I find sets often contain pieces that are useless to me. Does the recipient you have in mind need a whole set?

With daily use, nonstick pans (no matter who makes them) will last only a year, maybe 2 or 3 if you really luck out.  The nonstick coating flakes off into your food and there's some debate as to whether it causes cancer.  I'd recommend stainless steel for a starter set with a nonstick frying pan that you can replace as needed.  Cook's Illustrated said this is the best nonstick frying pan around.  I have it and love it.

A couple years ago, I found a set that was a mix of full stainless pots and non-stick lined pans that I LOVE. For some reason, this isn't a common thing, which really boggles my mind.

It's actually for me, I'm trying to find good deals to stock a new kitchen. I currently don't have any of the items in this set and while I might not need all of them, if I get this set it's a better deal to get them all than to get less. 

Do you have a brand recommendation for the stainless steel starter set?

 

Thanks! 

Do you know what brand the items are?

 

Thanks! 

Padme&Altair:

Do you have a brand recommendation for the stainless steel starter set?

 

Thanks! 

Whatever you find and like that's in your budget.  I've C&P'd this:

 

1. Look for stainless cookware with an aluminum or copper core. While stainless steel cookware is durable and doesn't corrode or wear down as quickly as other cookware does, it does not retain heat well and can cook foods unevenly. To solve this problem, buy stainless steel cookware that features aluminum or copper cores in both the base and side walls of each pan for even cooking. You can even find a stainless steel cookware set that includes both aluminum and copper in its base.

2. Buy 18/10 stainless cookware for quality. To ensure that the 19-piece stainless cookware set you're looking at will last, look at the types of metal used to make it. For example, an 18/10 stainless steel cookware set contains 18 percent chromium and 10 percent nickel and is considered very durable. Chromium protects your 18/10 stainless steel cookware from stains and rust, while nickel makes chromium more effective and gives your pans a glossy shine. The higher the numbers in the ratio are, the more corrosion-resistant the cookware set is.

3. Find sets that include a variety of pans. Though you may be tempted to buy a stainless cookware set that includes the most pieces for your money, you'll want to look for sets that provide you with many styles of pots and pans for cooking. The best stainless cookware sets will include these basics: a saute pan for cooking meat and vegetables, a sauce pan for soups and sauces and a stock pot for soup and pasta. You'll also want to find cookware sets that include skillets and steamers if you'll be doing a lot of cooking.

4. Purchase sets with durable handles and lids. While the quality of metal in your stainless cookware is important, you'll also want to buy pots and pans that have sturdy handles and lids. You can often find stainless steel cookware with cool-touch, easy-to-grip handles, but you'll also want to consider whether they'll allow you to lift heavy stews or casseroles. Make sure the lids fit securely on your cookware but allow steam to escape properly.

 

TarHeels&Rebels:

Padme&Altair:

Do you have a brand recommendation for the stainless steel starter set?

 

Thanks! 

Whatever you find and like that's in your budget.  I've C&P'd this:

 

1. Look for stainless cookware with an aluminum or copper core. While stainless steel cookware is durable and doesn't corrode or wear down as quickly as other cookware does, it does not retain heat well and can cook foods unevenly. To solve this problem, buy stainless steel cookware that features aluminum or copper cores in both the base and side walls of each pan for even cooking. You can even find a stainless steel cookware set that includes both aluminum and copper in its base.

2. Buy 18/10 stainless cookware for quality. To ensure that the 19-piece stainless cookware set you're looking at will last, look at the types of metal used to make it. For example, an 18/10 stainless steel cookware set contains 18 percent chromium and 10 percent nickel and is considered very durable. Chromium protects your 18/10 stainless steel cookware from stains and rust, while nickel makes chromium more effective and gives your pans a glossy shine. The higher the numbers in the ratio are, the more corrosion-resistant the cookware set is.

3. Find sets that include a variety of pans. Though you may be tempted to buy a stainless cookware set that includes the most pieces for your money, you'll want to look for sets that provide you with many styles of pots and pans for cooking. The best stainless cookware sets will include these basics: a saute pan for cooking meat and vegetables, a sauce pan for soups and sauces and a stock pot for soup and pasta. You'll also want to find cookware sets that include skillets and steamers if you'll be doing a lot of cooking.

4. Purchase sets with durable handles and lids. While the quality of metal in your stainless cookware is important, you'll also want to buy pots and pans that have sturdy handles and lids. You can often find stainless steel cookware with cool-touch, easy-to-grip handles, but you'll also want to consider whether they'll allow you to lift heavy stews or casseroles. Make sure the lids fit securely on your cookware but allow steam to escape properly.

 

 

THis is great advise. Also, and forgive me if I missed it, make sure it's oven safe. If you haven't already, I'd chek with Consumer Reports for recommendations.

I have a stainless steel 11-piece Cuisinart set that my husband and I bought last Christmas, it was around $150 and comes with a lifetime warranty when you register them through the Cuisinart website. I love this set and I ended up purchasing 2 non stick frying pans just to make it easier to ease into the whole not having non stick. You can also buy this cleaning product at walmart called barkeepers magic to keep the set sparkling forever...its great! good luck!

...Oh, and they are oven safe.