Most of us like to cook, and as such are always looking for the next piece of cookware to improve our arsenal. Now, I am not going to discuss what you should or should not have, as it does not apply to everybody. We all have different preferences, and we prepare different foods. Only experience teaches us which cookware works best for the food we prepare. However, I would like to discuss quality vs. price. We are all tempted by a stylish looking piece of cookware priced so low, we wonder how the company can afford it. Every now and then, we purchase either a single piece or a whole set of that cookware. I asked myself: "how often do we take every piece of design and engineering into account, before we buy that piece or set of cookware?" I realized that less often than we should. So, I decided to list a few guidelines which everyone should at the very least consider, before purchasing another piece of "budget" cookware.

First, ask yourself how long you expect the cookware to last, and look good? If you are like me, you are looking to purchase cookware that will be left to your children, and perhaps their children. Second, do you expect your cookware to be really used, I mean really used. This is the durability aspect. And third, do you value cookware that cooks very evenly and develops the flavours fully? Again, if you are anything like me, you realize that all these aspects are important.

Now let's talk lasting quality, and looks. Honestly, I have not seen many "budget" cookware that lasted. I am a demanding cook, and expect my cookware to look good time after time, and to perform just as well. As I age, I am learning that discount hardware performs as such. Most cheaper cookware is thinner and is more prone to warping. If you purchase quality cookware, look at the thickness or the material. Often thin walls indicate low quality. Take an All-Clad pot, and you will immediately note its heft, and the thickness of the rolled steel. This alone speaks volumes. I am confident that all my gear will only be purchased once, and will outlive me by many, many years.

My cookware gets used. I mean really used. I cook all the time, and use my gear all the time. I do not stock a lot of different cookware. I only keep what I need. When I made initial investments, and calculated how many years of use I will get out of each pot and pan, all of a sudden the prices began to seem much more reasonable. My gear takes abuse and welcomes more. I cook and clean it over and over, and it looks good, and performs. Look for gear with sturdy comfortable handles. Make sure the bottoms are completely flat, and that all attachments, like handles are double or triple riveted. I have seen many "budget" pans loose their handles, because they are not riveted to the pan. This is bad, especially if you loose it while holding something hot inside the pan.

Flavour is the ultimate judge of cookware's performance, and when you use quality hardware which distributes heat properly, and keeps food evenly and thoroughly heated, food comes out better. You will spend less time thinking about your cookware, and more time about your food. This is what good quality cookware is all about.

And lastly, support the companies that support American people. All lower end cookware is built in China, and other Asian countries. There is a lot of excellent cookware coming from France, Germany, Italy, and other European countries. That's all fine, but consider supporting the people in this great country of USA. I often think about the craftsmen who made my cookware, and thank them silently for creating such great products. By purchasing quality gear made in the States you help them keep their jobs, and support growth of manufacturing in US. In recent years we have been outsourcing everything, and I feel proud when I see a Made in USA stamp on my gear.


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