Babby's first "investment" cookware set

[Anonymous No.9970440]

What's a sensible brand/range to get a starting set in?
As a dumb nocook moving out and looking to start cooking properly or at least pretend I'll attempt to

I was thinking something in Hard Anodised Aluminium like a Circulon Premier Professional set but I've heard Aluminium can impart a bitter taste cooking sauces so I was considering going for Greenpan Velvet ceramics instead

I'm probably looking in the mid price range if I can get ahold of something that'll last me decades but obviously if paying more is a ripoff I'll go cheaper or if it's worth investing in higher-tier stuff I can shop around for a discount or sale somewhere

You guys swear by anything in particular?

[Anonymous No.9970466]

>>9970440
No need for any fancy materials in your pots, as long as they aren't thin bottomed and have lids.

Pans are a different beast altogether and depends a bit on what you like to use. I'd recommend at least one large pan and one small pan to start with.

[Anonymous No.9970472]

>>9970440
Anodized aluminum has a layer that shouldn't react with acidic foods, it's not like regular aluminum. I don't know much more about it than that though, except that it's supposed to be non-stick but might get scratched so it wouldn't be good for sauces that require deglazing the pan. You might want to get an anodized aluminum pan for things like fish, eggs, pancakes, etc. where sticking is a problem but also a regular stainless steel pan for other things.

Also the 4 small pots and one pan in that set seems odd, you usually want at least one big pot for soups/stocks and things like that, and maybe a small frying pan too.

[Anonymous No.9970743]

>>9970472
I've seen Circulon Anodized 6pc sets with a stock pot going for less than £100 on Amazon previously, I'll keep an eye open.

Do you know if the brand is any good? Does it really matter much or has the industry sort of got to the point where most manufacturers are competent enough and none really stand head and shoulders above the rest?

[Anonymous No.9970857]

OP don't get a set. They generally have a bunch of shit you don't really need unless you're going into the $800+ range (for like a set of All-Clad d5s or something).

This is what I'd recommend:
Try to go to a store for all of these and actually feel the product.

10"-12" stainless steel skillet. Don't go non-stick. Calphalon and All-Clad make good ones. Make sure its hefty and thick.

2-3 quart sauce pan (pot). Again, make sure its pretty solid. You want even heating all around.

4-6 quart dutch oven. Cast Iron. Lodge is good. Don't get autistic about the seasoning.

Thats good for start. As you cook more and more you'll see what else you need to add for your own personal use.

Brands I use are Le Creuset and All-Clad almost exclusively. Calphalon is great too. Cuisinart makes alright stuff thats lower price but certainly will last for years. I don't recomment getting non-stick anything because their lifespan is relatively short. Proper use of butter/oil and making sure to clean your cookware immediately will make sure your stuff stays clean.

Also get silicone utensils. They're fantastic.

[Anonymous No.9970957]

>>9970440
Buy second hand stainless steel.
You can get everything you need for a couple dollars a piece.

[Anonymous No.9970979]

>>9970957
Just to add, stainless steel handles and thicc bottoms.

[Anonymous No.9971155]

I'd suggest le creuset if you have money or buying a new $20 ceramic nonstick pan every month forever if you live paycheck to paycheck.

[Anonymous No.9971237]

>>9970440
Buy things individually over time. I'd recommend starting with a stock pot and a 10" non stick skillet if you are beginning with nothing and don't have much liquid cash. Later on you can add a stainless steel saute pan, sauce pan, and a 10" skillet.

Here are some links
http://www.seriouseats.com/2013/12/gift-guide-essential-pots-and-pans-presents-for-home-cooks.html
https://www.centurylife.org/is-all-clad-worth-it-is-it-still-made-in-america-why-does-it-cost-so-much-what-are-some-alternatives/

[Anonymous No.9971274]

>>9970440
I got these in this order:
>8 qt stockpot: https://www.amazon.com/Farberware-Classic-Stainless-8-Quart-Saucepot/dp/B000058AKB
>Lodge 12" skillet: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001FSJNRW
>Nonstick 10" skillet: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000GWK2X2
>Cuisinart 3 qt Saucepan: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B009P4845K
>Tramontina 12" Sautepan: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00JAPVJME

America's Test Kitchen also does product reviews and comparisons if you are looking for something like a knife, cutting board, mixing bowls, blender, whatever. https://www.youtube.com/user/americastestkitchen

[Anonymous No.9971279]

don't get a set

get a cast iron and steel frying pan... maybe a smaller non stick frying pan if you have the funds
a sauce pan and a larger stock pot

then add to this as you need to

[Anonymous No.9971299]

8" all-clad saute
10" carbon steel pan (for eggs) (get at a restaurant supply shot)
12" all-clad saute
2qt all-clad sauce pot
3.5qt all-clad sauce pot
12qt stainless stock pot

2 - quarter sheet pans with racks.

[Anonymous No.9971363]

>>9970743
>Do you know if the brand is any good?
I have no idea. But, brands vary in their quality over time or by product line, so you should try to get a feel for them in person if you're able to, this way you can see if they feel like they're heavy quality pans or thin and flimsy ones.

[Anonymous No.9971492]

>>9970440
Farberware

[Anonymous No.9971536]

>>9970440
12" cast iron pan, and a smaller one either 10 or 8 inch. One or two stainless steel (or something non reactive) pans in the same size. A medium sauce pan and a large stock pot in whatwver material you please. Cookware is not an end in itself, spend your money on good food and learn to cook well.

[Anonymous No.9973264]

>>9971536
>Cookware is not an end in itself, spend your money on good food and learn to cook well.
Fair enough, I'm just looking for something not shit that will last