Help! Need cookware advice

PrincessRock

Hi ladies. I'm in the market for a new set of pots & pans. It's a Christmas present for my mom (from my dad). Being the only daughter, I of course, get to do his shopping for her! Anywho, I'm working with a budget of $150. Are there any brands that you expert chefs would recommend?  TIA!

justEmily

Well with that budget, I recommend mine... I have Cuisinart Chef's Classic Non-Stick Hard Anodized from Bed Bath & Beyond. I have had really good luck with them heating evenly and they are easy to clean and look nice!

http://www.bedbathandbeyond.com/product.asp?order_num=-1&SKU=106829&RN=398&

 

kristylynn

I love my calphalon nonstick pans.  For 150, you could get 3-4 pans (and check out TJ Maxx/Homestore).  I recommend

1.  large saute pan

2.  sauce pan

3.  omelete pan

4.  stir-fry pan

triumphantreturnofplanningbug

I love the Calphalon nonstick too!  In your (your dad's) budget, I'd go to Bed Bath and Beyond and use up some 20% off coupons.  First I'd see if he would spend the extra $10 and get the Simply Calphalon 10 piece cookware set ($199 with a 20% off coupon is $160).  If he doesn't want to, I'd get the
*1 qt and 4 qt covered saucepans ($16 and  $40, respectively, after coupons)
*10" omelette pan ($24 after coupon) or, if you can find it, the bonus pack of 2 omelette pans for $32 after coupon
*6 qt covered stockpot ($55 after coupon)


HTH and have fun!

OHFallBride06

I have the calphalon non-stick as well and love them!

Busty_Wench

If you're looking for a whole set I think the new Martha SS set at Macy's sells for around that. 

I have a mix of Calphalon hard-anodized and All-Clad SS pans and love them both.  I don't do the non-stick thing so I have no advice for you there. 

I say if your mom loves to cook and is looking to upgrade get a couple really nice Calphalon pans.  That way you can build her collection with time. 

E&D07

I agree with pps on the quality of Calphalon. Ditto also on what BustyWench said- Calphalon is a great thing to build gradually if you can't afford a whole set at once. Several of my pans were bought when Macy's or Kohl's had a special offer on an individual piece. You just have to watch the ads and pick stuff up when you see a good deal.