I just bought this stainless steel set from amazon
http://www.amazon.com/Tools-Trade-Belgique-Copper-Bottom-10-Piece/dp/B000GENJ...

calphalon is another great set. tri ply is good enuf. Ebay has the best prices in general.

All clad is great but very expensive at $1,000.00 a set.

cuisinart stainless steel at 150 for a 10 piece set.

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I would suggest a glass set, Visions makes one, http://www.visions-cookware.com/

or a quality stainless steel set is healthy, Farberware is a classic,
http://www.farberwarecookware.com/

Of course, cast iron is another good choice in frying pans, griddles, and so is enamel ware cookware.

What you do not want is anything aluminum. Also your non-stick coated pans have their problems in giving off fumes which can effect your food. Teflon fumes can kill a bird in 20 minutes. Tests have shown that every human now has chemicals associated with the use of teflon/non-stick products in their blood, although the long term effects have not been forthcoming. I assume, if it will kill birds, it cannot be good for us.

A well seasoned cast iron skillet is almost as good as non-stick.

Good luck with your Christmas list~~!

be happy, be well,
Zoe

-_-

Season it well, care for it properly, it'll last a lifetime & the food gets better & better the more you use it(just like cast iron)! :D

Indispensible!

Hi! My experience with glass cookware is that the old Pyrex flameware (whether blue tint or clear) needs to have a heat spreader grid used with it to lessen the chances of cracking from being in direct contact with the heating element of the electric burner. The Corning Vision line seems to hold up well and I have not had any of that kind of glass break on the electric burner. Since I have MCS, I can't cook with gas.

I found this site that discusses the different cookware:

http://missvickie.com/resources/cookware/1stainless.html


This next site is great for knowledge about Revere Ware and the differences in the old and new and how they are made different - copper clad, copper dipped, copper/aluminum clad, etc. :

http://mysite.verizon.net/vzeoywo4/theshineshop2/id10.html

And here is some glass info:
http://www.glassrecruiters.com/info.asp

Raw Materials.
Sand, Soda Ash, Limestone, Dolomite, Felspar, Sodium Sulphate, Coal Dust & Cullet (Broken Glass). Different agents may also be added to the batch for finishing and colouring purposes.

Colors and tints.
The following agents can be added to the batch to create the different colored glasses you will encounter.

Green -Iron & Chromium oxides.
Blue -Cobalt & Copper oxides.
Violet -Manganese oxide.
Amber -Carbon & Sulphur.
Red -Selenium & Cadmium sulphate.

Heat-resistant glass is high in silica and usually contains boric oxide. It expands little when heated, so it can withstand great temperature changes without cracking. This quality is necessary in cookware and other household equipment, and in many types of industrial gear.

http://www.flameworkedbeads.com/FlameworkingGlossary.html

BOROSILICATE GLASS: A type of potash glass, borosilicate glass is dense, passes from the molten to rigid state quickly and is harder than soda, and lead glass. It is therefore extremely durable, commonly used for sculptural flameworking and pipe making. The COE of borosilicate glass is 34. The most widely known brands of colored borosilicate glass rods are Northstar and Glass Alchemy. Pyrex is a widely recognized brand of borosilicate glass used to make cookware.

YOU can buy a cookware set with low price at amazon , you can find more about here : http://www.kitchenviews.net/cookware-sets/t-fal-ultimate-stainless-steel-copper-set-10-piece-silver/