My posting lately hasn't been what it should be. Let me blame it on attending two work conferences, packing up everything I own (far too early in the case of my kitchen equipment), moving to a new apartment, tucking everything I own away into the closets and bathroom of my new apartment and then departing for a week-long vacation with my family.
Little time to cook, little time to blog.
I'm still on vacation, but I'm reaching out with a question for all of you.
In packing up my things to move to my first solo apartment, I realized I only own ONE pan.
So here's what I'm wondering: What pots and pans should I buy to stock my apartment? I'd love your recommendations on favorite brands or favorite size pots and pans? Do you think it's best to buy a set or to mix and match pieces from different brands? Any advice is appreciated!
I would mix and match brands. You need a Dutch oven--enamel cast iron is the best, and Lodge makes an inexpensive one. For other sized pans and skillets, All-Clad is the best, but also expensive. I like Calphalon. You want a regular skillet and a non-stick on. It's nice if they have lids, too. Plus a small, medium and large saucepan. Hope this helps. You can get some great deals on Amazon, but it's fun to shop to find the ones that feel right in your hand. Check out places like Target and Bed, Bath and Beyond.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the great ideas, Linda! It's good to know about other brands than All-Clad--they're just so expensive. And I definitely need those saucepans. I'll check out some of those places where I can really see what they're like.
DeleteHow have you possibly functioned with only 1 pot? I have a non-stick calphalon set I love...and I've been supplementing with odds and ends...my next big one will be a wok!
ReplyDeletei only had one for a long time too because my roommates had everything i needed...
DeleteYes! I shared with roommates for my first five years in the city. Setting out on my own now forces me to confront all the things I don't own (like my roommate's food processor I used for years!).
Deletei started with a cheap set until i figured out what i needed and used most. for me, the large non-stick skillet NEVER gets used, so the cheap one from the set is fine... but i use the little non-stick all the time, so i invested in a nicer one (and might even try a copper one soon -- saving up!) i also have a cast iron skillet that i love and have had for years that i got for like $20 from target and has held up insanely well with regular seasoning/care.
ReplyDeleteif you already know you'll use a certain size a lot, discounters like tjmaxx, ross, and marshall's are great for getting better quality at lower prices.
I want a cast iron skillet for sure. Shopping TJ Maxx and Marshalls sounds like a great plan!
DeleteCongratulations on your new place! Do you find it exciting to see it empty and think about where all of your things are going to go? (That's about the only part of moving I like!)
ReplyDeleteAs far as cookware, I think sets are fine IF you will use all of the pieces. There are a few pieces of our cookware set that I probably use less than once a year so basically they just take up valuable space. It's not uncommon to find good sales on open stock so you can buy just what you'll use. As far as brands, I have some Calphalon copper I really like, but our set is a much less expensive Wolfgang Puck which has served us very well. But honestly, if I could afford it my kitchen would be clad in All-Clad. Good luck!
Yes! I love seeing the place empty. It's a bit overwhelming, but I think that gives it a lot of personality. I'll definitely check out those brands you mentioned. Thanks for the advice!
DeleteGood luck with everything! I don't know much about pans since I'm mostly a baker, but I typically use four different pans. A nonstick fry pan, a small saucepan, a medium saucepan, and a large pot (for soups and stuff). Theoretically, I would like to own a large pot from Le Creuset just because it's so timeless and elegant, but it's so expensive!
ReplyDelete