Cookware dilemma need advice

[foodseek]

I am hoping to purchase a standard cookware set which is stainless steel, "not" nonstick, but here is my problem I need one that is lightweight. This weekend I purchased the 18/10 Kirkland Set with copper inset bottoms from Costco. I loved the modern look of the pots and pans and was really anxious to get home and start cooking. Yet, after taking them out of the box I realized they were too heavy for lifting. Is there a set anyone could recommend similar to these yet not as heavy? I would like a 10-13 piece set since I am finally replacing my nonstick Macys Tools of the Trade set. Thanks so much. My kitchen and I need some new pots and pans friendly for someone with arthritis.

[xnyorkr]

I am not sure where you live, but I encourage you to look in Home Goods and/or TJ Maxx. They have great prices on everything, and lots of Calphalon and Cuisinart and Kitchenaid SS cookware to choose from. You could get only the pieces you think you will use the most, or sets if they have them Or figure out what type you like the best, and find the set on-line, where they will deliver them to your home.

[Buckethead]

That is good advice. Also keep your eye out for Wolfgang Puck's Bistro collection, it's pretty decent aluminum-disc, stainless steel cookware that has nice fat handles and is very sturdy for not a lot of money. I see it all the time in TJ Maxx/Marshalls/Ross.

[mpalmer6c]

Yes, as mentioned, aluminum is the way to go. And you make a good argument against buying sets of cookware. If you don't like the goods, you'll want to replace them all.

[foodseek]

I am not careful using nonstick i.e. constantly scratching the coating by not using appropriate spatulas and tend to scratch the surface of Tfal and such. I also like the look of stainless.

[Buckethead]

I guess I misunderstood, your original post gave me the impression that you wanted Teflon-coated stainless steel. I agree that plain stainless is the way to go.

[foodseek]

Thanks Buckethead you were right first post had an error. Hope I corrected it. I do not want nonstick.

[Buckethead]

Copper is very dense compared to aluminum and is most likely the reason that you found the Costco set too heavy. Stick to something with an aluminum disc base. The best thing would be to go to a store that has the pieces on display (Linens N Things or Bed Bath and Beyond come to mind) so you can test them out before buying them. A good handle will also make a heavier pan easier to handle, I'd try to find something with tubular steel handles, like Sitram, but you can't find them at big-box stores usually. If you have a restaurant supply store near you that's open to the public, try there.

You should also consider not buying a set and just replacing the pieces from your previous set that you actually use. It will be cheaper, and you'll get better cookware.

Is there a particular reason you want to go with nonstick as opposed to regular stainless?