Recommendation for set of cookware??

[wannabfree]

Any suggestions on a good overall set of cookware?? Would like something NOT made in china tired of their junk! I don't know if possible but would like a good solid set for around $100 or less??? Dont laugh I really dont know I havent begun to research yet but I seriously want something that will last many years... I'm all ears lol

[suzyhomemaker09]

If you have a membership to a Sam's club...something like this might be a decent start for you....

http://www.samsclub.com/sams/shop/pr...tId=prod990374

[bknthesdle]

I have a skillet my step mom gave me. She was going to toss it! It is now my all time favorite skillet and would love an entire set if I knew where to look to find it. It's called cook's essential. It can go from stove top to oven!!! Love it!!! Says it's designed in the USA but made in Thailand.

[gwithrow]

I have found excellent bargains on quality cookware at places like TJ Maxx and Marshalls...remember it doesn't have to all match for you to be a good cook....and if you make a list of the sizes you want you can be on the look out for heavy quality stainless with a super heavy bottom.....I stocked my kitchen with all clad, seconds...found at TJ Maxx....and I use cast iron for skillets.....so far the cookware fairy has not come to my house and issued a citation for the fact that all my pots do not match....I personally do not like the glass tops....around here if it is possible for something to break, it will....I have also heard very good things about the set mentioned that can be found at Sam's club...good luck...

[WildernesFamily]

I have an older style Tramontina set. Love this set! Nice heavy tri-ply bottom, cleans up nicely. Not killer expensive, but still more than you wanted to pay... here's the updates set on Amazon for $159, you may be able to find it cheaper elsewhere. I also have their bigger stock pot which I bought at Walmart. I *think* they are made in the USA, but don't hold me to that.

http://www.amazon.com/Tramontina-pc-...4702133&sr=8-2

ETA: My set has been serving me for 8 years now.

[WildernesFamily]

Other Tramontina sets:

http://www.walmart.com/ip/Tramontina...re-Set/5716478 ($129)

http://www.walmart.com/ip/Tramontina...ndingMethod=rr ($219)

[jwal10]

For electric or gas, find good used Revereware, stainless with the copper bottoms. Older ones are better. I pay $1-$2 each piece. Wood stove, I like good used cast iron. I hate the thin junk made now....James

[MO_cows]

Ditto on the Revereware. I am using a set that was a wedding present 30 years ago, plus I have some more pieces that were in my grandma's things and they probably go back to the 50's or 60's. Still looks great! Hit the thrift stores and get way better stuff and cheaper. I also had a large Tramontina non-stick skillet from Sam's club and it lasted quite awhile but eventually did flake. I think I used it for 5 years and it saw a LOT of use.

[Danaus29]

I paid over $100 for a made in the US stainless steel griddle.

Unless you happen to luck across some old RevereWare (made in China now) or some of the old kitchenkraft or princess or one of their other names you won't find much made in the US for a decent price. Parts like lids and handles are still available for purchase (on the kitchenkraft line). IIRC most all of the new cast iron is made in China or some other country. Most of the older cookware from Germany is real nice, heavy duty too. It will take some time and searching but if you get lucky you can find some older quality pieces. Every once in a while I run across an especially nice piece at the thrift store or flea markets. Last year I bought a huge old RevereWare frying pan and lid (the BIG one, not your standard size) for around $20. A couple months ago I paid $30 for an older stainless roasting pan. Here a lot of the thrift store stuff would be better off as scrap, someone overheated it, warped bottoms, squished sides, etc, usually in desperate need of a good scrubbing. But occasionally I do find some good stuff.

I've checked Sam's Club, even their "good" Paula Dean cookware is expensive and made in China. The only one I know for sure is US made is kitchenkraft but they are very pricey, a couple grand for a decent set of pots and pans.

[Vickie44]

I will agree on the older RevereWare, if you find it grab it. Had mine 30+ yrs and nary a problem.~ Vickie

[wannabfree]

Thanks everyone - I think I will be looking some for the used RevereWare

[WildernesFamily]

Here's a pretty good deal for an older lot of revereware: http://www.astronomy-pictures.net/te...670517723.html

I had a similar set but had to get rid of the lot when I got my glass top stove, the pieces didn't sit flat enough, they rocked on the surface

[Stush]

Tramontina is great. Used to be made in Brazil. Not sure if that is still true? It's it every bit as nice as the way overpriced All Clad.

[flowergurl]

Another Revereware fan here. It's the best, and lasts forever.

[Jolly]

Good as All-Clad at less than 1/2 the price:

http://www1.macys.com/catalog/produc...xx.esn_results

[lemonthyme7]

Yet another vote for Revereware! I have a nice older one with the copper bottom that would not want to be without. My daughter got me a really nice Nortic Ware non-stick skillet for Christmas - they are still made in USA.

[Belfrybat]

For new, I'd go with Tramontina -- I have a saucepan I picked up at the thrift store and it is great quality. If you are not picky about having a matched set, I've found some good bargains at Big Lots, but you have to look through their display carefully.

[Cabin Fever]

We like cast iron cookware. If you can't find - or afford - the vintage Wagner and Griswold cast iron pieces, your best bet is to buy American-made Lodge cookware ==> http://www.lodgemfg.com/

[sisterpine]

My revere ware was born before I was so it is more than 60 years old and still functioning as good as new! Can't say that about the modern stuff folks cook in. Look for the vintage stuff and clean it up as it is heavier than the modern revereware. sisterpine

[Alice In TX/MO]

Question.... the metal handles on the Tramontina? We have a set of Cooking Club pots and pans that are unusable unless you have silicone sleeves in place on the handle. I love the pot, but the handle gets as hot as the pot!