I'm tired of my wife's hodge-podge of cookware (skillets, pots, pans, etc.) and want to replace it all for Christmas with some GOOD stuff. It must work with electric, gas or induction cook tops and preferred oven safe and MUST be dishwasher safe. My wife makes nearly everything from scratch so it gets used on a daily basis and a lot of extra use around the holidays, but she's the cheapest K-mart Blue Light discount shopper you would ever some across and would never spend money on something like this. However, I have no issue with doing so. I have been looking at some All-Clad cookware, but haven't a clue what's good, bad, doesn't make any difference, etc. As always, thanks in advance!

I prefer:

Cast Iron
All-Clad Stainless
LeCreuset Enamel

I wouldn't buy an entire set from any manufacturer.

Like knives, buy the individual pieces you need.

It's not cheap.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: 46and2,

Cast Iron and Stainless Steel

I'd trust these guys recommendations.

Link to original video: https://youtu.be/1atGnmJKmTc


Link to original video: https://youtu.be/NKIHghgpYbA


Link to original video: https://youtu.be/yjUW-p7iRLU

What 46and2 said.

A cast iron pan (well seasoned)
A set of All-Clad pans (mid to upper end)
And an enamel coated iron roasting dish.

Pretty much already covered.

Cast iron skillets, griddles, and Dutch ovens.

All-Clad copper core stainless.

The latter is stupid expensive, but after all the research I've done, it is the best there is. I bought one piece per month rather than shelling out the $$$$ for a set and that made it a bit more palatable. There are also websites where you can buy their "seconds" for a yuge discount. Typically the seconds are just scuffed up a little making them not top-shelf. They are the same pots/pans though and every bit as good.

Le creuset is a great Dutch oven. Pricey, but will last your lifetime.

quote:

Originally posted by 46and2:
I prefer:

Cast Iron
All-Cad Stainless
LeCreuset Enamel

I wouldn't buy an entire set from any manufacturer.

Like knives, buy the individual pieces you need.

It's not cheap.

Agreed. We've had an all-clad MC2 for about a decade now, and I'll bet we have them for the rest of our lives. Great stuff.

Damn you tatortodd and SIGforum, now for some reason I feel the need to replace my SS skillet with an expensive All-Clad one.

There are two seemingly same ones on amazon. Anyone know the difference between the 41126 and 4112?

We like our set of Cuisinart Multiclad Pro. Most of the performance of All Clad at a much lower price.

I also have a well seasoned cast iron skillet as well as a spun steel wok.

+1 for a good wok.

I like wokshop.com

Le Crueset has some outlet stores around the country. I picked up two of their Dutch ovens with minor blemishes, and saved a lot of money.

As for cookware, the MC2 line from All Clad is a good value, and you will get professional results. I have a couple of these pans, bought online.

Of course, everyone should have at least one good cast iron skillet. Lots of threads on cast iron if you do a search. Good luck.

BTW, hand wash your cookware. Don’t put it in the dishwasher. Especially cast iron.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: 2Adefender,

quote:

Originally posted by Skins2881:
Damn you tatortodd and SIGforum, now for some reason I feel the need to replace my SS skillet with an expensive All-Clad one.

We're always ready to spend other people's money

quote:

Originally posted by Skins2881:
Anyone know the difference between the 41126 and 4112?

37014

Near as I can tell, 41126 comes with the lid

EDIT:
Amazon's Q&A had the same question, and I'm not sure which to believe. What is difference between 4112 and 41126?
Answer:

Spoke to Leslie of All Clad Customer Service and she assured me that there was no difference between the pans save that the 41126 comes with a Lid at a promotional price.
By OBeOne on July 12, 2016

The 41126 is 2 inches shallower than the 4112. 4112S is 2 inches deep and includes a lid; the 4112 is 4.38 inches deep and does not include a lid
By L. Clegg on May 17, 2015

Fire.
Flat rock.

If you want All-Clad, watch your local Home Goods and TJMaxx stores, especially this time of year. I have picked up most of my All-Clad at about 2/3 to 1/2 price. Every once in a while I caught one in the clearance aisle. They also have Le Creuset from time to time.

quote:

Originally posted by tatortodd:

quote:

Originally posted by Skins2881:
Damn you tatortodd and SIGforum, now for some reason I feel the need to replace my SS skillet with an expensive All-Clad one.

We're always ready to spend other people's money

quote:

Originally posted by Skins2881:
Anyone know the difference between the 41126 and 4112?

37014

Near as I can tell, 41126 comes with the lid

EDIT:
Amazon's Q&A had the same question, and I'm not sure which to believe. What is difference between 4112 and 41126?
Answer:

Spoke to Leslie of All Clad Customer Service and she assured me that there was no difference between the pans save that the 41126 comes with a Lid at a promotional price.
By OBeOne on July 12, 2016

The 41126 is 2 inches shallower than the 4112. 4112S is 2 inches deep and includes a lid; the 4112 is 4.38 inches deep and does not include a lid
By L. Clegg on May 17, 2015

Read the same thing. Conflicting responses. Pictures are nearly the same. If the 4112 was really 4.38", then the handle is yuge to be the same proportions in pics of both models.

Found This too, seems to back first answer.

I use cast iron the most, and a Staub dutch oven.

All Clad alternative
Cuisinart Multiclad Pro (aka MCP or MultiClad Professional)

Carbon steel is ~half the weight of cast iron.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-suTmUX4Vbk

All-Clad LTD 10" fry-pan
All-Clad Stainless 3qt Saute Pan
All-Clad LTD 6qt Saute Pan
All-Clad LTD 4-qt pot
All-Clad Stainless 2-qt pot
All-Clad LTD 1-qt pot
12" non-stick Trimontina fry-pan
10qt Staub Dutch Oven
10" cast iron fry-pan
Calphalon grill pan

That's my most used assortment. I prefer All-Clad's LTD series as it doesn't show finger prints and the finish doesn't wear. If I could afford copper-clad or, a set a Mauviel copper, I'd be set.

If there's a Williams-Sonoma outlet near you, that should be the first place to start assembling a quality set of cookware. Occasionally they have All-Clad at 50%-off, usually it's around 30%-off. Calphalon and enabled cast iron is also marked down; old models get pushed out due to new colors, new handles or, new covers coming out. Macy's basement during sales, TJ Maxx/Marshall's you'll occasionally find a deal. Holiday season all the companies will put-out sets to entice a purchase, just know prices and what you're looking for before jumping in.

I have a metric shit ton of cookware, including a LOT of AllClad, Le Crueset and cast iron.

Having said that, I find myself using only a few pieces, the rest sit and gather dust in the pantry closet.

For an excellent alternative, Fontignac (made in France) is an enameled cast iron brand of dutch oven owned by the Staub Group (they also own Zwilling cutlery), and Costco currently has a dutch oven for $79.00. I have one which I got at Bed Bath and Beyond, same price, and it's fantastic. Linky Thing

You really don't need a lot of cookware for everyday cooking. Tonight I browned pork chops in my old Griswold #7 then finished them in the oven in my All Clad Petite Brassier All Purpose Pan (not currently made but available as new old stock on Ebay). I've purchased 3 of these in the last year as gifts. Very happy with the deal. Linkything I HIGHLY recommend this pan.

You just need a good solid dutch oven (DO NOT BUY ONE MADE IN CHINA, NO MATTER WHAT CELEBRITY NAME IS ON IT), get a Fontignac or go to a Le Crueset factory outlet store, or buy a Staub at Tuesday Morning. I'd buy one of the new Field cast iron pans for $100 over any thing made today by Lodge. The AllClad Petite Brassier All Purpose is my workhorse, it gets used almost every day, it's so versatile and does a fine job.

A few other misc sizes and shapes of pots and pans (quality made) and you're in business. I'd rather buy pieces than sets. With sets, just like knive sets, you get ones you never really use at all, waste of money.

Buy once, buy quality, cry only once.

I've actually picked up a lot of AllClad at a store named Home Goods while vising out in Whackyland twice a year, and at really excellent prices. If you check the discount stores you can often find excellent pieces. Some were shelf samples and might have a scuff or scratch but are brand new otherwise. I've picked up AllClad at Marshall Fields at 50% off.

Good luck to you.

I have an All Clad stainless set that I got for our wedding over 10 years ago. I cook with it almost daily and each pan has its uses. It looks like it has hardly been used, I doubt it will have any issues making it another 10 years. Expensive, but lasts.