Questions about cookware set

Question

I am looking for a new set of cookware.

1. Being a graduate student, I don't earn much money, so I'd like to know if there are some suggestions about what are available on the market with reasonable quality and price, according to your experience. Mine current set is Cullineary Edge 7PC s/s Cookware Set - Bakelite Handle

   

   It cost me around $20~30. However after three and four years, the bakelite knobs and handles started to become shaky, more or less, and I have to tighten their screws every now and then, until it became impossible recently. But still I can bear its quality, with its relatively low price. I found some on the internet, such as

   • Cook N Home 7 Piece Stainless Steel Cookware Set,
   • Fntinc 02207 7Pc Cookware Set - Bakelite Handle,
   • Mainstays 7-Piece Stainless Steel Cookware Set
   • Cuisine Select Alverton 7 Piece Stainless Steel Cookware Set.

   It kind of confuses me, because they all look similar to my current set but with different levels of customer reviews

2. As I searched on the internet, I prefer those health-friendly, and the only thing I know is to choose stainless steel without non-stick Teflon and aluminium. For example, Cook N Home 7 Piece Stainless Steel Cookware Set

   

   Its features are:

   • Mirror polished stainless steel body
   • Aluminium capsuled bottom
   • Stay cool bakelite handle and knobs
   • Tempered glass lid
   • Dishwasher safe

   I am concerned about the usage of aluminium. According to what it says, is aluminium just used on the outside of the cookwares and in no contact with food inside? What is the purpose of "Aluminium capsuled bottom"?

Thanks and regards!

Answer

You don't need to buy your cookware in a complete set like this. I would start collecting a few pieces at a time, of reasonable quality, though you will pay a bit more per piece. You're really not saving money if you have to replace all your cheap cookware every few years.

You could probably handle 90% of what you want to cook with only a skillet and a 2 or 4 quart sauce pan. Buy whatever pieces fit your cooking style.

Steel, non-stick, and cast-iron all have advantages and disadvantages. This information is probably duplicated elsewhere on this site:

1. Steel - non-reactive and durable. More difficult to make delicate foods like fish and eggs, due to the food sticking.
2. non-stick - Well, it's non-stick. Food doesn't stick to it. However, even a high-quality non-stick pan will wear out over several years. Also, it's difficult to sear meats.
3. cast-iron - Properly cared for, can sear meat AND be non-stick, and will last a lifetime. However, it's heavy, and requires knowledge of how to properly care for it (see questions on this site)

Steel cookware can have a few upgrades:

1. A "disk" of aluminum or copper, welded to the bottom - greatly improves heat distribution from plain stainless steel. Thermal shock can make the disk fall off, though.
2. "Clad" steel, where a layer of aluminum is sandwiched between layers of stainless steel - even better heat distribution, more durable, but more expensive

If I could only buy 2 pieces, on a budget, I would buy a cast-iron skillet and a disk-bottomed sauce pot.

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