Hi everyone, this is a short post but one in which I would love your input. It’s been quite a while since I’ve bought a full set of pots. I do have a few ironclad pots that I really enjoy, but I’m open to new ideas. Since I cook often, these will definitely get a lot of use, so they need to be durable and stand the test of time. I own a few Le Creuset cast iron pots which I love for certain dishes that I make but I am really referring to everyday pots and pans to go the distance. And at this time I want to purchase an entire set of pots.
As for knives, it’s the same story. The last set I bought was a set of Wusthof from Williams Sonoma…granted, this is several years ago. While I liked them in the beginning, I don’t feel they really held up long-term. My father once gave us a beautiful box of specialty Japanese knives—there were only three in this gorgeous elaborate wooden box, but they’re incredible. I’d love to find something of that caliber again, only in a complete set.
So, I’m turning the tables and asking you this time—what are your favorite pots and knives? Any brands you swear by? I really value your opinions on these things and look forward to hearing your recommendations.
Wishing everyone a wonderful day and a happy start to your weekend. Until next time…..
Last day to grab one (or more) of our beautiful wicker box planters at $75.00 They are nearly half off, its a closeout. No code- price has been marked.
Look at pots and pans by the Hestan company. I have their sheet pans (all stainless steel and very sturdy) and LOVE them! I don’t have their pots and pans (yet), but I can imagine that they are of the same quality.
Our everyday pots and pans are All Clad and they have stood the test of time. We also have many Le Crueset enameled cast iron and love them–along with a few Staubs. Of course Lodge cast iron is a must as well.
I have had All-Clad for over 25 years. I absolutely love them. I have most every pan they make, their roasters, colanders, slow-cooker, and every cooking utensil they make. I give pieces often as gifts. Can’t go wrong with All-Clad!
Hi Tina,
Take a look at the French line Christel “Strait” for cookware. This line cooks like a dream! Can go from cooktop to oven. They are expensive but well worth it.
Absolutely, All-Clad. I’ve had my All-Clad for 25 years and purchase sets as gifts for my children. Cleaning with Bar Keepers Friend will keep you pans looking like new. I also swear by cast iron pans.
All-Clad pots & pans, they have stood the test of time in our family. I also have a set of beautiful copper pots & pans I bought at DeHilleran in Paris years ago but as I’ve gotten older I find them much too heavy to use.
All clad- without a doubt. They are durable, clean up beautifully and are readily available. The price point is worth it as you are making a good investment in a quality product that will see you thru the years. There are so many styles that will cover nearly all of your cooking needs. Le Creuset is excellent as well with the exception of their lobster pot which does not stand up for extended use- it rusts around the rim.
I love my Cutco knives I have mine since I was a newlywed–56 Years! Cutco guarantee their products for life. As for cookware, I love Farberware. Have mine for 56 plus years. I bought another set in 1998 for my main house and took the older set to our summer house.
I’ve had my All-Clad Copper Core set for more than 20 years and would purchase it again tomorrow. A real workhorse that looks great. A little Barkeeper’s Friend is all you need. I love my Wusthof and Shun knives, too. I’ve used both for 15 years. Good luck and happy cooking!
I have had my All-Clad pots and pans for over 30 years and I agree with the others that they stand the test of time. I’ve given sets to my kids when they married and they love them too. We all also have a variety of Le Crueset dutch ovens and braisers which I absolutely love.
I find my Wusthoff knives have also stood the test of time.
Fissler original Profi range for stainless steel pots and pans. Le Creuset, Lodge and Staub for cast iron (it’s nice to have options).
While there are some amazing Japanese knife sets out there, we shunned wooden handles and went for Global which are smart, comfortable to use and sharpen well.
We entertain A LOT and my husband loves to cook. We have Miyabi (think that’s how its spelled) knives and they are exceptional. Also Heston pots are excellent, he swears by them. We also have a backup set by Zwilling which are not as good but great for every day use. Good luck, let us know what you decide.
I have used All Clad and Le Crueset forever. As i hit 60, i can “feel” how heavy the pans are, esp the Dutch oven. Still love a good cast iron frying pan. I tried tye. Caraway cream pots non toxic and love them! I’m a ginormous fan of Juliska for beautiful pieces that can go from freezer, oven, table, microwave. Elevates every table and the neutral color goes with all of my tablescapes
I feel the same about my Wusthof knives as you do. I ordered 2 knives from Misen and love them. I also have several Henckel knives and they perform better than Wusthof. My handle on my Wusthof chefs knife became loose after just a few months. I have several pans from different manufacturers. Allclad, cuisinart and green pan to name a few. I like the cuisinart pans as well as or better than the allclad. My non-stick allclad did not stand up to the “test of time”. Greenpans are great and Stanley Tucci’s sold at William Sonoma are beautiful. So many mentioned Global knives that I am intrigued. Will have to research.
Love the Allcad D5 Stainless – the Dutch oven pot rim is designed so when you pour from it, it doesn’t run down the pot…have owned for many years, but make sure they’re the USA made vs China which you can tell a difference, not as good quality/feel. I replaced & updated my knives I’ve had for many years to Shun which so far I like, but they are extremely sharp, so be careful.
I recommend all-clad for basics. Add a couple copper if you like. wustoff is a grand knife set. You need to hone on a honing stick all the time. You will be surprised, because with use little edges need to be smoothed out. then you need to have them professionally sharpened every few years. I have had my knives for 45 years….going strong. I cook every day.
Check out copper sets by “made in”. Similar to my All Clad copper pots and pans that I’ve had for almost 40 years. Love them but no longer offered by All Clad (only offer copper core now). Beautiful to look at and lined in stainless rather than tin so never has to be re-tinned
I bought a big set of Caraway pots and pans in the cream last year and love them. They cook so well, clean easily and are nice looking. We own a small apt in NYC and bought a set for there as well since I like them so much.
For knives, I have invested heavily in all the “brands” however went to a restaurant supply shop with a friend in the business (caterer) and she turned me onto this no name set of knives. They are not fancy looking or anything special to look at BUT wow the way the way they preform is amazing! They make chopping, cutting, etc…a breeze. Maybe consider visiting a local restaurant supply store and ask them for their opinion. These are meant for chefs and restaurants so yo know they are made for heavy duty use.
I love my Cutco knives with white handles. The rep even came to my house to sharpen them. But they don’t need much upkeep. Also like All Clad, but thinking about Stanley Tucci too.
Please publish the results as I am also in the market for both! I’ve invested in several top brands over the years but nothing stands the test of time that warrants recommendation. Plus I would add easy care is a priority! Love your blog and posts!!
I inherited my mom’s All Clad and I have continued to add more pieces myself. I highly recommend All Clad in stainless steel. I use it every day and clean with Barkeepers Friend and dish detergent-this keeps them shiny and new. I have a collection of Le Creuset and use them for roasting and making soups. I often use them for something as simple as browning ground chuck for tacos-the high sides help control grease splatter. Again, I clean them with Barkeepers Friend and dish detergent-keeps them shiny and new looking. Lastly, I use Wusthof knives. I keep them stored in a block on my kitchen island. I have had an issue twice with the handle cracking or breaking (most likely due to the dishwasher), but I have shipped each one back and received a replacement-no questions asked- from Wusthof. They have a lifetime guarantee.
Can’t wait to see what you choose!!
Hands down, 100%, ALL-CLAD. It is, year in and year out, the top choice of America’s Test Kitchen. My son is a head chef, and he absolutely agrees.
You may not need a set but choose all the pieces you would use…..ie, you may need two of one size, none of another, etc.
Would add my voice to the All-Clad chorus. Plus it is/stays so beautiful, just w/BKF. I have a large collection of it, plus 4 LeCreuset pots of varying sizes. (The only piece that doesn’t last forever is the non-stick lining on those skillets—–I only use non-stick for skillets, and I really like them. But you have to be careful with the lining.) And 3 Lodge cast-iron skillets. Our Henckel knives have lasted for decades and I love them. I do use the honing stick and that keeps them very sharp in between professional sharpenings. (have a small hand sharpener as well, to mixed reviews)
My friend who is a serious cook and caterer says we only really need 3 knives, as long as they’re high quality: paring, chefs, serrated. So in our second home I have those 3 knives, and a Cuisinart set that is a good stand-in for All Clad.
Victorinox also makes a great little paring knife, if you need an extra.
I got Our Place for Christmas and I love them. They have a set of wooden spoons that come with them and they mount to the handle while cooking with them. The colors are fantastic. They have a hex clad frying pan too I got the set plus the extra pan in gold trim. Love them!!! Our Place!
Tina,
This is a terrific way to “shop” as you do have such a knowledgeable fan base!! I have learned so much from this post.
All Clad gets my vote! simple, perfect, holds up. Cuisinart for some fill in choices. They suprisingly make some great pieces. And Le Creuset. Also a few cast iron. And I love Corning for the oven. They can double as serving pieces and clean up so easily and completely. Plus they are blue/white! Agree. Dehillarian are beautiful but too heavy. But you must visit the shop when you are next in Paris, and also the second hand porcelain shops along the street.
Tina,
I love my GLOBAL knives!!!!! As for pots , I rely on my original ALL CLAD pots….. have a few copper pans and a few cast iron skillets….. but my days of polishing copper are over….. 😘
You must have at least one good cast iron skillet with your All Clads. I have had only one home robbery, one of the things stolen and held value with the insurance company , was my wood block of Wesholf knives. They were in our vacation home. In my house I have another Wesholf set but they need sharpening and I’m so not so pleased with them. I have not replaced the set, but heard about various brands of Japanese knives.
My every day pots for basics like hard boiling eggs, heating soup, making rice, etc. are copper.. I own a full range of copper pots from double boilers to large soup pots and they all hang from a pot rack over my island. I’ve recently discovered All Clad stainless and have two — a 12” and 8” frying pan plus a 10” Teflon sauté pan. These are all used weekly in rotation with my copper. Bar Keepers Friend keeps the stainless looking like new and Wright’s Copper Cream keeps all the copper pots gleaming with little elbow grease necessary. I have a full set of Henckel knives which I love and have professionally sharpened a few times a year, Used daily and the boning knife is fabulous. Also a huge and medium sized Le Creuset Dutch oven. My Wolf range is gas so these all work for me but some would not with induction. So something to consider. I cook every day.
I treated myself to a set of new pots and pans 2 years ago. After lots of research, I purchased All-Clad 5 ply copper core. Cleans easily, heats like a dream, and looks beautiful!
I have Shun knives; looks are important, and I love the feel in my hands. Watch out for your fingers!
Cutco knives. Simply the best. Lifetime guarantee and free sharpening. The handles fit so perfectly for right or lefties.
All Clad for the pots and pans. I use an induction cooktop and they cook beautifully on it.
I love Staub! and everything about them including the fact that the interior is dark and; consequently, are much easier to clean not showing dark spots. Staub is made in France. I give brides a Staub pot even if they haven’t chosen the brand. They tell me later that this is their favorite pot!
AllClad D5 stainless are the best…we’ve had ours since we got married nearly 15 years ago and they still look and perform like new (and we cook a lot!) Those plus a couple LeCreuset Dutch ovens and a Lodge cast iron skillet and I’m set.
As for knives, we have been happy with our Henckels but they are by no means a luxury brand. My husband dreams of Shun or Miyabi knives (both Japanese); he has traveled in that part of the world extensively and finds those to be exceptional.
I love All Clad from Wm Sonoma. Also have copper pots with are gorgeous just too much cleaning for me now. Don’t like my pot too heavy but cast iron always is great. Have some Restaurant quality pots which are great. Old German knives made in Germany – Zwilling and electric sharpener.. Have the expensive French pots too- too heavy for me now.
I work at Williams Sonoma and would highly recommend Shun-Japanese Knives. There are a few different handle shapes options but the technology is the same. I would also recommend All Clad Copper Core for even heat distribution for pots. I would love to help with any other questions!
I really enjoy cooking and have used my All Clad copper core set for 25 years. Love them! I also have the Made In skillets for my summer home. I really do love these skillets. Heston cookware is intriguing and it on my wish list… though I have far too much cookware as it is! 🙂 I’m in search for new knives, as well. I have 2 global knives and reach for those the most. They are light weight, feel good in my hand and they seem to be a good fit for me. My other favorite knife has a pretty handle and is a Kramer knife by Zwilling. My Wustoff knives have seen better days and I’m replacing them when I find the perfect ones. For now, the Global knives are leading the pack!
I took a knife skills class taught by a chef who was trained at the Culinary Institute of America, (the “other” CIA! 😉 . When we asked for knife recc, she recc the knife that they are assigned to bring for their cooking “kit” for their education at the school: Mercer knives. They are VERY well priced and lovely to hold, and I really enjoy using mine. What is good enough for the CIA is good enough for me!
I do love my Le Creuset pots for the things that they are good for. I tried a Staub to compare, but I find the white interior better to see the “fond” on the food as I sauté, and easier to clean. I am going to eliminate my non stick fry pans ones, tired of them wearing so poorly , and Wirecutter as well as other sources have recommended carbon steel fry pans instead of the the coated ones.
Demeyre Atlantis pots and pans, made in Belgium, because the handles are welded, not riveted, so there is nothing inside the pan for food to catch on. And…they are gorgeous. For knives, Chroma cutlery designed by F.A.Porsch are beautiful and a joy to use.
I worked at Williams-Sonoma for 18 years. The best way to buy a knife is to go into a store like WS or Sur La Table and try a variety of brands of the knives they sell. The best knife for you is the one that feels best in your hand. The 6 inch or 8 inch Chef’s Knife is the workhorse of the kitchen. The other essential knives is a bread knife. Great for cutting tomatoes. Also used for bread of course. A paring knife too. Would look at a set if you want steak knives to match. Never use my utility knife.
As for cookware, I’m a big fan of All Clad and Le Creuset..That is what I own. I found many customers though who preferred the handle of the Williams-Sonoma Thermoclad as opposed to AC handle. Same quality as AC and made in France. Hestan is also a great choice. Has non-stick qualities without being non-stick. Good luck!
Another vote for All-Clad! We’ve have ours almost 40 years and would repurchase (although for the types of cooking I do, I use Le Creuset 80% of the time).
Tina, I can not express my love more for my Italian Ruffoni pans!! I have the hammered stainless steel, but they also offer gorgeous copper ones, too. I love them for how they heat and cook meals, but also for how incredibly beautiful the decorative silver knobs are! Each knob is different ie artichoke, carrots, etc. They have a lifetime warranty too. I just went to Williams Sonoma website and the currently have many on sale!
PS. I sometimes leave one pan out on the stove just to enjoy looking at it. ❤️
I have a large set of All Clad copper core pots. They are so responsive to the heat. They are perfect for an induction cooktop. I hope that you get an induction cooktop.
I also have a lot of Le Creuset pieces. They are excellent and also compatible with induction.
I traded in my All Clad for Hexi Clad and love this set of pots and pans, I’m ready for a good set of knives as the set I have now, Cutco, are decent, they aren’t super sharp.
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Hi everyone, this is a short post but one in which I would love your input. It’s been quite a while since I’ve bought a full set of pots. I do have a few ironclad pots that I really enjoy, but I’m open to new ideas. Since I cook often, these will definitely get a lot of use, so they need to be durable and stand the test of time. I own a few Le Creuset cast iron pots which I love for certain dishes that I make but I am really referring to everyday pots and pans to go the distance. And at this time I want to purchase an entire set of pots.
As for knives, it’s the same story. The last set I bought was a set of Wusthof from Williams Sonoma…granted, this is several years ago. While I liked them in the beginning, I don’t feel they really held up long-term. My father once gave us a beautiful box of specialty Japanese knives—there were only three in this gorgeous elaborate wooden box, but they’re incredible. I’d love to find something of that caliber again, only in a complete set.
So, I’m turning the tables and asking you this time—what are your favorite pots and knives? Any brands you swear by? I really value your opinions on these things and look forward to hearing your recommendations.
Wishing everyone a wonderful day and a happy start to your weekend. Until next time…..
Last day to grab one (or more) of our beautiful wicker box planters at $75.00 They are nearly half off, its a closeout. No code- price has been marked.
Click here
Look at pots and pans by the Hestan company. I have their sheet pans (all stainless steel and very sturdy) and LOVE them! I don’t have their pots and pans (yet), but I can imagine that they are of the same quality.
Our everyday pots and pans are All Clad and they have stood the test of time. We also have many Le Crueset enameled cast iron and love them–along with a few Staubs. Of course Lodge cast iron is a must as well.
I have had All-Clad for over 25 years. I absolutely love them. I have most every pan they make, their roasters, colanders, slow-cooker, and every cooking utensil they make. I give pieces often as gifts. Can’t go wrong with All-Clad!
Hi Tina,
Take a look at the French line Christel “Strait” for cookware. This line cooks like a dream! Can go from cooktop to oven. They are expensive but well worth it.
Absolutely, All-Clad. I’ve had my All-Clad for 25 years and purchase sets as gifts for my children. Cleaning with Bar Keepers Friend will keep you pans looking like new. I also swear by cast iron pans.
All-Clad pots & pans, they have stood the test of time in our family. I also have a set of beautiful copper pots & pans I bought at DeHilleran in Paris years ago but as I’ve gotten older I find them much too heavy to use.
Global knives, you will love them! Cuisanart stainless steel pots and pans. We have them , and added them in our kitchens of our homes
All clad- without a doubt. They are durable, clean up beautifully and are readily available. The price point is worth it as you are making a good investment in a quality product that will see you thru the years. There are so many styles that will cover nearly all of your cooking needs. Le Creuset is excellent as well with the exception of their lobster pot which does not stand up for extended use- it rusts around the rim.
I love my Cutco knives I have mine since I was a newlywed–56 Years! Cutco guarantee their products for life. As for cookware, I love Farberware. Have mine for 56 plus years. I bought another set in 1998 for my main house and took the older set to our summer house.
I’ve had my All-Clad Copper Core set for more than 20 years and would purchase it again tomorrow. A real workhorse that looks great. A little Barkeeper’s Friend is all you need. I love my Wusthof and Shun knives, too. I’ve used both for 15 years. Good luck and happy cooking!
Hi Tina,
I use All Clad and Le Crueset.
I recently purchased Caraway non toxic pans and I am enjoying them.
Like Laura M I have heard All Clas, Le Crueset and cast iron but recently tried Caraway non toxic and love them.
I have had my All-Clad pots and pans for over 30 years and I agree with the others that they stand the test of time. I’ve given sets to my kids when they married and they love them too. We all also have a variety of Le Crueset dutch ovens and braisers which I absolutely love.
I find my Wusthoff knives have also stood the test of time.
Another vote for All Clad. Love them! Also Global knives.
Fissler original Profi range for stainless steel pots and pans. Le Creuset, Lodge and Staub for cast iron (it’s nice to have options).
While there are some amazing Japanese knife sets out there, we shunned wooden handles and went for Global which are smart, comfortable to use and sharpen well.
We entertain A LOT and my husband loves to cook. We have Miyabi (think that’s how its spelled) knives and they are exceptional. Also Heston pots are excellent, he swears by them. We also have a backup set by Zwilling which are not as good but great for every day use. Good luck, let us know what you decide.
Probably best to wait until you choose a range! Some require a certain type of heavy duty cookware.
I have used All Clad and Le Crueset forever. As i hit 60, i can “feel” how heavy the pans are, esp the Dutch oven. Still love a good cast iron frying pan. I tried tye. Caraway cream pots non toxic and love them! I’m a ginormous fan of Juliska for beautiful pieces that can go from freezer, oven, table, microwave. Elevates every table and the neutral color goes with all of my tablescapes
I feel the same about my Wusthof knives as you do. I ordered 2 knives from Misen and love them. I also have several Henckel knives and they perform better than Wusthof. My handle on my Wusthof chefs knife became loose after just a few months. I have several pans from different manufacturers. Allclad, cuisinart and green pan to name a few. I like the cuisinart pans as well as or better than the allclad. My non-stick allclad did not stand up to the “test of time”. Greenpans are great and Stanley Tucci’s sold at William Sonoma are beautiful. So many mentioned Global knives that I am intrigued. Will have to research.
I LOVE CUTCO knives! Great knives, and they will also sharpen the when needed!
Love the Allcad D5 Stainless – the Dutch oven pot rim is designed so when you pour from it, it doesn’t run down the pot…have owned for many years, but make sure they’re the USA made vs China which you can tell a difference, not as good quality/feel. I replaced & updated my knives I’ve had for many years to Shun which so far I like, but they are extremely sharp, so be careful.
We love the made-in pans and knives. Very high quality and they stand by their products!
I recommend all-clad for basics. Add a couple copper if you like. wustoff is a grand knife set. You need to hone on a honing stick all the time. You will be surprised, because with use little edges need to be smoothed out. then you need to have them professionally sharpened every few years. I have had my knives for 45 years….going strong. I cook every day.
Check out copper sets by “made in”. Similar to my All Clad copper pots and pans that I’ve had for almost 40 years. Love them but no longer offered by All Clad (only offer copper core now). Beautiful to look at and lined in stainless rather than tin so never has to be re-tinned
I bought a big set of Caraway pots and pans in the cream last year and love them. They cook so well, clean easily and are nice looking. We own a small apt in NYC and bought a set for there as well since I like them so much.
For knives, I have invested heavily in all the “brands” however went to a restaurant supply shop with a friend in the business (caterer) and she turned me onto this no name set of knives. They are not fancy looking or anything special to look at BUT wow the way the way they preform is amazing! They make chopping, cutting, etc…a breeze. Maybe consider visiting a local restaurant supply store and ask them for their opinion. These are meant for chefs and restaurants so yo know they are made for heavy duty use.
I love my Cutco knives with white handles. The rep even came to my house to sharpen them. But they don’t need much upkeep. Also like All Clad, but thinking about Stanley Tucci too.
Please publish the results as I am also in the market for both! I’ve invested in several top brands over the years but nothing stands the test of time that warrants recommendation. Plus I would add easy care is a priority! Love your blog and posts!!
I inherited my mom’s All Clad and I have continued to add more pieces myself. I highly recommend All Clad in stainless steel. I use it every day and clean with Barkeepers Friend and dish detergent-this keeps them shiny and new. I have a collection of Le Creuset and use them for roasting and making soups. I often use them for something as simple as browning ground chuck for tacos-the high sides help control grease splatter. Again, I clean them with Barkeepers Friend and dish detergent-keeps them shiny and new looking. Lastly, I use Wusthof knives. I keep them stored in a block on my kitchen island. I have had an issue twice with the handle cracking or breaking (most likely due to the dishwasher), but I have shipped each one back and received a replacement-no questions asked- from Wusthof. They have a lifetime guarantee.
Can’t wait to see what you choose!!
Hands down, 100%, ALL-CLAD. It is, year in and year out, the top choice of America’s Test Kitchen. My son is a head chef, and he absolutely agrees.
You may not need a set but choose all the pieces you would use…..ie, you may need two of one size, none of another, etc.
Would add my voice to the All-Clad chorus. Plus it is/stays so beautiful, just w/BKF. I have a large collection of it, plus 4 LeCreuset pots of varying sizes. (The only piece that doesn’t last forever is the non-stick lining on those skillets—–I only use non-stick for skillets, and I really like them. But you have to be careful with the lining.) And 3 Lodge cast-iron skillets. Our Henckel knives have lasted for decades and I love them. I do use the honing stick and that keeps them very sharp in between professional sharpenings. (have a small hand sharpener as well, to mixed reviews)
My friend who is a serious cook and caterer says we only really need 3 knives, as long as they’re high quality: paring, chefs, serrated. So in our second home I have those 3 knives, and a Cuisinart set that is a good stand-in for All Clad.
Victorinox also makes a great little paring knife, if you need an extra.
I got Our Place for Christmas and I love them. They have a set of wooden spoons that come with them and they mount to the handle while cooking with them. The colors are fantastic. They have a hex clad frying pan too I got the set plus the extra pan in gold trim. Love them!!! Our Place!
Tina,
This is a terrific way to “shop” as you do have such a knowledgeable fan base!! I have learned so much from this post.
All Clad gets my vote! simple, perfect, holds up. Cuisinart for some fill in choices. They suprisingly make some great pieces. And Le Creuset. Also a few cast iron. And I love Corning for the oven. They can double as serving pieces and clean up so easily and completely. Plus they are blue/white! Agree. Dehillarian are beautiful but too heavy. But you must visit the shop when you are next in Paris, and also the second hand porcelain shops along the street.
We have Zelite Japanese knives. Love them. We also use ChefsChoice electric knife sharpener. But be CAREFUL, it works very well
My daughter is a chef and she swears and loves the Japanese knives Also, she says alway keep your knives sharpened
All Clad—none better
Whustoff same
Copper pots are great for decor not for today’s cooking and stoves
Tina,
I love my GLOBAL knives!!!!! As for pots , I rely on my original ALL CLAD pots….. have a few copper pans and a few cast iron skillets….. but my days of polishing copper are over….. 😘
You must have at least one good cast iron skillet with your All Clads. I have had only one home robbery, one of the things stolen and held value with the insurance company , was my wood block of Wesholf knives. They were in our vacation home. In my house I have another Wesholf set but they need sharpening and I’m so not so pleased with them. I have not replaced the set, but heard about various brands of Japanese knives.
My every day pots for basics like hard boiling eggs, heating soup, making rice, etc. are copper.. I own a full range of copper pots from double boilers to large soup pots and they all hang from a pot rack over my island. I’ve recently discovered All Clad stainless and have two — a 12” and 8” frying pan plus a 10” Teflon sauté pan. These are all used weekly in rotation with my copper. Bar Keepers Friend keeps the stainless looking like new and Wright’s Copper Cream keeps all the copper pots gleaming with little elbow grease necessary. I have a full set of Henckel knives which I love and have professionally sharpened a few times a year, Used daily and the boning knife is fabulous. Also a huge and medium sized Le Creuset Dutch oven. My Wolf range is gas so these all work for me but some would not with induction. So something to consider. I cook every day.
I treated myself to a set of new pots and pans 2 years ago. After lots of research, I purchased All-Clad 5 ply copper core. Cleans easily, heats like a dream, and looks beautiful!
I have Shun knives; looks are important, and I love the feel in my hands. Watch out for your fingers!
Agree w/fits hand well & no kidding you’ll see blood before you know you’re cut…
Best knifes would be the Mac knifes. Always rated number.
Pots and Pans, All-Clad, hands down.
Le Creuset or cast iron is the way to go. I purchased a set of le Creuset in 1978 while in France, I use them everyday for almost 50 Years.
Do your research on metal all clad pans. They are not healthy for you and your family.
Cutco knives. Simply the best. Lifetime guarantee and free sharpening. The handles fit so perfectly for right or lefties.
All Clad for the pots and pans. I use an induction cooktop and they cook beautifully on it.
I love Staub! and everything about them including the fact that the interior is dark and; consequently, are much easier to clean not showing dark spots. Staub is made in France. I give brides a Staub pot even if they haven’t chosen the brand. They tell me later that this is their favorite pot!
Hi Tina, Global knives are a standout and last the test of time
I highly recommend Cutco knives. They are sturdy and tough. Cutco will sharpen your knives at no charge and their customer service is fabulous!
Cutco knives are the best! They last forever, are super sharp, and every year you can get them sharpened for free.
AllClad D5 stainless are the best…we’ve had ours since we got married nearly 15 years ago and they still look and perform like new (and we cook a lot!) Those plus a couple LeCreuset Dutch ovens and a Lodge cast iron skillet and I’m set.
As for knives, we have been happy with our Henckels but they are by no means a luxury brand. My husband dreams of Shun or Miyabi knives (both Japanese); he has traveled in that part of the world extensively and finds those to be exceptional.
I love All Clad from Wm Sonoma. Also have copper pots with are gorgeous just too much cleaning for me now. Don’t like my pot too heavy but cast iron always is great. Have some Restaurant quality pots which are great. Old German knives made in Germany – Zwilling and electric sharpener.. Have the expensive French pots too- too heavy for me now.
I work at Williams Sonoma and would highly recommend Shun-Japanese Knives. There are a few different handle shapes options but the technology is the same. I would also recommend All Clad Copper Core for even heat distribution for pots. I would love to help with any other questions!
I love my Shun knives. They have a lifetime sharpening warranty. They are worth their price. You can’t go wrong with the best set of All-Clad.
I really enjoy cooking and have used my All Clad copper core set for 25 years. Love them! I also have the Made In skillets for my summer home. I really do love these skillets. Heston cookware is intriguing and it on my wish list… though I have far too much cookware as it is! 🙂 I’m in search for new knives, as well. I have 2 global knives and reach for those the most. They are light weight, feel good in my hand and they seem to be a good fit for me. My other favorite knife has a pretty handle and is a Kramer knife by Zwilling. My Wustoff knives have seen better days and I’m replacing them when I find the perfect ones. For now, the Global knives are leading the pack!
I took a knife skills class taught by a chef who was trained at the Culinary Institute of America, (the “other” CIA! 😉 . When we asked for knife recc, she recc the knife that they are assigned to bring for their cooking “kit” for their education at the school: Mercer knives. They are VERY well priced and lovely to hold, and I really enjoy using mine. What is good enough for the CIA is good enough for me!
I do love my Le Creuset pots for the things that they are good for. I tried a Staub to compare, but I find the white interior better to see the “fond” on the food as I sauté, and easier to clean. I am going to eliminate my non stick fry pans ones, tired of them wearing so poorly , and Wirecutter as well as other sources have recommended carbon steel fry pans instead of the the coated ones.
Sorry , I forgot to say that the Mercer knives are easily available on Amazon! Get an 8 inch chef knife just to try!
Sorry , I forgot to say that the Mercer knives are easily available on Amazon! Get an 8 inch chef knife just to try!
Demeyre Atlantis pots and pans, made in Belgium, because the handles are welded, not riveted, so there is nothing inside the pan for food to catch on. And…they are gorgeous. For knives, Chroma cutlery designed by F.A.Porsch are beautiful and a joy to use.
I worked at Williams-Sonoma for 18 years. The best way to buy a knife is to go into a store like WS or Sur La Table and try a variety of brands of the knives they sell. The best knife for you is the one that feels best in your hand. The 6 inch or 8 inch Chef’s Knife is the workhorse of the kitchen. The other essential knives is a bread knife. Great for cutting tomatoes. Also used for bread of course. A paring knife too. Would look at a set if you want steak knives to match. Never use my utility knife.
As for cookware, I’m a big fan of All Clad and Le Creuset..That is what I own. I found many customers though who preferred the handle of the Williams-Sonoma Thermoclad as opposed to AC handle. Same quality as AC and made in France. Hestan is also a great choice. Has non-stick qualities without being non-stick. Good luck!
Another vote for All-Clad! We’ve have ours almost 40 years and would repurchase (although for the types of cooking I do, I use Le Creuset 80% of the time).
Tina, I can not express my love more for my Italian Ruffoni pans!! I have the hammered stainless steel, but they also offer gorgeous copper ones, too. I love them for how they heat and cook meals, but also for how incredibly beautiful the decorative silver knobs are! Each knob is different ie artichoke, carrots, etc. They have a lifetime warranty too. I just went to Williams Sonoma website and the currently have many on sale!
PS. I sometimes leave one pan out on the stove just to enjoy looking at it. ❤️
Wusthof knives. We’ve had a full set in our wusthof knife block for over 35 years, steak knives included.
I have a large set of All Clad copper core pots. They are so responsive to the heat. They are perfect for an induction cooktop. I hope that you get an induction cooktop.
I also have a lot of Le Creuset pieces. They are excellent and also compatible with induction.
All-Clad pots and pans, Cutco knives
I’m a fan of Cutco knives!
I am sorry you are unsatisfied with Wustoff knives. I have used mine for years with no complaints.
My favorite cookware is by Cuisinart. They have several product lines but I prefer the Multi Clad line.
I traded in my All Clad for Hexi Clad and love this set of pots and pans, I’m ready for a good set of knives as the set I have now, Cutco, are decent, they aren’t super sharp.