Cookware

Here's a little info on cookware which may help you in selecting the line appropriate for you. For more information on cookware, take a look at Oliver Sharp's Cookware FAQ. For discount prices, some mail-order places to try are the factory outlets Cookware & More, 110 Broad St. Flemington, NJ 08822 (800-272-2170, NJ: 908-782-1735) and Quality Cookware and Cutlery (1-800-446-9610). When buying outlet cookware, make sure that the pan still lies flat on the surface for even heating.

Anolon -- These are nonstick pots which boast a harder surface than most for good resistance to cracking and peeling. Tempered glass lids and phenolic handles remain cool to the touch.

All Clad -- [All-Clad Metalcrafters Inc., RD #2, Canonsburg, PA 15317, (412)745-8300.] All-Clad's pots and pans are perceived to be the creme de la creme of pots and pans by many. They can go both on the stove and in the oven since the handles are metal. They have six different lines:

COP-R-CHEF: These are copper pans, inside and out.

LTD: The interior of these pans is stainless steel while the outside is anodized aluminum, which is tougher than regular aluminum and improves even distribution of heat.

LTD-Nonstick: The outside of these pans is anodized aluminum, but the inside has the special nonstick coating. The non-stick pans are metal resistant, so any type of utensil can be used.

Masterchef

Stainless: These are the traditional, completely stainless pans inside and out.

Stainless-Nonstick: This is a combination of a stainless exterior and the special nonstick surface on the inside.

Berndes -- This is a German brand which is pretty pricey, but also highly revered. This brand is difficult to find in the U.S.

Calphalon -- [Commercial Aluminum Cookware Company, PO Box 583, Toledo, OH 43697-0583, (419)666-8700.] These are a fairly popular brand and go both on the stove and in the oven since the handles are metal. They come in stainless steel and non-stick versions, although they don't recommend using metal utensils with the non-stick cookware. Three lines of this brand are:

Anodized Calphalon: The exterior of this cookware is heavy-duty anodized aluminum for even distribution of heat, claimed to never chip or peel.

Professional Nonstick: The nonstick material is bonded to both the inside and outside of this cookware. This line comes with glass lids.

Professional Stainless: This is the traditional, 3-ply stainless steel with aluminum core.

Circulon -- This cookware is non-stick with heavy-guage anodized aluminum construction. The lids are tight-fitting stainless steel.

Cuisinart -- This is stainless steel construction cookware.

Farberware -- [Farberware Inc., A Hanson Company, 1500 Bassett Avenue, Bronx, NY 10461-2395, (718)863-8000.] Farberware has an unconditional 20 year guarantee on their cookware. Metal utensils can be used with the non-stick pots. The Millennium and Classic product lines are stainless steel with aluminum bottoms.

LeCruset -- This French brand has pots which can go both on the stove and in the oven since the handles are metal. Their specialty pots come highly recommended (such as their au gratin pan, casseroles, and dutch ovens).

RegalWare -- The Ultrex-7 line is a set of waterless and greaseless cookware, meaning you never need to add oil or water to cook meat/veggies in it; they call this their Kitchen Nutrition Cooking System and you can check out this set at the Tradition of Society's web site.

Revere Ware -- There are four lines of Revere Ware. The first line has copper bottoms and another has copper sides with an aluminum bottom. The other lines are:

Pro Line: This line is stain and scratch resistant 18/10 stainless steel with a copper bottom to provide even heating.

Excel Line: This stainless steel line has an aluminum bottom.

T-Fal -- [T-FAL Corporation, 21-25 Riverside Drive, Pine Brook, NJ 07058, (201)575-1060.] T-Fal is specially patented for its non-stick surface. They do have plastic handles, but they are oven-safe up to 450 degrees F.