tri-ply quandry

[Bubba]

I'm planning on replacing all my non cast iron cookware because, frankly, it's all beat up and pretty cheap stuff. I've decided on tri ply stainless steel and, while I'd like to get All-Clad or Viking, they're beyond my price range. I will buy a set since I'll be starting from scratch and it will save a few bucks. I've been looking at Calphalon but I've noticed Cuisinart, Tramontina and Food Network have come out with tri ply as well, some at lower cost than Calphalon. Does anyone know anything about the quility of these and which might be the better buy?

[axeray]

If you're unsure stick to who you know and who you trust.

[Semigourmet]

axery, good advice.

on another note I have some tramantina that I love. Great stuff. And I also have some of the Simply Calphalon. As much as I like them the outside sctratches and mark Very easily, they are medium weight pans, but otherwise they cook well and evenly. Clean up very well too. I can't comment on the tri ply I have never had them or know anyone that has. Sorry about that. and I hope this helps you in your decision.

[cobraT]

Check out the waterless cooking sets on E-Bay. Great value!!!

[kitchenblitz]

IMO, All-Clad or Viking would have to be the best in this category. However, its prices are quite heavy. That's why I'm on the lookout for bargains on those pretty babies. I'll get back to you as soon as I find one.

[Whoopie Pie]

I have a Kenmore Elite set of fully clad cookware that I got for a steal, but alas it has been discontinued, it is truly the best cookware that I have ever used.

JCPenny also has a very affordable triply clad set, a friend of mine bought this set and really likes it, they also sell open stock, so you can buy one piece and see if you like it, or add pieces to the set. Check it out http://www5.jcpenney.com/jcp/X6.aspx?DeptID=57089&CatID=58083&GrpTyp=PRD&ItemID=0cc9772&attrtype=&attrvalue=&CMID=57089|57346&Fltr=&Srt=&QL=F&IND=14&cmVirtualCat=&CmCatId=57089|57346|58083&mscssid=661ce0d1f86ed44238e58a0de755008adxMnVNoVza GoxMnVNoVzaGW200B3909FD3212E9DC6925195F008DDD7A930 913700

I also have a piece of Tramontina clad cookware and the quality is fantastic. Check out this set from walmart.
http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.do?product_id=5716478

As much as I would like Allclad or Viking, they are ridiculously priced especially when you can get similar performance at a fraction of the cost.

[Big Daddy's House]

I've started with getting the Emerilware 10-pc Stainless Steel Cookware Set which IS made by All-Clad.

And I've added match open-stock pots & pans to it to turn it into a 30-pc set. I really like it, and I think that it really works great! Every pot & pan in the set has a try-clad
bottom made with aluminum, copper and steel, which helps to spread the heat evenly and prevent uneven hot spots.

It's really good!

[Zippy]

I was lucky many years ago to pick up a set of AC before it became so expensive. Got it from a kitchen supply store (only place you could buy it) and the only thing they had at the time was the original Master Chef line. They now call it MC2. I've had them for over 20 years and they're still going strong.

[Whoopie Pie]

I've started with getting the Emerilware 10-pc Stainless Steel Cookware Set which IS made by All-Clad.

And I've added match open-stock pots & pans to it to turn it into a 30-pc set. I really like it, and I think that it really works great! Every pot & pan in the set has a try-clad
bottom made with aluminum, copper and steel, which helps to spread the heat evenly and prevent uneven hot spots.

It's really good!

While the Emerilware is a fine, high quality set of cookware, it is not the same construction as the original all-clad cookware. The Emerilware has the tri-ply bottom to provide good heat distribution.

All-clad and the cookware that I described above has the tri-ply not just on the bottom, but all the way up the sides of each pan, which is great when cooking things like omlettes.

Don't get me wrong, your Emerilware is good stuff, but not the same as traditional all-clad. With that said, I believe that the Emerilware line has just very recently released a fully clad set, similar to all-clad.

[Big Daddy's House]

That must be the one with no copper layed on the bottoms of the pans.