Cuisinart MCP-12N MultiClad Pro Stainless Steel 12-Piece Cookware Set

Make sense of so many options
Navigating the cookware maze? Boil it down to 3 key decisions:

1) Non-Stick vs. Anything Else

Non-Stick = Not dishwasher safe, average life of 2-8 years, some believe there are health concerns, a million color/style options. If you do decide to go nonstick, Anolon is arguably the best right now and at least a solid starting place to look.

Anything Else = Ultimately you go stainless. There's a bevy of reasons stainless is mandated in commercial world, sanitation and longevity being two. You can buy a stainless set that lasts, in theory, for life. Dishwasher safe. A lot of the latest offerings stick very little... and perform on par w/non-stick when using a light coating.

Face it, you buy non-stick out of laziness. Well, I'd rather my dishwasher clean off the "stick" than my hand have to clean off the "non-stick".

2) Ok, so I'm going stainless! What now?

Once again you have two choices... All Clad brand or Cuisinart...
Excellent Set of Cookware at a Great Price, Questionable Warranty Service

So pleased!
I ordered this set due to a great deal that was offered a few weeks back, making the set more affordable than the older model. This model, MCP-12N is the new version (with improved handle shaping and placement-I contacted Cuisinart to ask about the difference) of the MCP-12. I've always had cheap model Revereware, or bought scratch and dent pans from stores. This is the first nice set of cookware I've ever purchased. I was skeptical because I read ALL reviews on the older model. There were some negative ones, and I was leary. While affordable, they are still priced higher than what I'm used to buying. Oh-about price; I checked several places and Amazon's price has yet to be beat.

I was provided an estimated delivery date between the first and second week of November. Then Amazon sent me an email last week stating the pots would be available sooner. They arrived this past Monday, and I LOVE them! I've only cooked 3 meals so far, but I've used quite a bit of the pots...
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Cuisinart 44-10 Contour Stainless 10-Piece Cookware Set

Excellent and beautiful Cookware
I researched every set out there and this fit my budget and my needs and I have not been disapointed one bit!
I LOVE this set!
I researched every set out there and this fit my budget and my needs and I have not been disapointed one bit! I do not put them in the dishwasher but soak them in warm water and soap until I can wash them properly and by doing this makes the pans easy to clean and clean up very well. Using the Bar Keepers Friend for cookware to polish them has been esential and shines them up well! I also place pieces of felt between the pans so I can stack them without scratching. I do not have room for a hanging rack. I do recommend this set and am planning to get another set for our vacation home. As far as trying to cook eggs such as fried eggs I have not been successful, but cooking scrambled eggs works every time.
cookware
Love it as I have a set of our own. This will be a Gift for daughter,she will be happy too.
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Zwilling JA Henckels Twin Gourmet 15-Piece Block Set

A little misleading
The picture of the knife on the box of this product shows the words Made in Germany. The product is actually made in Spain. Zwilling knives in Germany are known to be of a superior quality...so this is a little misleading.
Great deal for the price
This set is a cost-effective solution for making sure you always have a suitable decent-quality knife for the task on hand, but none of the included knives really qualifies as the kitchen knife of choice. For that, I would recommend a FORGED 8" chef's knife with a bolster (Henckels offers one for about $100 Zwillilng J.A. Henckels Twin Four Star 8-Inch High Carbon Stainless-Steel Chef's Knife), which would fit nicely into any of the few spare slots in the included block (none of which will fit a typical meat cleaver, incidentally).

The steak knives are a high point of the set. Note that they are serrated, which could lead to future sharpening difficulties. It goes without saying that the bread knife is also serrated.

There's nothing here that will impress an enthusiast, but for the rest of us, it's a reasonably-priced product that gets you 90% of the way toward a full suite of utilitarian...
Knives are good except shears
The knives are very good quality and I love using them. However, I am very disappointed that the shears has NO logo and No indication that it is Zwilling JA Henckels. It seems that the shears is just a cheap NO BRAND shear added to the block set. The block set is supposed to be made in Spain, as I stated before the Shears has NO indication that it is made in Spain as well. So you never know where it comes from. Therefore, it is NOT a real Zwilling JA Henckels block set (seems misleading)!
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CIA 2 Quart Saucier With Cover

Nice piece of cookware
First let me say that I have an induction cook top, so I am limited to magnetic cooking materials. I tend to get bored having all of one brand, so my armamentarium is a hodge-podge of several brands including All-Clad SS, LeCreuset (both SS and enameled cast iron), Emerilware (both the tri-ply clad and the regular SS with the clad bottom), and plain old Lodge cast iron.

The CIA Masters Collection 2 quart saucier is perhaps my favorite. It has a nice heft, but is not too heavy, looks great, and has a great handle. The lid is a little nicer than the All-Clad as well. I only have this one piece, but suspect I will end up with more, as that handle beats the pants off of the All-Clad SS (the predominant player in my collection), and otherwise performs comparably to the All-Clad SS, which I consider the standard for comparison for SS cookware. Also I find it more aesthetically pleasing than any of the brands that I mention above, which is a plus in my book, although it has...
Worth the money
I have been replacing my old outdated cookware with quality pieces. This is the most beautiful and well made saucier I have ever seen. It is a joy to use, and is lovely on my stove. I'll be buying more of the CIA line as my budget permits. If you love to cook, treat yourself to this saucier.
Perfect
The 2-qt version of this saucier became a favorite within days--the size is ample for polenta, risotto, aloo gobi, poaching marinated tofu, and Gordon Ramsay's fabulous Broccoli Soup--for making portions for one to four people. The lid is just heavy enough to be effective; the pan cleans like a dream, and it will probably last as long as I do.
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Alessi Michael Graves Kettle with Bird Whistle, Blue Handle

Way overpriced
It boils water. It looks pretty on the counter. It has maintained its luster. You can get your hand inside it to clean.
Beyond that it is just an expensive pot that doesn't have the usual features of a Tea kettle.
You can't pour water until you grab the hot plastic bird whistle and pull it out. With hot stream gushing out this is an interesting game. We went through a couple "birds" before we got one that even whistled and as many others have said, it doesn't sound like a bird. It sounds like the whistle of a guy who was just at the dentist. It also has a cheap wire spring clip and lasts about a month. We have some Alessi stuff. Some is good, some is like this, overpriced... way way overpriced. Did I mention that it is not worth the money.
A Real Eye Catcher!
I have owned this tea kettle for about 10 years. Not only is it fully functional as staple in my kitchen, it's adorable. Everyone who enjoys tea at my house comments on it. It is very durable, heavily constructed, and uniquely designed by Michael Graves. And of course, it "whistles". This is one tea kettle that you'll never have to replace; you won't be disappointed. It looks as good today as the day I opened the box. It's definitely a 5-star item.
beautiful and unique
You know it when you see it, there is no other like it. I use mine daily and have for more than 15 years. I've replaced the bird once, though I did buy several extras. The first one broke after only a few months, but the replacement has been in use for the balance of the 15 years. The shinny finish is all scratched from cleaning and the bottom needs a really good scrubbing around the edges occasionally. There is some mildew build up in the rim on the bottom. I wish I'd taken better care cleaning it over the years, so it would have stayed all shinny, but with splatter from all the other things cooking on the stove, it required some scrubbing. If I'd thought about it, I'd have moved it off the stove when I was cooking other things. If it wasn't so expensive, I'd get another, but the one I have was a gift and hard to part with. So, bottom line, it holds up well, does everything it's designed to do. The handle is cool to the touch, but you do have to remove the bird to pour, so wait a...
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Classic Ikon 10" Steel, Double Bolster

Beautiful
I ordered this to go with our new Ikon knives. Our knives have stayed razor sharp. It has great heft with the nice, heavy handle and is very easy to use. I love it.


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All Clad 4112NSR2 Stainless Steel 3-Ply Bonded Dishwasher Safe 12-Inch PFOA-free Non-Stick Fry Pan Cookware, Silver

**UPDATED** pay attention to the temperature
suspicious of non-stick surfaces since the first pans appeared on the market, my only experience was with $20 pans with screw-on handles. you know the type. i converted all my pots and pans to all-clad and viking when i moved in 2000 and left non-stick pans in the trash. but. but last year i got an all-clad non-stick pan and i am now a convert. it is a joy to cook with and is as easy to clean as the dinner plates (i do it all by hand).

after reading these reviews i felt compelled to respond. reading about pans and surface coatings i learned that non-stick surfaces are designed to get hot as 500 degrees before they degrade. in fact, the surface material actually "off gasses" before you see the material degradation.

to enjoy the pan the way it was intended do not use it in high temperature situations. if you are going to sear, then oven broil chicken, for instance, use a traditional pan. if you are sauteing onions and vegetables, reducing a stock, or doing...
All-Clad is the BEST!
People! If you're going to buy expensive non-stick pans learn the basics on how to maintain them! Read the user directions!! You should not use high heat on ANY non-stick! Using high heat voids the All-Clad warranty! High heat also eventually compromises non-stick surfaces. You should not use aerosol spray oils in non-stick as it ruins the non-stick coating. Use only utensils made to use with non-stick pots and pans. Never put very cold food in a hot pot or pan. You should not clean non-stick in dishwashers - hand wash with Bon Ami and a plastic mesh scrubber. Bon Ami (or similar) also works best on All-Clad stainless. Hard-anodized pots and pans are not dishwasher safe, no matter what the brand. I can boil water in my All-Clad pots on Medium! It IS possible to brown foods in non-stick pans. I have an All-Clad non-stick grill pan (has ridges in the bottom) and I can brown sliced potatoes in it AND bacon doesn't curl when fried in it! If you want to cook as you want and...
Could Be Better
I received my All-Clad set when I got married in 2001. In general I have been very happy with this pan. It cooks great and has been through a lot of use over the past six years.

On the down side the pan is a bit heavy and the handle can get hot toward the base. As a result whenever I am cooking a 1.5lb of ground beef I need to use a pot holder to grab near the bottom of the handle so I can drain it.

The other draw back that I have recently noticed is the non-stick seal is not what it once was. I am very careful with the cleaning, high-heat, and utensils. However, food has been sticking on the pan for the past year and is getting worse.

Since All-Clad is all about durability I expect better.
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Mauviel M'Heritage M150B 6526.22 8.6 Inch Round Frying Pan

A great product
Beautiful, impeccable quality. A perfect size for a good fried steak (or anything) or a spanish omelette, which is what I use it for most of the time. If you live alone, this is your perfect frying pan for quick, single serving foods.
Heats evenly on medium heat
Sometimes I just have to cook on medium heat. When I do, I reach for a pan with a high copper content. I finally decided to turn the copper content all the way up to "11." So I bought a Mauviel M'Heritage M150B 8.6" Round Frying pan.

The Mauviel M'Heritage M150B 8.6" Round Frying pan works great for a little light duty cooking. These pans are a decent compromise in that they are copper pans that have a thin stainless steel liner. Stainless steel and copper have wildly different reactions to salts and acids, so you'll want to watch what you are doing. Just read the directions that come with the pans and it'll last forever.

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BergHOFF Earthchef Acadian 12-Piece Cookware Set

Not up to expectations.
First of all, let me say the set is beautiful to look at. They are all shiny, even on the inside. However, that's where the story ends for me in positive light.

In this day and age where almost everything sold is made in China, we take special effort to find items that touch our food that is not made there. With this in mind, I first wrote to Berghoff USA asking where they were made. The response I got is that they are imported from Belgium, but specifically where they were made was smoothly avoided answering.

Anyways, wanted to give it a try and ordered. No where on the box nor the cookware does it state where they are made (very strange, indeed), which made me suspicious. Alright, then we noticed small imperfections and scratches. Alright, since it was a hassle to unpack we wanted all the reasons to keep this and decided to try it. After just one use, we noticed the floor of the pot was blackened in several spots, like pits. The chrome was taken off after one...
Very heavy and well-made beautiful cookware set
I currently have Cuisinart stainless steel set as well as other pieces of cookware and when I saw this BergHOFF Earthchef Acadian 12-Piece Cookware Set on lightening deal, I decided now is the time to upgrade. There was one other review when I purchased this set rating it 3 stars because it is suspected this set is made in China and I do not know about that.

When the box arrived I was surprised at how heavy this cookware set is. For the amount of money I paid, I was expecting a lighter-weight set as the heaviness usually is roughly equivalent to price and this is a very heavy set. The bottoms are very thick and that is where most of the weight is I think. The set looks very well made and well packaged and very shiny. On my cuisinart set, the bottoms are slightly angled in whereas on this set of BerHOFF Earthchef Acadian, the bottoms continue to same line making a very sharp clean attractive edge...
BergHoff Acadian 12piece cookware set
I received the set in excellent condition. They look very good hanging on my pot rack that I built from an antique cast iron floor register grille, shabby sheik. The only thing that I noticed that might be a concern for some, is that the outer edge of the pan lids is very thin, and if you drop a lid, it can and does bend the edge, a rolled edge would help, but would then make the set more expensive. I was able to straighten the edge out. If like me, you hang your pans up, you still need a place close by to store you lids. They are made in such a way that a crafty person can make a lid rack that holds them vertically from small to large. I made mine from old steel and then after welding together and dressing of the welds, I sprayed it with clear satin lacquer, once again very shabby sheik. My wife loves them, and that was a hard sell because as she said " we don't need pots and pans, we have a set of circulon pans that u had to by" . That was ten years ago and the coatings was almost...
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Spirit 7-Piece Cookware Set

Worth the price
Zwilling cookwares are always built to the highest quality. It is a good long term investment. Absolutely worth the price.


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Fagor Duo Combi 5-Piece Pressure Cooker Set

modern features, good service
Fagor is the least expensive brand that I am aware of which also has the 'modern' features desirable in pressure cookers. To learn more about pressure cookers and what is desirable go to missvickie.com (a non-commercial site devoted to pressure cooker enthusiasts.) Some of these features deal with safety, e.g. you don't have to worry about plugging the steam escape with Fagor. Fagor cookers also reach a pressure of 15psi (which is important.) Unless a brand advertises that they do reach 15psi, assume that they don't. I suggest getting an extra gasket when you buy the item as you will need one at one point (they don't last forever). I must also compliment the company on its service. I bought this item, and sent in a rebate form (for a free stock pot). They sent me a nice paella pan by mistake. I was satisfied, however I called them to make sure that there was no mistake. They answered the phone right away (without the common maze of annoyingly slow and complex menu options.) The woman...
Love this cooker
I bought this set of pressure cookers over a year ago. It is the most used appliance I have ever owned. I have used it for chicken, roast, saurkraut and pork. Vegetables turn out great. It all turned out delicious. It does not burn things. The clear glass lid is an excellent addition to this set. Buy this set and you will love it. Pressure Perfect cookbook by Lorna Sass is a wonderful book full of useful information and great recipes.
Great time-saver!
I bought this pressure cooker set about a month ago and I love it. I had never used a pressure cooker before I bought this set, but I find it easy to use and very safe.

The set comes with a nice instruction book (with cooking times for lots of different food) and a small book of recipes. I like that I can cook brown rice in less time than it takes me to make white rice without a pressure cooker (about 20 minutes). I have successfully adapted a recipe for slow-roasted pulled pork to prepare it with sauce from scratch in less than an hour. As long as you're not looking for a crusty exterior, I think that you can make food of comperable quality as the oven or slow-cooker in a much shorter amount of time.

I find the two pots very convenient for making different quantities of food. With the glass lid, they work very well for other tasks such as steaming veggies briefly.

My only complaint about the set is that the insides of the pots are hard to get...
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Cuisinart FCT-10 French Classic Tri-Ply Stainless 10-Piece Cookware Set

Really impressed
So far I'm thoroughly pleased with this cookware. Looks great, comfortable handles, nice heavy weight, and most importantly, heats evenly without the hotspots found with less substantial cookware. Absolutely love the size of the 'dutch oven'. It's heavy enough and the perfect size for my 'no knead bread' recipe.

I'll admit to being a bit leery prior to purchase. Only announced in June of 2011, this line was an unproven commodity. We were leaning heavily toward the All-Clad stainless line. I decided to order the 1qt saucepan of the French Classic Cuisinart cookware to compare. After that we were sold.

Pros:
Induction compatible, which was a must for us as we plan on upgrading to an induction cook top.
Handles more comfortable than All-Clad (an individual thing I'm sure. Try them both if you can to see which you prefer.)
Price compared to other what I would call "better quality" lines of cookware like All-Clad, Viking's Pro line,...
French classic
Awesome set. Fast to heat up. Even heating. Foods don't stick. Comfortable handles. Great look and mirror finish all for hundreds of dollars less than all clad.
Buying Tips
This review will compare this set to a similar set available at Bed Bath and Beyond. For a general comparison to other brands of tri-ply, see my review of Cuisinart FCT33-28H French Classic Tri-Ply Stainless 5-1/2-Quart Saute Pan with Helper Handle and Cover As you can read, the French Classic is constructed the same or better than other lines of tri-ply, but I really like how it looks. It's cost is similar, or cheaper than most lines. It performs great, and compares well to my outgoing Circulon set. It's also probably the only thing I own that's made in France, and I like to buy non-Chinese(quality and slave labor issues) when possible, so that's worth something.

The set at BB&B costs $240 if you use one of their 20% off coupons, which is quiet a bit cheaper than this set. They are both 10 piece sets. Both come with the same 8 and 10 inch open skillets, and a steamer basket. Both have a 2 quart...
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All-Clad BD553033 Brushed Stainless Steel D5 5-Ply Bonded Dishwasher Safe 3-Quart Soup Pot with Lid and Ladle Cookware, Silver

Best of the best
You can feel the difference of the 5 layer pot. The pot heats evenly, no hot spots. Definitely worth the few $ as it will improve your cooking.


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Breville BFP800XL Sous Chef Food Processor

Breville vs. Cuisinart Chop Wars!
2012 Year End Update: I continue to use and appreciate both the Breville food processor and the Cuisinart. I do reach for the Cuisinart more frequently than the Breville but that is mainly because I use it to make some sort of dough on an almost daily basis. Please see the comments section of this review for a discussion of the cheese grating issues and the resolution for the Breville Food Processor. (Kudos to the company for resolving this issue.) Also please note, I have added a Cleaning section to this review based on issues with the Cuisinart food processor lid.

Update:

Cuisinart - After 4 months of regular use I have to say that this has become my "go to" machine. I typically need to make some sort of dough with my meals and so I use the large bowl for my dough and then the smaller bowls for slicing and dicing. My only complaints about this machine are that sometimes there is spill over from the smaller bowls to the larger bowls when processing the food and...
Just in time for Thanksgiving prep.
The Breville Sous Chef is a powerful food processor. It has a 1200 watt motor, a size found in many restaurant food processors. My son-in-law has been a kitchen manager at several restaurants. He said this is very similar to the Hobart food processors they used to chop a case of onions at one time. He was impressed with the 25 year warranty on the motor. He did say they would have to replace the bowl every couple of years in the restaurant from running it through the dishwasher. Breville did say in the instruction book to not use the dishwasher regularly on the bowl, so that sounds like the restaurant's experience with theirs.

Breville has included several safety features in their machine. It will not turn on if the bowl, lid, and large shoot pusher are not in place. They have a finger hole on the plug to help you remove it safely from the outlet. The cord is also retractable for storage. The instructions frequently remind you to be careful with the blades and...
Will Burn Your Hand!
I love the features of this food processor. I was replacing a Black and Decker unit I picked up at Walmart that was about ten years old, so the step up to this model was more of a leap. The two bowls (the big one is huge, while the little one is perfect for tiny jobs), the giant chute, and the slicing blade that changes the width of a slice with a simple twist, are all favorite features of mine. I also like the storage case, the look of the machine(the base is easy to keep clean), and the way the large bowl has no hole through which contents can spill.

BUT, there are drawbacks, and a few of these would be enough to have me looking at alternative models were I to shop for a processor in the future.

First, and most troublesome (even dangerous), is that the metal spindle at the top of the blade attachments gets HOT. I mean burn-your-hand when you acccidentally touch it, hot. And you can't help but touch it. If you run the unit for more than a couple of minutes, the...
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All-Clad Stainless 3-Quart Saucepan

All-Clad Stainless 3-Quart Saucepan - My Favorite Pan!
I love this pan so much I bought 2! The 3 quart saucepan is a perfect size, I use it at least once a day. It is excellent for boiling potatoes, squash, a pound of penne, sauce, reheating some sauce and meatballs etc. It is my favorite of all my All Clad pans. It is made very well, is easy to clean, heats evenly and is designed to last. All Clad cookware is one of the most expensive lines around and it is worth every penny, it really is lifetime cookware. This saucepan is a definite must have. Very, very highly recommended! A+++!

Also, if you should get something stuck to the stainless steel use a product called "Bar Keepers Friend" to clean it. Most supermarkets have it and Kitchen Etc. and Bed, Bath and Beyond carry it too. The container (like a Comet can) is gold with blue and white writing. All Clad recommends it for cleaning stainless steel and it works like a dream and is very inexpensive.
It Goes The Distance...
I have had stainless all-clad products ever since husband #2 (a professional chef) and will use nothing else. The three quart is extremely versatile, especially if you also have the steamer insert. My all-clad saucepans are over 10 years old, but look as good as new and cook incredibly evenly on both gas and electric ranges. I never need to use a potholder, which is very convenient. If you use the good stuff, you only need a few saucepans and you will literally NEVER have to replace them.
I've been using this pan for 15 years.
This has been my favorite pan for 15 years, and my wife and I both cook a lot. About 10 years ago we got tired of handwashing things, so we've been putting these in the dishwasher since then.

It distributes heat well, and the handle stays cool. I've been using All-Clad so long that when I recently used another brand whose handle got hot I practically dropped it in shock. A warm handle? Is that possible?

I can tell that this pan is not new anymore. It has very faint spots about the size of a pencil-eraser on the inside surface.

Based on my experience, this pot will last for at least 50 years and maybe 100.

There may be other cookware this good, but I don't see how there could be any that's better.
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Chicago Cutlery Landmark 14-Piece Block Knife Set

A Solid Knife Set
I purchased this knife set for my wife about a month ago. As of today, there have been no complaints regarding the quality of the knives at all.
PRO's
- The block that holds the knives is well put together and cradles each knife snug, but not too tight to make it difficult to return each knife to its proper place. - - Each knife comes out of the package extremely sharp.
- The knifes are all built with 1 piece of metal, so the blade cannot break from the handle
- A sharpening stick does come with the set.

CON's
- The block does take up a lot of counter space due to the easy access tilt and quantity of knives.
- The kitchen sheers don't seem to meet the quality / size of the rest of the knives. (They are not terrible, but I just expected them to be a bit bigger)
- It would have been nice to have a butchers blade in the set...but it isn't touted as having one so I am just nitpicking now.

All in all a very quality set of knives...
Excellent set for the price
Before purchasing this set I read a lot of reviews on Chicago Cutlery's other products so I knew what I could expect. This set was consitant with many of the other reviews. The knifes themselves are great quality and feel. The craftsmanship was good but not great(a few imperfections here and there). The blades are very sharp and not flimsy at all, will hold edge with proper care. They cut through most things effortlessly. We havent had any issues with rust, staining or dulling of any sort. We always handwash and hand dry immediately after use(as reccomended).

The Block is very nice looking but it is actually painted and not stained(wich was slightly dissapointing) but it still looks very nice, dispite a few scuffs probably from packing wich for the most part are not visable. No problems as of yet with the poly inserts. Many people have commented on how nice the set looks.

I gave this set a 4 stars overall because it doesn't look quite as nice as advertised but...
excellent!
I bought these for my wife as a christmas present two years ago and they are still sharp! If they seem a little dull a few strokes across the included sharpening rod and presto. My wife loves them and its a beautiful set. We couldnt be happier and would reccomend this set to anyone.
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Magma 10 Piece Stainless Steel Induction Cook-Top Gourmet Nesting Cookware Set

First class Stainless steel!
I recently purchased an induction cook top for my boat to make cooking easier and faster. I had to find pots and pans that were compatible that nested inside the oven since our storage is at a premium. This set is beautiful, perfect cooking smart design with the 3 in 1 pot top and handles that come off for storage. I've always been pleased by any products made by Magma!
Fantastic Set
We have an induction cook-top in our motorhome. As with most motorhomes, storage space is limited. These pans nest and take very little room. Additionally, my wife says they are very high quality, heavy-duty cookware and are a pleasure to use.

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Anolon Nouvelle Copper Hard Anodized Nonstick 8-Quart Covered Stockpot

Solid build, nice design.
This is a very nice collection of cookware. Nice design (I like the copper touch), very solid construction and apparent good quality. I got this 2 quart sauce pan, which is nicely balanced in my hands, perfect for preparing puddings, boiling milk or eggs. Good anti-stick coating and behavior, easy to clean up. You can heat up a little more than a quart of liquid before risking spill-over. If you need more liquid, go with the 3 qt version (which is on my wish list).

I have several more pieces of this collection, all of the same quality. Not the cheapest cookware, but one of the few solid/good looking collections that work on induction tops. Heats up quickly on my induction cooktop for energy-efficient cooking. Nice cool-to-the-touch handles, with smooth surface, pleasant to hold.

One minor gripe is that the lids have a ridiculously over-sized handle, but perhaps that is mostly a matter of taste. However, turning the lid around to safe space (handle inside the pot)...
Analon 2 1/2 quart sacier
I bought this pot about a month ago and think its great. I use it for sauces, reheating soup, and boiling water to make a small amount of noodles. It cleans very easily and I like that you can use silverware in it without being afraid of it scratching. I would definitely by additional pots or pans by Anolon when needed.
Another winner for Anolon!
I have been testing the Anolon Nouvelle Copper 3-qt covered casserole for a few weeks now.

The Cons:
- It is not dishwasher safe, but it does clean up easily.
- The side handles are a little too close to the cookware. When I try to hold it by 1 handle and pour the contents into a strainer or scoop out contents, my knuckles rub on the hot anodized aluminum exterior. Ouch. I did find ways to avoid this.

The Good:
- As I mentioned above, it is easy to clean by hand.
- The rivet covers do help make it appear like a perfectly smooth interior and it does present less surface area for food to get stuck in.
- The copper heats very well on the bottom and once heated, it does not take much at all to keep it hot.
- I love the size of this dish. It's great for a 1-pot meal for 1 or 2 people or a good sized side dish for a larger family.
- VERY flat bottom is wonderful on my flat top stove.
- The anodized aluminum sides surround food...
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Weston 75-0201-W VegiKiln 10-Tray Food Dehydrator

Great dehydrator!
raw foodists will go for an Excalibur dehydrator (expensive)...just because all their raw book authors tell them it's the best. A dehydrator is not exactly a high tech machine, so I bought this less expensive brand instead. (Also because I already splurged on a good blender) It had qualities that the Excalibur also has: fan in the back instead of the bottom and a thermostat so you know you're not destroying enzymes. I've used this for 3 months now and it does just about everything I want it to do. If you're making raw crackers, you will need 13.5 x 10.5 nonstick dehydrator sheets. You can use plastic wrap at first but it gets messy. The sheets fit pretty well on the trays except for that rounded indented shape in the front of the tray . This did not bother me since those crackers don't turn out perfectly square anyway, they will sort of shrink when dry.

cons (that I can live with):
-The excalibur has a door that covers all the trays at once, so if you want to dry...
Solved the Problem!
I've tried dehydrators before, the cheapies you find in thrift stores, but they never worked. I finally did a little research and learned that the horizontal airflow type is best, and I looked for something inexpensive. Knowing "you get what you pay for," I was a little nervous that the Weston 6-tray dehydrator was so cheap, but I bought one. Wow! I am delighted! It dries sliced tomatoes perfectly. Sliced bananas become little bonbons. I even tried drying potato slices--blah, they're not potato chips, they're crumbly and bitter. But that wasn't the dehydrator's fault. Everything I have put in, it has dried perfectly. I couldn't be happier.
Really nice, but I still like my older one better...
I purchased this dehydrator to use side-by-side with my Nesco. You can view my review for the Nesco for additional info on that one. The main reason I went for having a second one was because I make different flavors and didn't want to make them at the same machine, getting the aromas mixed up. Here's my take:

First and foremost, IF YOU ARE USED TO A DIFFERENT DEHYDRATOR, keep an eye on the timing with this one. This is a very powerful machine, which is a great thing! But if you're used to something that is not as powerful, keep that in mind. The first time I used this dehydrator, I calculated that, if my Nesco took about 3 hours, this one would probably take about 2. When I checked after 2 hours, my beef jerky was crispy like potato chips. It's not bad, but not the end product I was looking for.

PROS:
- Very fast drying
- Huge drying area, approx. 10 sq ft
- Nice looking for a dehydrator, doesn't look bad on the counter, even if it's huge
-...
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WMF Perfect Plus 4-1/2-Quart Pressure Cooker

COOKIN'
This pot performs well; as good as the T-FAL model I've had for almost 20 yrs. If it lasts as long I won't feel too bad about having paid 4x as much.

The only complaint [other than cost!] is the way you have to take the handle off to clean after each use. You've got to have quite stong hands to work it.
Fast and safe cooking
My parents bought a larger one last year and are very satisfied with it so I bought a smaller size this time. It cooks much faster than other traditional pressure cooker, although you need to closely moniter it during the cooking to make sure the pressure level is adequate by adjusting the temperature of your burner. Cleaning is easy but sometimes the remains of meat stick on the inner side of the cooker, making it difficult to completely remove.
Love this cooker but...
I think I would have been just as happy with one that cost a lot less. I do use this often and I find that 4.5liter is a great size for me considering I am usually cooking for two. It is also a good size for preparing side dishes. If you plan to make huge meals like a whole chicken, or if you're cooking for a family, you may prefer a larger pot.
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LamsonSharp 10-Inch Wide Forged Chef's Knife

Durable American Quality
I have had my 10" Chef knife for 20 years now and use it nearly every day. This knife holds an edge quite well (hardness of 58 degrees Rockwell*) and because it is from LamsonSharp's forged series, they will sharpen it for you free of charge. It is a well balanced knife with a comfortable and good looking rosewood handle. The thick tang runs the full length of the handle and it is riveted together. This knife is made with steel from Solingen Germany, grade 4116. * This means when you tap it on its side it rings. Other knives just go thud. If the ring is sharp so too is the knife's ability to hold an edge. If it makes a dull thud it won't hold an edge for very long. I chose this knife for all the reasons above and for the fact it is made in America with a lifetime warranty.
Great knife!
Solid forged blade with good edge on it that is priced right. Made in the USA which still means quality for Lamson Sharp. I will buy more blades from this company to make my set of fine cuterly.

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Scanpan Professional 8 Piece Cookware Set

Great cookware!
This cookware is great. We purchased our first set in 1991. Here is the kicker, the company stands behind the product. Just this month, Jan 2010, two of the skillets that are 19 years old started sticking. We sent them back to the company and they set us new ones. It doesn't get any any better than that. The company stands behind the Lifetime warranty. If you want to purchase your last set of cookware, get Scanpan.
Great cookware!
We've had this cookware for 6 months now, and so far we've been very happy with our purchase. The nonstick works great - everything comes off with no effort at all, but you can still get a good sear on items if you need to, which wasn't possible in our other nonstick. I've even burnt things in these pans and it came out like it was nothing! I love that Scanpans are environmentally friendly, and I'm hoping that I'll never have to try out the return policy! So far I've not noticed any nicks on the edges, which typically is the first sign of aging. My only complaint is that the lids can get VERY hot, and with the smaller pans this can make them a little difficult to remove. However, even the lids clean up with little effort!
Daniel
I learned from TV news that the traditional non-stick Teflon coating cookware can break down under heat or scratch off and cause cancer. Therefore, I have not been using them at all. I had changed to all stainless steel cookware last year. However, the food stick and can got darken easily (also cancer causing) and I have to use a lot of oil for cooking. I bought a few of this Scanpan fry pan about 3 months ago and I am happy with them. Last month, I bought the Healthy Legend Ceramic Coating fry pan and soup pot and tried it for 2 weeks. The Healthy Legend cookware seems to be even better made and the ceramic coating is even better. The Healthy Legend had a German made ceramic coating call Weilburger Greblon. Compare to the Scanpan's ceramic titanium coating, they are about the same for cooking, cleaning, durability. The Healthy Legend's coating is gray color. It is no problem to me but it is not traditional black color. The color didn't change during my use. I think you can do no...
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All Clad Stainless Steel 3-Quart Casserole with Lid

Perfect all-around pot
All-Clad pots have been in my kitchen for decades, and are great for their shape, even heat transmission, and durability (Exception: just don't buy any of their non-stick products, because they don't last, and you will feel bad to throw out very expensive cookware that's in great shape except for the nonstick coating). I bought this latest pot because my wife and I were continually reaching for the same pot, and we clearly needed a second one. I found it on Amazon at half price, supposedly used, but it came in the original box looking brand new. Needless to say, we are very pleased.


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Concord 100 Quart Stainless Steel Stock Pot Cookware

Great for homebrewing
I use this for homebrewing. I yield 20gal batches of all grain with this stock pot. The pot is well made and the handles are riveted very securely. I was worried that the steel wouldn't be thick enough but after my first batch, I realized that it was just fine.

If you are using this for homebrewing, here are some things to keep in mind:

Put a ballvalve on it. You are never going to move this pot once it has over 10gal of liquid in it. It will be stationary from the minute you fill it until you drain it.

Use a counterflow chiller. You are never going to chill 20gal with an immersion chiller.

Use a burner that will be stable with this much weight on it. Many burners can sway or buckle under this much weight.

Use a burner that can generate enough energy to bring 20+ gallons to a rolling boil. Your basic turkey fryer burner might not be powerful enough. I use the Bayou Classic.

Keep an eye on your propane tank...
A professional company that cares about its customers!
After only eight months of use this pot developed a pinhole along the seam. Although the pot was out of warranty, the company, upon learning of the problem, made an immediate free replacement. This is the kind of customer service that goes above and beyond expectations.
It's a big pot. It is stainless. The walls are 18 gauge.
The pot is big. In hindsight, 18 gauge may be a bit thin for holding this much liquid, but I would just not attempt to move the pot when full, however I don't think I could if I tried. Its stainless, tested by solder adhering to it. It would have been nice to know how tall it would be before buying, but I could not find the dimensions. For the record, it is ~22" tall with lid and ~20" without. Is diameter is about 20".

Your hole bit will cut through this if you want to add valves.
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Cuisinart GG-12 GreenGourmet Hard-Anodized Nonstick 12-Piece Cookware Set

Excellent at first, then performance drops off
We have now been using this set for 6 months. When we first received and began using them, the pans were perfectly nonstick so that food including eggs could be cooked without any oil, and cleaning was fast and easy. Unfortunately this is no longer true -- the pan we've used most often now requires oil in order than food doesn't stick, despite hand-washing and following the manufacturer's other directions. If no oil is used, the pan is like a traditional pan and not only does food stick, but the pan requires prolonged soaking and scrubbing to get it clean. You must also be careful not to stack the pans (chipping and scratching).

The pan handles do not get hot, but the lid handles do, so be prepared to use a potholder to move the lids.

The set must be hand-washed and handled carefully to avoid chipping, but this is not a problem for us.

I would have rated the set 5 stars had it retained its nonstick performance. The loss of the nonstick capacity...
Fantastic Cookware!!
My wife recently began researching possible harmful items in our home, and asked me to get cookware without Teflon. Having grown up with non-stick pans, and having had a bad encounter with stainless steel, I was expecting this change to be a nightmare. Fortunately, I was pleasantly surprised.

I researched healthy alternatives to non-stick and came up with ionized aluminum, stainless steel, cast iron and ceramic coated cast iron. None of these seemed like a great choice. I then went to Bed Bath and Beyond to look at pans and discovered the Cuisinart Green line. After seeing the cast iron, I realized we probably would somehow damage our new glasstop stove as it was so heavy, so ceramic coated aluminum sounded great.

I settled on either Calphalon One infused ionized aluminum or the Cuisinart line. However, Bed Bath and Beyond is a bit confusing with the Cuisinart line. They sell Cuisinart "Greenware" as a set and Green "Gourmet" as individual pieces. The Green...
Looks good, but that's about it
I agree with those who said that this cookware worked well only in the beginning. After only five months of regular use and following all manufacturer's instructions when caring for the set, the coating began to chip off. I sent one of the pots back to Cuisinart, but still haven't received a replacement. Whenever I call I am told that this item is currently not available and they don't know when I will get a new pot. I've been waiting for over five months already. For this amount of money I would expect the set to last more than half a year. If you need a "disposable" set, then I guess Cuisinart is a good idea. Also, do not expect Cuisinart to rush with the replacement. As for nonstick surface, well it's no longer so. Even though the idea of creating a green line cookware is something lots of us had been waiting for, the quality of this set is very poor.
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Silvia Version 3 Espresso Machine

Quality and built to last
This is a beautiful machine! I started learning about brewing espresso at home with a Gaggia Coffee. I've since stepped up to the Silvia and I wish I had bought it right away. The espresso I produce with it is far superior, never sour or bitter if I use the right amount and tamp it properly, and I can make microfoam. I also appreciate its heaviness, good looks, quiet operation and metal steam wand.

Many say - and it bears repeating - that you will only get the results you are looking for at home if you invest in a burr grinder of at least Rancilio Rocky or Gaggia MDF quality, grind right before brewing and use beans roasted within weeks, not months! I have had disappointing results with other grinders and all preground espresso including expensive Illy, etc.

Shop around and be sure to get free shipping, because this thing weighs a ton. I have seen good package deals where you can get the Silvia and Rocky together; with no tax and free shipping plus some free...
Fussy and finicky even at experienced hands; far more expensive than it seems. Here's why:
If you are anything like myself, you too have probably seen the many reviews and warning online citing how finicky the Rancilio Silvia is with its wild temperature swings and its taste for exact grinds. Like myself, you too are not bothered by any of that and are still considering the Silvia.

So in all fairness, there are plenty of GREAT things about this machine; It is good-looking (but design-wise it fails to make any statement, it is neither modern nor retro, doesn't look commercial but also doesn't look like a home machine). Great construction too (though slightly crude). It has features galore; brass boiler and brew group, large tank, ample steaming pressure etc. It is famously reliable and been made with little change for over a decade. On paper it seems to have it all, and it is the only machine of its class at this price point. The question is however, "can it pull a decent shot of espresso?" The short answer for it is, yes, it certainly can - but not straight out...
A "real" espresso maker for the home!
This machine is the perfect blend of quality, durability, and ease of repair for a home machine under $500. It makes espresso that rivals any you can buy at a coffee house.

I've been making home espresso for 25 years and have used many different machines of various prices which all died. I bought one for $250 from Starbucks which died in one year. They told me parts were not available. This machine is practically bullet-proof. I've had it for over 5 years and it is still running like new. Sure it hurts to spend this much on an espresso machine, but how many $250 machines will you go through? Learn from my mistake(s) and get a good one.

All the parts inside are commercial or semi-commercial grade. Anyone who works on commercial espresso machines can work on this one, and the parts are readily available. It's all stainless and cast iron. Very nice.

It has a 3-way solenoid, which you want, trust me. The 3-way solenoid lets pressure escape from...
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Global G-16 - 10 inch, 24cm Chef's Knife

Almost perfect
This is one of the first global knives I bought. I loved it the first time I held it in my hands. What impressed me most was the perfect balance, the lightweight, and the sharpness. However, what may be perfect for me may not be perfect for you. I'd recommend anyone who is shopping for cutlery to go to a store and try how the knife feels in your hands before buying. And if you can borrow from a friend to try, that's even better.

Having used this knife for several years now, my initial impressions haven't changed. This is still my favorite knife for most tasks. I maintain it regularly with a steel and it is as sharp as it ever was. I have found though that for certain tasks like cutting slits into an onion for dicing or cutting root vegetables, I do prefer a heavier knife (that's why I bought another forged global knife), but that is just personal preference. All in all, a great general purpose kitchen knife.
Great value - great knife
I have been a keen amateur chef for more than 30 years. I was given a full set of Sabatier chef's knives as a wedding present and have been using them since 1970. I had recently decided that 30+ years of sharpening had taken their toll on the Sabatiers and that new knives were called for - but what should I buy?

At heart I am a traditionalist and the appearance of the Global range had put me off them. Fortunately I recently read Anthony Bourdain's Kitchen Confidential and noted his ringing endorsement of the Global range. I decided to buy the 8-inch chef's knife to see how I got on with it. I have never looked back!

Despite its rather unconventional look, the knife has excellent ergonomic design. It is well balanced, readily gripped when wet and astoundingly sharp. TMOT, you are unlikely ever to meet a sharper knife. Hold a sheet of paper from the top with one hand out in front of you and then cut downwards with the other - this knife readily cuts the paper without it being...
Best. Knife. Ever.
I've been a German knife snob for years. But this 8-inch chef's knife by Japan's Global is the finest blade I've ever owned. Period.

Maybe it's not as easy to sharpen as a Wustof or a Henckel, but then again, it holds its edge ten times longer.

I've spent ten years and hundreds (and hundreds and hundreds!) of dollars collecting German steel. Global is so good that it has me thinking of starting all over again.
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Circulon Cookware Espree 10-Piece Hard Anodized Set

Great Cookware Set
We've had this set for about 8 months now and we have no regrets. I just cooked an omelet this morning with no butter or oil and it slid right out of the pan. The non-stick surface is not only slick, but it's strong as well. I've had teflon pans in the past that scratch very easily. I know I shouldn't but sometimes I'll use a metal fork or spoon to flip bacon or stir sauce, etc, and I still see no scratches on any surfaces.

A feature that interested me when I bought it but wasn't quite convinced it would work are all of the grooves/rings on the bottom interior of all of the cookware. They are supposed to reduce utensil contact with the non-stick surface, and at the same time create more even heating of the food. I've found both of these claims to be true. Also, the instructions said I would not need to use a temperature above 5 (out of 10) on the stove top because the special design amplifies the heat. I didn't believe this at first but found it to be true too. I...


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32 Qt. Stainless Steel Stock Pot, Induction Ready 3-Ply Clad Base, w/Lid *NSF* Commercial Grade *Great Quality*

Great pot, quality built, expensive, but built to last
I bought this pot to boil 6 gal batches of beer (5 gal finished) and used it the other day for the first time. It is a very well built pot. Solid handles have rivets. On both sides, near the handles, are two ridges that help to hold the lid while you stir the pot. The lid fits nice and snug. Expensive pot, but I feel that it will give me several years of good use. After my first batch of beer, the bottom was a little discolored but I think this had more to do with me having the heat turned up too high on the burner. The instructions say to boil water at med-high temp. I have a high pressure burner that I think I had turned up too high. It boiled 6 gals of water in under 15 mins....Ooops. The flames reached beyond the bottom and over the sides a little. Don't think this will affect the future use of this pot but I will update this review if it does not hold up to my abuse.
Pot
Best pot i bought for the money .Can tomatoes they dont stick on bottom . Make tomato juice can boil down on high heat. Great pot
Good quality large stock pot. ALL NSF POTS ARE THE SAME. NSF does mean quality.
This is a well built sturdy stainless steel stockpot. It is made in China,(the one I received is labeled Thunder Group), but it is very sturdy, heavy gauge steel and seems to be quality materials. I also have a 40 qt stockpot that I purchased off Amazon Winware Stainless Steel 40 Quart Stock Pot with Cover and other than the size, these pots are almost identical. They have the same kinds of handels, rivets, base, welds, lid, same thickness and same quality of materials. I also purchased an 8 Quart Update International SPS-8 SuperSteel 18/8 Stainless Steel Induction Ready Stock Pot with Cover, 8-Quart, Natural off amazon and although it has no rivets, the design/construction/quality is otherwise very similar as well. I am convinced at this point that most of the "NSF certified" stainless steel stock pots for sale here on Amazon are all...
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Le Creuset 3-Ply Stainless-Steel 6-1/3-Quart Covered Casserole

BEST PAN I EVER PURCHASED
Le Creuset 3-Ply Stainless-Steel 6-1/3-Quart Covered Casserole

I needed a replacement Dutch Oven as my Revere Ware was unsteady on my new smooth-top stove. "Good Housekeeping" magazine recently rated cookware and gave Le Creuset top scores. I decided to try one pan, and I have to tell you, this pan is worth every dollar. It cooks more evenly than any of the Calphalon pans I currently own, it pours liquids nicely, and I plan to buy the Le Creuset 8-piece cookware set in the near future. GREAT PRODUCT!
even, fast heating
Last winter I went on a soup kick -- trying to get more veggies in my diet. And I wore out my (probably cheap) soup pot. So, I invested in this one and was surprised how different it was than my old stuff. It heated up quickly, the veggies/meat browned evenly and nicely and it comes to a boil faster even though it's not on the highest heat setting.

I'm no expert in the kitchen (am trying to be though) and I definitely noticed how superior this pot is than cheaper ones.
extremely nice piece of cookware!
Very well made, thick walls, lid fits well, inside the pan are markers to indicate quart measurements. Definitely would recommend.
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Nouvelle Copper 2-Piece Non-Stick Skillet Set

Very good! Great buys.
I got these as a set from Macy's for $50 on sale. I prefer stainless steel and am normally not a huge fan of aliminum cookware (especially nonstick), but I was very surprised with the Nouvelle Copper. It's hard-anodized aluminum on the outside, but has 3 layers (plys) just like high-end stainless cookware...it has a layer of aluminum (which is the outside of the pan), an insert of copper, and a ply of stainless steel on the bottom (which contacts the burner).

Food cooks very well even on an electric range. There are few, if any, hotspots, they heat uniformly, and hold in the heat well like stainless (stoneware and cast-iron). The construction will help prevent warping (common to aluminum cookware. All of the aliminum I've ever owned has warped and I take good care of my pots/pans). These can also be used on an induction range, something you can't do with other aliminum cookware.

The nonstick coating is really good. Food slides off easily and clean-up is simple,...
Great Pans
Purchased these on Amazon and got quick delivery. They are truly worth the price. Perform very well, with easy clean up. I use very little oil to fry and these pans cook evenly and perfectly each and every time. You could spend three and four times the price on other makes, but these are just wonderful.

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Viking VSC0708 8 Quart Stainless Steel Stock Pot

Great cookware
We have used Viking cookware for the past seven years. It is great cookware. We do a lot of cooking and it performs flawlessly every time. It is a breeze to clean. Very well made and ages nicely. I am on-line looking to see what could be my next purchase. I have not tried the non-stick pans yet.
Something about this pot
I bought this pot and pasta insert as a gift for my son years ago, and finally got one for myself. Viking stuff is expensive but very nice. Over the life of the pot, you probably save enough in gas and/or electric current to pay for it. The five ply construction conducts heat very evenly & efficiently. I got some CIA stuff, but it cannot compare to Viking quality.

Boiling pot stickers, and pasta are my favorite uses.

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Iittala Sarpaneva 3-Quart Cast Iron Casserole with Wooden Handle

Not the real deal!
When you read the description of this pot on any website, including Amazon's, it sounds as if the iittala company decided that cooks today needed another chance to own this beautiful, practical pot, so they decided to manufacture it again. The descriptions, which wax rhapsodic about the pots proudly bearing the Timo Sarpeneva Design stamp, (and the $230 price tag), lead one to believe it is manufactured in Finland. Some of the seller's descriptions, including Amazon's, actually state that this pot is made in Finland. Not so! A tiny paper sticker reveals the country of origin to be China. The finishing made me suspicious before I saw the sticker-- it's rather rough around the edges, not smooth like the original Finnish ones made in the 1960's. I actually ordered this pot twice-- the first time, it arrived with a big chip off the edge, which was strange, because as the chipped-off piece wasn't in the box, it must have been put into the box that way. So much for quality control, but...
Design Classic
I was suprised to see this on amazon, its a design classic and something I've always wanted. The pot is heavy cast iron with a white enamel interior and is made very well. The handle on mine had a bit of the finish off where it slides through the pot, but I figured this would happen with use regardless. Love it!
IIttala Cast Iron
Wonderful cast iron pot which brings artistic beauty to the table. Design started in the 1960's still classic today.
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Cuisinart GW-10 Greenware Nonstick 10-Piece Cookware Set

The Ideal Nonstick Cookware set
This set is the most amazing one I have worked with. I have used various other nonstick pans, stainless steel, cast iron... and i prefer these pans over all. One thing to note is that the nonstick surface scratches right off of these pans if you use any kind of metal. As the pans have exposed metal on them it is not a good idea to stack them on top of each other or to let pile up in the sink. This has not at all been a problem for me because the cleanup on these pans is super fast. Get yourself a set of bamboo kitchen utensils in addition to this set and your in business for some eco-friendly low toxicity cooking.
warped bottom
I like the idea of environmentally friendly cookware, and the product is light weight so it is easy to handle.

In the 10 piece set I bought, the bottom of the 10 inch deep fry pan is not flat and it wobbles on the cooktop. I called customer service and was told to ship it to them (at my expense) with a check for $7 (return shipping) and wait 4 to 6 weeks for their evaluation or repair. I don't think this is a reasonable way to deal with a product defect.

PS After about 3 months of use, I've been happy with the Ecolution Artistry 12.5 inch sautee pan Ecolution Artistry Eco-Friendly 12.5 Inch Grande Fry Pan and the "Chicken" fryer (I'm vegetarian)Ecolution Artistry Eco-Friendly Chicken Fryer with Glass Lid.
Scratched brand new glass-ceramic cooktop
They're light weight.
They cook evenly.
They clean easily.

But in the end, they're unfit for use on a modern glass-ceramic cooktop. The bottoms are not smooth. They have raised circular ridges that have a certain amount of sharpness to them. If you use gas or old electric-eye coils, no problem. Otherwise, stay away.
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All-Clad 5-ply Brushed Stainless Professional 14-Inch Open Stir Fry

worth all the money
Mine has the stainless lid as well so it cost well over $200 and several years of cooking so I eat great stuff out of my kitchen instead of blowing tons going out to eat all the time this pan has paid for itself 10x over! It heats up instantly and the sides actually get as hot as the bottom which helps...the lid is a necessity for me as I do quite a bit of steaming and sealing those juices in. Great Pan!
Great addition to our kitchen
I am very happy with this purchase. The wok has a nice weight to it, but with the extra handle on it it is very easy to maneuver. The flat bottom allows it to be used with out a stove adapter which a big plus.

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Wusthof Classic 10-Inch Wide Cook's Knife

One big knife
This is a great knife, which I happen to think is well balanced and offers a lot of stability.
It is however a very large knife which some might find unwieldy or too heavy. It is significantly bigger than the standard Classic 10" chef's knife.
More importantly, because of the knifes height (width), the blade itself is very wide and would not fit in any standard knife block I could find. In the end I bought the super knife block from Williams-Sonoma and took a router to widen the cleaver slot.
The ultimate kitchen knife
I must say this is one fantastic knife. It is the knife I usually use when prepping a meal (sandwiches don't count). When I purchase a knife, I always personally sharpen it, so I can't really speak for the factory edge, but it accepts and holds an edge wonderfully. Having the extra wide knife (along with added heft) has more of a curve to it allowing for an easy chopping motion. I have purchased Henckel Pro S in the past and, after noticing a couple of flaws that passed their QC in my expensive knives, I will never purchase one without personally inspecting it first. Wusthof has much better QC so I have no problem ordering them through the mail.
FYI-This knife needs a large cutting board and a serious knife block to hold it. I personally use the Wusthof 25-slot "mega" block and it fits in all three of the top chef knife positions. Overall this knive is an investment, but you will love it!
Fantastic blade
Don't let the size or price intimidate you, this is a great knife for the kitchen. I'd been using an 8-inch chef's knife for years because that's what came in a set. But it left a lot to be desired for chopping up even medium size quantities of food. This 10-inch Wusthof has been one of the best upgrades for our kitchen.

The handle feels just right and the balance is superb. The shape of the blade is perfect for a rocking motion that lets you quickly chop and mince. Of course the quality of the steel is legendary so this knife holds an edge and will last. Considering how frequently this knife gets used in the kitchen, it's a great investment.
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Mauviel M'cook 5611.24 3.3-Quart Saute Pan with Cast Iron Handle

Excellent performance/proportions
I purchased this pan along with a lid from a different website than Amazon, and have had it for about three months. Overall, I'm very satisfied.

This pan has a great heft to it, which means that you can stir or manipulate the food inside one-handed without the whole thing sliding around.

The interior stainless, while a little bit stickier (because its slightly less finished) than other clad cookware, performs great and cleans up wonderfully. I always hand wash my cookware, and this item looks brand new on the outside. The inside shows use from metal utensils, but that's part of the life of a stainless pan.

The cast iron handle will (slowly) heat up as the pan is left on a burner, but I actually find it to be a good indicator of the pan's heat. Also, I find the handle super comfortable and easy to maneuver when pouring. The only disadvantage is that it's important to dry the area around the handle well to completely avoid rust. You can also season it...


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Cuisinart 77-11G Chef's Classic Stainless 11-Piece Cookware Set

Cuisinart 77-11G Chef's Classic Stainless 11-Piece Cookware Set
Let me preface this review with the fact that I am Italian and raised 5 children on daily home-cooked meals. The kitchen is the center of my home. So when my daughter got her own apartment out west and asked for a set of pots for Christmas, I wanted to make sure I got her a quality set that would last her for years and years. I knew what I wanted for her, but didn't know which brand to purchase. and I wanted the pot handles to be riveted into the pot. Off I went to the mall with my "specifications" in hand to look at the different brands and sets available. Boy was I amazed at how many there were! I took my time and examined each set. Not only did I look at the sets, but I also handled the sets. This is VERY important.

Then I came upon the Cuisinart Chef's Classic Stainless 10-piece cookware set. I was very impressed by the quality. They were heavy grade yet easy to handle. They also met my other specifications listed above AND they looked really nice as well. The price of...
MY MEALS NEVER TASTED SO GREAT!
Right after i moved to my new apt. I searched for the perfect set of pots that will be ready to cook up breafast ,lunch and dinner....

i first considered the 77-10 but good thing i noticed that it did not come with a strainer...

i was so delighted when i found the 77-11g which is basicly the same set of sizes as the 77-10 with the addition of the strainer ,and let me tell you this strainer really works! especially with noodels!

i must say i was a little hesitant when i saw the negetive review that "iloveamazon" wrote ,so i contacted Cusinart directly and they assured me that it was made just as all there other products, top quality! but i was still not satisfied so i checked all other reviews that "iloveamazon" left on different items and found that he complains on other items falling apart, etc... so i made my decision to buy the 77-11G!

AND LET ME TELL YOU IT WAS A GREAT DECISION! I REALLY LOVE IT ! ITS EASY TO CLEAN! AND SO PERFECTLY...
They love the set!
We purchased this set of cookware for our son and daughter-in-law and they say it's just wonderful. Exactly what they wanted, and hoping that we can add more to the set later!!! Sure, I would wish for that too!
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Homichef 9.5 Quart Stainless Double Boiler

Excellent double boiler
Just used this for the first time. I make yogurt and have been rigging a double boiler for 30+ years. Decided it was time for a proper one and I am glad that I did. Excellent build quality and works a charm. I am going to really enjoy making yogurt much more, and I have some other ideas for it also. :)
Nice quality
This is a nice set of cookware that I use on a regular basis. It is a bit more light weight than I would have thought but certainly does the job.

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Magefesa Star R 14-Quart Stainless Steel Pressure Cooker

Great product but no steam basket that fits
When I received the pressure cooker, there was no steam basket. So I asked for one and received a tiny little one that does not fit. To bad because I won't be able to do steam vegetables!
The biggest steel.
I would like an even bigger one, as I can.
It works perfectly and I have owned a Magefesa pressure cooker before.
They should package it better so you don't hear the weight rattling around as you open the box.
Great Pressure Cooker
I own a bakery and I use this pressure cooker for cooking my diced beef for our meat pies.

It is so simple to use and the beef just falls apart after just 30 minutes in this pressure cooker.

I am probably going to buy another one soon.

The only complaint I have is not being able to buy new seals for this through amazon because they do not ship to New Zealand, but Magefesa in Spain were able to help me there.
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Calphalon Kitchen Electrics 5 in 1 Removable Plate Grill

Excellent so far ...
I was in the market for a George Foreman grill but did research on different options and came across the Calphalon and Cusineart. I saw that the Cuisineart had a lot more reviews, so I went to my local Bed Bath and Beyond to actually see the products. After looking at both in detail, I opted for the Calphalon as it seems much more solid and sturdy. The cooking plates seem a lot more quality and my past experiences are of Calphalon cookware being more superior.

Both are VERY similar in construction and my opinion is that the components are what differentiates each but it will also make the difference. This what made me go for the Calphalon simply that the cooking plates are a little bit heavier and appear to be made of what the cookware is as well as the grill is more solid. I also attribute the many reviews for the Cuisineart as it is much cheaper and I won't doubt that it would worth that price but the Calphalon offers a better warranty out of the box (I couldn't find the...
Well Built and very easy to use
I've had the Calphalon 5 in 1 for two weeks now and I've used it three times and I was very happy with the setup, cooking and cleanup each time. We've made panini sandwiches, grilled steaks and grilled burgers on it. The panini sandwiches were excellent. The steaks and burgers were much better than pan fried and the clean up was much easier. We cooked a pound and a quarter of 85% burgers so you can imagine that there was quite a bit of runoff but the little catch tray held the grease and didn't spill. We like our burgers medium well done and that took about 8 minutes.

I would recommend the Calphon 5 in 1 to a friend.
What a Grilll
I love this grill and use it every day, even for lunch and breakfast...it is the best appliance in my home.
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Circulon Acclaim Hard Anodized Nonstick 3-Quart Covered Saucepot

Best cookware I've ever owned
I bought this pot to go with a recently purchased 10 pc set. Super easy to clean and very sturdy and well made.
I love the shape
I believe this pot is designed to be fridge friendly. It has a comfortable weight, the lid fits well and good quality non stick coat.

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Calphalon Tri-Ply Stainless Steel 13-Piece Cookware Set

Excellent quality at a fair price
It was finally time to get rid of the old cookware now that the kids are out of the house and I didn't have to worry about ruined cookware anymore. My plan was 3 mil copper cookware or All Clad. But after seeing this in the store, feeling the weight and quality and then reading a lot of reviews ... I decided to give it a try. My final price with coupon was $320 at BB&Beyond.

First, this cookware is excellent but you have to know how to use it. Put the empty pan on the heat at the temperature that you want to cook at. Wait about 2-3 minutes and then add a little oil or butter (but have your food ready or your butter will burn) and heat for about 20 seconds (butter) to 1 minute (oil). Then add your food. Eggs work excellent this way and just slide off the pan. I have also used chicken broth to cook the egg in (just wanted to see if it would stick) and it did not. So as long as your pan is at the correct temperature and you add some kind of liquid you will be ok.

I...
Great cookware!
I absolutely LOVE this set of cookware. I have an induction burner (which I also LOVE), and it can be hard sometimes finding pans that will work. Not only do these work with any stovetop, but they look and feel great. They're very easy to clean, and I haven't had any problems with things really sticking and I don't have to worry about ingesting chemicals from DuPont. While I really only use the same 3-4 pots/pans most of the time, it's nice to have the variety for when you do need something different. The build quality is really solid and like I said, they're so pretty! Was considering the All-Clad, but I think these are just as good and nearly 1/3 the price. Definitely worth it!!
Good product - feels substantial
My wife and I bought this set from a different retailer and have been very happy with the product so far. I have always used stainless steel and my wife non-stick. We were looking at some non-stick sets, but heard from several sources that regardless of the brand you can't count on the non-stickiness to last more than two to three years. Faced with buying a new set every few years, we opted to go for the stainless steel. It can be harder to clean, but lasts much longer.

We looked at Calphalon and All Clad, but opted for the Calphalon due to the lower price and more complete set. A store clerk told us that the All Clad is ultimately a better crafted product (Barefoot Contessa uses All Clad, after all), but for the average home cook you won't see too big a difference. Also - we liked the glass lids so that we can see things cook without letting the heat escape. The All Clad sets we looked at all had stainless steel lids - probably to hold more heat, but again not a...
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Sitram Catering Frypan with Helper Handle, 13.5-Inch diameter

Don't Catch This One Up Side the Head!
I was surprised at the weight of this pan; I have been a devotee of "Calaphon" for over 20 years. I am starting to convert to stainless little by little. I have some Cuisinart that is also very good, but I like this better.

The handles are angled up which keeps them out of the way and lets them clear other pans on the stove if you have a major cooking project going. The handle also has a gap where it is welded to the pan which lets fluids drain down rather than collect in a pocket. It can make your stove a little messier, but it is easier to keep the pan clean.

The interior is silky smooth and requires just a small amount of oil to keep food from sticking. The recommend that you use non-metalic utensils to keep from scratching it. The heavy layer of copper bonded between two layers of stainless on the bottom works great to distribute heat accross the pan. The side are a single layer of heavy stainless, so they do not get hot and cause food to burn on.

This pan...
BEST
This pan is the BEST frying pan I've ever used. I am blown away by Sitram's commercial line. I compared this pan side-by-side with the All-Clad 11-incher, while baking dutch-style pancakes - a great test in how fast the pan fries, as well as how well the heat is distributed and retained.
The Sitram fries more evenly, more quickly, and stays "smoother", i.e. it's easier to clean. I can only conclude that the copper-sandwich layer must be much thicker in the Sitram than the All-Clad. The Sitram (1770 grams) is 20% heavier than the All-Clad (1478 grams), which probably accounts for this.
Pancakes (and since that test also steaks, caramelized onions, sauces etc.) fry about 40% quicker. So upon first use of this gem, watch out, and turn the heat down if you're unprepared! It is just astonishing how much better this pan is, and that's while I was satisfied with the All-Clads. This pan will spoil you. Like me, you may never want to go back to anything else.
Sitram is one of the best
After going through a set of Revere Ware and then Calphalon with some Magnalite along the way, I am happy to discover Sitram. This cookware is everything a person could want--takes less heat than others, cooks evenly, and looks beautiful. I wish I had had it fifty years ago. Cleanup is a breeze and although I use an oil spray, there is no problem with sticking, as one might expect with stainless steel. This is less expensive than All-Clad and just as efficient. A person with good equipment can always do a better job.
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Toastess MSC-570 Multipot Stainless-Steel 5-Quart Digital Slow Cooker

Rolls Royce of slow cookers at a crazy low price ( :
It is rare to find such a useful kitchen appliance which delivers both quality and looks at such an affordable price! I have seen and tried many slow cookers, and this is the only one that cooks just the way it 'should'. Not overcooked or undercooked (having a good recipe book helps too), whatever I put in this pot comes out just the right flavor and consistency, without all that 'burnt on' food I kept getting with any other slow cooker I tried. Highly recommended!
Wonderful replacement!
Great slow cooker as long as you always use the low setting. If you are in a hurry and can watch the cooking process you can use the high setting.
My issue is with the timer; it works backwards. You must set it by what you think is total cooking time, then the timer counts down. If you are wrong with what you think is the correct cooking time (length of time) your food will burn every time! Why? Because any other setting but low is too hot, and even low, if left too long will also burn your food.
Good cooker
Works well with one exception. I had to replace the feet. They were very small, and easily sheared off during normal use. I replaced them with screw-on pedestal-type feet.
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