Cookware Recommendations

I have a mix of a few things. Some I bought, some were gifts. I don't have anything too high end.

As stated by Buzd Le Crueset is the gold standard for enameled cast iron, however, I own a cast iron skillet from Lodge and some enameled Dutch ovens from Lodge (I think, they were a gift, need to double check. EDIT 2025 - I was wrong, they're Tramontina and I use them a lot). Lodge stuff is made in Tennessee. Reasonable price. Cast iron is cast iron, for the most part. They may use different alloys, but I wouldn't expect drastic differences. I've always liked cooking on cast iron, but they tend to get hot spots, so move the pan around, move the food around. I've had to re-season it a couple times, but it's been a champ.

For stainless steel, I went a notch down from All Clad (another gold standard). I have a Tramontina clad pan and pots (made in Brazil). I also have a set of their non-stick Pans I got at Costco a few years back. (2025 update - as with most non-stick, they're starting to wear down a bit. I still like how thick the aluminum is, so they're not flimsy pans.)

Regardless of what you use, and you probably know this, is to use the cookware properly. Cast iron, stainless, non-stick all have different needs and care.

Oh, and bartenders friend is your friend to clean stainless.