Registry Insight for Cookware

We're registered for the Calphalon Nonstick Cookware Space Saving set! The reviews on them are great, and we also know someone that has them and they rave about how great they are!

Lodge cast iron


https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/cooking-tools/cookware-reviews/g799/best-picks-nonstick-cookware/ lists several pieces that were tested

I would recommend doing some reading on Cook's Illustrated, Taste of Home, and Consumer Reports. It depends on what you like, and what you cook, as well.

I have two Le Creuset French ovens which I use a lot for soups, stews, roasts, etc. They were big purchases for me and I use them a ton. They're expensive; you can find cheaper off-brand ones, but I have heard the enamel on those cracks a bit more easily.

I second Michele's suggestion for Lodge for seasoned cast iron (i.e. black/raw/not enameled). They have great customer service and are made in TN.

Besides cast iron, I like stainless steel - All Clad is the industry standard in that, but is very expensive. For that reason, I picked out one or two All Clad pieces I thought I'd use a lot and went with Calphalon Premier for the other pieces.

I don't like nonstick...I don't think the coating is good for you and I think it can be toxic if scratched. They also do not last as long as stainless steel and cast iron.

I will say - the two pans we currently use most are Calphalon and we got them for around $20 each at TJMaxx, much cheaper than they would be from a department store. If there is a lot on your registry you want, you may want to see if you can find the pans yourself from there and save the registry for other stuff that might be harder to find for cheap, especially the expensive stuff.

All-Clad is top of the line, and Cook's Illustrated recommends it. I love mine. Yes, it's expensive, but you'll never need to buy pots and pans again. Macy's online has a nice set for an unbelievably low price for Black Friday, but I think that ends at the end of the month. Maybe a family member would be willing to make an early investment. A Le Creuset dutch oven will set you back $300, but it's a once-in-a-lifetime purchase. It's a top-quality multitasker--you can use it on the stovetop or in the oven. During the fall/winter, mine gets used at least weekly. I think that combining Calphalon and All-Clad is an excellent suggestion.

I agree with PP. I promise that if you register for a a Le Creuset dutch oven you will use this for the rest of your life and will not regret it!

Calphalon is the best I’ve had the same set 8 years still perfect

I agree with others that All-Clad and Le Crueset are amazing quality. If you don't want to register for really pricey sets, you can do a few separate pans. All you really need is a frying pan, a sauce pan, and a stock pot if you wanna go for the basics.