enjoy the act in itself, if you never invest in good cookware and good knives.This is the first step on at least one of those.You might also wish to add a double-boiler, the steamer insert and a 1 qt. saucier; and maybe a larger stock pot (12 qt. if you can afford it), but this really lets you hit the ground running.
durability:no issues with handles coming loose, etc.almost all of the pans have remained even completely ding/dent free.my only complaint is that the bottom of one pan has domed slightly, so the pan does not lay completely flat on the burner, and heat distribution is affected.so while overall durability has been good, i'm knocking them down a point for this flaw.
cooking:these pans perform well.with the exception of the one mentioned above, all conduct heat evenly.no problem getting good crystalization of fats from meats, or browning vegetables in the oven.i think you definitely need a wider array of pans in your kitchen a nonstick and a cast iron are two i can think of right off the bat as well as some different types of metals for different applications.but this isn't something that you can hold against this product.just understand that this set won't cover ALL your pan needs.
cleaning:i've seen a lot of reviewers talk about how hard it is to clean these pans.it should be noted that pans are harder to clean, and stick more, if they're used less frequently.i think some of the issues people are having is because they're not using the pans frequently enough, or are not cooking foods at the proper temperatures.i've had no problems cleaning these pans.
pricing:aside from my issue with durability mentioned above, the is the only other area i feel detracts from this product.if the price is no object, or you can appreciate the cooking qualities of the pans and need something that looks good, i can see spending the money on this set.and i certianly wouldn't refuse it as a gift!however if you're on the fence about the price, and it's a financial stretch for you, i think you could put together a set of pans that will work just as well for much, much less.professional restaurant supply stores will sell pans that will work just as well as these for much less.they just won't be as pretty.so understand that you don't HAVE to spend this kind of money to get the same results.
so overall i'm happy with these pans.i'm disappointed one has warped slightly i should see if it's eligible for a replacement but aside from that they're great.
Buy All-Clad 5000-9 Stainless 9-Piece Cookware Set Now
I bought this set back in January and must admit, it's gotten a lot of compliments from friends and neighbors.As with anything stainless steel, which is apparently all the rage these days, the look and feel (heavy!) of this cookware is impressive.
The most impressive thing I've noticed so far is the even temperature control throughout all of the pieces I purchased and have used so far.Even when boiling water, you can see at the bottom of the pot that the heat is being distributed evenly, which is a major downfall of most other cookware.
The first downside is that they are, in my experience, a PAIN to clean.Following the manufacturers recommendation to NOT put them in the dishwasher, I have washed them by hand after every use.I highly recommend washing them IMMEDIATELY after use to avoid having to spend a lot of time getting them clean.
The other downside is that I think these pots and pans will work much better on gas cooktops than on radiant cooktops.Fortunately, I'll have gas cooktops again in a few months, but really feel that buyers with radiant cooktops should test out a piece or two before commiting to the whole set.
Other than those two minor downsides, this is a "keep-for-life" set of pots and pans, and well worth the investment.Check out the rest of the All Clad stainless series for other great pieces (highly recommend the omelette pan to complete this set in particular).
Read Best Reviews of All-Clad 5000-9 Stainless 9-Piece Cookware Set Here
This is my second set of All Clad.When I installed a Viking gas cooktop a year ago, I discovered why all the pros use All Clad....my thick-bottomed, thin-walled cookware couldn't take the heat and food burned on the sides rather than the bottom.My darling husband gave me a full set of MC2 and from that point on I was hooked.I have added several pieces via Amazon's great buys, both MC2 and stainless which I love.Mind you, my previous cookware was all non-stick so this was a challenge but once I figured out the proper way to cook I've had no problem with anything sticking and I hardly ever use any fat besides cooking sprays.It's so simple:preheat the cookware!It only takes a minute on medium heat then you can spray the pan and add your food and nothing sticks.Cleanup is a breeze and the stuff is so gorgeous I bought a stainless rack to display it.If you are serious about cooking, buy this set.It's a fantastic deal and it will last a lifetime.I'm betting some of you will even go on to buy a pro-type cooktop or stove after you start using All Clad.It's really true that the right cookware makes all the difference and this is the right stuff!Want All-Clad 5000-9 Stainless 9-Piece Cookware Set Discount?
A chef who works the line in one of New York's best restaurants may tell you that your cookware won't really change the way you cook. That chef, however, may just be jealous you just bought one of the best investments you could ever make. Consider this. The computer you're reading this on probably cost more than 500 dollars. It willlast you, generously, 4 years. The set of All-Clad you just bought also cost more than 500 dollars. It will last you, conservatively, the rest of your life if you take care of it properly.
You can get the pro's and con's from a lot of other reviews and reading material, but I want to share one bit of advice that made the final choice for me. I did hours of online and print research before finally making a choice. I tried matching up individual pieces, compared sets v. non-sets, looked at what I really needed in closer detail, and, lastly, "agonized" between Calphalon and All-Clad.
Why did All-Clad stainless win? I love technology, especially stuff that makes our lives easier (like cleaning). So I was leaning pretty heavily toward Calphalon One for a while (it's even slightly cheaper). But then I came to a quick conclusion one night while eating at a Florentine's house: tried and true, stainless steel can make some incredibly good food. If you're in the market now, as you most likely are considering you're reading this (hopefully), then maybe, like me, you'll think to yourself, maybe I should wait a while for this "One" concept to see how well it lasts. All-Clad will last me my life. Proof positive. And I won't have to be sending any of it in the mail (hopefully).
It wasn't an easy choice, but after just about 5 meals I've cooked in them, my friends are already smiling (and my roommates are incredibly happy). The cleanup (which is what really racked my conscience for a while. I am a college kid at heart who hates to do dishes) is, in all honesty, not AS easy as non-stick, but after a little soaking in soapy water and with the magic of Bar Keeper's Friend, well, done done and doner.
While this may be a once-in-a-lifetime purchase for you, beware, the pans are infectious.
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