Just Starting Out

[mojoeater]

I'm getting ready to register for my first ever cookware that is actually mine. Up until now, I've been living with hand-me-downs. I am a foodie and love to simmer, saute, broil, grill, etc. Not much of a sweet tooth. I am in need of advice on new cookware.

My friends have little money, so I would prefer to register at Target, Bed Bath & Beyond, and maybe Crate & Barrell. What are my best bets with these registries? Please remember that this will outfit my kitchen for years to come.

[mamaciita]

If you do end up with cash, you might check out your restaurant supply store for great prices on pots and pans. I have a stash of half-sheet pans I bought for $4.95 each. The same pans sell for $17.95 at Williams-Sonoma.

[craigcep]

As someone currently registering, on a selfish note, if you register at BB&B and someone buys you something you return, you get cash back, rather than store credit. Just something to keep in mind as you register. That being said, I let my fiancee pick out the pots and pans, because I don't have the patience to put together a set (and didn't know to ask anyone on CH).

[ClaireWalter]

Macy's often have sales. Local cookware stores and restaurant supply houses have expertise and fair prices -- and perhaps higher-quality lines (but the same brands) than the discount places

[nieves]

Calphalon is good for the non-stick stuff, but am not a big fan of non-stick. I would suggest going for a pan that has 18/10 stainless steel, will last a long time, also look for pans that can transfer from stove top to oven, so avoid plastic handles, etc. If you do go for the 18/10 stainless steel, remember to check out the 'bar keepers friend', is a stainless steel cleaner that will keep you pans sparkling. You can pick up at your grocery store, walmart, etc.

[Megiac]

I would agree with that, but I like to keep a non-stick pan around for egg scrambling and omelette cooking.

[sprmario]

I picked up the Calphalon Contemporary Nonstick 8" and 10" frypans this weekend for $32 (They are $39.99 normally but I bought at Bed Bath and Beyond w/ a 20% off coupon). I made omlettes and hash browns and they were outstanding. You can get these at Crate and Barrel as well for $39.99. I have an 8" Simply Calphalon frypan from Target and it doesn't seem as good as from the set and it was $19.99 when i bought it (I think it's $24.99 now).

I just registered at Crate and Barrel and at Macy's. I've bought most of the cookware on my own though, since you can find a lot of good stuff deeply discounted on Ebay, and at other online retailers.

[Megiac]

Target sells Calphalon Everyday cookware, which is good for non-stick saute/fry pans. They also carry good quality kitchen appliances. Otherwise, I'd register for most cookware at Crate & Barrel. Register for individual pots and pans, and not sets.

[CarlosM]

crate and barrel has great stuff too

[mojoeater]

There is no smart and final in this area. Gotta be Target/Bed Bath/World Market/Crate Barrel

[CarlosM]

get gift cards from smart and final .