Cookware: Reviews

Reviews say that All-Clad Stainless is the best high-end cookware. Although All-Clad excels in comparison reviews, many owners aren't sure the high price is justified. All-Clad's heavy aluminum core, which extends up the… sides of the pan, is sandwiched between a stainless steel cooking surface and an exterior layer of magnetic stainless steel. That makes it a good choice for use with gas ranges, where flames can lick the sides of cookware. This is the most popular cookware with experts, who note that it is heavier than cheaper pots and pans. It's oven-safe to 500 degrees Fahrenheit.

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In expert reviews, Cuisinart Chef's Classic Stainless cookware receives high scores for performance and value, and it's a favorite of owners posting comments on Epinions.com and Amazon.com. A fully encapsulated aluminum… disk is built into the base of this cookware (All-Clad's superior aluminum core runs up the sides of the pot). That makes this set less expensive, but once the thick base is heated through, the sautŽ speed ramps up, requiring you to keep a close eye on the pan. This cookware is oven safe to 550 degrees Fahrenheit -- a particularly high temperature rating for budget cookware.

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Experts don't recommend buying a full set of nonstick cookware. That's because Teflon-coated cookware isn't durable in the long run. However, reviewers do say a nonstick skillet is an essential addition to your cookware… collection. Because all nonstick Teflon coatings will eventually wear off, you shouldn't shell out for an expensive nonstick pan. The Teflon-coated WearEver Premium is light and comfortable to use, and hollow handles stay relatively cool. This cookware is oven safe to 350 degrees. Hand washing is recommended. If you are concerned about cooking with Teflon, Cuisinart has a new GreenGourmet line that uses a ceramic-based coating and includes a 12-inch nonstick skillet (*est. $70), but it's much more expensive.

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The heavy weight of cast iron is both a pro and a con. These pans retain heat beautifully, but they aren't as maneuverable as stainless steel. Cast-iron skillets are gaining traction as an alternative to controversial… Teflon cookware. Once the Lodge skillet's seasoning develops, this pan releases foods nearly as well as Teflon pans. This skillet excels at searing meat and delivering crusty cornbread. The Lodge Logic pan is oven safe and, with routine maintenance, it will improve with age.

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Chefs say the superior heat conductivity of cast iron makes a nonreactive enamel-coated pot great for slow-simmering stews and braises. If Staub or Le Creuset just isn't in your budget, we found very good reviews for the… Lodge Dutch oven, which features sturdy, large handles and a good build quality for the price. Cheaper coated cast-iron pots can chip or scratch, but Lodge's double coating of enamel is said to be more durable, and it's impervious to acidic foods, such as tomatoes. Owners report that it works just as well as their more expensive Le Creuset pieces. It comes in four colors.

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