Cookware Recommendations (5 Viewers)

[Brennan77]

Emeril's was made by All Clad. Their higher end stuff is phenomenal, but I'm not dropping 2K on cookware.

This was 20 years ago and a wedding gift. I'm sure it wasn't $2k..not sure what the equivalent would be today

 

[superchuck500]

I think Caraway is having a big sale - I have seen mention of it on social

Ceramic Cookware Set | Nonstick Pots & Pans Set | Non-Toxic Cookware | Caraway

With our ceramic-coated pots and pans cookware set, cooking & cleaning is now a breeze. Our ceramic cookware features non-toxic materials & a nonstick surface. Includes lid and pan storage.

www.carawayhome.com

 

[Wisco Steve]

What is a nice Dutch Oven to get? It's one of the few things I don't have in the arsenal. Cast Iron?

 

[saintmdterps]

Guess that rules me out.

I’ve got a mishmash of cookware, so I can’t be of much help.

Would be helpful to know which pieces you would use most frequently and a budget you hope to keep it around.

I’m sure the Buzd signal has already been activated, so I’m sure he’ll have some good suggestions.

Yeah I’m with ya. I have an Amazon Basics cast iron skillet I got for 9.99 like 8 years ago. The description said to dry thoroughly to avoid rust, and that it was heavy at 4-5 lbs. The reviews were 4.9 except one dolt who complained that it was heavy and rusted unless she dried it completely every time.

The rest of my cookware is a melange of Walmart offerings

 

[0rion]

What is a nice Dutch Oven to get? It's one of the few things I don't have in the arsenal. Cast Iron?

We have several. Our enameled cast iron is nice but it's 2.67 million pounds. We have a calphalon, a greenpan, and a revere ware one that was my mom's. We use all of them about equally. The calphalon and greenpan are my favorites.

 

[Madmarsha]

What is a nice Dutch Oven to get? It's one of the few things I don't have in the arsenal. Cast Iron?

 

[saintmdterps]

We have several. Our enameled cast iron is nice but it's 2.67 million pounds. We have a calphalon, a greenpan, and a revere ware one that was my mom's. We use all of them about equally. The calphalon and greenpan are my favorites.

I’ve told you a million times not to exaggerate

 

[buzd]

What is a nice Dutch Oven to get? It's one of the few things I don't have in the arsenal. Cast Iron?

Le Crueset is the gold standard, but pricey. We have a Willams Sonoma branded one that we got on sale that's made by Staub - another good brand.

I would definitely recommend enameled cast iron, as you generally want to avoid tomato based or acidic foods in regular cast iron. IMO, the main thing you want to avoid is plastic handles that aren't going to like high oven temperatures. Look for handles that are cast or welded, or at least metal.

 

[FLEA]

I use this Dutch Oven, the good ole Magnalite 4248 M -5qt. - not mine but a pic I stole for reference.

 

[Optimus Prime]

I use this Dutch Oven, the good ole Magnalite 4248 M -5qt. - not mine but a pic I stole for reference.

how old is that thing?!

 

[FLEA]

how old is that thing?!

probably close to 70 years old and still going strong.

 

[Dago]

What is a nice Dutch Oven to get? It's one of the few things I don't have in the arsenal. Cast Iron?

I find a bedspread with good heat retention that isn't too heavy so you don't wake up your partner prematurely works best

 

[Madmarsha]

hey @CapitalCitySaint, if you haven't yet pulled the trigger, check your local costco

mine near atlanta had this calphalon set and tho made in changland it seems well built





dishwasher safe and glass lids nice too

I can't tell you how happy glass lids make me.

God, I'm old.

 

[Dago]

I can't tell you how happy glass lids make me.

God, I'm old.

Not old...vintage!

 

[Saint_Ward]

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.