https://boards.hellobee.com/ Pregnancy, Baby and Parenting blog, by Hellobee en Fri, 10 Apr 2026 23:30:42 +0000 https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/best-pots-amp-pans#post-2739062 Tue, 23 May 2017 12:55:41 +0000 brownepiano 2739062@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I'm another voice for a Le Creuse frying pan. I have only stainless steel and cast iron pots and pans. I do 90% of my cooking in my cast iron frying pan. Other than that I probably use the 2 quart sauce pan the most next. Cleaning up cast iron is a breeze, even more than stainless steel or non stick pans.<br /> <a href="http://a.co/3YLCj24" rel="nofollow">http://a.co/3YLCj24</a> </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/best-pots-amp-pans#post-2739058 Tue, 23 May 2017 12:52:21 +0000 snowjewelz 2739058@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Littlebit7: Oo , thank you for this~ It helps a lot to have visuals and explanations! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/best-pots-amp-pans#post-2739035 Tue, 23 May 2017 12:25:42 +0000 Littlebit7 2739035@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@snowjewelz: so if you need a super giant stock pot, I'd go cheaper for that. We have a cuisinart one that fits the bill. Heat dispersion/retention isn't really that important for stock pots so there isn't much need to spend the big bucks.</p> <p>but if you want to multitask, I'd get a larger heavier bottomed pot, either Le Creuset (will be super heavy and $$$) or all-clad.<br /> You can use them for browning, braising, baking (you can actually bake bread in the Le Creuset), big batches of soup, sautéing a lot of stuff. Really true one pot cooking. Stove top straight to oven as well. For those uses heat retention and/or heat transfer is more important.<br /> <a href="http://www.williams-sonoma.com/products/le-creuset-signature-round-dutch-oven/" rel="nofollow">http://www.williams-sonoma.com/products/le-creuset-signature-round-dutch-oven/</a> this will be very heavy. But you can put it in the dishwasher</p> <p><a href="http://www.williams-sonoma.com/products/all-clad-stainless-steel-tri-ply-saute-pan/?pkey=e%7Call%2Bclad%7C149%7Cbest%7C0%7Cviewall%7C24%7C%7C66&#038;cm_src=PRODUCTSEARCH" rel="nofollow">http://www.williams-sonoma.com/products/all-clad-stainless-steel-tri-ply-saute-pan/?pkey=e%7Call%2Bclad%7C149%7Cbest%7C0%7Cviewall%7C24%7C%7C66&#038;cm_src=PRODUCTSEARCH</a> lidded sauté pan. I use this a TON. </p> <p><a href="http://www.williams-sonoma.com/products/all-clad-stainless-steel-stock-pot-12-quart/?pkey=e%7Cstock%2Bpot%7C107%7Cbest%7C0%7Cviewall%7C24%7C%7C13&#038;cm_src=PRODUCTSEARCH" rel="nofollow">http://www.williams-sonoma.com/products/all-clad-stainless-steel-stock-pot-12-quart/?pkey=e%7Cstock%2Bpot%7C107%7Cbest%7C0%7Cviewall%7C24%7C%7C13&#038;cm_src=PRODUCTSEARCH</a> this is a nice size (6 qt, comparable to the Le Creuset). Its not GIANT. As in, you can't make chili for 20 people in it. But its a perfect size for a family. can be used for browning, braising, soups, cooktop to oven, etc </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/best-pots-amp-pans#post-2739011 Tue, 23 May 2017 11:46:34 +0000 PurplePumps 2739011@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>We have a calphalon triply stainless one set, a few random all clad stainless, and a 8" and 10" non stick. I prefer the stainless cause I never have to worry about scratching them, and find that the clean up is just as easy. I only use the non stick for a small quicky job like frying an egg. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/best-pots-amp-pans#post-2738977 Tue, 23 May 2017 10:24:06 +0000 kes18 2738977@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I love the All Clad ss pans. I do have a cheaper nonstick pan I use for a few things but they are not meant to last forever so you shouldn't be spending much on them. Definitely buying a set of nonstick pans is a terrible idea. I have some le creuset that I love but haven't tried their pans out yet. On my list to eventually get is a pan and a dutch oven. And then I think I will have everything I need lol. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/best-pots-amp-pans#post-2738947 Tue, 23 May 2017 09:35:27 +0000 sunny 2738947@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I have a giant SS All-Clad pan and a non-stick Anolon that are great. Just keep in mind that your non-stick pans are not forever items. They will eventually need to be replaced. I have a non stick Kirkland Signature set and I love it, but I've been throwing out the pieces one by one because they don't last forever. KS is great for the price and Cook's Illustrated gave it high ratings. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/best-pots-amp-pans#post-2738924 Tue, 23 May 2017 08:53:23 +0000 looch 2738924@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Oh, for frying pans, I use either a GreenPan or those hard andondized ones from Calphalon. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/best-pots-amp-pans#post-2738920 Tue, 23 May 2017 08:51:06 +0000 MrsLonghorn 2738920@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>i love my enameled le cruset pan for things that I would otherwise use nonstick for (it is awesome for eggs!) </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/best-pots-amp-pans#post-2738918 Tue, 23 May 2017 08:49:30 +0000 Anagram 2738918@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@snowjewelz: yes! I like it a lot. I also have 1 circulon flat griddle pan, and 1 older T-fal non stick grill pan, and the ALL-Clad pans are heavier and seem nicer than those.......but time will tell about the non-stick finish. I just happen to use griddle pans/grill pans less often but have had those years and they are still okay. I use the frying pans/omelette pans daily so they see heavier use--we'll see.</p> <p>eta: after our Calphalon pans because unusable so quickly, DH and I have both vowed to be super anal about enforcing the nylon-utensils only rule when using the pans. Sometimes we used to forget and grab whatever metal spoon was nearby, and so do our mothers when they visit. But no more. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/best-pots-amp-pans#post-2738901 Tue, 23 May 2017 08:32:29 +0000 snowjewelz 2738901@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@looch: DH is picky and will only cook on gas stoves. When we were house hunting he would not consider a house either without gas or cannot convert to gas :silly: </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/best-pots-amp-pans#post-2738897 Tue, 23 May 2017 08:27:21 +0000 looch 2738897@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@snowjewelz: lucky! I have electric and I think you do need to be more selective about the pans.</p> <p>I like Cuisinart pans, they're a decent price point. In addition, if you have a Costco, they have a Kirkland branded set that is supposedly produced in the same factory as All Clad.</p> <p>I like to have a stock pot, 2 small saucepans, 1 larger saucepan and a frying pan. I also cook a ton using the oven, so I like to have a few sheet pans and a ceramic 9x13 pan with high sides. I don't use much beyond that.</p> <p>I do have an enameled cast iron pot with a lid, I like to use it to bake bread, of all things. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/best-pots-amp-pans#post-2738894 Tue, 23 May 2017 08:22:27 +0000 snowjewelz 2738894@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@looch: We have gas. </p> <p>So we do have one cast iron skillet, it seems like DH doesn't use it as much; our stock pot, medium/large sauce pan. and wok gets the most use.</p> <p>And yes def not buying a whole new set... For immediate replacement I need a stock pot and sauce pan. Stock pot is super scratched up and DH said the sauce pan somehow got warped on the bottom.</p> <p>I am furiously reading all your comments and looking at prices!! </p> <p>@Anagram: So, so far All Clad nonstick is way better than Calphalon nonstick? </p> <p>@petitenoisette: @azjax: What do you use dutch oven for? We don't have anything like that... Maybe DH has just been multi-using the stock pot? We also have an Instant Pot, so I don't want to overdo it in the pots and pans department... </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/best-pots-amp-pans#post-2738881 Tue, 23 May 2017 07:53:43 +0000 Anagram 2738881@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@snowjewelz: We also like All-Clad. Our old set of non-stick was Calphalon and it didn't last long at all (although no non stick will). So DH bought me a new set of stainless try-ply All-clad with an additional set of omelette/frying pans in non-stick, the new All-clad non-stick. They are great!! We cook pretty heavily for home cooks--like we use several pots and pans every single day, and so far they are really holding up. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/best-pots-amp-pans#post-2738880 Tue, 23 May 2017 07:16:02 +0000 looch 2738880@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>What kind of stove do you have, gas or electric? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/best-pots-amp-pans#post-2738861 Mon, 22 May 2017 23:48:36 +0000 lamariniere 2738861@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Another All-Clad fan. I have a SS set and love it, it's about 8 years old and is still going strong. We only have one nonstick pan, I can't remember the brand but it's an eco-friendly one. As for Dutch ovens, I have one Le Creuset and one Staub. In my opinion, Staub is superior to Le Creuset because they are even more robust and the lid has nubbies that help self-baste the food. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/best-pots-amp-pans#post-2738838 Mon, 22 May 2017 21:02:47 +0000 Pancakes 2738838@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@snowjewelz: I'm going to echo what others have said and tell you not to buy a set. I also like All-Clad, but what I'd look for is something that's like a tri-ply aluminum core for even heating. You want something that's heavy and won't scorch, and that doesn't have a plastic handle so you can put it in the oven. I think my most-used pieces are my 12-inch stainless frying pan, a 3 or 4 qt saute pan (with lid), my 4 qt sauce pan with lid, and my 5.5 qt Le Creuset dutch oven. I have owned the Lodge equivalent, and it performed fine, but it chipped pretty easily. If you have a Le Creuset outlet, check there. If I had to have one nonstick piece, I would probably pick a 10-inch fry pan. Personally I would rather invest in a nice piece of cookware here and there that will last me forever than to have to replace a set every few years. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/best-pots-amp-pans#post-2738826 Mon, 22 May 2017 20:18:27 +0000 periwinklebee 2738826@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I couldn't believe how much le creuset cost when I first saw them, but I have a couple of their pieces now and they are really the best. I know I will have them forever. I think Lodge makes an enameled cast iron piece for quite a bit less that may be a decent substitute. I have a couple of stainless steel pieces but mostly use the enameled cast iron. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/best-pots-amp-pans#post-2738813 Mon, 22 May 2017 19:55:03 +0000 Alba4 2738813@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>We have a full set of All Clad, but we have a few Le Crucet pieces as well. We cook a lot and think they are totally worth it. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/best-pots-amp-pans#post-2738811 Mon, 22 May 2017 19:52:36 +0000 azjax 2738811@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>All Clad stainless steel or Le Creuset for Dutch ovens and stock pots. We don't use any coated non-stick products because it inevitably gets damaged and comes off in your food. Both All Clad and Le Creuset are on the more expensive side compared to $150 non-stick multi-pot sets but you won't be eating plastic crap and they last forever!</p> <p>ETA: Lodge cast iron skillets are great and not too expensive! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/best-pots-amp-pans#post-2738808 Mon, 22 May 2017 19:50:50 +0000 RonjaL7 2738808@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>The Pioneer Woman's line (exclusively sold at Walmart) is fantastic for the right price. </p> <p>This is the consumer reports article that convinced me to purchase them. </p> <p><a href="http://www.consumerreports.org/kitchen-cookware/pioneer-woman-cookware-is-no-frontier-folly/" rel="nofollow">http://www.consumerreports.org/kitchen-cookware/pioneer-woman-cookware-is-no-frontier-folly/</a> </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/best-pots-amp-pans#post-2738771 Mon, 22 May 2017 18:38:24 +0000 petitenoisette 2738771@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I wouldn't recommend getting a whole set either. I would probably invest in one or two quality pieces that you could literally have for the rest of your life. You really only need one non-stick pan. Non-stick pans have a limited shelf life and then you'll have to buy all new ones in a few years. I would def not recommend buying non-stick pots.</p> <p>These are the pieces that I think are pretty essential: cast iron Dutch oven, cast iron pan (I just got an enameled cast iron pan from le creuset as a Mother's Day gift and it is the bomb.com. I think it's actually going to replace my regular cast iron and non-stick pans.) One non-stick pan. Stainless steel saucepan and pasta pot. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/best-pots-amp-pans#post-2738756 Mon, 22 May 2017 17:45:37 +0000 yoursilverlining 2738756@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>We use our lodge cast iron way more than anything else. Second would be all-clad SS, but that's a distant second in use to the cast iron </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/best-pots-amp-pans#post-2738753 Mon, 22 May 2017 17:41:46 +0000 LemonJack 2738753@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@youboots: We have a stainless set too, but almost exclusively use our cast iron pans as well, </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/best-pots-amp-pans#post-2738751 Mon, 22 May 2017 17:31:42 +0000 Boogs 2738751@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>We have all clad and love our pieces. We have some regular and non stick pieces. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/best-pots-amp-pans#post-2738747 Mon, 22 May 2017 17:21:46 +0000 peachykeen 2738747@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>For a mid-price option, I've been using my Anolon copper core (non-stick) for about 5 years and have absolutely no complaints. I cook almost all our meals at home so they've had heavy use. We got our initial set roughly 1/2 off from Macy's and I've seen similar deals every now and then since then. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/best-pots-amp-pans#post-2738735 Mon, 22 May 2017 16:37:06 +0000 PurplePeony 2738735@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I wouldn't recommend a set if you truly want the "best". Different materials do certain tasks better than others. Personally, I don't like nonstick but I do love my Lodge cast iron griddle. It just takes a bit of work at first and then it's better than nonstick, IMO. I'm planning to get a 10" Lodge skillet when my current one wears out, too. If I was going to buy another nonstick pan, though, I'd go with the ceramic kind like GreenPan. For saucepans, I really like Sur La Table's tri-ply stainless steel. They're a little less expensive than All-Clad and I like the feel of the handle better (I've never liked All-Clad's handles). For a Dutch oven, I like enameled cast iron like Le Crueset or Staub. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/best-pots-amp-pans#post-2738716 Mon, 22 May 2017 15:55:42 +0000 snowjewelz 2738716@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Littlebit7: Cause I guess our set did last 4 years... So getting a middle price set that lasts 4 years isn't that bad really... </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/best-pots-amp-pans#post-2738713 Mon, 22 May 2017 15:53:22 +0000 Littlebit7 2738713@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@snowjewelz: I dont use them much, mainly for eggs, sometimes delicate fish, pancakes, stuff that you reaaaaallly don't want to stick or you don't prefer to use a ton of oil or butter. But you won't develop a lot of fond (brown crispy tasty bits, say if you are browning meat or something) </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/best-pots-amp-pans#post-2738706 Mon, 22 May 2017 15:44:14 +0000 youboots 2738706@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I have a stainless set but I use my cast iron Le Cruset more than anything. They are a pretty good deal if you have an outlet near you. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/best-pots-amp-pans#post-2738705 Mon, 22 May 2017 15:43:58 +0000 snowjewelz 2738705@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@gingerbebe: @Littlebit7: @LCTBQE: Ok so I barely cook; is non-stick really important? </p>