I don't own expensive cookware. I have Revere Ware pots and Wearever fry pans/skillets.
I also have a Princess House collection of pans that I have had from years from back when I sold it.

The Princess house pots are good because they can be used in fridge, stovetop, oven, and microwave, but they really retain the heat, so it takes a watchful eye. They clean up easily and well though.

What type of cookware do you own and do you like it? Anyone invested in expensive cookware and what is your opinion on the difference?

Sara

I don't know if you would consider it "expensive" but I have a set of Farberware that I really like. The pots and pans all have metal handles that on the stove top do not get hot. Yet I can put them in the oven if I need to. I have a set of T-fal that I really dislike, it tends to scortch everything and the coating in the pan isn't holding up like the Farberware. Oh the Farberware pots do not have teflon coating and I don't have a problem with sticking like I do with the T-fal with the coating, strange. I wanted to purchase some additions to my Farberware set at Service merchandise, they are going out of business. But when we went over there for their liquidation sale they had only marked "some" items down 10 percent, I was quite disappointed.

I love my T-fal, I've had them for at least 8 years and use them a few times each week. I actually use a lot of pots that I inhereted-Magnalite from the 40's, general electric bakeware from the '50s and early '60s, my stove is from the late '40's so It looks really good left out on the stovetop and I find a lot of it just heats really evenly and does not take so much clean up--I'm not afraid to put a bit of bleach in or use a brillo on it. I do have some wear-ever and farberware, but I'm really kinda take it or leave it on both brands.

i have T-fal also. For the cooking we do, it works great, does not stick, cleans easily. Only problem with it is sometimes my husband forgets to use special utinsels with it. and it has a few scratches.

I love my T-Fal! We also have some cranberry ware that is great for the microwave.

I have a set of stainless steel pots and pans I picked up at the Farberware outlet store. I guess the brand name is "Geneva", I don't know if they're made by Farberware or not. They're stainless steel, and has gold trim around the rims and on the handles. They're really heavy and look really sharp, and cook great!! They clean so easily, and have yet to burn anything to the bottom of them (well, they're not good to cook eggs in).

I have a second set my mother in law gave us, she got them off QVC. They're nonstick, the brand is Ultrex. I also really like those. It doesn't have the typical non stick coating- it's rough to the touch.

I believe in paying more upfront for a nice set of cookware that will last forever rather than buying whatever out of Wal Mart and have to replace them every few years. I have a whole box in the basement of Warever that I intend on selling at a yard sale I'd like to have this spring.

Laura

When I moved into my first apt, I lucked out by finding a kitchenware shop that was going out of business...

I bought a set of M<eyer stainless pots (1 large, 1 small saucepan, 1 dutch oven, 1 fry pan) for $50 along with the matching steamer insert & bain marie for another $20.

This was 10 years ago and they're still holding out like new!

I also have T-fal frying pans, but have replaced the larger one twice.

We have an odd assortment of cookware, I don't really know what brand any of it is. "El-Cheapo" comes to mind! :D

Im so ready for new ones. I have just plain old set that has been dragged all over ohio with me when we have moved. I'm looking for T-fal again. had it once and loved it. Highly recommend it.

Just this past year I finally purchased a nice set of Cusinart cookware. I had been using my grandmas old Faberware for years. But I loved how the food turned out. Now I have given it to my oldest daughter since she has moved out.

I have a mixture of Belgique (wedding shower gift), T Fal, and Farberware. I don't really have a preference--I would love to try the Cook Essential's line from QVC next.

I have a wide variety of pans.

I have a lot of cast iron pots and pans--sizes all the way down to very tiny to about four gallons.

We were given a set of T-Fal a few years ago that is our "regular" everyday set....the skillets are pretty much worn out now (dh uses them on too high a temp) but the saucepans are still fine for a couple more years at least. They are okay but I'm not really all that fond of pans that have a non stick coating (Except for eggs)

I have a mirro pan (cheapy) bought just for eggs. I'm the only one that uses it so it doesn't get ruined.

I have two good Revere wear pans--off limits to anyone but me (any pan that costs $30 is not to be TOUCHED except by me). Also some enamelwear type stuff for canning.....

I have a mix too. Some were my mom's (they gave them to us when they went on the road), some Revere Ware and several cast iron skillets. I will never part with those. Some of them are older than I am!

:bump:

We have some of the Cook's Essentials hard anodized cookware and hate it. It's not scratch resistant and has not held up well over the years.

We took the plunge and invested in Calphalon and love it!

I have a hodge podge of cookware from Cast Iron which I adore to Command proformance Gold sold on HSN dh bought me for New Years. Love all my cookware

Farberware here...have had it for probably 35-38 years. It works great.

Also have a few non-stick fry pans that I like.

dh got me a set of Wolfgang Puck cookware and at first I HATED it! Everything I cooked in those pots and pans stuck!!!!!!!!! It didn't matter what I did I had a mess on my hands! I have since learned to love those pots and pans and nothing sticks any more!:D I really love that I can go from cook top to oven with these pans!!!:)

I have the Kirkland (costco brand) set made by Caphalon - They are wonderful pans but they require maintenance of oiling monthly. They are nice and heavy and the handles don't heat up - and they have a size for everything with clear glass tops.

I have a mix-match of different kinds, too. Most of them cheapies but I do own one a large T-fal skillet, a small cast iron one and one stainless steel large pot I use a lot.

What I am after is a large stainless steel skillet that I can use metal in and I want this because I like making philly cheese steak subs. I can't chop up the meat in a non-stick skillet and my cast iron one is too small for that.

I have a cheapie non-stick, flat, square grill type skillet that goes over two burners, and has a well all around it to catch grease and that one is great for frying bacon or making grilled cheese sandwiches and french toast but because it's non-stick I can't use it for much else.

I have a very expensive set of Towncrafte Cookware. At first I was not impressed, but it just took a little getting use to. I love them now. The food tastes so much better cooked in them. Unless you have actually been to a show and know what I am talking about, it is hard to describe. There is no meat shrinkage when you cook, and the veggies turn out great. I also find that food cooks faster in them as well. The best part is that you cook with Med- Low temps only. I would not trade them, and they have a lifetime guarantee. They will be replaced free of charge for as long as you own them. The man that sold me mine has been selling them since the 60's. If you go to www.townecraft.com you can read about them. Unfortunately the price was a huge investment. (Over $1,000) But very much worth every penny.

i have a set of tfal. works ok and i've had it for at least 5 years. a couple of the peices need replacing, but a few of them i'll keep. i have a cuisnart frying pan and a calphalon triply frying pan i got free when i went to a class on cookware for work. i really love the calphalon one. i want to get a set of th etriply from work, i just haven't had the extra money. i might get it this christams with my christmas money though. they don't have the nonstick coating, but as long as you let whatever it is that you are cooking sit for a few minutes to let the sugars in it carmelize, everything lifts out nicely. i'll still have a couple nonstick ones for making eggs though.