I just received my 20 yr work anniversary gift catalog, and was thinking about cookware. I’m not a chef, and never had a set of anything. Got a choice between Calphalon stainless, or Ballarini Parma, Rachel Ray, Greenpan, and some unknown nonstick brand. Unknown cause I couldn’t find the name. I have a flattop stove, but wasn’t sure which would be more durable for my simple needs.
Thoughts? Opinions? Experience?

This message has been edited. Last edited by: m1009,

Never even heard of Bellarini Parma. Calphalon makes very good quality cook wear. Go with those.

Calaphon out of those mentioned but it says it stainless. Not the easiest stuff to cook on if your inexperienced. If you don't want the learning curve of cooking, particularly frying in stainless go with something non stick if it's available.

Thanks, I wanted the Calphalon, but have never used only stainless. If they had offered non stick on my options, there would have not been any question.

Cooking on stainless is not all that difficult. For frying you just have to make sure the pan and oil is at the right temp. Add the oil to the pan and when you see the oil start to shimmer you should be good. Avoid super high heat.

I would think that Rachel Ray stuff would be non stick it's not?

Calphalon.

Get one non-stick pan, use it for egg dishes, fish, anything cheesy or, sugary. Non-stick pans will wear out, plan to replace every 5-years so don't plan on spending a lot; use those Bed, Bath & Beyond coupons for them. NEVER set the burner above medium, you'll wear out the non-stick faster.

Cooking on stainless, just use enough (not too much) oil or, butter and make sure the pan is properly heated. Evaporate a few drops of water before putting in the food is a good rough gauge of a properly heated pan. A nice 10" or, 12" saute pan (straight sides w/lid) is a very versatile option combined with a non-stick skillet. As you're pursuing recipes to try, learn to braise.

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Originally posted by lastmanstanding:


I would think that Rachel Ray stuff would be non stick it's not?

The Rachel Ray is non stick, but not sure how durable a celebrity brand is, ha.
I know Calphalon name, and was leaning toward it, but since it’s stainless, wasn’t sure how much of a learning curve I’d need to use it well.
Like I mentioned, have always used non stick before. Usually T-Fal, but since this is my reward for being there this long, I thought to actually get a set of something good.

Oh, and the Ballarini brand is supposed to be a ceramic? I’d never heard of it before either. Reviews are mixed, like most are. Some love it, and it is non stick, and some say not as great. Still thinking.

Get the Calphalon. Cooking/frying results are different on stainless versus nonstick. Now is always a good time to learn. There are lots of great instructional videos on the internet.

Rachel Ray, Junk
Greenpan, Junk
unknown nonstick brand Junk

The majority of cookware have to be replaced, as corsair mentioned.

I am currently using Vollrath...good stuff, restaurant quality, but I only get about 4 years out of them. About the only stuff you can have almost forever is aluminum. This is a chrome plated by vollrath>>>

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https://www.amazon.com/Vollrat..._product_top?ie=UTF8

Thanks everybody. I will take a look at a YouTube video and see what it shows on cooking with stainless. Appreciate all the info!

Update: Decided on Calphalon stainless. Put in my order today, researched Youtube, and decided this would work well for me. Thanks for all the info and comments!

Stainless pans can be seasoned just like cast iron. Actually, it is easier.

Calphalon makes non-stick cookware. Check the website of Calphalon, and you will find lots of stuff that might work for your needs.

quote:

Originally posted by m1009:
Update: Decided on Calphalon stainless. Put in my order today, researched Youtube, and decided this would work well for me. Thanks for all the info and comments!

I think you made a wise choice..... I'd get 1 or 2 non-stick GOOD quality non-stick skillets to do some cooking in.... a 10" is the most popular size and a 12" comes in handy if you are cooking for more than 2 people......You can find All-Clad or Calphalon non-stick skillets for good prices at places like Marshalls.

I cook on all stainless, and have 2 non stick pans that I use for eggs and pancakes. Everything else can be cooked in a good stainless pan, for the most part, just fine.

I can’t seem to embed from my phone but to cook on stainless without sticking watch this video.

https://youtu.be/8ye1hqMjV5k

Thanks everybody! I would have gotten non stick, but this is a choice I had from my employer on my 20 yr anniversary, so the only option for the Calphalon was stainless. I’m sure I will enjoy them!

Good stainless steel cookware should last a lifetime, whereas even the best nonstick cookware will last only a few years at best. I’d get good stainless stuff and an inexpensive nonstick pan ($20-$30) that you can replace every year or so. I’ve been using some copper-colored nonstick pans from Costco and they seem to work well.