Name some essential cookware
 

I just moved into a new place and literally have nothing. help me stock a kitchen.

also, where's a good place to go to buy such cookware? i don't need it to be masterchef-level expensive, but i'd like for it not to break after 2 uses either

5 years ago i bought Emerilware set from Bed bath and beyond with a 20% off coupon because it is made by allclad, but at a terrific price. the stuff is awesome! nice and heavy duty, stainless for easy cleaning and durability, thick copper bottom for good conduction and heat retention and even cooking. set has about everything you need.

http://www.bedbathandbeyond.com/prod...p?SKU=17410750

additional things you should get are set of measuring cups, measuring spoons, liquid measurer, non stick square griddle pan, grill pan, non stick skillets, set of mixing bowls, a couple of cutting boards, cookie and baking sheet/pans, peeler, set of tupperware, collander, a nice set of cutting knives.

that should get you started and as you cook more and more you'll see what else you need.

oh forgot tongs and a container for your counter with all sorts of wooden spoons, spatulas, etc

Bed, Bath & Beyond is going to be your best bet. They have mailer coupons that are typically 20-30% off of any item in store or even your entire order.

thanks; i'm gonna do exactly that after work today. got my 20% off coupon ready :woot:

do not buy emirilware :nono:

CALPHALON is the way to go
http://www.bedbathandbeyond.com/prod...p?SKU=14335803

the one i have is actually the one below. you can see the copper layer. the one i posted earlier is actually the all stainless one i think and you can't see the copper layer. the one is more expensive than what i have, but i don't think it is much better. hopefully they have both and you can decide which you like better in terms of feel, types of pots included, and ergonomics.

an important consideration it to learn how to cook with this type of cookware. lower heat and being patient to let things heat up slower are big ones. not just turning heat on high and trying to get things going too fast. you can damage the cookware and will also ruin your food. avoid big temperature shocks, especially with the lids. don't run a flaming hot pan under cold water.

http://www.handfulofsand.com/images/blog/emerilware.jpg

i bought this.
http://www.bedbathandbeyond.com/product.asp?SKU=133188

i realize it's not a super-baller set, but it's good enough for my bachelorhood-style recipes. maybe once i get better at cooking, i'll invest in something nicer.

i need something that can withstand high heat to cook meat on now (i.e. sear a steak). recommendations? i was thinking cast iron skillet

That's a good starter set.

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BB&B is pretty good to go look at ****. Of course you can head over to Williams Sonoma or a specialty kitchen store too.
I have a set of Calphalon Non-Stick cookware, smaller than the set that Valmont linked to.

http://www.bedbathandbeyond.com/product.asp?SKU=104198

Mine is in a different finish that they don't offer anymore, it was a matte grey finish.
http://www.bedbathandbeyond.com/asse...538104198c.jpg

I also have a couple deep sided All-Clad stainless pans that I've picked up over the years.

Add in a cast iron pan or two, can't go wrong with one made by Lodge.

For normal small appliances I like Breville, Dualit & Kitchenaid.

You may want a rice cooker, slow-cooker, sous vide cooker, deep fryer, espresso machine, etc.

would my steaks turn out crappy if i used a stainless steel pan to cook it? on the one hand, i'd like a cast iron skillet to cook the steaks on, but i wouldnt have any other use for said skillet. if i bought a stainless steel pan, i could use it for a number of other stuff (e.g. chicken, fish, stir fries, etc.)

Cast iron pans are cheap, no reason not to have one. I think mine was only 15 bucks, and I use it for a lot more then searing steaks; it's probably one if the most used pieces of cook wear in the kitchen.

nice set, i wouldn't have recommended a non stick set for everyday use, but the newer ones hold up better.

a grill pan can be used for a lot of things. i have a grill pan like this

http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41AwCpeQbRL.jpg

and also just got this griddle/grill from lodge

http://www.apptrav.com/lodge-grill-griddle.jpg

on the grill side you can do steaks, chicken, pork, kabobs, veggies, whatever you can do on a grill.

the griddle i just made some bomb ass fajitas and use it for pancakes, eggs, grilled cheese, etc

main thing is knowing how to clean and season it properly. again using lower heat and preheating properly is the key! if you want more versatility then go with the griddle that has both sides.

^you're supposed to use low heat for things like that? i thought the whole point was that it could withstand insanely high heat so you can get a good sear going on your meat

If you have a costco business center near you, that's your best bet. Regular costco membership will get you in. They have a huge section designed for restaurants. Good quality, low price. I get my BBQ tongs there. $2.29 for the 24" tongs. Soup ladels are about $3. etc. Just basic stainless steel quality stuff.

i wasn't too clear. by that i meant that you don't just put it on high heat. you can damage it or crack it in half or burn your food. medium or medium high is plenty high and let it fully come to temperature. main thing is to BE PATIENT! they can withstand extremely high heat, but not temperature shocks.

ohhh i see. so it can build up a lot of heat, but you're not supposed to just take it from the cupboard and stick it onto high heat? i've been doing that for years to my old cookware, which is probably why it all got ruined and i had to throw them out when i moved out of my old place. i've decided that i'm gonna be more cautious about this type of stuff this time around lol

EXACTLY! people are just impatient and put stove on high and want to cook right away and it warps and cracks cookware and non stick coatings come off.

your food will cook better and more evenly and your cookware will last much much longer that way.

I have the griddle/grill piece also. I use it all the time. Makes for great char marks on asparagus.

If you get a nice 12" cast iron skillet (I have the lodge logic one too), you can make epic restaurant quality steaks on it. I use this recipe all the time. http://bbq.about.com/od/steaks/ss/aa071507a_4.htm

oh hell yeah, i love cooking on cast iron. asparagus is my favorite grilled vegetable, usually outside, but can do on my grill pan.

thanks for the great steak recipe. that's how they should be done inside! we need a cast iron cooking thread!