Sifting through QVC cookware

[QVCwatcher30]

So, I am interested in purchasing a set of cookware, but the options on QVC are a bit overwhelming. Stainless, Stainless 500, S/S Advanced, Earthpan, Paula Deen, Technique, Hardcoat Enamel, Hard Anodized, etc. Anyone have any opinions on any of these? I have read so many negative reviews about the materials in DuPont Scratchguard and about the Scratchguard wearing off. I am not a professional chef by any means, but I want a set that will last several years with everyday cooking. Thanks for any help!

[hoosiergirl]

I have the Cooks Essentials stainless (good in the oven up to 350) with the scratch guard coating. I have been using this cookware for several years now and am pleased with its performance.

[beekeeper]

I bought a set of the hard anodized about 5 years ago, and the pan I used the most (skillet) wore out after about 2 years. The non-stick coating scratched off (using wood utensils), and I'm pretty sure that isn't good for you! lol ...

I won't buy any more sets. I'll buy one pan at a time. I never use 4 of the pieces that came in the set ... waste of money IMO.

I'm very curious about the new "Green pans" that HSN has. Martha Stewart also has a line of this (don't remember if it was at K-mart or Macy's).

I think it was a set of Paulas, that only has the non-stick on the pans you'd need it on. If you are going to buy a set, that makes more sense to me.

[Garnet333]

I have a set of Cooks Essentials with the non stick coating and I will never buy again. If I am gonna buy cookware, like Bee, I will buy one piece at a time and it will NOT have the non stick coating.

I would rather spend the extra $$$ and buy pans that will last like Stainless Calphalon or All Clad. My mom owns both and they are fantastic to cook in.

What I have spent on cheap cookware sets, I could have bought myself some nice pieces and they would still be here.

[paula6956]

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Garnet333;1769079:
I have a set of Cooks Essentials with the non stick coating and I will never buy again. If I am gonna buy cookware, like Bee, I will buy one piece at a time and it will NOT have the non stick coating.

I would rather spend the extra $$$ and buy pans that will last like Stainless Calphalon or All Clad. My mom owns both and they are fantastic to cook in.

What I have spent on cheap cookware sets, I could have bought myself some nice pieces and they would still be here.
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Hi Garnet:

Thats so true, I could have probably bought 2 sets of ALL CLAD in what I have spent for cookware, I seem to use my Wolfgang Puck set more than anything. For the price, its very decent cookware. When I get rich, I will buy All Clad... LOL!!!

The CE non stick will not last, it will come off at one time or another....

[Rebel_Mom]

Back in the early 1950's, my mother and sister each bought a set of Saladmaster stainless steel cookware. I remember them saying it cost over $100 for the set, which was big bucks back then. There are two pieces left from those sets - the 8 quart dutch ovens and I have them and use them. The quality is tremendous. I think they still sell Saladmaster (not sure if in retail - they were sold by salespeople who came to your house) but if they do, the cost must be tremendous now. I bought a complete set of heavy duty stainless (made in China of course) from Filene's about 5 years ago and I love it. I only have one non-stick pan for omelets. I see all these new and different cookware sets on the shopping channels and I have to wonder, how many pots and pans does anyone really need?

[hoosiergirl]

Part of the problem with the non stick lining may be that you don't cook with it as you do a non-lined pan. Don't heat it using really high heat. I've had my set for several years and have had no problems. I bought a really basic set to start and then added pieces, one by one, as I saw things I thought I would really use. That's worked out well for me. Sorry some of you have not had the same luck that I did.

[beekeeper]

I never use high heat, things don't cook thoroughly before burning on the outside. I do remember reading in the instructions (lol) when I bought my set about not using high heat, so that is a good point!

[dakotadog]

I have a few pieces of cast iron from QVC. I like it but the bottoms get black.
How do i get rid of this? Also if someone mentions "GREEN PAN"...........(on HSN)
Joy Mangano please let Todd English speak!

[beekeeper]

Dakotadog, I know that at one point Paula Deen offered special cleaner for her cast iron, but now I'm not finding it on the web site.