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Navigating the cookware maze? Boil it down to 3 key decisions:
1) Non-Stick vs. Anything Else
Non-Stick = Not dishwasher safe, average life of 2-8 years, some believe there are health concerns, a million color/style options. If you do decide to go nonstick, Anolon is arguably the best right now and at least a solid starting place to look.
Anything Else = Ultimately you go stainless. There's a bevy of reasons stainless is mandated in commercial world, sanitation and longevity being two. You can buy a stainless set that lasts, in theory, for life. Dishwasher safe. A lot of the latest offerings stick very little... and perform on par w/non-stick when using a light coating.
Face it, you buy non-stick out of laziness. Well, I'd rather my dishwasher clean off the "stick" than my hand have to clean off the "non-stick".
2) Ok, so I'm going stainless! What now?
Once again you have two choices... All Clad brand or Cuisinart brand. Anything else is at best "close", or worse "nowhere near as good". These are the two top brands, and are what you'll typically find in people's homes who cook for a living.
All Clad is an excellent choice, but ultimately you pay a little more and get fewer "nice touches" like lids and design elements. Some claim All Clad is harder to clean up as well. While I don't advocate letting a small price difference sway you on something that will last decades, in this case you really get a slightly better product with Cuisinart. If you fancy a particular offering from All Clad though, you won't regret your choice.
3) OK, so you've sold me on Cuisinart. What should I choose?
You've found this listing so you're in the right place. There are three tiers:
MultiClad Pro Widest selection, utility in mind. The pro line you buy to use for a generation. Has about every pot/pan permutation you can think of available.
MultiClad Unlimited Like MultiClad Pro but with anodized finish that I like better. Unfortunately has fewer options (e.g. only a 2 & 4 quart saucepan). Ultimately this is a tool so I go with the more varied pro line. The Pro has stood the test of time and is clearly the more popular choice for a reason. (**Update I think I've found why Unlimited is less popular on cuisinart's site it appears the anodized unlimited dose not work on induction whereas pro does. Pro works on induction, halogen, glass ceramic, gas, and electric which covers everything.**)
Chef's classic Tier below Unlimited. Don't be tempted, the price difference isn't that great.
Note that back in the day there was copper clad, but that's basically a gimmick. Copper heats quickly, but there isn't enough on the pan to make a functional difference so you'd only buy them because they are prettier on the outside. (They aren't offered anymore so you won't be tempted.)
Other points:
*Price: Currently as of 10/2012 it's around $275. (**Update 11/2012 Looks like Amazon is pricing this cheap for the holidays, currently at $243. That's the same price as the older MCP-12 and a pretty good deal. Normally I would expect to see this price at around $260.**)
*If you haven't heard of it, buy some "barkeeper's friend". Even the cookware manufacturers recommend it. This stuff will fix virtually anything that you can't otherwise clean away. (Only need to use it when all else fails.)
Bar Keepers Friend® Cleanser & Polish: 12 OZ
*If you're still wavering, check out the reviews on the previous version of this set (MCP-12). At time of this writing it was 572 reviews and averaged 4.5 stars. A ton of people own this set and are happy with it. That means you are very likely to be happy too. Here's a link to the previous model where you can read reviews to your heart's content:
Cuisinart MCP-12 MultiClad Pro Stainless Steel 12-Piece Cookware Set
*Differences between the older MCP-12 and this set MCP-12N:
About $15 bucks as of 10/2012
Handle Design
(Yep that's about it)
*If this is all the pots/pans you'll ever need and you want to save a few bucks, I'd suggest watching the MCP-12 set for a deal as it phases out. If you have dreams of adding to this set over the coming years then you're going to have to get the MCP-12N as you don't know how much longer the MCP-12 model offerings will be available and you'd wind up with a mismatched set.
*Cooking an egg on stainless is still a pain... you just can't beat non-stick for that. Go buy a single non-stick skillet if you just have to have that. I did.
***---Update 11/22/12 based on the 18/10 question I keep getting---***
I keep seeing comments and questions re: "Is this stainless really 18/10?" and "Rumor has it they went cheap and this is no longer 18/10 stainless". Allow me to address in a single reply here...
1) Yes these are 18/10. Amazon even updated their description to say so now. You can also call Cuisinart to be 100% sure (they are usually very customer friendly).
2) That being said, realize that there are 3 components. The pans are "clad" pans. First you have the outer stainless, then the middle aluminum core (for heat distribution), and then the interior stainless. Realize that the outer stainless layer is NOT 18/10. Nor should it be. This is because that would make the pans unsuitable for induction ranges. That outer stainless is more likely to be 18/0 ("magnetizeable" stainless), but I'm not exactly sure what it is and can only guess.
3) This isn't something manufacturers do to save money. Pure 18/10 pans would suck and not heat evenly. It's just something that they have to do because of the laws of physics. Aluminum in the core layer for heat distribution and non-18/10 on the outer layer for induction ranges. All-Clad does it the same way and shows such illustration on their site.
4) I think that's the reason this weird rumor is circulating about various cookware not being 18/10. All the makers that have been making their gear 18/10 are still doing so. It's just that the outer layer isn't 18/10... only the inner layer, handles, lids, etc. The 18/0 is good stainless, it just has different physical properties.
5) Last, just in case anyone is bored enough to care about the metallurgy: In 18/10 the 18 = the % chromium, the 10 is the % nickel. 18/10 is "Austenitic" or 304 grade stainless. If a magnet sticks to your pan there's a layer somewhere that is not 18/10 nor aluminum (neither are magnetic). In 18/0 stainless it's 430 grade, the chromium still provides strength and corrosion resistance but the nickel is swapped out making the alloy magnetic. 18/0 is cheaper, and the absence of nickel makes the steel alloy more susceptible to pitting. That's the tradeoff. Otherwise the pan would not work on an induction range since it would not be magnetic. (More than even I wanted to know, but wikipedia is so addicting.)
Maybe that helps.
***---End of 11/22/12 Update based on the 18/10 question I keep getting---***
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Pros:
+Really good looking (I greatly prefer the brushed exterior over polished)
+Set includes a lid that will fit each pan (not all at the same time, though)
+Curved lip for easy pouring
+Includes exactly the pieces I'd want
+Overall build quality rivals that of sets costing 2x the price or more
+Will probably last a lifetime
Cons:
-Does take a bit of work to get used to and maintain (proper preheating and use of oil as well as a bit more elbow grease to clean over non-stick)
-Questionable warranty (representative placed strong emphasis on the word "LIMITED" before "Lifetime", customer pays shipping BOTH WAYS).
After doing quite a bit of research, I decided to purchase this set of pans over any set I found locally or online. At 209 bucks, I really feel like this was a bargain (it's worth 300, realistically), especially with its excellent and beautiful construction. It's try-ply CLAD, which means three layers (Magnetized Stainless, Aluminum Core, 18/10 Stainless) are used throughout the pan, including up the side walls. Note that not all tri-ply cookware is like this; be careful of "try-ply BASE" cookware which only uses this setup on the bottom of the pan (they're easy to spot because they have a seam around the base of the pan).
I almost went for the Tramontina Tri-Ply Clad pieces you can pick up for a reasonable price at Wal-Mart, but decided against it as this set looks better visually and includes all the pieces I wanted; finding all the Tramontina pieces I'd need looked like quite a chore.
I didn't believe that I'd be able to cook on such low heat given the fact that my glass electric cooktop has taken so long to cook things in the past, but it really does work great. I pre-heat on level 5 (out of 10) until a water drop "skates" on the cooking surface, then back the heat off to 3.5 for a consistent cooking temp. Works great, seems to cook faster than my previous cookware at higher heat, PLUS no warping on any of these pans so they actually lay flat on my range.
If you understand the pros and cons of cooking in stainless and decide to go with it over non-stick, this set is the one to look at if you want something to last a lifetime.
The biggest negative for this set is the questionable support. Half of this assertion is based on other peoples' experiences I've read about, and half is for my own experience. I received my set with a dented lid (probably put in the package dented), and Cuisinart's support told me I'd be better off working with Amazon to resolve it since I'd have to pay shipping BOTH WAYS on a defective-out-of-the-box product. He also made sure to place emphasis on the word "Limited" in "Limited Lifetime Warranty", strongly implying that they reserved the right to not cover certain aspects of failure. Interesting, considering mine had arrived with a defective piece straight away. If you end up needing to use your warranty, be prepared to pay nearly as much in shipping (two ways) as a brand new replacement for the piece.
Best Deals for Download Cuisinart MCP-12N MultiClad Pro Stainless Steels
I ordered this set due to a great deal that was offered a few weeks back, making the set more affordable than the older model. This model, MCP-12N is the new version (with improved handle shaping and placement-I contacted Cuisinart to ask about the difference) of the MCP-12. I've always had cheap model Revereware, or bought scratch and dent pans from stores. This is the first nice set of cookware I've ever purchased. I was skeptical because I read ALL reviews on the older model. There were some negative ones, and I was leary. While affordable, they are still priced higher than what I'm used to buying. Oh-about price; I checked several places and Amazon's price has yet to be beat.
I was provided an estimated delivery date between the first and second week of November. Then Amazon sent me an email last week stating the pots would be available sooner. They arrived this past Monday, and I LOVE them! I've only cooked 3 meals so far, but I've used quite a bit of the pots to do so. The lids are awesome--light, easy to hold because the handle bends high (your knuckles don't touch the hot lid), and they seal wonderfully while cooking. I have a smooth-top stove and these are working great. On other reviews from the older model, I saw complaints about sticking but I have not had that problem. I have cooked eggs, sausage, veggies, I've steamed veggies in the steamer insert...etc. I have experienced no problems, and only use a light spray of olive or canola spray. I have no spots, no stains, no discoloration so far. I did grab barkeepers friend from the store (sorry Amazon, but that stuff is much cheaper in the stores than online) based on other review suggestions but I don't need it yet. These are so easy to clean.
The construction of this cookware is wonderful. They are sturdy, the handles are very sturdy (and the long handles really do stay cool on the stove top, but the "helper" handles get hot if you are boiling/steaming with a lid on). They are heavy enough to show their great construction and material, but not too heavy to handle and move between stove, sink, cabinets, etc. I highly recommend this set especially if you are looking for a higher quality cookeware, but can't pay $600 over $1000 for some. I was fortunate to grab these at a lower price than currently showing today. I will definitely purchase add on cookware from the Multi-Clad Pro line to add to my collection as I need. I see there are nice multi-use pots/pans from this line and I can't wait to build my set. The set in this offer is wonderful and has everything you need.
Honest reviews on Download Cuisinart MCP-12N MultiClad Pro Stainless Steels
Bought this set for myself on Mother's Day. :)
The set arrived about one week earlier than the Amazon-specified delivery date. (I shipped it overseas.)
The set is very beautiful and heavy. The first time I used it (10-inch skillet), the food got stuck a bit, but it's because I wasn't very good at using stainless steel to cook. I actually started to learn how to deglaze my sautee pan and so on, and it's been great experimenting and learning new recipes. I also made small omelets for my 2 year-old son with the 8-inch skillet, and they do not stick to the pan at all. (Note: heat the skillet first, then add some butter and heat it, then add the eggs.... Cooks beautifully.)
Cleaning is very easy and fast. I wash with warm water and soap with a wash cloth, nothing abrasive, then towel dry. There are some mineral spots (the water in my area is quite mineral-heavy), but it's a minor issue. I do not use Barkeepers Friend. So far I've not had any reason to do so.
I'll update my review after I use the set for a while.
UPDATE AFTER 1 WEEK OF USE:
I'm reducing the rating by one star because the set scratches so easily. I don't use any metal utensils, just wooden and plastic spatulas, and I can see scratches all over some of the pots and pans. I can't decide what I want to do about it yet. A part of me wants to return, but another part of me wonders if the replacement set will scratch easily as well.
UPDATE AFTER 2 WEEKS:
I have no choice but to return this set. I can't believe the pots are pitted after only a couple of uses -mostly to boil water or to heat cream-based soup! I have no idea if it's normal or not. I always used medium or low heat w/ the set. I'm very disappointed. Cuisinart CS was not helpful. I'll buy a set from a different maker.
Find helpful customer reviews and review ratings for Download Cuisinart MCP-12N MultiClad Pro Stainless Steels
I have an All-Clad 12" fry pan, which I love. I neither love nor hate the handle (which polarizes people w.r.t. All-Clad), but regardless of your position in that debate, I can't imagine anyone who would say that the Cuisinart MCP-N handles are LESS comfortable than All-Clad. The pans have the same heft and feel as All-Clad, with the addition of better handles. The styling is so similar, in fact, that nobody would guess your All-Clad stuff didn't go with this set. The lids are great (another complaint people tend to have about All-Clad... few things come with lids), and each fry pan fits one of the lids included in the set (great for melting cheese on sandwiches/burgers, etc.). Any complaints about staining/sticking in the reviews are, in my opinion, from people who either don't know how to use stainless cookware (either during cooking or cleanup), or who have unrealistic expectations about a permanent, no-maintenance, lifetime shiny finish. You should buy this set if you intend to actually cook with it (and you will love it... it can take the abuse, and still looks and performs great); if you're just going to baby and polish it all the time, go for something WAY cheaper.
