Cuisinart Chef's Classic 14 Piece Nonstick Hard Anodized Cookware Set

    Outstanding performer - 15 years out of school and in desperate need of new pans, I researched for months on cookware brands, materials, pan-types and price. I purchased the Cuisinart 14-piece set based on my research & the enthusiastic commentary of so many other long-time users who found Cuisinart equal or superior to Calphalon (my other serious alternative.) Add me to the list of endorsers. In every day use, this Cuisinart Cookware has exceeded my expectations. The cookware pieces are attractive, well-made and perform exactly as described by the manufacturer. Hand-washing is easy and food just does not stick in the pans. The rivets are easy to clean, too -- these are big pluses since my schedule does not allow for much additional time for chores. Also, in my experience the Cuisinart Cookware lids stay cool during cooking (some have said glass lids get too hot on the range.) I tend to use medium to medium-high heats for most dishes, and haven't needed high heat to get quick & even results. I don't have a kitchen large enough to hang the cookware pieces, so I stack/nest them in my cupboard, using Wonderliner padded shelf inserts between them to mitigate against any scratching. However, the Cuisinart Cookware's nonstick surface has been quite durable and the set shows no signs of interior nor exterior wear. The steamer insert is great for vegetables and Asian dumplings (I never use the pasta insert.) I couldn't find the steamer insert sold separately, and you can't use a metal fan basket steamer on the nonstick surface, so buy the 14- or 17- piece sets to receive it. I use wood and silicone-based utensils with the set. I did supplement this set with the 12" nonstick everyday pan, because I love using that particular style of pan in the oven, and a 12" stainless steel skillet for meats I want to caramelize/de-glaze, both from Cuisinart. All in all, it truly has been a terrific set for me; I couldn't be more pleased.