Housemates, %!$^*es, saucepans, and toffee

[MangosSurpriseMe]

Yes, well, if the housemates weren't such careless <self-censored>, they'd have not burned my good saucepans, and I wouldn't have been forced to use the cheap saucepan to make the toffee I'd planned to give as a gift this weekend. Of course it was disastrous--separating into an oily mess, delicious though it still was, yet not fit for gift-giving.

Nevertheless, unless I'm rid of the housemates-who-burned-down-Chicago-and-my-good-saucepans, I need to purchase a single saucepan, with a heavy bottom that can properly conduct heat, so I can make more gifts of toffee and the like. Now, I'm not looking to buy the All-Clad now. I'm waiting until that glorious day when I live alone, for obvious reasons. Can anyone recommend a single pan that can handle toffee, caramel, and sauce making? I'm hoping to spend no more than $40, again for obvious reasons.

I was looking at Tramontina, but I've heard from a few folk that they're not always made sturdily anymore.

Thanks in advance.

[Politeness]

MangosSurpriseMe: "Can anyone recommend a single pan that can handle toffee, caramel, and sauce making?"

The Tuesday Morning near us usually has a selection of Berndes lines, not just this one: http://shop.tuesdaymorning.com/dsp_pr...

The lower-priced Berndes lines are made in China (the upper level Berndes lines are made in Germany); I would place greater trust in Chinese made cookware that bears the name of a premium international brand that has a hard-earned reputation to preserve than I would in cookware made in China bearing a brand that was devised specifically for sale in the U.S. and that can be ditched and abandoned if little children start dying from food cooked in it.

[MangosSurpriseMe]

Very good points, Politeness. Thanks very much. I think I'll have to visit Tuesday Morning when I go to Marshalls to check for pans.

[hobbybaker]

Mangos,

do you like someting with pouring rim? If it is the case, Tramontina has no pouring rim (at least the walmart version I know) .

the size to be 2qt ?

Do you like a sauce pan better or a saucier?
For toffee making, quite a lot stirring while heating up is involved.

[hobbybaker]

$49.85 -- a bit more than $40, but no shipping.

Calphalon Chef's pan - 2qt:

http://www.cookware.com/asp/show_deta...

Wider top offers efficient evaporation and the curving sides near the pan's bottom are ideal for a balloon whisk - very practical for toffee making. One of my friends has the same pan and loves to make sauces and jams with it.

Also, this pan can handle same tasks the equivalent qt sauce pan (with srtaight corner bottom) does.

>>>> It might not be induction compatible. Please check.

You might be able to find the same pan at you local TJMaxx. Marshalls, or Homegoods, a bit cheaper, $10 less or so. I saw bunch of them last spring/summer. I am pretty sure this was $ 34.99.

Wish you a good luck on your search.

[hobbybaker]

Forgot to paste a link for another Candidate if you don't mind without a lid :

Le Creuset Stainless steel Chef's pan 2qt :$49.99 - Induction ready :
http://www.amazon.com/Creuset-Tri-Ply...

[MangosSurpriseMe]

Thanks very much, Hobby. Now that you mention it, I believe I've also seen this pan at Marshalls. That's a dangerous store for me to visit, but it would be worth it if I came home with a fabulous sauce pan!

[hobbybaker]

LC SS can be cheaper at outlet stores. Call and ask ... anyway. be careful. dangerous stores :)

[MangosSurpriseMe]

P.S. Does anyone know anything about the Spring Switzerland Brigade line? I've just read a bit about them, but I'm looking for an objective review. Thanks!

[rainey]

I got a great deal on some All-Clad on eBay when I was looking for a Christmas present for my daughter. I got a 10-piece set in the sealed manufacturer's package for about $500 (delivered) and a used saucepan for under $40 that polished up almost like new.

[MangosSurpriseMe]

That's a really good idea. I'd not thought of looking on eBay. Thanks very much.

[ucanahdooit]

I can't really comment as to the saucepans, but tell your damn roommates to buy one!!!

[MangosSurpriseMe]

Heh! Yes, they're paying, but I'm choosing the brand.